Editor’s note: The below contains spoilers for Episode 8 of She-Hulk.Much rejoicing was heard in various corners of the Internet last week, asShe-Hulk: Attorney At LawbroughtCharlie Cox’sMatt Murdock into the orbit of Jennifer Walters(Tatiana Maslany). While Cox had previously appeared inSpider-Man: No Way Home, this marks his first full appearance as Murdock following the cancelation of theDaredevilseries on Netflix. And Daredevil’s appearance not only showcases the potential path he will take in the Marvel Cinematic Universe — but it also draws from a fan-favorite run featuring the Man Without Fear, specificallyMark Waid’s work.
Waid is perhaps best known for his work at DC Comics, including the classicKingdom Comeminiseries withAlex RossandSuperman: BirthrightwithLenil Francis Yu. But his Marvel work is just as impressive; hisFantastic Fourrun with the late, greatMike Wieringore-established why the First Family was one of Marvel’s premier super-teams, and hisS.H.I.E.L.D.series folded characters from theAgents of S.H.I.E.L.D.series into Marvel Comics canon. But it wasDaredevilthat really stood out, due to the approach Waid and a number of artists includingPaolo RiveraandChris Sammeetook.
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WithDaredevil, Waid took the same approach that he did withFantastic Fourand went back to the character’s swashbuckling roots. This Daredevil performed insane acrobatics and delivered wry observations to his foes. This approach served as a total 180 fromFrank Miller’s gritter take that had become the norm with Daredevil stories. In addition, the artwork that Sammee, Rivera, and other artists provided was brighter than Miller’s work, playing up the reds in Daredevil’s costume as well as finding a new way to depict his trademark “radar sense.”
The two biggest standouts of Waid’s run are how he managed to reinforce Daredevil’s standing in the mainstream Marvel Universe, and the approach to the Man Without Fear’s love life. Throughout this run, Daredevil fought foes including the Mole Man and Ulysses Klaw — with the latter wreaking havoc on his superhuman senses. He also brushed shoulders with other heroes including the Silver Surfer and Captain America, which served as a reminder that the Marvel Universe is a very big and very varied place. As for Murdock’s love life, he has a brief fling with the Black Cat and soon strikes up a relationship with fellow lawyer Kirsten McDuffie. He even literally sweeps a bride off her feet inDaredevil#1!
These elements are present throughout Murdock’s appearance inShe-Hulk. When he first appears in costume, he’s sporting a bright red and yellow get-up that also doubles asa nod to his very first costume. He also keeps flirting with Jennifer, whether it’s at the bar in their civilian identities or on the rooftop when he notices her heartbeat increases in his presence. The two even end up spending the night together — which leads to one of the episode’s most memorable moments when the Man Without Fear strolls through a sunny California neighborhood. Murdock is even more acrobatic than he was in the Netflix series, leaping from building to building with the grace of an Olympic gymnast.
Using Waid’s run as an influence not only provides a fresh source of inspiration for Cox’s future appearances as Daredevil, but also proves that the character can grow and evolve. In fact, theDaredevilNetflix series ended on a high note, with Murdock choosing to begin a new practice with his friends Foggy Nelson (Elden Henson) and Karen Page (Deborah Ann Woll). And even though the upcomingDaredevil: Born Againseries looks to take its inspiration from the Miller storyline, having elements of Waid’s run could also prevent it from treading well-worn ground — especially since that storyline was a major driving force of Season 3 of the Netflix series.
She-Hulk: Attorney at Lawpremieres new episodes weekly each Thursday on Disney+.
