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This is potentially controversial, and may require a more detailed write up at some point, but pound for pound, I'd argue Daredevil has the most consistently excellent modern solo series of any Marvel hero. When you think about the greats that have blessed Matt Murdock with all time great, era defining runs (Miller, Nocenti, Bendis, Waid) it's downright startling.

As Daredevil's Netflix series renewed interest, finally giving us the savior of Hell's Kitchen we've been waiting for, you can read up on the essential Daredevil comics from his origin to present day.

I'd also recommend our Punisher and Elektra reading orders for those seeking even more comics!

Without further ado: the Daredevil reading order.

I) Daredevil's Origins

You'll undoubtedly note that my early Daredevil Origins section is fairly sparse. Nothing against the hornhead's 60's origins, but I'm not going to lie: most readers will want to get the origins and jump ahead to the Frank Miller era that defines the character we see today.

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The first issue of Daredevil impressively tackles all of the familiar Daredevil origin beats we know and love. It's impressive just how much of Matt Murdock's beginnings are captured in that one issue, as well as the number of Daredevil foes we quickly see introduced in those first 11 issues (The Owl! Purple Man! Stilt Man!!!).

Daredevil, Vol. 1 (Marvel Masterworks)

Daredevil #1 – #11

Daredevil: Battlin' Jack Murdock

#1 – #4

It's worth noting that the four issue Battlin' Jack Murdock miniseries was published in 2007. Nonetheless, it's all flashback, and works best as some surprisingly touching fill-in detail surrounding Daredevil's origins.

II) Daredevil: The Frank Miller Era

Frank Miller's run on Daredevil lasted for less than fifty issues (plus two trades), and yet it it introduced virtually everything we know about the character today. The importance of his dad, the way his powers work, his involvement with characters like Stick, Elektra, the Kingpin, Bullseye, and the Hand. It's all here. (Side note: This is also where Frank got a lot of his ideas for his iconic run on Batman.)

Daredevil by Frank Miller & Klaus Janson Omnibus

Daredevil #158 – #191

Daredevil: Love and War (Marvel Graphic Novel)

Original Graphic Novel

Daredevil: Born Again

Daredevil #226 – #233

Daredevil: The Man Without Fear

#1 – #5 (1993)

II Redux) Ann Nocenti and Joe Kelly Take Daredevil From the Late 80's Through the 1990's

Daredevil Epic Collection: A Touch of Typhoid

Collects:Daredevil #253 to #270

Covers a good chunk of Ann Nocenti's run on Daredevil, introducing Daredevil villain Typhoid Mary.

Daredevil: The Fall of the Kingpin

Collects:Daredevil #297 to #300

The follow-up to Daredevil: Born Again.

Daredevil Epic Collection: Fall From Grace

Collects:Daredevil #319 to #322

I'm not a Fall From Grace fan, but it does come up as one of the more well known Daredevil and Elektra storylines of the mid-90's.

Daredevil Epic Collection: Widow's Kiss

Collects:Daredevil #365 to #380, Daredevil/Deadpool Annual '97

Joe Kelly is most well known for his 1997 kickoff to Deadpool (DD and Deadpool even crossed over for an annual issue!), but many people forget he was also writing one of the last Daredevil runs before the series rebooted with Marvel Knights.

III) Daredevil in the 2000's: Kevin Smith and Marvel Knights

This, more than Punisher, was what launched Marvel Knights. It was mature and really explored Matt's faith and expanding off that by delving into why he is so drawn to what's dark and mysterious in the world.

Bringing Smith on was really controversial at the time as he was known as a comic fan, not so much a writer. But he surprised a lot of people with this run and there are still parts of it that are surprisingly good. Unfortunately, there are also some Kevin Smith tropes in here that don't age quite so gracefully. Like his terrible handling of Karen Page and his obsession with Bullseye.

Daredevil: Guardian Devil

Daredevil #1 – #8

Daredevil, Vol. 1: Yellow

#1 – #5

Punisher Vol 1: Welcome Back Frank

Collects: Punisher #1 to #12

This is not the first time Punisher and Daredevil have crossed paths, but for my money, it is the definitive event. The first time on paper we see the lengths to which they'll go… and just how much Frank respects Matt.This brief encounter sets up at least three future arcs — entire storylines — for Daredevil comics and should be considered essential reading.

Marvel Knights (Vol. 1)

#1 – #15

Spider-Man / Daredevil

#1

Daredevil Vol. 2: Parts of a Hole

Daredevil #9 – #15

IV) Daredevil: The Bendis & Maleev Era

If you're going to read only one run on Daredevil, this might be the best place to start. Because this is not a Daredevil book… this is a Matt Murdock book, and it is incredible. Bendis absolutely turns Murdock's life upside-down and keeps him off-balance the entire arc. For a decade of real time. (It's amazing Marvel let him do it in the first place.) The end result is that the whole run both builds on continuity without requiring it for reading. Instead, you just build a life with this character while his falls apart.

Daredevil by Brian Michael Bendis & Alex Maleev Ultimate Collection – Book 1

Daredevil #16-19 & #26-40

Elektra By Greg Rucka Ultimate Collection

Elektra #1 – #22

Technically, Elektra shows up in Daredevil's solo series prior to the completion of issue #40 (the completion of Bendis and Maleev's book 1). If you really want, you could start reading Elektra around Daredevil #30. Personally, I'd just fill in the solo Elektra if you're so inclined.

Kingpin

#1 – #6

Daredevil by Brian Michael Bendis & Alex Maleev Ultimate Collection – Book 2

Daredevil #41 – #50 & #56 – #60

Daredevil / Echo: Vision Quest

Daredevil #51-55

Daredevil 2099

#1

Written by the Walking Dead's Robert Kirkman!

Elektra: The Hand

#1 – #5

Just to put this in perspective, the series was written during the Elektra solo movie years. I know, I tried to forget as well, but our past is always with us.

Bullseye: Greatest Hits

#1 – #5

Daredevil: Father

#1 – #6

Daredevil by Brian Michael Bendis & Alex Maleev Ultimate Collection – Book 3

Daredevil #66-81, What If Karen Page Had Lived? #1 (Oct 2004 – Jan 2006)

Daredevil vs. Punisher: Means & Ends

#1 – #6

Daredevil: Redemption

#1 – #5

V) Daredevil: The Brubaker & Lark Era

Ed Brubaker does his best picking up the pieces of what Bendis had left for him. Brubaker does an admirable job adding black humor to the book and giving Daredevil allies at a time he feels his most alone.

Daredevil By Ed Brubaker & Michael Lark Ultimate Collection – Book 1

Daredevil #82 – #93 (through Jan 2007)

I'd note that Civil War takes place during this Brubaker and Lark run. Helps explain the dueling Daredevils.

Daredevil by Ed Brubaker & Michael Lark Ultimate Collection – Book 2

Daredevil #94 – #105 (through Feb 2008)

Daredevil by Ed Brubaker & Michael Lark Ultimate Collection Book 3

Daredevil #106 – #119 & #500 (through Aug 2009)

Daredevil & Captain America: Dead on Arrival

#1

Blood of the Tarantula

#1

Daredevil Noir

#1 – #4

VI) Shadowland

If we're being generous, Shadowland was meant to elevate Marvel's "street level" heroes. It's the story of what would happen if Matt Murdock took control of the hand, and how it would impact the community. But really, if we're being honest, Shadowland exists to "fix" what Bendis did with the character so that Netflix could have TV shows about these heroes. Naturally, that "fix" wasn't taken well by fans, and so we don't talk much about "SECRET WAR: NETWORK BOARDROOM MEETING."

Daredevil: The Devil's Hand

Daredevil: Dark Days & Daredevil #501-507

Daredvil: Cage Match

#1

Shadowland

For the full event issue by issue guide, see the Shadowland reading order (July 2010 – Dec 2010)

Daredevil: Black and White

#1

As far as I can tell, this issue is out of continuity. Potentially fun read, though.

Daredevil: Reborn

#1 – #4

VII) Daredevil: The Mark Waid & Marvel NOW! Era

Captain America inspires, Spider-Man hopes, Deadpool memes, Daredevil suffers. Suffering has been the emotional core of the Daredevil book ever since Frank Miller rescued him from the ash heap. His catholic guilt tormented him. His body betrayed him. His loved ones were hurt because of him. His whole life was a disaster, at all times. That is until Mark Waid got a hold of him.

Waid took a lot out of those early, pre-Miller books and built a Matt Murdock who could struggle with him demons… and win. Best of all, this is a decision within the comic. Murdock makes the choice to see the light. But is it an act? Is it just him running away from his problems?

Daredevil by Mark Waid, Vol. 1

Daredevil #1-10, 10.1; Amazing Spider -Man 677 (July 2011 – March 2012)

Daredevil by Mark Waid Volume 2

Daredevil #11 – #21, Avenging Spider-Man #6, Punisher #10 (Omega Effect Tie-Ins)

Daredevil by Mark Waid Volume 3

Daredevil #22 – #36

Daredevil: Dark Knights

#1 – #8

Daredevil Volume 1: Devil at Bay

Daredevil #1 – #5, 1.5, .1

Daredevil Volume 2: West-Case Scenerio

Daredevil #6 to #10

Superior Iron Man Volume 1: Infamous

Superior Iron Man #1 – #5

Not a typo. Some of Daredevil's most recent exploits -and Axis tie ins – occur within Superior Iron Man.

Daredevil Vol. 3: The Daredevil You Know

Daredevil Vol. 4: The Autobiography of Matt Murdock

Daredevil #11 to #18

Thus concludes the epic Mark Waid era on Daredevil!

VIII) All-New All-Different Daredevil by Charles Soule

Daredevil: Back in Black Vol. 1: Chinatown

Daredevil: Back in Black Vol. 2: Supersonic

Daredevil/Punisher: Seventh Circle

Included as Daredevil/Punisher: Seventh Circle Infinite Comic on Marvel Unlimited.

Daredevil: Back in Black Vol. 3: Dark Art

Daredevil: Back in Black Vol. 4: Identity

Takes you through Daredevil #1 to #20.

Civil War II: Kingpin

Collects: Civil War Ii: Kingpin #1-4, Amazing Spider-Man (1963) #51

Kingpin Vol. 1: Born Again

Collects: Kingpin #1-5:

This is a story told from Wilson Fisk's point of view. (Not to be confused with the Frank Miller run of the same name. )

Bullseye: The Colombian Connection

Collects: Bullseye #1-5:

Another story told from the villain's POV.

Daredevil – Back in Black, Vol. 5: Supreme

Collects: Daredevil #21-28:

Daredevil – Back in Black, Vol. 6: Mayor Fisk

Collects: Daredevil 595-600

Marvel returned to classic numbering with these issues. Don't worry, it DOES take place immediately after issues #21-25

Typhoid Fever

Collects: Typhoid Fever: Spider-Man 1, Typhoid Fever: Daredevil 1, Typhoid Fever: X-Men 1

While Daredevil is busy taking down Mayor Fisk, who's guarding Hell's Kitchen? Typhoid Mary takes her shot at claiming the Burrough… and comes up against some surprising resistance.

Daredevil – Back in Black, Vol. 7: Mayor Murdock

Collects: Daredevil 601-605

Hunt for Wolverine: Weapon Lost

Collects: Collects Hunt For Wolverine (2018) #1 And Hunt For Wolverine: Weapon Lost (2018) #1-4.

Soule writes this story of Daredevil and Misty Knight searching for Wolverine.It contains information crucial to Daredevil's main story at this point.

Daredevil Back in Black, Vol. 8: Death of Daredevil

Collects: Daredevil 606-611

IV) Fresh Start Daredevil Comics

Marvel Knights 20th Anniversary

Collects:

Cates, Rosenberg, and a bunch of other great names get the band back together.

Man Without Fear: The Death of Daredevil – By Jed McKay

Collects: Man Without Fear 1-5

With Daredevil presumed dead, the heroes of Hell's Kitchen mourn their fallen friend. And come to fear someone new…

War of the Realms (event)

Collects: Full event!

Matt Murdock becomes The God Without Fear in this spectacular epic tale.

Daredevil by Chip Zdarsky Vol. 1: To Know Fear

Collects: Daredevil 1-5

Daredevil by Chip Zdarsky Vol. 2

Collects: Daredevil 6-10

Daredevil by Chip Zdarsky Vol. 3: Through Hell

Collects:Daredevil #11 to #15

Daredevil by Chip Zdarsky Vol. 4: End of Hell

Collects:Daredevil #16 to #20

X) Team-Ups & Guest Spots

The below team-ups span various eras of Daredevil's history, and don't have to follow the preceding section of comics!

Greatest Spider-Man and Daredevil Team-Ups

Collects: Collects The Amazing Spider-Man #'S 16, 396, Daredevil #270, Marvel Team-Up #'S 56, 73, The Spectacular Spider-Man #'S 26, 27, 28, 219.

Spider-man and Daredevil have been fast friends since the 60s, giving writers some fantastic banter to work with while their artists draw high-flying adventure.

Daredevil and the Punisher: Child's Play | Jan 1988 | Miller

Collects: Ogn

Written and illustrated by Frank Miller

Daredevil/Black Widow: Abattoir | July 1993 | Starlin, Chiodo

Collects: Ogn

A fun detective story where Natasha and Matt try to find out who's killing SHIELD's telepaths

Venom on Trial

Collects: Venom On Trial #1-3

Daredevil defending Venom. Larrry Hama at his most Hama. So much 90s.

Daredevil/Bullseye: The Target

Collects: Ogn

Daredevil/Spider-Man

Collects: Ogn

Daredevil and Spider-Man are forced to protect the King Pin.

Marvel Knights Daredevil: Unusual Suspects

Collects: Daredevil: Ninja 1-3; Daredevil/Spider-Man 1-4; Daredevil (1998) 20-25, 51-55; Spider-Man/Daredevil 1

Bendis, Jenkins, Gale & Mack telling some great tales… some of which involve Stilt-man

Defenders Vol. 1: Diamonds Are Forever

Collects: Defenders 1-5

Jessica Jones, Daredevil, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist come together to bust some heads.

Defenders Vol. 2: Kingpins of New York

Collects: Defenders 6-11

The King Pin is gone… but Deadpool is here?

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Source: https://www.comicbookherald.com/daredevil-reading-order/

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