The Netflix era of Marvel television has since concluded, but it did not mark the end of Matt Murdock’s story. For three years, fans wondered whether the character would ever return before he made his MCU debut appearance in Spider-Man: No Way Home. Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and even Iron Fist had their fans, but Daredevil established a much stronger fanbase. The high level of interest led to Marvel Studios featuring Daredevil in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, before spinning off into a new series titled Daredevil: Born Again.

Unlike most superheroes in the MCU, Daredevil kept his alter ego a secret. He was a street-level hero defending Hell’s Kitchen rather than trying to save the world, the galaxy, or the Multiverse. Following three seasons of Daredevil and the miniseries The Defenders, Matt Murdock had won over the hearts of millions of fans. Without further ado, here are several reasons why Daredevil has become so beloved.

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

Had an Excellent Television Series

     Netflix

Marvel Studios created one of the most impressive film series of all time with The Infinity Saga. Despite reaching a massive audience, some people still wanted a different style in their superhero stories. Daredevil gave them just that, focusing on a character in a world where the Avengers were not present (with the exception of a few mentions). The series was much darker in tone than any of Marvel Studios’ films, and the unique tone allowed for some very interesting stories.

It was not the grit, however, that made Daredevil a great television series. What made Daredevil so enjoyable to watch was the excellent direction, writing, action set pieces, and the characters. The hallway fight scenes were always a series highlight and superior to many of the fights featured in the films. Daredevil was the series that introduced fan-favorites such as Elektra, the Punisher, and the Kingpin to the MCU. Moreover, supporting characters, such as Foggy Nelson, Karen Page, and Ray Nadeem, were also able to shine. To this day, some fans consider Daredevil to be one of the best things that Marvel has ever produced.

Is Someone Who Conquers Their Fears

Thor, Captain Marvel, Doctor Strange, and the Scarlet Witch have all had incredible superpowers. Daredevil, on the other hand, was a man who had neither enhanced strength and speed, nor magic and powers derived from an Infinity Stone. His four senses were enhanced when he was blinded at a young age, but otherwise, he was just a human being. Determined to fight the corruption in his city, Matt Murdock trained extensively in martial arts to become the ultimate vigilante. Murdock experienced many tragic events in his life including the death of his father, but he refused to stand by as it happened to someone else.

Dubbed the “Man Without Fear” in the Marvel Comics, Murdock lived up to the “Daredevil” name. He never gave up and often involved himself in very dangerous situations. Wilson Fisk, a.k.a. the Kingpin, grew his power and influence in New York while leaving a path of destruction in his wake. Daredevil narrowly avoided death as he fought malevolent forces that always outnumbered him. His level of determination and persistence were unparalleled. No matter how difficult the situation was, Daredevil did not allow his fears to prevent him from taking action.

Has a Strong Moral Code While Still Being Flawed

     Marvel

Daredevil has been recognized as one of the “edgier” superheroes in the MCU, but he was still a very caring person who believed that everyone deserved a shot at redemption. As a Catholic, Matt Murdock believed that other people’s lives were not for him to take. This however, was still something that Murdock struggled with as he considered killing Wilson Fisk. Murdock was an imperfect person with a genuine desire to be a force for good.

A dual-life as a vigilante was portrayed in Daredevil as being detrimental to Murdock’s personal relationships. The high level of stress from fighting crime created a rift between Matt and his best friends, Foggy and Karen. Additionally, Murdock prioritized his vigilante activities over his duties as a lawyer, which in turn caused major problems at his law firm. He pushed people away, wrongly believing that he did not need anyone and could do everything by himself. The contrasting qualities of Murdock being humble, yet simultaneously having a large ego, made him so captivating as a character.

Throughout Daredevil and The Defenders, Matt was portrayed as being kind, loving, and compassionate. However, the high moral standards he aspired to frequently made him feel guilt whenever he failed to meet them. He could be stubborn and reckless, and he had a sense of responsibility similar to Spider-Man that was often overbearing. Daredevil never sought glory or fame, and only cared about bringing people to justice. The selflessness and nobility of Daredevil, along with his imperfections, has resonated strongly with fans. Because not only has Daredevil been a hero that people can aspire to, he has also been a human being that they can relate to.

Charlie Cox’s Performance

     Marvel Studios

English actor Charlie Cox proved to be the perfect actor in bringing Daredevil and Matt Murdock to life. He has always spoken highly of his experience playing the character. As shared by Screen Rant, Cox worked with blind consultant Joe Strechay to improve his performance as a blind lawyer. The experience helped Cox become more conscious of what his eyes were doing. It was important that Cox learned so that he did not act how a blind person wouldn’t act. Cox’s performance led to him being honored in New York City at the American Foundation for the Blind’s 19th Annual Helen Keller Achievement Awards (via Variety). A great story and excellent scripts allowed Cox to showcase his strengths as an actor. Resultingly, Matt Murdock became one of the best-written and most likable characters in the MCU to date.