DAREDEVIL (2026) #1 / Script by STEPHANIE PHILLIPS / Art by LEE GARBETT / Colors by FRANK MARTIN / Letters by VC’S ARIANA MAHER / Published by MARVEL COMICS

To say that the Daredevil comics of the past few years have gotten away from the core concept would be an understatement. Generally, the adventures of Matt Murdock have been grounded in the mean streets of Hell’s Kitchen and legal slugfests in the courthouses of Manhattan. Yet the past few volumes saw Matt literally going to Hell, battling demons (literal and figurative) and being reborn as a priest managing an orphanage. The 2026 series sets a new status quo for the Man Without Fear which is different but still somewhat closer to home and far friendlier to newcomers.

The issue opens with Daredevil stopping a duo of car thieves. We’re given his backstory and an explanation of his powers on the odd chance there’s someone coming in to this who hasn’t seen the movie or the Born Again streaming series. Cut to Empire State University, where Matt Murdock is now employed as the latest adjunct professor of law.

The one thing that hasn’t changed is Matt has more enemies than friends. Another professor seems to either have it out for him or is interested in him romantically. And there’s a new villain, capable of beating him in a fight, who holds an interest in Matt Murdock rather than Daredevil. Throw in the revelation that his new job was due to an ESU donor’s demands and there’s a lot to make even a Man Without Fear sweat.

Stephanie Phillips’ script moves like Daredevil on patrol; always in motion, with not a step wasted. Some brief references are made to Matt’s recent history (i.e. his best friend Foggy Nelson not speaking to him) but there are no weighty screeds about continuity to confuse new readers. The new villain also has an interesting gimmick and there’s a number of mysteries to drive the story and hook the audience.

The artwork is equally involved and intricate. I’ve been a fan of Lee Garbett since Lucifer and his dark, evocative style is a good match for the world of Daredevil. Deep shadows dominate the panels, evoking both the physical darkness of Matt Murdock’s world and the metaphorical darkness he must navigate as a neo-noir hero. Colorist Frank Martin leans in on the contrast, with cool tones in the background to make Daredevil’s red suit pop all the stronger. And letterer Ariana Maher punctuates the relative silence of the page with some expressive action balloons.

Those coming into Daredevil #1 expecting battles with the Kingpin or witty flirtations with Elektra will be disappointed. However, as an introduction to Mat Murdock in the Marvel Universe now, it’s a solid first issue that sets the new status quo admirably. The action is intense and there’s ample reason to keep reading whether you are a comics newbie or a veteran fan of the Man Without Fear.