First debut: Daredevil #1 (1964)

The Origin of Daredevil

Daredevil was the only son of boxer and small time hood, “Battling Jack” Murdock. His father wanted a better life for his son, Matt, and pushed him to excel in his studies. His mother was out of the picture, having abandoned him early in life. Matt was left to be raised by his father and Hell’s Kitchen, a neighborhood of New York City with a history of organized crime and a home for the poor.
Despite his father Jack’s involvement in crime, Matt was raised with the strong morals and faith of an Irish American heritage, which have been a large part of the Daredevil character. These morals first came into play when Matt saw a blind man about to be hit by a truck, Matt jumped into action. He pushed the man out of harm’s way, but was hit in the face with a container of radioactive material, blinding him.
Matt soon learned that although blind, his other senses had been transformed, giving him supernatural taste, touch, feeling, and taste. He also discovered a radar sense, giving him a form of vision, sensing electromagnetic waves that allow him a 3-D picture of the world around him.
Matt focused on training his senses and his body, under the tutelage of a man known as Stick. He excelled at martial arts and gymnastics and honed his body and mind. Despite this, he went on to study law in school, as his father wanted. During his time in school though, his father began to work as an enforcer for the Fixer, a low level crime boss in Hell’s Kitchen. The Fixer got Jack boxing again, and was able to get him a title shot, but asked him to throw the fight. Jack refused and was later killed by the Fixer.

This sent Matt into a rage when the Fixer faced no charges or jail time. He put on the Daredevil costume and took his own form of justice out on the Fixer and his men. Matt also went on to fight justice as a lawyer, graduating from law school.

Daredevil has had many villains and love interests over the years. His biggest foe has always been the Kingpin, the man who controls the New York City underworld. They have fought countless battles and will undoubtedly fight many more. One of his main loves has been Elektra, a martial arts master and assassin. The two have been through life and death together and continue to have an on and off relationship.

Lately, Daredevil’s life is in ruins. His identity has been leaked to the FBI and he has been imprisoned on Ryker’s Island. His best friend Foggy Nelson, appears to be dead and his career as a lawyer lies in jeopardy. Matt Murdock has publicly denied that he is Daredevil and has to fight day by day just to stay alive.