Daredevil Born Again

Welcome back to Collecting Issues – the comic book book club podcast – and our first episode of the year (even if it is March, don’t @ us). This month, we’re diving deep into one of the most iconic and influential superhero stories of all time: Daredevil: Born Again – collecting issues #227 to #233 from the 1986 Daredevil run, written by Frank Miller and drawn by David Mazzucchelli. In this extended breakdown, we take a long, winding look at the dismantling and resurrection of Matt Murdock, the defining portrayal of the Kingpin as a true menace, and the raw, uncompromising misery that Miller lathers onto every page. From gritty noir influences to intense Catholic imagery (and a nun who may or may not be Matt’s mammy), we discuss the themes, legacy, and visuals of this masterwork – all while occasionally slandering Foggy Nelson and wondering what the hell Nuke is doing here. We also cover: The real golden age of Daredevil (hint: not the 1930s) Karen Page’s tragic arc and women in 1980s comics The influence of Miller’s crime storytelling and cinematic layouts A very sweaty Kingpin in Speedos beating up six lads What happens when a Daredevil comic becomes a Captain America comic Shared universe highs and lows And why Frank Miller definitely, absolutely, maybe just hates joy Plus, we ask the big questions: Did Miller create the heavy render era or just ride the wave? Is this still the definitive Daredevil story? And why won’t Foggy just stop being the worst? This is a bumper episode, so get comfy, roll your eyes at how miserable it all is, and join us for one of the bleakest but most brilliant stories in superhero history. If you’ve got thoughts on Born Again or just want to shout at us for our hot takes, join the Collecting Issues Discord (link below) and let us know. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share – and stay tuned for next month’s pick: Eight Billion Genies by Charles Soule and Ryan Browne! 00:00 Introduction to Collecting Issues 00:38 Podcast Banter and Updates 00:56 Comic Book Discussions and Recommendations 03:34 Introduction to Daredevil: Born Again 04:35 Frank Miller's Influence on Daredevil 07:00 Daredevil's Origin and Evolution 10:26 Frank Miller's Artistic Style 16:06 Born Again: Plot and Themes 32:13 David Mazzucchelli's Art in Born Again 38:22 Frank Miller's Complex Relationship with Women 39:01 Karen Page: The Fallen Woman Archetype 39:33 MAGA Hats and Modern Politics 40:23 Catholicism in Daredevil's Narrative 44:03 The Dismantling of Matt Murdock 51:28 Kingpin's Menacing Presence 58:23 Nuke and the Military Industrial Complex 01:11:22 Final Thoughts and Reflections Join the Discord and read along Join the Substack Follow us on Instagram Follow us on Tiktok Watch us on Youtube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.