Marvel’s blind superhero turned 60 this year and has been around long enough to have had plenty of stories tackling many of the different meanings of the holidays. From issues that are focused on Christmas itself to ones that deal with December weather, this list highlights seven “Daredevil” stories to read in time for the holidays.
After being struck by a radioactive isotope that blinded him as a child, but gave him enhanced senses, Matt Murdock is a lawyer by day and vigilante by night– always enacting justice.
“Merry Christmas, Kingpin” by Ann Nocenti and John Romita Jr.
“Daredevil” #253 shows that while Marvel’s crimson champion has an intimidating presence to the criminal underworld, he also has a soft spot for the people of his neighborhood, Hell’s Kitchen. Spending time giving back to a community that has given him so much not only feels rewarding to Daredevil and his alter ego, Matt Murdock, but inspires those around him to be kinder. Meanwhile, his arch nemesis, Kingpin, spends Christmas fixating on destroying Daredevil, baffled by how a man could be happy spending time with rebels, outcasts and children– not understanding that Murdock views these people as family.
“Daredevil Volume 3”, #7 by Mark Waid and Paolo Rivera
“Daredevil” #7 follows Murdock taking a group of students from a school for the blind on a winter field trip and getting caught in a blizzard. The issue showcases that while Murdock may have enhanced senses, they can’t benefit him in every situation. Trying his best, Murdock makes an effort to show the children that to help each other is the key to getting through this without fear– and while they initially struggle – the kids are eventually able to apply the lesson when Murdock can no longer help them.
“A Beer With The Devil” by Ann Nocenti and John Romita Jr.
Another Christmas issue by Nocenti, “Daredevil” #266 is based on the writer’s own experience of once spending the holiday with nowhere to go and ending up at a bar. After recently losing all he holds dear, Daredevil spends his Christmas at a bar, reflecting on if the good he does outweighs the bad done by others. Daredevil finds himself accompanied by a seductive stranger who pokes and prods at his sense of justice as she distracts him from violence going on within the bar.
“Angels Unaware” by Lee Weeks
“Daredevil: Dark Nights” #1-3 throws Daredevil into an unbearable blizzard as he does all he can to deliver a heart for a transplant to a little girl as the delivery helicopter has crashed. The story is quintessential Daredevil content, focusing on his philosophy of never giving up in the endless hopes of atoning for past failings. It deals with Daredevil’s self-destructive, heroic tendencies and the moral ramifications that come with them. Though not the happiest tale, the communal effort to save a single person is inspiring.
“The Deadliest Night of My Life” and “Blast from the Past” by Harlan Ellison, Arthur Byron Cover and David Mazzucchelli
Though not outright holiday issues, “Daredevil” #208 and #209 take place during the winter. #208 drops Daredevil into an automated murderhouse that puts both him and artist Mazzucchelli to the test by using their skill to the best of their abilities. #209 centers on an old friend of Murdock’s that’s become a criminal. Struggling to be better in life, he grows to care for something bigger than himself as he helps Daredevil, inspired by and thankful for the hero’s efforts.
Man Without Fear #4 by Jed McKay and Paolo Villanelli
“Man Without Fear” #4 takes the time to display how Daredevil’s senses interact with the snow. Once again showing that his powers don’t always benefit him, his radar sense is overwhelmed by the falling snowflakes. During this, Daredevil has to try his best to win a one on one fight with the Kingpin. The issue takes an interesting approach to the relationship between the two, having Kingpin visit a sedated Murdock in the hospital and begin monologuing about their history, not knowing Murdock is awake.
“The Rapt Lamb” by Ann Nocenti and Tom Grindberg
“Marvel Holiday Special 1992” ends with Nocenti’s final Christmas story for the character. It takes the unique perspective of a wrapped lamb figure that’s been purchased by Daredevil, baffling the lamb by the journey it’s taken on. Before being given away, both the lamb and the people of New York analyze Daredevil and how he spends his Christmas on a more casual year. There’s even time dedicated to the bar patrons from the previous Nocenti Christmas issue.
All in all, this collection of self-contained stories don’t require prior knowledge of Daredevil to be enjoyed and are more than enough to get into the holiday spirit through his comics.
