After “The Dark Knight Returns” & “Batman: Year One” both became a critical and commercial success, Frank Miller returned to Marvel to work on a Daredevil storyline known as, “Born Again.” Suffering from drug addiction and lack of basic needs, Karen Page betrays Matt Murdock by giving away his secret as Daredevil. Suddenly, Kingpin/Wilson Fisk obtains the info. He ruins Matt’s life by halting his bank account, framing him for crimes, loses his job as a lawyer and blows up his apartment. Struggling with losing all that he’s lost, Matt embarks on a personal quest for redemption in the hopes of bouncing back as Daredevil.
All seven issues of Born Again were officially published in 1986 (same year Aliens came out) earning huge praise from critics, fans and readers alike. The seven issue storyline was republished in 2025 in a paperback series, “Marvel Premier Collection.”
Anyway, Charlie Cox reprises his role as the titular character in Daredevil: Born Again on Disney Plus. It’s not a 100% adaptation of the storyline. It’s an original storyline. Before I watch the aforementioned series, I wanna share my thoughts on the seven issue storyline involving one of my favorite superheroes.
Today’s review contains no SPOILERS.
Legal & Illegal Aspects
Legal: Say what you will about Frank Miller, he did a great job (mostly) writing all issues.
David Mazzuchelli’s artwork has a neo-noir feel reflecting the dark and gritty tone like Batman: Year One.
Random Thought: I read Born Again on paperback under, Marvel Premier Collection. I got it on my birthday along with Fantastic Four’s 1-50 issues under “Penguin Classics Marvel Collection.” More bang for my buck.
Action Sequences display fights scenes giving ‘em a cinematic atmosphere.
Pacing wasn’t fast or slow. Felt stable for a seven issue storyline.
Given Matt’s raised as a Catholic, religious symbolism play a key role regarding his Character Development. The religious element didn’t feel forced.
Matt, Kingpin & Ben Ulrich often narrate. Which predates Frank Miller’s “Sin City.” Every time read the dialogue, I hear the voices of Charlie Cox, Vincent D’Onofrio & Joe Pantoliano.
Without giving too much away, a figure from Matt’s past plays a key role.
It’s not necessarily required to read previous storylines. You’ll know what’s going on right from the get-go.
Primary Themes are Faith, Redemption, Corruption, Guilt, Power & Forgiveness. Each one’s handled maturely.
The Avengers make a cameo in issue #233. Captain America factors in.
Illegal: Karen Page’s depiction as an adult actress and drug addict felt outta place. Deborah Ann Hall, the actress who played her hated the way Karen’s written. Thank goodness Marvel Studios didn’t go on that route.
The Final Verdict: A-
Although, Karen Page’s depiction feels uncomfortable, Daredevil: Born Again’s a near-perfect seven issue storyline. Matt Murdock’s journey to bouncing back as a superhero redeems the series itself. Themes including religion, faith redemption and guilt added clarity helping me understand Matt’s conflict. If you’re a Marvel enthusiast, buy a Born Again on Marvel Premier Collection or subscribe to Marvel Unlimited. The choice is yours.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 