Welcome back to Collecting Issues – the comic book book club podcast – and our first episode of the year (even if it is March, don’t @ us). This month, we’re diving deep into one of the most iconic and influential superhero stories of all time: Daredevil: Born Again – collecting issues #227 to #233 from the 1986 Daredevil run, written by Frank Miller and drawn by David Mazzucchelli.
In this extended breakdown, we take a long, winding look at the dismantling and resurrection of Matt Murdock, the defining portrayal of the Kingpin as a true menace, and the raw, uncompromising misery that Miller lathers onto every page. From gritty noir influences to intense Catholic imagery (and a nun who may or may not be Matt’s mammy), we discuss the themes, legacy, and visuals of this masterwork – all while occasionally slandering Foggy Nelson and wondering what the hell Nuke is doing here.
We also cover:
- The real golden age of Daredevil (hint: not the 1930s)
- Karen Page’s tragic arc and women in 1980s comics
- The influence of Miller’s crime storytelling and cinematic layouts
- A very sweaty Kingpin in Speedos beating up six lads
- What happens when a Daredevil comic becomes a Captain America comic
- Shared universe highs and lows
- And why Frank Miller definitely, absolutely, maybe just hates joy
Plus, we ask the big questions: Did Miller create the heavy render era or just ride the wave? Is this still the definitive Daredevil story? And why won’t Foggy just stop being the worst?
This is a bumper episode, so get comfy, roll your eyes at how miserable it all is, and join us for one of the bleakest but most brilliant stories in superhero history.
If you’ve got thoughts on Born Again or just want to shout at us for our hot takes, join the Collecting Issues Discord (link below) and let us know. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share – and stay tuned for next month’s pick: Eight Billion Genies by Charles Soule and Ryan Browne!
00:00 Introduction to Collecting Issues
00:38 Podcast Banter and Updates
00:56 Comic Book Discussions and Recommendations
03:34 Introduction to Daredevil: Born Again
04:35 Frank Miller's Influence on Daredevil
07:00 Daredevil's Origin and Evolution
10:26 Frank Miller's Artistic Style
16:06 Born Again: Plot and Themes
32:13 David Mazzucchelli's Art in Born Again
38:22 Frank Miller's Complex Relationship with Women
39:01 Karen Page: The Fallen Woman Archetype
39:33 MAGA Hats and Modern Politics
40:23 Catholicism in Daredevil's Narrative
44:03 The Dismantling of Matt Murdock
51:28 Kingpin's Menacing Presence
58:23 Nuke and the Military Industrial Complex
01:11:22 Final Thoughts and Reflections
Join the Discord and read along
Join the Substack
Follow us on Instagram
Follow us on Tiktok
Watch us on Youtube
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
