As the Devil of Hell's Kitchen, Daredevil has been fighting crime since his comic book origin in the 1960s. Four decades later, Daredevil received more introspective storylines with a focus on his vigilance, personal relationships, and his gray past.
In a few comics from this period, the focus also lays on his enemies like Kingpin and Bullseye. As for alternate realities, Daredevil Yellow gave the character a "rom-com" makeover while End of Days interpreted his death in an alternate timeline.
7 Daredevil: Yellow (Limited Series)
Marvel once decided to adopt a "color-based" approach for some of its most popular characters. Along with the 2000s comic issues Spiderman: Blue and Hulk: Grey, Daredevil got his own miniseries called Yellow. As comic book fans would know, the red-costumed vigilante once donned a yellow costume.
Not only does Daredevil: Yellow pay tribute to his origin story but it also adds context to Daredevil's relationship with New York City. It's also a celebration of love, as Karen Page and Matt Murdock's relationship plays out like a rom-com. This is probably one of the few times when the Man Without Fear gets a heartwarming arc like this.
6 Without Fear (Daredevil Vol 2 #100-105)
True to his name, the Daredevil's adversary Mr. Fear uses a psychotic drug that induces the worst fear of its user. When he uses the substance on Daredevil's wife Milla Donovan, the vigilante races against time to find an antidote.
The miniseries is a perfect read to understand Daredevil's humanity. At times, he might act distanced and emotionless. This explains his troubled romantic relationships. But at the end of the day, he's always ready to make all sacrifices to save the people who matter to him.
5 Return Of The King (Daredevil Vol 2 #116-119)
Daredevil and Kingpin's rivalry in comics has existed for decades, but in Return of the King, they surprisingly decided to join hands for a change. In the continuity of this comic book arc, Fisk has left New York and started his life with a clean slate. Even though he has unfinished business with Daredevil and Lady Bullseye, he plans on giving up his criminal pursuits. Still, his troubled past comes back to him forcing him to return to the city and ally with Daredevil.
The comic's central partnership is unexpected and amusing to witness as it plays out. Even though Kingpin has always been a ruthless villain, he does have his grey areas making readers empathize with him. Themes such as sin and redemption feature heavily leading up to a philosophical storyline.
4 End Of Days (Limited Series)
In a future where Daredevil and his arch-nemesis Kingpin have died, journalist Ben Urich embarks on an ambitious investigative report to find the secret behind the vigilante's death. The spotlight falls on his past romantic interests and criminal adversaries. But little to Urich's knowledge, he's being chased by another man posing as Daredevil.
An "impostor" Daredevil and Urich's investigation is bound to impress fans of Daredevil's Netflix series given that both elements played a major role in its three-season run. Given the fact that Daredevil doesn't appear as much as the other characters, the comic also provides an opportunity to understand the impact he has had on his allies.
3 Daredevil/Bullseye: The Target (Limited Series)
One of Daredevil's major comic book villains is Bullseye. While his initial depictions might seem cartoonish, 2000s comics like The Target added darker angles to his personality. It is largely a revenge story as it follows the events of Guardian Angel. After Bullseye killed Karen Page, Matt trains his body to extreme levels to seek his vengeance. Even though Daredevil believes in justice and has a "no-killing" rule, his rage towards Bullseye seems murderous for a change.
Unfortunately, Kevin Smith's storyline was left incomplete after one issue. Intended to be a limited series, The Target was to include other elements such as the titular target being Captain America. Regardless of its unfinished status, the first issue still makes for an essential collector's item with an ending left open to interpretation.
2 Daredevil Ninja (Limited Series)
Daredevil has been born and raised in Hell's Kitchen but he has had a close connection to Japan. His mentor Stick has actively trained him in the same martial arts as the villainous ninjas of The Hand. After Stick's staff is stolen, Daredevil unearths a larger plot and goes to Japan. A clash with The Hand is imminent but he's not alone in his quest. Joining him are the ninjas of The Chaste, Stick's old ninja team.
It's exciting to find the hero revisiting his fighting roots and exploring Japan. Stick and Matt's strained teacher-student bond is also explored further with a third-act twist that no one would see coming. The three issues make for a quick read after watching the Netflix series. Just like the live-action adaptation, Daredevil and Stick fight alongside each other despite having ideological differences.
1 Ultimate Daredevil And Elektra (Limited Series)
Set within Marvel's Ultimate Universe, Daredevil and Elektra's love story is reimagined right from their college days. While both of them are dating and engaging in vigilance, they differ in their views on dealing with criminals. Elektra is more violent and ruthless while Matt's legal inclinations allow him to be more rational and just.
Eventually, their costumed adventures serve as a barrier in their relationship but Ultimate Daredevil and Elektra provides a much-needed background for modern readers. Both of them have continued to have an on-and-off relationship in many issues, but perhaps this is one of the best examples to show their love for each other.
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