Kicking off a new number one can be a daunting challenge for a creative team, but writer Stephanie Phillips and artist Lee Garbett make it feel effortless with Daredevil. This premiere issue finds that sweet spot between welcoming to new readers while respecting the long history of the character and his fans. Not to mention it landed at the perfect time with the second season of Born Again streaming on Disney+!
Hell’s Kitchen is full of secrets — but no secret stays buried for long! As a fearsome new super villain named Omen has targeted Matt Murdock, it will be his alter-ego Daredevil who takes the hits! But beware! This mysterious new player isn’t all that they appear — a secret Daredevil will have to learn quickly as he scrambles to settle into a life and status-quo we’ve never seen him in before!
Daredevil is one of those characters that a lot of folks outside of comics know by name, while they may not know his entire backstory, they at least know of the character. I point this out, because Phillips drops us into Hell’s Kitchen in a way where she gives us just enough background to understand Matt Murdock/Daredevil, but doesn’t over explain for those who are already in the loop. This makes this new series extremely approachable for any reader.
Matt Murdock has always been an intriguing character, living his dual life as a public servant as well as suiting up as Daredevil to help protect us all. However, Phillips grounds the character even more in Daredevil #1 with him not just suffering, but navigating a new life phase as an adjunct professor. This makes Murdock more relatable, not just tortured.
Not only do we get a fresh story arc featuring Matt Murdock and The Man Without Fear, but Phillips and Garbett introduce us to a new villain of Hell’s Kitchen. This new villain is out for Matt Murdock specially, which gives the story a slightly different feel. We are left with more questions than answers, making for an intriguing second issue. While we don’t get much of Omen, what few panels featuring this new villain carried some heavy weight.
Garbett brings top-notch illustrations to Daredevil #1 with dynamic and stylish scenes where the action is flowing flawlessly while also bringing things into perspective with the more intimate moments. The lines are clean and the Daredevil look is stunning with few callbacks to classic suits and more. Garbett crafts a unique and villainish look to Omen that oozes from the page.
Daredevil is the street level crime fighting comic you’d expect from Stephanie Phillips and Lee Garbett, but with a fresh take that works for both new fans and those looking for more of their favorite character. Welcoming to those new to Matt Murdock, while also paying respect to the rich history of the character.
Daredevil #1 hit local comic shops on April 1, 2026 from Marvel Comics.
Daredevil #1 Preview
