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

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