Contains Spoilers for Daredevil (2023) #20!
The iconic character of Daredevil has undergone numerous transformations throughout his long history, but his most recent design veers into the realm of body horror. Matt Murdock faces a new and unsettling foe that threatens to strip away his humanity, compelling him to confront challenges that extend beyond mere physical combat.
In this gripping issue, Matt investigates the mysterious disappearances of several individuals linked to a new residential complex named “Propertunity Tower.”Complicating matters, Matt has been visiting this place, as his love interest, Nyla Skin, resides there. Tension escalates when Matt succumbs to an unsettling itching sensation, leading to the horrifying transformation of his arm into a fungal mass, ultimately resulting in his abduction by mysterious antagonists clad in hazmat suits.
Daredevil’s Disturbing Fungal Transformation
Crucially, the villains targeting Matt remain unaware of his alter ego, Daredevil. Although he dons a portion of his classic black and red armor beneath his civilian attire, he is captured as Matt, not as the superhero. The issue concludes on a harrowing note, revealing Matt in a grotesque heap alongside others who have suffered similar grotesque transformations. If he fails to extricate himself from this perilous situation, Matt risks complete consumption by this ominous infection.
Typically known for its realistic narratives, Daredevil has seen its protagonist grappling with forces that threaten to render him something other than human. A notable instance occurred during the ‘Shadowland’ saga, where Matt’s takeover of the Hand transformed Hell’s Kitchen into a battleground. Initially perceived as a moral descent, it was later uncovered that Matt had been under the influence of a demonic entity tied to the Hand. If he could navigate that ordeal, surely he can tackle this formidable fungal infection.
A New Challenge for Bodily Autonomy
The Latest Step in Matt Murdock’s Journey
Interestingly, this unsettling transformation serves as a stark contrast to recent events in the storyline, where Matt battled the fracturing of his soul, with each shard metaphorically embodying a sin and claiming victims related to him. Now, the tables have turned—Matt faces the invasion of his own body by an external force, challenging his agency and sense of self. While fans can anticipate Matt will eventually confront this threat, it will be intriguing to see how he reflects on his earlier involuntary possessions and the guilt that lingers from those experiences.
Daredevil #20 is currently available from Marvel Comics.