Chip Zdarsky's new Daredevil series kicked off in 2022 right where he left off in his previous series, and with the help of Marco Checchetto, Matthew Wilson, Erick Arciniega, and VC's Clayton Cowles, the new title has thrown shocks, danger, and huge new changes to the life of the Man Without Fear.
The first eight issues of Zdarsky's run have introduced a whole new status quo for Daredevil, including a new headquarters, team, and a new mission. And while Daredevil is still committed to helping others and fighting the good fight, he is finding his new life filled with more questions than answers, and is finding new purpose in his life.
10 Daredevil Is Married To Elektra
Early on into the series, a huge new change was made to the status quo of Daredevil's relationship with Elektra Natchios. While the two both share the mantle of Daredevil, and act as the joint rulers of the Fist, they underwent a sacred ceremony ritual that declared them man and wife.
As the King and Queen of the Fist, the ceremony was certainly unorthodox, and involved Daredevil and Elektra fighting the reanimated souls of the Hand. Their marriage has given them - and the fellow members of The Fist - enhanced physical abilities, including speed and agility.
9 Jonathan Goldman (Goldy)
As early as issue #1 of the new Daredevil title, seismic changes were introduced into Daredevil's life, with the emergence of Jonathan Goldman. An old law school colleague of Matt's, "Goldy" made a huge revelation: that he was Matt's guardian angel, and that he had been pulling the strings of Matt's life for years.
While it is still yet to be seen how Goldy acquired these powers - or if they're even real - his emergence in Matthew's life have surely given Daredevil pause. If it's true that his fate has already been decided by a higher force, then how is Daredevil meant to proceed with his righteous path?
8 The Hand Has A New Look
Having operated in the shadows for centuries, the ninja organization of the Hand has tapped into their long mystical history in order to make their newest attempt to instill a new world order. Having taken mystical control of several world leaders, the Hand has also expanded their ranks with some new friends in high places.
The Stromwyns have joined forces with the Hand, and the Punisher is their new leader. With the financial backing of multi-millionaires, and a master in death and destruction, the Hand has upgraded their ranks considerably. These new additions bring the cult into a new modern age, and make them even more dangerous.
7 One Of Them Is Doomed
The conflict between the Fist and the Hand dates back generations. With the Hand enacting the will of the Devil, the Fist was created to push back against the forces of Hell. The struggle between the two organizations is well documented in the enchanted Book of the Fist.
Procured by Stick, Elektra and Daredevil's former mentor, the Book of the Fist has revealed many different prophecies surrounding the organization, and it's history. One of these prophecies has made it clear that while the Fist derives its power from its King and Queen, one of the two is doomed to fall in the coming conflict with the Hand.
6 The Punisher Leads The Hand
The Hand has had many different leaders in its long history. With the cult's connection to Hell, and it's many mystical rituals so taxing on the mind, body, and soul, it's no surprise that they've often had to find new leadership. Their ranks have included the Kingpin, Elektra, Daredevil, and now their newest leader, the Punisher.
The Hand has convinced Frank Castle to join them through a series of convincing offers. As the Fist of the Beast, Castle has obtained supernatural powers, including limited clairvoyance, demonic energy, and superhuman strength and regeneration. However, most importantly, the Hand has kept Frank engaged as their leader by resurrecting his dead wife, Maria.
5 Daredevil Has Mystical Powers
The current Daredevil run has made huge changes to the character's lore, and has certainly raised the stakes. Along with the creation of the Fist, the war with the Hand, and the Punisher's new title as God of War, Daredevil has also received new heightened abilities.
While Daredevil's radar sense is legendary, it's incredible to think how it could be strengthened. And yet, the magic properties the Fist has found a way to enhance Daredevil's senses, making him even more sensitive to physical senses, but also emotions and feelings. Daredevil has even been able to purge the dark influence of the Hand from a living dragon, restoring serenity and hope in those around him.
4 Daredevil Plays By His Own Rules Now
For years, Daredevil has worked outside the law, using his abilities as Daredevil to protect New York as a vigilante, while simultaneously using his legal acumen to protect people as Matt Murdock. The combination of the two made for a lethal pairing, but never one that could inflict real structural change.
Now, Daredevil has recognized that the institutions in place have been corrupt for too long, and is trying to change the world in radical new ways. He has broken supervillains out of jail, offered them amnesty on his island and membership into the Fist, and has targeted corrupt police operations, all in the attempt to radicalize the people around him into acting as forces of good.
3 Daredevil Has Lost The Trust Of The Avengers
Despite having refused membership to the Avengers multiple times, Daredevil has always been held in high esteem by Earth's Mightiest Heroes. His uncompromising values, compassionate beliefs, and his character in the face of tragedy has always resonated with the members of the team, earning him their trust and confidence.
However, despite leaving New York City, Daredevil's recent actions with the Fist has piqued the concern of the Avengers. Having recruited multiple former incarcerated super-villains, attacked Hand-controlled political figures, and with Elektra facing off against Iron Man, the Avengers have decided to deal with Daredevil on their own terms.
2 Detective Cole North has joined Team Daredevil
Having been at odds when the character was first introduced in Zdarsky's 2018 run, it's amazing to see the progression of Detective Cole North. A beacon of justice and an incredibly mindful presence in a corrupted system, It wasn't long before Daredevil was able to see North's potential for good.
When he decided to relocate to the new Fist headquarters, Daredevil made sure to extend a spot in his organization to North, as well as his best friend Foggy Nelson. Citing his ability to be an unwavering force of good, Matt assured him that he needed someone like Cole close to him, to keep him on the right path in their fight against the Hand.
1 Kristen McDuffie As Alive And On Matt's Mind
Matt Murdock has been lucky to have been loved, but is surely not lucky in love. The Man Without Fear has had a number of passionate relationships, but due to the tragedy of his life, many of them have ended in heartbreak, and doom. However, one of Matt's old flames has reappeared, alive and well: Kristen McDuffie.
Kristen has reappeared in New York, and just before he left to join Elektra on their island, Matt made sure to pay Kristen a visit, giving her a passionate goodbye kiss. Kristen, like many others, has forgotten Daredevil's secret identity, but it's obvious that the connection between the two is still there. With Matthew now married to Elektra, it's very interesting to see how things with Kristen will take shape.