A Breakdown Of Daredevil By Creative Run

A lot of writers and artists have worked on the core Daredevil comic. Some have been for a short time, while others have had lengthy tenures. During their time, each creative team has given Matt Murdock and his alter ego Daredevil their own take, whether it adheres to the swashbuckling adventures of the early eras or the grim and gritty crime dramas that have defined the character since the 1980s.

However, figuring out what material each creative team is responsible for can be confusing. You might be recommended a specific Daredevil run but have no idea where to begin.

Fortunately, this guide is here to make reading simple. It breaks down the core Daredevil comic’s publishing history into distinct runs, detailing what defines them, notable stories, and the collected editions that cover them. Soon, you’ll be able to dive into The Man Without Fear without breaking a sweat.

What is a creative run?

As defined by our Glossary of Comic Book Terms, a run is:

A number of consecutively published comics of a series by a writer and/or artist.

In the context of this guide, we’ll be looking at consecutively published issues by a creator or creative partnership – eg writer and artist. Some of these might not be strictly consecutive, occasionally broken up by a fill-in issue – but close enough to be considered a run.

How to use this guide

Treat this guide as a launching pad and a reading companion. It gives you the details you need for every Daredevil creative run – split into its own section – so you can easily identify which comics to read, whether in print or Marvel Unlimited.

While How To Love Comics publishes many reading orders, this is not strictly one. It won’t give you a recommended reading order of every Daredevil comic ever. Instead, it focuses on core Daredevil series and how each creative run fits into the larger picture. Along the way will be plenty of annotations to simplify your reading experience.

This is a colossal guide. Due to this, I highly recommend using the search feature of your browser if you’re looking for a specific run.

A note on the collected editions

I have streamlined the guide to include only the widely available editions. For many runs, these are the Marvel Epic Collections, Marvel Masterworks, and the occasional omnibus. These are collection lines that Marvel attempts to keep in print for a long time and are available digitally as well, making them easier to find than other collections that are long out of print.

Collected editions will be added to this guide when Marvel solicits new ones.

Please note that some collected editions will be listed twice when the material collected overlaps with two runs. It doesn’t happen all the time, but there are a few instances of it occurring.

Legacy numbering for Daredevil

Find out how Marvel Comics has calculated the legacy numbering for Daredevil with our Legacy Numbering guide.

Creative run breakdown

Take a look below at the breakdown of every Daredevil run.

Daredevil (1964) #1 cover by Jack Kirby and Bill Everett.

Stan Lee run

Written by Stan Lee. Art by Bill Everett, Wally Wood, Jack Kirby, John Romita Sr, Gene Colan, and Barry Smith.

Issues: Daredevil (1964 series) #1-9, 11-50, and Annual #1
Publication years: 1964-1969

Stan Lee and Bill Everett introduced Daredevil to readers in 1964. It’s this era where core elements of the character were developed, such as his origin, powers, some supporting cast members, and some of his regular villains. However, not all concepts were established straight away. Daredevil’s outfit was yellow for the series’ first six issues. The classic red costume was introduced in Daredevil (1964 series) #7, a colour scheme that suits the name more.

The few years of this run were chaotic due to a lack of long-term artists on the comic. Golden Age titans like Bill Everett and Wally Wood had short runs but, due to various reasons, only had short stints. Gene Colan joined the title with issue #20, adding stability to the title and became Daredevil’s first signature artist.

Those looking for grim and gritty stories will be disappointed. While there’s an element of tragedy through Daredevil’s origin story, most stories are lighter in tone. As a result, the heroics are more akin to what you might see in Amazing Spider-Man than the gritty crime stories many associate with the character.

Notable stories:

• The Origin of Daredevil (Daredevil (1964 series) #1)
• In Mortal Combat With… Sub-Mariner (Daredevil (1964 series) #7)
• The Jester Saga (Daredevil (1964 series) #42-46)
• Brother, Take My Hand! (Daredevil (1964 series) #47)

Marvel Epic Collections

Daredevil Epic Collection: The Man Without Fear
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #1-21

Daredevil Epic Collection: Mike Murdock Must Die!
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #22-41, Daredevil Annual #1, Fantastic Four (1961 series) #73, and material from Not Brand Echh #4

Daredevil Epic Collection: Brother, Take My Hand
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) 42-63

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Marvel Masterworks

Marvel Masterworks: Daredevil Volume 1
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #1-11

Marvel Masterworks: Daredevil Volume 2
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #12-21

Marvel Masterworks: Daredevil Volume 3
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #22-32 and Daredevil Annual #1

Marvel Masterworks: Daredevil Volume 4
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #33-41 and Fantastic Four (1961 series) #73

Marvel Masterworks: Daredevil Volume 5
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #42-53 and Not Brand Echh #4

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Omnibus editions

Daredevil Omnibus Volume 1
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #1-41, Daredevil Annual #1, Fantastic Four (1961 series) #73, and Not Brand Echh #4

Daredevil Omnibus Volume 2
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #42-74, Iron Man (1968 series) #35, and material from Iron Man (1968 series) #36

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Daredevil (1964 series) #51 cover by Barry Windsor-Smith and John Romita Sr.

Roy Thomas and Gene Colan run

Written by Roy Thomas. Art by Gene Colan and Barry Smith.

Issues: Daredevil (1964 series) #51-69 and #71
Publication years: 1969-1970

By the late-1960s, Stan Lee had handed many of his titles off to a young Roy Thomas. The stories in this run are not too dissimilar to Stan Lee’s. However, the stories have a noticeable tonal shift, with much more brooding.

A young Barry Windsor-Smith (credited as Barry Smith) was the artist for the first two issues of this run. He and Thomas would team up a few years later on Conan the Barbarian, a defining series of the artist. Gene Colan continued to be the core artist on the series throughout the run.

There were a few co-writers through this run, with Stan Lee (Daredevil (1964 series) #53), Gary Friedrich (Daredevil (1964 series) #67), and Len Wein (Daredevil (1964 series) #71), joining Thomas.

Marvel Epic Collections

Daredevil Epic Collection: Brother, Take My Hand
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #42-63

Daredevil Epic Collection: A Woman Called Widow
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #64-86, Iron Man #35; material from Iron Man #36

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Marvel Masterworks

Marvel Masterworks: Daredevil Volume 5
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #42-53 and Not Brand Echh #4

Marvel Masterworks: Daredevil Volume 6
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #54-63

Marvel Masterworks: Daredevil Volume 7
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #64-74 and The Invincible Iron Man #35-36

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Omnibus editions

Daredevil Omnibus Volume 2
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #42-74, Iron Man (1968 series) #35, and material from Iron Man (1968 series) #36

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Daredevil (1964 series) #94 cover by Gil Kane.

Gerry Conway run

Written by Gerry Conway and Allyn Brodsky. Art by Gene Colan, Alan Weiss, and Barry Smith.

Issues: Daredevil (1964 series) #72-78, #80-98 and #118
Publication years: 1970-1974

Gerry Conway’s run continues the tone of Roy Thomas’, but it’s best known for two things.

1. Relocating Daredevil’s base of operations from New York City to San Francisco.
2. Making Black Widow a regular in the series.

The change in setting happened in Daredevil (1964 series) #87. The in-universe reason for this was a bit convoluted. Bringing Black Widow into the fold was another way to shake up the series, with Matt and Natasha living in a mansion with the last of her inheritance. The pair would go on to the co-headline, with the series dubbed “Daredevil and the Black Widow” from issue #92.

Conway was joined by some co-writers, with Allyn Brodsky behind the pen on issue #73 and Steve Gerber #97-98 joining Conway to transition into his own run on the title.

Marvel Epic Collection

Daredevil Epic Collection: A Woman Called Widow
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #64-86, Iron Man #35; material from Iron Man #36

Daredevil Epic Collection: Going Out West
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #87-107, Avengers #111

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Marvel Masterworks

Marvel Masterworks: Daredevil Volume 7
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #64-74 and The Invincible Iron Man #35-36

Marvel Masterworks: Daredevil Volume 8
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #78-84 and Amazing Adventures #1-8

Marvel Masterworks: Daredevil Volume 9
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #85-96

Marvel Masterworks: Daredevil Volume 10
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #97-107 and Avengers (1963 series) #111

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Omnibus editions

Daredevil Omnibus Volume 2
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #42-74, Iron Man (1968 series) #35, and material from Iron Man (1968 series) #36

Daredevil Omnibus Volume 3
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #75-119, Avengers (1963 series) #111, Marvel Two In One #3, and material from Amazing Adventures #1-8

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Daredevil (1964 series) #106 cover by Rich Buckler.

Steve Gerber run

Written by Steve Gerber. Art by Gene Colan and Sam Kweskin.

Issues: Daredevil (1964 series) #97-101, #103-117
Publication years: 1972-1974

At the time, Daredevil was considered a testing ground for new writers. Sales were okay. But not high enough that it would be a financial issue if a new writer messed up. Steve Gerber was one of those new writers who cut their teeth on the title, propelling him into more notable work like Howard the Duck, Man-Thing, and The Defenders.

Daredevil would continue to be set in San Francisco until issue #117 – Gerber’s final issue – where our hero would return to New York City. The series would stop being called “Daredevil and the Black Widow” with issue #107, reverting to “Daredevil” with the following instalment.

Marvel Epic Collection

Daredevil Epic Collection: Going Out West
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #87-107 and Avengers #111

Daredevil Epic Collection: Watch Out For Bullseye
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #108-132 and Marvel Two-in-One #3

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Marvel Masterworks

Marvel Masterworks: Daredevil Volume 10
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #97-107 and Avengers (1963 series) #111

Marvel Masterworks: Daredevil Volume 11
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #108-119; Marvel Two-In-One #3

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Omnibus editions

Daredevil Omnibus Volume 3
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #75-119, Avengers (1963 series) #111, Marvel Two In One #3, and material from Amazing Adventures #1-8

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Daredevil (1964 series) #121 cover by Gil Kane and Joe Sinnott.

Jenny Blake Isabella and William Robert Brown run

Written by Jenny Blake Isabella (credited as Tony Isabella). Art by William Robert Brown.

Issues: Daredevil (1964 series) #119-123
Publication years: 1974-1975

A short run of Daredevil stories that are not too dissimilar to what was being told at the time.

Marvel Epic Collection

Daredevil Epic Collection: Watch Out For Bullseye
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #108-132 and Marvel Two-in-One #3

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Marvel Masterworks

Marvel Masterworks: Daredevil Volume 11
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #108-119; Marvel Two-In-One #3

Marvel Masterworks: Daredevil Volume 12
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #120-132; material from FOOM #13

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Daredevil (1964 series) #131 cover by Rich Buckler and Frank Giacoia.

Marv Wolfman run

Written by Marv Wolfman. Art by Gene Colan, William Robert Brown, John Buscema, John Byrne, Sal Buscema, and Gil Kane.

Issues: Daredevil #124-139, #141-143 and Annual #4
Publication years: 1975-1976

A young Marv Wolfman held the title for approximately two years, telling pulpy action stories set in New York City.

The most notable contribution during this run was the introduction of the villain Bullseye (Daredevil (1964 series) #131).

There’s also an odd-ball guest appearance by self-proclaimed television psychic Uri Geller in Daredevil (1964 series) #133. Geller had become a national name after appearing on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, which propelled him to other appearances.

The other thing of note is that Daredevil (1964 series) #138 crosses over with Ghost Rider (1973 series) #20.

Marvel Epic Collection

Daredevil Epic Collection: Watch Out For Bullseye
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #108-132 and Marvel Two-in-One #3

Daredevil Epic Collection: The Concrete Jungle
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #133-154, Annual 4; Ghost Rider #20; Marvel Premiere #39-40, 43; material from Ghost Rider #19

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Marvel Masterworks

Marvel Masterworks: Daredevil Volume 12
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #120-132; material from FOOM #13

Marvel Masterworks: Daredevil Volume 13
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #133-143; Daredevil Annual #4; Ghost Rider #20; Marvel Premiere #39-40; material from Ghost Rider #19

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Daredevil (1964 series) #145 cover by Al Milgrom and Dave Cockrum.

Jim Shooter run

Written by Jim Shooter and Gerry Conway. Art by Ed Hannigan, George Tuska, Gil Kane, and Carmine Infantino.

Issues: Daredevil (1964 series) #144-151
Publication years: 1976-1977

Jim Shooter had a short and unnotable run on Daredevil in 1976-1977. The first two issues were co-written by Gerry Conway. Roger McKenzie and Gil Kane are credited as co-writers on issue #151. This would transition McKenzie into their own run, which kicked off the modern interpretation of Daredevil.

Shooter was made Marvel Editor-in-Chief the following year and would stay in the role until 1987.

Notable stories:

• Duel (Daredevil (1964 series) #146)

Marvel Epic Collection

Daredevil Epic Collection: The Concrete Jungle
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #133-154, Annual 4; Ghost Rider #20; Marvel Premiere #39-40, 43; material from Ghost Rider #19

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Marvel Masterworks

Marvel Masterworks: Daredevil Volume 14
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #144-158 and Marvel Premiere #43

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Daredevil (1964 series) #158 cover by Frank Miller and Josef Rubinstein.

Roger McKenzie run

Written by Roger McKenzie. Art by Gil Kane, Carmine Infantino, Gene Colan, Frank Robbins, and Frank Miller.

Issues: Daredevil (1964 series) #151-161 and #163-166
Publication years: 1977-1980

Roger McKenzie was primarily a horror writer, penning stories for Vampirella, Creepy, and Eerie for Warren and DC Comics’ horror anthologies. That’s evident in the early parts of his Daredevil run. The swashbuckling tone is replaced with a darker, grittier one, with Matt Murdock on the brink of a nervous breakdown.

A young Frank Miller jumps on the series with issue #158. However, McKenzie’s scripts lose some of their urgency around this time and will see him moved to another title not long after. Mary Jo-Duffy co-writes issue #157.

This run also introduces Ben Urich, a Daily Bugle reporter who would become a semi-regular in Daredevil and Spider-Man comics. He makes his debut in Daredevil (1964 series) #153.

Notable stories:

• Exposé (Daredevil (1964 series) #164)

Marvel Epic Collection

Daredevil Epic Collection: The Concrete Jungle
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #133-154, Annual 4; Ghost Rider #20; Marvel Premiere #39-40, 43; material from Ghost Rider #19

Daredevil Epic Collection: To Dare The Devil
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #155-176; material from What If #28 and Bizarre Adventures #28

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Marvel Masterworks

Marvel Masterworks: Daredevil Volume 14
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #144-158 and Marvel Premiere #43

Marvel Masterworks: Daredevil Volume 15
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #159-172; and material from Bizarre Adventures #25

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Daredevil (1964 series) #181 Facsimile Edition cover by Frank Miller.

Frank Miller run

Written by Frank Miller. Art by Frank Miller, Klaus Janson, John Buscema, and David Mazzucchelli.

Issues: Daredevil (1964 series) #165-191, 219, and #226-233
Publication years: 1980-1982, 1985-1986

Daredevil was on the brink of cancellation in 1980. While Frank Miller was a hot up-and-coming artist, it was perceived that McKenzie’s scripts were not helping the title. (Miller wasn’t a fan either.) So, editor Denny O’Neil assigned McKenzie to another title and took a chance on Miller writing the series. The writer/artist took McKenzie’s established tone and ran with it, making the title a quick success when combined with strong story sensibilities.

Miller established many concepts throughout his run. Elektra, who acted as an adversary and love interest, was introduced in issue #168 and would have plenty of ups and downs throughout Miller’s run. Kingpin, a primarily Spider-Man villain, became one of Daredevil’s greatest foes in issue #170. In Daredevil (1964 series) #174, Miller introduced The Hand, an evil mystical ninja organisation, seemingly tapping into the decade’s fascination.

This run is very much the template for future Daredevil runs and adaptations. The gritty tone continued through numerous runs, only lifted temporarily during the Mark Waid run in 2011. (More on that later.) Miller’s run also had a massive impact on Peter Laird and Kevin Eastman, who went on to create Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Notable stories:

• The Elektra Saga (Daredevil (1964 series) #168, #174-182)
• Devils (Daredevil (1964 series) #169)
• Gangwar! (Daredevil (1964 series) #170-172)
• Child’s Play (Daredevil (1964 series) #183-184)
• Resurrection (Daredevil (1964 series) #187-190)
• Roulette (Daredevil (1964 series) #191)
• Badlands (Daredevil (1964 series) #219)
• Born Again (Daredevil (1964 series) #227-231)

Marvel Epic Collection

Daredevil Epic Collection: To Dare The Devil
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #155-176; material from What If #28 and Bizarre Adventures #28

Note: Marvel has not collected all of Frank Miller’s run in the Epic Collection format yet. This section will be updated when more volumes are announced.

Trade paperback collections

Daredevil by Frank Miller & Klaus Janson Volume 1
Collects: Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man #158-161; and Daredevil (1964 series) #158-161 and #163-172

Daredevil by Frank Miller & Klaus Janson Volume 2
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #173-184

Daredevil by Frank Miller & Klaus Janson Volume 3
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #185-191, #219; Daredevil: Love & War; and What If? #28

Marvel Premier Collection: Daredevil: Born Again
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #226-233

Note: Marvel Premier Collection is a budget reprint line featuring classic stories.

Buy Daredevil trade paperbacks on: Amazon/Kindle | eBay

Marvel Masterworks

Marvel Masterworks: Daredevil Volume 15
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #159-172; and material from Bizarre Adventures #25

Marvel Masterworks: Daredevil Volume 16
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #173–181; What If #28 and #35; Bizarre Adventures #28; and Marvel Fanfare #1

Marvel Masterworks: Daredevil Volume 17
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #182-191; material from Elektra Saga #1-4 and Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe (1983)

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Omnibus editions

Daredevil by Miller and Janson Omnibus
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #158-161 and #163-191 and material from What If? (1977 series) #28.

Buy Daredevil Omnibus on: Amazon/Kindle | eBay

Daredevil (1964 series) #207 cover by William Johnson and Bill Sienkiewicz.

Dennis O’Neil run

Written by Denny O’Neil. Art by Klaus Janson, David Mazzucchelli, Larry Hama, William Johnson, and Luke McDonnell.

Issues: Daredevil (1964 series) #194-202, 204-207, 210-223, 225-226
Publication years: 1983-1985

Editor Denny O’Neil took over writing duties after Frank Miller left Daredevil to explore other projects. (Klaus Janson, who had been inking Frank Miller, had a stint pencilling the series.) O’Neil has written plenty of classics, but this run isn’t one of them. However, it did give the world David Mazzucchelli, a spectacular artist, who contributed to issues #206 and #208-226 as part of this run and then the Born Again storyline when Miller returned.

Marvel Masterworks

Marvel Masterworks: Daredevil Volume 18
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #192-203, material from Marvel Fanfare #7, 10-13

Marvel Masterworks: Daredevil Volume 19
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #204-214

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Daredevil (1964 series) #255 cover by John Romita Jr and Al Williamson.

Ann Nocenti run

Written by Ann Nocenti. Art by John Romita Jr, Sal Buscema, Barry Windsor-Smith, Louis Williams, Todd McFarlane, Keith Pollard, Keith Giffen, Rick Leonardi, Steve Ditko, Lee Weeks, Kieron Dwyer, Mark Bagley, and Greg Capullo.

Issues: Daredevil (1964 series) #236, 238-245, 247-257, 259-291
Publication years: 1986-1991

Writing with a “last meal on death row” mentality, Ann Nocenti wrote Daredevil like each issue could be her last. However, her run ended up spanning over 50 issues. The series was still grim and gritty, but she took the series in various directions to explore themes like animal rights, AIDS, and alcoholism. She even sent Daredevil to Hell at one point.

One of her greatest contributions to the series was the creation of the villain Typhoid Mary with John Romita Jr.

Notable stories:

• The Typhoid Mary Saga (Daredevil (1964 series) #254-257, 259-263)
• Beer With the Devil (Daredevil (1964 series) #266)
• Blackheart (Daredevil (1964 series) #270)
• Fales Man [Acts of Vengeance tie-in] (Daredevil (1964 series) #275-276)
• Daredevil in Hell (Daredevil (1964 series) #278-282)

Marvel Epic Collections

Daredevil Epic Collection: It Comes With The Claws
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #234-252

Daredevil Epic Collection: A Touch Of Typhoid
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #253-270 and Punisher (1987 series) #10

Daredevil Epic Collection: Heart Of Darkness
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #271–282, Daredevil Annual #5-6; material from Punisher Annual #3, Incredible Hulk Annual #16, and Silver Surfer Annual #3

Daredevil Epic Collection: Last Rites
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #283-300 and Daredevil Annual #7

Buy Marvel Epic Collections on: Amazon/Kindle | eBay

Daredevil (1964 series) #300 cover by Lee Weeks.

D.G Chichester run

Written by D.G Chichester. Art by Lee Weeks, M.C. Wyman, Ron Garney, Scott McDaniel, Kevin Kobasic, Sergio Cariella, Alexander Jubran, and Keith Pollard.

Issues: Daredevil (1964 series) #292-309, 312-332, 338-342, 380
Publication years: 1991-1995 and 1998

D.G. Chichester’s run is a bit of a mess. Some of that is from being a product of its time and making some very 1990s decisions, such as introducing the armoured costume. However, there’s also some gold to be found, with the Last Rites storyline being a highlight, which flips Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli’s Born Again on its head by chronicling the downfall of Kingpin.

Chichester wrote Daredevil (1964 series) #338-342 under the pseudonym of “Alan Smithee”, a name used when you do not want to associate yourself with the work.

Notable stories:

• Last Rites (Daredevil (1964 series) #297-300)
• Fall From Grace (Daredevil (1964 series) #319-325)

Marvel Epic Collections

Daredevil Epic Collection: Last Rites
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #283-300 and Daredevil Annual #7

Daredevil Epic Collection: Dead Man’s Hand
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #301-311, Daredevil Annual #8, Nomad #4-6, Punisher War Journal #45-47; material from Marvel Holiday Special #2

Daredevil Epic Collection: Into The Fire
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #312-318, Daredevil Annual Annual #9, Daredevil/Black Widow: Abattoir, Daredevil: The Man Without Fear #1-5

Daredevil Epic Collection: Fall From Grace
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #319-332, Daredevil Annual #10

Daredevil Epic Collection: Root Of Evil
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #333-344 and Elektra: Root of Evil #1-4

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Daredevil (1964 series) #337 cover by Tom Grindberg.

Gregory Wright run

Written by Gregory Wright. Art by Tom Grindberg Sergio Cariello, Jim Lee, John Romita Jr, While Portacio, Cam Kennedy, Gary Hartle, Thomas Sutton, Michael Bair, Ron Garney, Larry Alexander, June Brigman, M.C. Wyman, John Heebink, Andrew Paquette, and Kris Renkewitz.

Issues: Daredevil #328, #333-337; and Daredevil Annual #4B, #6-10
Publication years: 1989-1994

Writer, colourist, and assistant editor Gregory Wright had a short stint on Daredevil. His run began with with the interlude issue of the Tree of Knowledge arc, which was written by previous Daredevil scribe D.G. Chichester. Wright wrote the 5-part Fathoms of Humanity story.

Before all that, Wright wrote a string of Daredevil Annuals between 1989-1994.

Marvel Epic Collections

Daredevil Epic Collection: Fall From Grace
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #319-332, Daredevil Annual #10

Daredevil Epic Collection: Root Of Evil
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #333-344 and Elektra: Root of Evil #1-4

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Daredevil (1964 series) #347 cover by Ron Wagner.

J. M. DeMatteis run

Written by J. M. DeMatteis. Art by Ron Wagner.

Issues: Daredevil (1964 series) #344-350
Publication years: 1995-1996

Daredevil was rolled into the short-lived Marvel Edge line in 1995. This grim and gritty line, a precursor to Marvel Knights but without the same sophistication, kicked off with the Over the Edge crossover, involving Daredevil, Doctor Strange, Ghost Rider, Hulk, and The Punisher. Afterwards, J.M. DeMatteis had a short run on Daredevil before he left due to editorial differences.

It is not a particularly memorable run. However, it did ditch the black/armoured costume – reverting to the classic red.

Marvel Epic Collection

Daredevil Epic Collection: Purgatory & Paradise
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #345-364

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Daredevil (1964 series) #356 cover by Cary Nord.

Karl Kesel run

Written by Karl Kesel. Art by Cary Nord and Gene Colan.

Issues: Daredevil (1964 series) #353-357 and #359-364
Publication years: 1996-1997

Karl Kesel’s run is controversial for some readers. This is mostly due to the tonal shift, bringing it back to a more to the wisecracking hornhead of early eras (Marvel went as far as to bring Gene Colan back on the title) and disappointing those who were looking for a more serious tone. However, it does have some fans.

Notable stories:

• The Trial of Mister Hyde (Daredevil (1964 series) #354-357)

Marvel Epic Collection

Daredevil Epic Collection: Purgatory & Paradise
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #345-364

Buy Marvel Epic Collections on: Amazon/Kindle | eBay

Daredevil (1964 series) #370 cover by Gene Colan.

Joe Kelly run

Written by Joe Kelly. Art by Gene Colan, Ariel Olivetti, Richie Acosta, Cary Nord, John Paul Leon, Tom Lyle, Brian Denham, and Rick Leonardi.

Issues: Daredevil (1964 series) #358 and #365-375
Publication years: 1997-1998

This is the final run before Marvel relaunched the title under the Marvel Knights banner. There isn’t really much to say about it.

Marvel Epic Collection

Daredevil Epic Collection: Widow’s Kiss
Collects: Daredevil (1964 series) #365-380, -1; and Daredevil/Deadpool Annual ’97

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Daredevil (1998 series) #1 cover by Joe Quesada and Jimmy Palmiotti.

Kevin Smith and Joe Quesada run

Written by Kevin Smith. Art by Joe Quesada.

Issues: Daredevil (1998 series) #1-8
Publication years: 1998-1999

Acclaimed film director and celebrity nerd Kevin Smith joined Daredevil alongside artist Joe Quesada to relaunch the series under the Marvel Knight banner. Together, they created the 8-part story Guardian Devil.

Marvel Knights was an imprint managed by Joe Quesada and Jimmy Palmiotti, which launched in 1998 and ran deep into the 2000s. It focused on crafting quality self-contained stories, with less focus on relying on ling-running continuity, and encouraged a level of experimentation. Daredevil was part of this launch and became one of the most successful Marvel Knights series.

Trade paperback

Daredevil: Guardian Devil
Collects: Daredevil (1998 series) #1-8

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Daredevil (1998 series) #10 cover by Joe Quesada, Jimmy Palmiotti, and David Mack.

David Mack run

Written by David Mack. Art by Joe Quesada and David Ross.

Issues: Daredevil (1998 series) #9-11, 13-15, 51-55
Publication years: 1999-2001 and 2003

David Mack, creator of the series Kabuki, had a short run writing Daredevil during the Marvel Knights era. The run is best known for introducing Echo (Maya Lopez), a deaf Cheyenne/Mexican-American hero. Joe Quesada and David Ross were responsible for the initial run of stories under Mack’s tenure. However, Mack returned to writing (and provide art) with a Echo-centric story in 2003.

Notable stories:

• Parts of a Hole (Daredevil (1998 series) #9-15)

Trade paperbacks

Daredevil: Parts of a Hole
Collects: Daredevil (1998 series) #9-15

Daredevil: Echo – Vision Quest
Collects: Daredevil (1998 series) #51-55

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Daredevil (1998 series) #24 cover by David Mack.

Bob Gale run

Written by Bob Gale. Art by Phil Winslade, Gene Colan, and Davis Ross.

Bob Gale, best known for co-writing the three Back to the Future films, provided a short run on Daredevil in 2001. Marvel has never reprinted these issues.

Issues: Daredevil (1998 series) #20-25
Publication year: 2001

Brian Michael Bendis run

Written by Brian Michael Bendis. Art by Alex Maleev, David Mack, Manuel Gutierrez, and Terry & Rachel Dodson.

Issues: Daredevil (1998 series) #16-19, 26-50, 56-81
Publication years: 2001-2006

Brian Michael Bendis‘ run is considered by many to be one of the greatest Daredevil runs of all time. The writer takes the character to some new lows. Early in the run, he takes on a returning Kingpin and, eventually, takes on Fisk’s mantle as the Kingpin of Crime in Hell’s Kitchen – something that comes at a great personal cost for our hero.

The other major plot point is The public outing that Matt Murdock is Daredevil. The revelation results in enemies (old and new) coming for our hero. These conflicts, and this run, end with Daredevil in prison – a parting gift for the next creative run.

This run is also notable for introducing Matt Murdock’s short-term wife, Milla Donovan.

Notable stories:

• Wake Up! (Daredevil (1998 series) #16-19)
• Underboss (Daredevil (1998 series) #26-31)
• Out (Daredevil (1998 series) #32-40)
• Hardcore (Daredevil (1998 series) #46-50)
• Decalogue (Daredevil (1998 series) #71-75)
• The Murdock Papers (Daredevil (1998 series) #76-81)

Modern Era Epic Collection

Daredevil Marvel Modern Era Epic Collection: Underboss
Collects: Daredevil (1998 series) #16-31 and Daredevil: Ninja #1-3

Daredevil Marvel Modern Era Epic Collection: Out
Collects: Daredevil (1998 series) #32-50

Daredevil Marvel Modern Era Epic Collection: King Of Hell’s Kitchen
Collects: Daredevil (1998 series) #51-65 and What If… Karen Page Had Lived?

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Ultimate collection

Daredevil by Brian Michael Bendis & Alex Maleev Ultimate Collection Book 1
Collects: Daredevil (1998 series) #16-19, 26-40

Daredevil by Brian Michael Bendis & Alex Maleev Ultimate Collection Book 2
Collects: Daredevil (1998 series) #41-50, 56-65

Daredevil by Brian Michael Bendis & Alex Maleev Ultimate Collection Book 3
Collects: Daredevil (1998 series) #66-81, What If… Karen Page Had Lived?, and Ultimate Marvel Team–Up #6-8

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Daredevil (1998 series) #82 cover by Tommy Lee Edwards.

Ed Brubaker run

Written by Ed Brubaker. Art by Michael Lark, Stefano Gaudiano, David Aja, Lee Weeks, Paul Azaceta, Clay Mann, Tonci Zonjic, and John Lucas.

Issues: Daredevil (1998 series) #82-119 and #500
Publication years: 2006-2009

As mentioned in the previous section, Bendis’ run ends with Daredevil/Matt Murdock in prison. Ed Brubaker immediately picks up this thread (plus other things that Bendis introduced) and runs with them – making it a true successor. The run takes our hero to new depths of despair, constantly being kicked while he is down.

Brubaker’s run is notable for introducing Lady Bullseye in Daredevil (1998 series) #111.

It’s also worth noting that the Marvel Knights banner is dropped from the title with Daredevil (1998 series) #82.

Notable stories:

• The Devil Inside and Out (Daredevil (1998 series) #82-87)
• Without Fear (Daredevil (1998 series) #100-105)
• Return of the King (Daredevil (1998 series) #116-119, Daredevil #500)

Modern Era Epic Collection

Daredevil Marvel Modern Era Epic Collection: The Devil In Cell-Block D
Collects: Daredevil (1998 series) #82-94, Daredevil Annual (2007)

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Ultimate collections

Daredevil By Ed Brubaker & Michael Lark Ultimate Collection Book 1
Collects: Daredevil (1998 series) #82-93

Daredevil By Ed Brubaker & Michael Lark Ultimate Collection Book 2
Collects: Daredevil (1998 series) #94-105

Daredevil By Ed Brubaker & Michael Lark Ultimate Collection Book 3
Collects: Daredevil (1998 series) #106-119, 500

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Daredevil #511 cover by John Cassaday and Laura Martin.

Andy Diggle run

Written by Andy Diggle and Antony Johnson. Art by Roberto De La Torre and Marco Checchetto.

Issues: Daredevil #501-512
Publication years: 2009-2011

Andy Diggle’s Daredevil run gets mixed reactions from readers. It’s perfectly serviceable – even if it doesn’t reach the highs of the Bendis and Brubaker’s runs that preceded it. However, it gets a negative opinion through the association of the Shadowland comic book event, which this run is heavily connected to.

Trade paperbacks

Daredevil: The Devil’s Hand
Collects: Daredevil #500-507 and Daredevil: Dark Reign – The List

Daredevil: Shadowland
Collects: Daredevil #508-5012 and Shadowland: After The Fall

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Daredevil #1 (2011 series) cover by Paolo Rivera.

Mark Waid run

Written by Mark Waid and Fred van Lente. Art by Paolo Rivera, Marcos Martin, Chris Samnee, Javier Rodriguez, Kano, Koi Pham, Marco Checchetto, Mike Allred, Jason Copeland, Peter Krause, Karl Kesel, and Alex Maleev.

Issues: Daredevil (2011 series) #1-36, #10.1 and Daredevil (2014 series) #1-18, #0.5, #1.50, and 15.1
Publication years: 2011-2015

Mark Waid’s run was a much-needed tonal shift for the series. Matt Murdock has been through a lot in the previous decade of stories, taking him to his lowest point numerous times. This run allows some light, bringing back a swashbuckling tone through fun stories. (That’s not to say that Daredevil/Murdock was not tested. However, the run isn’t focused on drenching the character in complete darkness.) Through this, Waid and collaborators harken back to concepts from bygone eras, such as relocating to San Francisco while introducing new ideas.

The run mixes things up by not relying on the usual rogues gallery of Daredevil villains. At least initially, our hero takes on a variety of foes from around the Marvel Universe, such as The Spot, Doctor Doom, Moleman, and others.

Visually, the series artists employ a neo-Silver Age style. This matches the lighter/swashbuckling elements in the stories while still looking modern and fresh.

Notable stories:

• The Most Dangerous Man Alive (Daredevil (2011 series) #1-6)
• A Christmas Journey (Daredevil (2011 series) #7)
• Ikari (Daredevil (2011 series) #23-27)

Trade paperbacks

Daredevil by Mark Waid Volume 1
Collects: Daredevil (2011 series) #1-6

Daredevil by Mark Waid Volume 2
Collects: Daredevil (2011 series) #7-10, 10.1, and Amazing Spider-Man #677

Daredevil by Mark Waid Volume 3
Collects: Daredevil (2011 series) #11-15, Avenging Spider-Man #6, Punisher (2011 series) #10

Daredevil by Mark Waid Volume 4
Collects: Daredevil (2011 series) #16-21

Daredevil by Mark Waid Volume 5
Collects: Daredevil (2011 series) #22-27

Daredevil by Mark Waid Volume 6
Collects: Daredevil (2011 series) #28-30 and Indestructible Hulk #9-10

Daredevil by Mark Waid Volume 7
Collects: Daredevil (2011 series) #31-36

Daredevil Volume 1: Devil At Bay
Collects: Daredevil (2014 series) #1-5 and #0.5

Daredevil Volume 2: West-Case Scenario
Collects: Daredevil (2014 series) #6-10 and #1.50

Daredevil Volume 3: The Daredevil You Know
Collects: Daredevil (2014 series) #11-15

Daredevil Volume 4: The Autobiography of Matt Murdock
Collects: Daredevil (2014 series) #15.1, #16-18

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Hardcovers

Daredevil by Mark Waid Volume 1
Collects: Daredevil (2011 series) #1-10, #10.1; and Amazing Spider-Man #677

Daredevil by Mark Waid Volume 2
Collects: Daredevil (2011 series) #11-21, Avenging Spider-Man #6, and Punisher (2011 series) #10

Daredevil by Mark Waid Volume 3
Collects: Daredevil (2011 series) #22-36 and Indestructible Hulk #9-10

Daredevil by Mark Waid & Chris Samnee Volume 4
Collects: Daredevil (2014 series) #1-10, #0.1, and #1.50

Daredevil by Mark Waid & Chris Samnee Volume 5
Collects: Daredevil (2014 series) #11-18, #15.1

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Omnibus

Daredevil by Mark Waid Omnibus Volume 1
Collects: Daredevil (2011 series) #1-27, #10.1; Amazing Spider-Man #677; Avenging Spider-Man #6; and The Punisher (2011 series) #10

Daredevil by Mark Waid & Chris Samnee Omnibus Volume 2
Collects: Daredevil (2011 series) #28-36; Indestructible Hulk #9-10; and Daredevil (2014 series) #1-18, #1.50, #0.1, and #15.1

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Daredevil #595 cover by Bill Sienkiewicz.

Charles Soule run

Written by Charles Soule. Art by Ron Garney, Goran Sudzuka, Stefano Landini, Mike Henderson, Matteo Buffagni, Marc Laming, Alec Morgan, Phil Noto, and Mike Perkins.

Issues: Daredevil (2015 series) #1-28 and Daredevil #595-612
Publication years: 2015-2018

Charles Soule’s run generally garners mixed reactions from readers. While there are some solid stories, it also ignores elements from previous runs or conveniently sweeps them under the rug. How much that will annoy you depends on how invested you are in previous runs or your preference on how continuity should be enforced.

That being said, this run has plenty of interesting elements. This includes Daredevil taking on an apprentice and the rise of Wilson Fisk (Kingpin) as the mayor of New York City. The latter reverberated throughout other street-level comics of the time and will become a large part of the next Daredevil run.

Trade paperbacks

Daredevil: Back In Black Volume 1: Chinatown
Collects: Daredevil (2015 series) #1-5 “Blindspot” story from All-New All-Different Marvel Point One #1

Daredevil: Back In Black Volume 2: Supersonic
Collects: Daredevil (2015 series) #6-9 and Daredevil Annual 2016

Daredevil: Back In Black Volume 3: Dark Art
Collects: Daredevil (2015 series) #10-14

Daredevil: Back In Black Volume 4: Identity
Collects: Daredevil (2015 series) #15-20

Daredevil: Back In Black Volume 5: Supreme
Collects: Daredevil (2015 series) #21-28

Daredevil: Back In Black Volume 6: Mayor Fisk
Collects: Daredevil (2015 series) #595-600

Daredevil: Back In Black Volume 7: Mayor Murdock
Collects: Daredevil (2015 series) #601-605

Daredevil: Back In Black Volume 8: Mayor Murdock
Collects: Daredevil (2015 series) #606-612 and Daredevil Annual 2018

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Omnibus

Daredevil by Charles Soule Omnibus
Collects: Daredevil (2015 series) #1-28 and #595-612; Daredevil Annual (2016); Daredevil/Punisher: Seventh Circle #1-4; and material from All-New, All-Different Point One #1

Daredevil (2019 series) #36 cover by Marco Checchetto.

Chip Zdarsky run

Written by Chip Zdarsky and Chris Giarrusso, and Ann Nocenti. Art by Marco Checchetto, Mike Hawthorne, Jorge Fornes, Francesco Mobili, Manuel Garcia, Stefano Landini, Kumar Lalit Sharma, Rafael De Latorre, Paul Azaceta, Chis Giarrusso, Klaus Janson, Alex Maleev, Phil Noto, John Romita Jr, Chris Samnee, and Chip Zdarsky.

Issues: Daredevil (2019 series) #1-36 and Daredevil (2022 series) #1-14
Publication years: 2019-2023

Chip Zdarsky takes the idea of Wilson Fisk as the mayor of New York City and runs with it. Due to this, criminals are given advantages over heroes. This eventually leads to the Devil’s Reign comic book event, which Daredevil plays a major role in and the title ties into.

In other parts of the run, Matt Murdock temporarily turns himself to the police after accidentally killing a low-level thief. In his absence, Elektra and several citizens take up the mantle of Daredevil. Zdarsky uses this part to reform Elektra and set her on a new path away from her assassin’s past.

Trade paperbacks

Daredevil by Chip Zdarsky Volume 1: Know Fear
Collects: Daredevil (2019 series) #1-5

Daredevil by Chip Zdarsky Volume 2: No Devils, Only Gods
Collects: Daredevil (2019 series) #6-10

Daredevil by Chip Zdarsky Volume 3: Through Hell
Collects: Daredevil (2019 series) #11-15

Daredevil by Chip Zdarsky Volume 4: End of Hell
Collects: Daredevil (2019 series) #16-20

Daredevil by Chip Zdarsky Volume 5: Truth/Dare
Collects: Daredevil (2019 series) #21-25 and Daredevil Annual 2020

Daredevil by Chip Zdarsky Volume 6: Doing Time
Collects: Daredevil (2019 series) #26-30

Daredevil by Chip Zdarsky Volume 7: Lockdown
Collects: Daredevil (2019 series) #31-36

Daredevil & Elektra by Chip Zdarsky Volume 1: The Red Fist Saga Part One
Collects: Daredevil (2022 series) #1-5

Daredevil & Elektra by Chip Zdarsky Volume 2: The Red Fist Saga Part Two
Collects: Daredevil (2022 series) #6-10

Daredevil & Elektra by Chip Zdarsky Volume 3: The Red Fist Saga Part Three
Collects: Daredevil (2022 series) #11-14

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Hardcovers

Daredevil by Chip Zdarsky Volume 1
Collects: Daredevil (2019 series) #1-10

Daredevil by Chip Zdarsky Volume 2
Collects: Daredevil (2019 series) #11-20

Daredevil by Chip Zdarsky Volume 3
Collects: Daredevil (2019 series) #21-30

Daredevil by Chip Zdarsky Volume 4
Collects: Daredevil (2019 series) #31-36 and Daredevil: Woman Without Fear #1-3

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Omnibus

Daredevil by Chip Zdarsky Omnibus Volume 1
Collects: Daredevil (2019 series) #1-30 and Daredevil Annual 2020

Daredevil by Chip Zdarsky Omnibus Volume 2
Collects: Daredevil (2019 series) #31-36, Daredevil: Woman Without Fear #1-3, Devil’s Reign #1-6, Devil’s Reign Omega, and Daredevil (2022 series) #1-14

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Daredevil (2023 series) #1 cover John Romita Jr.

Saladin Ahmed run

Written by Saladin Ahmed, D.G. Chichester, Ann Nocenti, Erica Schultz, Elsa Sjunneson, Genndy Tartakovsky, and Ty Templeton. Art by Aaron Kuder, Farid Karami, German Peralta, Jan Bazaldua, Tommaso Bianchi, Eric Koda, Ken Lashley, Stefano Raffaele, Genndy Tartakovsky, Ty Templeton, Juann Cabal, Christopher Campana, Luigi Zagaria, and Jose Luis.

Issues: Daredevil (2023 series) #1-
Publication years: 2023-

This is the current Daredevil run as of writing this guide.

Trade paperbacks

Daredevil by Saladin Ahmed Volume 1: Hell Breaks Loose
Collects: Daredevil (2023 series) #1-8

Daredevil by Saladin Ahmed Volume 2: Hell To Pay
Collects: Daredevil (2023 series) #6-10

Daredevil by Saladin Ahmed Volume 3: Living Hell
Collects: Daredevil (2023 series) #11-15

Daredevil (1964 series) #235 cover by Klaus Janson.

Other issues

The following issues don’t fit into any creative run. These tend to be fill-in issues, stray annuals, and event tie-ins.

• Daredevil (1964 series) #10
• Daredevil Annual #2
• Daredevil (1964 series) #70
• Daredevil (1964 series) #79
• Daredevil (1964 series) #102
• Daredevil (1964 series) #140
• Daredevil (1964 series) #162
• Daredevil (1964 series) #192
• Daredevil (1964 series) #193
• Daredevil (1964 series) #203
• Daredevil (1964 series) #208
• Daredevil (1964 series) #209
• Daredevil (1964 series) #224
• Daredevil (1964 series) #234
• Daredevil (1964 series) #235
• Daredevil (1964 series) #237
• Daredevil (1964 series) #246
• Daredevil (1964 series) #258
• Daredevil (1964 series) #310
• Daredevil (1964 series) #311
• Daredevil (1964 series) #343
• Daredevil (1964 series) #351
• Daredevil (1964 series) #352
• Daredevil (1964 series) #376-379

Have your say

What’s your favourite Daredevil run? Have you found this guide helpful? Share your thoughts in the comments below or via Bluesky, Facebook, X, or Mastodon.