12 Years Ago, Daredevil’s Story Went to Its Most Logical Place After Decades of Marvel Comics

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Daredevil has always been a hero wrestling with difficult choices. As both a lawyer and a vigilante, he’s pulled in two directions – wanting to end violence, yet often resorting to it himself. Matt Murdock firmly believes in the legal system, but frequently takes the law into his own hands when he feels justice isn’t served. This constant conflict forces him to question his actions and how he can be both an enforcer and a defender of the law. While these internal struggles make him a compelling character, the story often focuses on his personal turmoil rather than the broader consequences of his actions.

If Daredevil’s secret identity were ever revealed in reality, the consequences would be massive, impacting not only him but everyone connected to his life as both a lawyer and a vigilante. While comics often avoid exploring this, the Daredevil comic book series tackled it head-on in issue #36, published twelve years ago today. In that issue, Matt Murdock publicly revealed his identity, and the predictable fallout occurred – his life was dramatically and irrevocably changed.

The Disbarment of Nelson and Murdock

It’s expected that lawyers will follow the law, and breaking it can lead to serious consequences. If a lawyer is found to have committed a crime or acted illegally, they can lose their license to practice law in their state. While they might be able to find work in another state, most states are hesitant to allow someone who has been disbarred to become licensed. This is the predicament Matt and Foggy faced when Matt’s secret identity was exposed once more.

This time, Matt publicly revealed his identity while testifying under oath, a stark contrast to past situations where he successfully denied the claims. During a memorable storyline by writer Mark Waid, Daredevil clashed with the Sons of the Serpent, a long-standing hate group with a history of causing trouble. This version of the group had infiltrated and taken control of the New York legal system, manipulating judgments based on prejudice and financial gain.

Daredevil faced a terrible situation when the Sons of the Serpent took control of the legal system he trusted. They discovered his secret identity and a powerful member, Ogilvy, blackmailed him, demanding a false testimony in his son’s murder case. Matt Murdock had to choose between protecting his secret or doing the right thing, and he chose to reveal his identity as Daredevil. This allowed him to defeat the Sons of the Serpent, but it also meant the end of his legal career. Although the New York Supreme Court acknowledged his heroic actions, they were obligated to enforce the law. Because of the conflict of interest, both Matt and Foggy were officially disbarred in New York.

Without Fear, But Embracing Consequences

When Matt Murdock’s secret identity as Daredevil was revealed, both he and Foggy Nelson understood there would be lasting repercussions. They accepted these consequences because they believed it was the right thing to do, even though it would forever change their lives. This outcome felt realistic to many fans, and after years of anticipation, they finally got to see a story they weren’t sure would ever happen. The revelation and its serious, life-altering effects on Matt and Foggy were a rare and impactful moment in comic book storytelling.

Despite everything, this storyline allowed these heroes to prove their principles couldn’t be compromised. It forced them to confront what seemed like their inevitable defeat and overcome it. There was hope, though, as Matt had a hidden advantage: he could still practice law in San Francisco after being disbarred in New York. Matt and Foggy rebuilt their lives by moving across the country, staying true to themselves through a major upheaval. Daredevil faced the consequences of his actions, but it wasn’t the end of his story.

What’s your favorite moment when Daredevil’s secret identity was revealed? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-02-19 23:12