The Devil You Say

At first glance this Ben Cooper classic looks like Gotham’s guardian, but upon closer inspection it’s really Hell’s Kitchen’s protector.

Daredevil first appeared in his self-titled comic book cover dated April 1964. DD was the creation of Stan Lee, Bill Everett and Jack Kirby. The protagonist’s alliterative alter ego became part of Lee’s stable of damaged heroes in which they battled more than just crime. Matt Murdock’s handicap was his lack of sight. As a lawyer it also proved the axiom Justice is blind.

Daredevil (1964) 7

For his initial six issues, Daredevil sported a red and yellow costume, but illustrator Wally Wood made the executive decision to change it to all red for the seventh book.

By that point Wood had been working through the Marvel Method meaning he was plotting, penciling and inking the book. Lee would receive the pages and make editorial changes as well as filling in the dialogue.

Daredevil remained a second tier character until young artist Frank Miller began penciling the book with issue 158. He would assume writing duties, in addition to illustrating, 10 issues later. Daredevil 168 would also introduce Elektra.

Miller would leave the title only to return for the Born Again story arc running through issues 227-233. The title may sound familiar having been adapted for the Disney+ channel this year.

Makes ya wonder how much candy wearers reaped way back when.