Note: This article includes references to suicide.
In the realm of superheroes, few characters exemplify morality and restraint as much as Daredevil. Matt Murdock, despite his unwavering commitment to justice, has faced numerous dilemmas over decades of crime-fighting that have led him to take lives—albeit reluctantly. As a character who embodies the struggle between good and evil, his journey is marred by the difficult choices he has made, intended to avoid becoming like the ruthless Punisher.
Though Daredevil seeks to maintain his non-lethal approach, the chaotic nature of his nightly crusades can lead to unintended fatalities. A man of deep religious faith, he grapples with the moral implications of his actions. Despite his intentions, it’s an unfortunate reality that, on several occasions, he has crossed the line, resulting in tragic outcomes.
1. Heather Glenn
Daredevil #220 by Denny O’Neil, et al.
Matt Murdock’s affection for women is well-documented, yet it often veers into manipulation. His relationship with Heather Glenn ended tragically when the strain of their turbulent romance culminated in her death by suicide. Despite her repeated attempts to separate from Murdock, they often reconciled. When Heather inherited her father’s company, instead of celebrating her success, Matt exerted pressure on her to relinquish control, intending to secure a marriage proposal from her. Ultimately, it led to her isolation and despair, as he disregarded her cries for help.
2. The Fixer
Daredevil #164 by Roger McKenzie, et al.
Matt’s tragic childhood was defined by the loss of his father, Jack Murdock, an event orchestrated by The Fixer. After refusing to throw a boxing match as instructed by the mob, Jack was brutally attacked and left for dead. Years later, a vengeful Matt confronted The Fixer, leading to a confrontation where the villian experienced a heart attack and died. This moment underscores the weight of Matt’s past as it inevitably connects to his future conflicts.
3. Mysterio
The “Guardian Devil”Story Begins in Daredevil #1 by Kevin Smith, et al.
Within the “Guardian Devil”arc, Mysterio crafts a twisted scheme to manipulate Daredevil into insanity, leveraging the fate of a newborn whom he claims to be the Messiah. Despite his righteous intentions, Matt ends up psychologically cornering Mysterio, ultimately leading him to take his own life. This act raises questions about the moral complexities of accountability, as Daredevil, albeit unintentionally, plays a pivotal role in his demise.
4. A Mugger
Daredevil #2 by Chip Zdarsky, et al.
During a routine patrol, Matt’s commitment to non-lethal force was tested when he inadvertently caused the death of a mugger. While attempting to subdue the thief, the situation escalated unexpectedly, resulting in a fatality. This incident starkly illustrates the fine line Daredevil walks in his fight against crime—he aims to do good, yet the violence he employs sometimes has irreversible consequences.
5. Two Mobsters
Daredevil: The Man Without Fear #4 by Frank Miller, et al.
As Matt pursued Kingpin and sought to rescue kidnapped children, he encountered two mobsters at the docks. In a brutal tactic, he incapacitated them by pushing them into the water. However, when one thug drowned due to his heavy gear, Matt made no effort to save him. This cold decision highlights the moral ambiguity in Daredevil’s actions, where the necessity to protect can lead to ruthlessness.
6. Larks
Daredevil: The Man Without Fear #4 by Frank Miller, et al.
When faced with Larks, Kingpin’s lethal hitman, Matt’s plea for leniency fell on deaf ears. As Larks relentlessly pursued him, Daredevil deflected bullets until one tragically found its mark in Larks’ head. Despite his protests against killing, Daredevil’s actions led to an unavoidable escalation, again reflecting the dark choices he has been forced to make in order to save innocent lives.
7. Kingpin
Daredevil: End of Days #1 by Brian Michael Bendis, et al.
In a decisive confrontation marked by their complex history, Daredevil ultimately resolves to kill Kingpin—his longtime adversary. This moment is reflective of Matt’s desperation, revealing how futile attempts at justice have led him to consider lethal force as a last resort. The decision creates a ripple effect, elevating tensions within the underworld of New York.
8. Nick Fury
What If?: Daredevil vs. Elektra #1 by Karl Bollers, et al.
Within an alternate narrative, the corruptive influence of the Hand leads a brainwashed Matt Murdock to assassinate Nick Fury aboard a S.H.I.E.L.D. helicarrier. This brutal execution illustrates an extreme deviation from his principles, reinforcing the chaos that emerges when a hero loses control over their agency and actions.
9. All the Marvel Heroes in a Single Universe
Daredevil: Reborn #3 by Andy Diggle, et al.
In another alternate storyline, the Hand’s influence leads Daredevil to massacre various heroes, including Spider-Man and Elektra, after succumbing fully to their corruptive control. This illustrates a dark climax of power gone awry, portraying a world in despair, emphasizing the existential threat posed not only by villains but internal struggles faced by heroes.
10. Bullseye
Shadowland #1 by Andy Diggle, et al.
One of the most significant and harrowing moments in Daredevil’s storyline comes with the death of Bullseye. While this act might appear justified—Bullseye being one of Daredevil’s greatest adversaries—it ultimately proves to be the catalyst for a darker transformation within Matt. This pivotal act of lethal force catalyzed a series of destructive events, marking it as one of the most defining and regrettable choices in his quest for justice.
Matt’s decision to kill Bullseye not only resulted in personal and moral turmoil but also opened the floodgates to chaos within his life and the lives of those around him. This tragic arc ultimately serves as a profound commentary on the cost of violence and the slippery slope that even the noblest intentions can create.