While Wilson Fisk has fought many heroes, his rivalry with Matt Murdock is the most personal. The two have contested on multiple battlefields, from the legal arena to the mean streets of Hell’s Kitchen. Now, Daredevil must face his greatest enemy in a spiritual conflict, battling a demonically empowered Kingpin.
Written by Saladin Ahmed with art by Aaron Kurder, Daredevil #12 continues the ongoing saga of Matt Murdock’s new life. The past year has seen Matt Murdock managing an orphanage, living as a humble Catholic priest. However, the sins of the past are not easily ignored, and Matt still felt compelled to don his Daredevil costume to help people in a more violent fashion. This brought him back into contact with his former lover, Elektra, who took up his mantle in his absence. It also brought him back into contention with the Kingpin, who now possesses the power of a demon through his connection to Matt.
The first three pages of Daredevil #12 may be viewed below.
How Kingpin gained demon powers
The current Daredevil series saw Matt Murdock literally reborn in a world that largely forgot him. He thought this a reward for an act of sacrifice to save his loved ones by offering himself to Hell. However, the sins of Matt’s past came back to haunt him in a literal fashion, manifesting as demons that possessed those tied to him. This includes the Kingpin, who has been taken over by Matt Murdock’s Greed.
It is notable, however, that Wilson Fisk seems willing to partner with the demon inhabiting his body. The earlier demons seemed to be manipulating their hosts like puppets. The Kingpin, by contrast, speaks of “the gift from Hell itself” that Matt has given him. He also seems to be in far greater control than the previous hosts.
It is possible this is an act of deceit on the part of the demon. However, it is also easy to imagine Wilson Fisk being so strong-willed as to resist possession. It also seems likely he could make a deal with his demonic guest. In either case, this preview shows how dangerous the Kingpin is and why he stands foremost among Marvel Comics‘ greatest villains.
Daredevil #12 arrives in comic shops everywhere on August 7, 2024.
