Daredevil/Punisher: The Devil’s Trigger #1 Is a Cool Little Blast from the Past (Review)

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To be honest, Daredevil isn’t one of my favorite characters. I don’t find his mix of Catholic guilt and heroic persona particularly compelling unless it’s really well-written. I feel similarly about the Punisher – he has potential, but often relies on tired tropes. While I’ve enjoyed some stories featuring both characters, I probably wouldn’t have picked up Daredevil/Punisher: The Devil’s Trigger if I’d seen it in a comic shop. However, I’m glad I did read it, because it’s exactly the kind of Punisher and Daredevil team-up I actually enjoy.

Daredevil works well with many different characters, but his dynamic with the Punisher is particularly strong. They share similar goals but approach their work in vastly different ways, leading to a complex relationship built on both respect and disagreement. When this tension is handled well, as it is here, their interactions are very entertaining. This story is a flashback, set during the ‘Welcome Back, Frank’ arc from the Marvel Knights series, and it’s written by Jimmy Palmiotti, who was instrumental in creating the Marvel Knights imprint. Palmiotti is also currently writing a Punisher mini-series called The World to Come, and I’ve been consistently impressed with his recent work – this issue definitely carries the same quality.

Palmiotti clearly understands these characters and knows how to write them well. This issue revisits events from “Welcome Back, Frank,” showing the conflict between the Punisher and Daredevil, but this time from Daredevil’s point of view. It’s a clever way to offer a fresh take on familiar scenes. Given Daredevil’s fighting style, the action is exciting and effectively leads into what happens next. The issue as a whole builds the main storyline of this miniseries while revealing something compelling about the complex, often uneasy, working relationship between these two heroes. Ultimately, I enjoyed how this issue develops the characters and sets up future events, especially because it presents a different angle on one of my favorite Daredevil fights – I’ve always thought he was incredibly powerful, so it’s fun to see him challenged.

Rating: 4.0 out of 5

Pros Cons
Fun new look at a classic Daredevil/Punisher scene The art is good, but not great
Establishes an interesting dynamic for between the two characters Too much of the book is taken up by showing us things we’ve seen before

The Book’s Art Works, but It Won’t Knock Your Socks Off

Daredevil has always attracted top artistic talent, and many acclaimed artists have contributed to his comics. Marco Checchetto recently set a high bar for the character’s visual style. In this issue, Tommaso Bianchi attempts to emulate Checchetto’s work, and while it’s perfectly acceptable, it doesn’t quite reach the same level. This isn’t necessarily a criticism – the art is solid – but it doesn’t offer anything particularly groundbreaking or memorable.

The acting and artwork are generally strong, with consistent detail throughout. However, when Daredevil appears, the style strongly resembles that of artist Checchetto, but the rest of the comic doesn’t quite reach his usual high standard. It’s a minor issue, but it’s definitely noticeable. The comic also includes a fun, cartoon-style backup story, though its lighthearted tone doesn’t entirely match the main story’s atmosphere. Still, it’s enjoyable.

Daredevil’s recent stories have been pretty unusual, but this one feels different. It’s a classic Daredevil and Punisher team-up, and that’s what makes it work. The story builds on a popular moment between the two characters and kicks off a compelling superhero crime narrative. Even though I’m not a huge fan of either hero, I found this issue really enjoyable. It’s not flawless, but it’s definitely a fun read.

Daredevil/Punisher: The Devil’s Trigger #1 is on sale now.

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2025-11-26 18:12