Frank Miller’s Daredevil Just Doesn’t Hold Up

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It’s challenging to dispute that Frank Miller ranks among the top comic book creators of recent times. His masterpieces like “Ronin,” “Sin City,” and “300” are often referred to as artistic treasures. Moreover, his work on “Batman: The Dark Knight Returns” not only revitalized the franchise but also laid the foundation for the “grim and gritty” anti-hero character type that’s now common in modern superhero narratives. However, before these milestones, Miller made a significant impact with his work on Marvel’s “Daredevil.” This early contribution not only highlighted Miller’s exceptional skills as both a writer and artist but is also frequently recognized for transforming the “Man Without Fear” from a secondary Marvel hero to one of their most prominent, successful, and influential characters.

It’s important to acknowledge that Frank Miller’s work on Daredevil was groundbreaking, but as time has passed, some parts of it may seem less than ideal, outdated, or not up to contemporary standards. To fully grasp why Miller’s run on Daredevil might not resonate as strongly today, it is essential to first recognize the reasons behind its initial high acclaim.

Miller’s Daredevil was a Comic well Before its Time

Initially starting as an artist for Daredevil, working under Roger McKenzie and later David Michelinie, Miller eventually took on the main writer/artist role in issue #168 of Daredevil (1964). This significant issue not only marked Miller’s full creative takeover of the series but also introduced Elektra Natchios. Under his leadership, Elektra transformed into one of Marvel Comics’ most iconic characters, playing a crucial role in Miller’s interpretation of Daredevil. One reason Miller’s work on Daredevil is highly regarded as revolutionary is the way Elektra developed throughout the storyline, becoming central to Miller’s version of Daredevil’s mythos.

Alongside Elektra, Miller also introduced Stick as Daredevil’s mentor, while significantly altering established Marvel characters such as the Kingpin (Wilson Fisk) and Bullseye. These new characters added a diverse array of captivating adversaries and allies for Daredevil, each interacting in unique ways with Miller’s reinvented version of the hero. By imbuing Daredevil with additional layers of complexity and vulnerability, Miller created a much more intriguing character compared to his previous, less nuanced portrayals.

As a die-hard cinema enthusiast, I’d like to highlight one significant transformation Frank Miller brought to Daredevil that stood out for me. Going beyond the character developments he masterfully crafted, which later echoed so powerfully in The Dark Knight, Miller instilled a darker, grittier ambiance that starkly contrasted the usual, bright, and flashy superhero worlds depicted in comics like Iron Man or Captain America. Instead, Miller immersed Daredevil in the grimy underbelly of New York City’s crime-infested streets – specifically Hell’s Kitchen. This shift from wide-open vistas to the shadowy corners and cramped rooms of the urban jungle truly resonated with me.

Miller Broke the Mold With Daredevil, But Modern Creators Have Made Their Own Molds

One intriguing aspect of Miller’s comic book series was its innovation, as it explored concepts unseen in the world of comics during the 1980s. Notably, mature themes, gritty realism, and multilayered narratives were scarcely present in mainstream superhero comics at that time. Today, such elements have become commonplace. Unfortunately, the groundbreaking aspects of Miller’s Daredevil, which were once edgy and transformative, now seem outdated, excessively dark, and relatively unsophisticated.

The death of Elektra in the 1964 issue #181 of Daredevil stands out as one of the most striking moments in Marvel Comics history. This impact is largely due to the unexpected nature of the event and the dramatic execution – it was like a sudden, startling shock. Although this approach still has its merit, today’s readers often look for more than just a strong emotional reaction from character deaths. They desire a deeper examination of the emotional and psychological aspects involved, especially the turmoil that Daredevil would experience if Elektra were to perish. Modern comics, like Tom King’s Batman, continue to deliver surprising deaths, but they balance the darkness with complexity and subtlety – something that was not present in Miller’s Daredevil.

Miller’s Daredevil is Timeless, but not Untouchable

In their day, Miller’s characters and the way he developed them were truly groundbreaking. At the time of their initial release, they were fresh and captivating. However, as time has passed, some might find them appearing somewhat flat and outdated. During the original run, Miller not only brought Elektra to life but also significantly changed established Marvel characters like Kingpin (Wilson Fisk) and Bullseye. These transformations gave Daredevil a challenging and intriguing roster of adversaries. This ensemble, along with Miller’s new take on Daredevil, added depth and vulnerability to the character, making him far more engaging than his previous one-dimensional portrayal.

Currently, among the characters from Miller’s “Daredevil” series, it is Daredevil who has shown remarkable resilience in terms of character development over time. This is largely due to the talented creative teams that succeeded Miller, who further evolved his character, making him more multi-dimensional and intriguing. For instance, Brian Michael Bendis delved deeper into Daredevil’s psychological aspects, while Chip Zdarsky added layers of spirituality and politics to the Man without Fear.

Contrarily, the primary characters in Miller’s Daredevil, such as Elektra, don’t share the same consistent admiration over time. For example, initial enthusiasm for Elektra has evolved into a more complex perspective. She was initially celebrated as a powerful portrayal of a serious, deadly, and professional female superhero. However, she is now frequently perceived as an overly sexualized representation of classic femme fatale and tragic love interests stereotypes. Critics have even dubbed her the quintessential example of the “fridging” trope — where her importance lies mainly in how her death contributes to Daredevil’s emotional growth.

Looking back, characters such as Kingpin and Bullseye, who were initially portrayed as cunning criminal mastermind and ruthless killer respectively, appear somewhat one-dimensional compared to today’s storytelling standards. Contemporary fans are accustomed to seeing more complex psychological aspects and tragic undertones in characters, which are frequently explored by modern creators like Ed Brubaker and Brian Michael Bendis.

However, the comments about Miller’s “Daredevil” are not intended to imply it is inferior. On the contrary, Miller’s “Daredevil” continues to be a significant milestone in contemporary superhero comics. The criticism instead highlights how even exceptional works may lose some of their brilliance as time passes.

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2025-07-21 05:10