Daredevil & Punisher Reading Guide Dives into the Dark Streets of Hell's Kitchen

If you're enjoying the Daredevil: Born Again series on Disney+, now is the perfect time to dive into the graphic novels that inspired it! Discover the complex stories of two of Marvel's most iconic street-level heroes: Daredevil, the blind lawyer with heightened senses and an unwavering moral code, and the Punisher, a man driven by personal loss and a relentless quest for justice.

These graphic novels offer a glimpse at their struggles and triumphs, while immersing fans in their intricate ethical dilemmas. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to their world, these gritty sagas are the perfect way to get your Daredevil fix while you wait for the next episode!

DAREDEVIL: BORN AGAIN PREMIER COLLECTION

Written by Frank Miller
Art by David Mazzucchelli
Collecting: DAREDEVIL (1964) #226-233

This Premier Collection contains a new introduction by author Frank Miller, a new foreword by Daredevil actor Charlie Cox, and is presented in a newly designed book-format edition that includes bonus content such as sketches, layouts, and variant covers!

From the powerhouse pairing of Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli comes the definitive Daredevil tale. Karen Page, Matt Murdock’s former lover, sets into motion a Machiavellian chain of events by trading away his secret identity for a drug fix. Now, Daredevil must find all the strength he can muster as Wilson Fisk, the Kingpin of Crime, wastes no time taking him down as low as a human can get. As he’s nursed back to health by a nun named Sister Maggie, Matt discovers a shocking secret that will change their relationship forever — but can he piece his life back together and survive a battle against the brutal super-soldier named Nuke?

The Marvel Premier Collections packs iconic stories from legendary creators into a new collectible format that can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere – ideal for Marvel fans, gamers and comic readers both old and new, as well as anyone looking for the perfect entry point into the Marvel Universe.

DAREDEVIL: THE MAN WITHOUT FEAR

Written by Frank Miller
Art by John Romita Jr.
Collecting: DAREDEVIL: THE MAN WITHOUT FEAR (1993) #1-5.

Visionary geniuses Frank Miller (The Dark Knight Returns, Sin City) and John Romita Jr. (Uncanny X-Men, Amazing Spider-Man) bring you the definitive Daredevil origin story that redefined the character and created a new benchmark in graphic storytelling. Matt Murdock was raised by a single father, an over-the-hill prizefighter with one last chance to make it good - a chance that cost him his life.

Taunted and tormented by children while growing up, Matt's life was irrevocably altered after he was blinded by radioactive materials while saving the life of an old man. The payoff? An unbreakable will and a keen intelligence, helping focus the super-senses he was blessed with during the accident. His story is one of love, pain, disappointment, and strength.

DAREDEVIL: MAYOR FISK

Written by Charles Soule and others
Art by Stefano Landini, Ron Garney, and others
Collecting: DAREDEVIL (2015) #595-600

Daredevil faces his most daunting challenge yet, as Wilson Fisk, the Kingpin, is elected Mayor of New York City along with the debut of the pyschopatic murder artist MUSE!  New York has fallen to Wilson Fisk, the Kingpin of Crime: Daredevil’s greatest and deadliest adversary is now the city’s newly elected mayor… And the stage is set for their most unbelievable showdown yet. Matt Murdock has the law and his incredible abilities in his arsenal — but Fisk has an entire city on his side.

As the mayor declares Daredevil Public Enemy No. 1, Matt Murdock receives the most incredible offer of his legal career! And while Fisk pursues a crusade against costumed vigilantes, a new player joins the resistance against him: the psychopathic murder artist Muse! Can Daredevil withstand assaults from both sides of this terrible conflict? As tensions build to a climax, the heroes and villains of New York’s streets join the fray as the city is shaken to its very core.

JEPH LOEB & TIM SALE: DAREDEVIL

Written by Jeph Loeb
Art by Tim Sale
Collecting: DAREDEVIL: YELLOW (2001) #1-6

Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale are one of the most acclaimed duos in comics, and their emotionally stirring work on Daredevil brings new depth to the Man Without Fear!  Focusing on the events leading up to his costumed debut, DAREDEVIL: YELLOW presents a Matt Murdock full of youthful exuberance and unyielding optimism. After the death of his father, Battlin’ Jack Murdock, Matt dedicates his life to eradicating crime from the streets of Hell’s Kitchen.

Witness the birth of Daredevil as a young Murdock trains his body and mind to become a hero! Featuring the Fantastic Four, Electro, the Owl and the Purple Man, but rather than DD’s adventures in his original suit, in this saga it’s the maturation of Matt as a person and his growing love for Karen Page that take the spotlight!

DAREDEVIL BY CHIP ZDARSKY VOL. 1: KNOW FEAR

Written by Chip Zdarsky
Art by Marco Checchetto and others
Collecting: DAREDEVIL (2019) #1-5

Acclaimed writer Chip Zdarsky ushers in a thrilling era for Daredevil! After a brush with death, Matt Murdock must piece together his shattered life - and that includes returning to action as Daredevil! But years of trauma have taken their toll, and becoming the guardian of Hell's Kitchen he once was won't be easy. Mistakes will be made along the way - and this time, one might actually prove to be the end of him. Because when a criminal dies, and Daredevil takes the blame, Matt must go on the run in a desperate bid to clear his name! But even he can't outrun judgment forever. And with DD's absence from Hell's Kitchen, the real devils can come out to play.

PUNISHER: WELCOME BACK, FRANK

Written by Garth Ennis
Art by Steve Dillon
Collecting: PUNISHER (2000) #1-12

Iconic Punisher creative team Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon's definitive Punisher collaboration, which revitalized the character for the turn of the millennium! Frank Castle — the Punisher — is a one-man army locked, loaded and ready to take down anyone in his way, meting out the ultimate punishment to criminals: death. The Punisher makes his return by eliminating the ruthless Ma Gnucci’s crime family — pursued by the NYPD’s two-detective Punisher Task Force, crazed contract killer the Russian and super hero Daredevil…and emulated by three copycat killers who want to join forces with him.

The over-the-top action builds toward a showdown in the apartment building Frank shares with his colorful fellow residents. Castle must survive to finish his vendetta, making sure his neighbors aren’t caught in the crossfire while evil is punished. With this series, writer Garth Ennis and artist Steve Dillon (together with inker Jimmy Palmiotti and iconic cover artist Tim Bradstreet) gave the Punisher a redefining fresh start that once more made him a force to be reckoned with!

PUNISHER EPIC COLLECTION: CIRCLE OF BLOOD

Written by Steven Grant and others
Art by Mike Zeck and others

The Punisher goes solo! After years making life complicated for Spider-Man, Daredevil and more, the Marvel Universe's deadliest vigilante fires his way into his own series - beginning behind bars! Find out exactly who Frank Castle is as he makes his way back out of prison - and renews his bloody war on crime! Gangsters, drug dealers and other lowlifes beware!

These are the formative solo adventures that defined the world of the Punisher - establishing his alliance with Microchip, rivalry with Jigsaw and more! From taking on terrorists to massacring the mob to attacking an assassins guild, the Punisher's mission never ends - but when he crosses paths with the Man Without Fear, will their renewed grudge match turn deadly?

COLLECTING: PUNISHER (1986) #1-5, PUNISHER (1987) #1-10, DAREDEVIL (1964) #257, and MARVEL GRAPHIC NOVEL: PUNISHER - ASSASSIN'S GUILD (1988)