Comic books are top-notch content if you want great rivalries, like Hulk x Wolverine and Captain America x Iron Man. But there’s no better rivalry than Daredevil and Punisher. They obviously won’t miss the chance to butt heads in Daredevil: Born Again, Disney+’s latest series, but their history goes so much deeper than that, with years of Marvel Comics stories you must explore (and that might inspire the new show).
Even though they hate each other most of the time, they have also been remarkable allies and almost friends. You can explore their complex relationship in six incredible crossovers that tackle all sides of Daredevil and Punisher.
1. “The Devil by the Horns” Punisher (2000) #3
Writer: Garth Ennis
Artist: Steve Dillon, Jimmy Palmiotti
Ennis presents a big moral discussion between the two rivals when Punisher forces Daredevil to choose to shoot him or let a man die. It’s also part of the inspiration for the Daredevil Season 2 episode, “New York’s Finest.”
Get Punisher (2000) #3 on Amazon
2. Daredevil vs. Punisher: Means and Ends
Writer: David Lapham
Artist: David Lapham
If the previous one was a discussion, this story is a violent and brutal clash of ideals. It’s a free-for-all for the post of the new “Kingpin,” and Daredevil and Punisher are the only ones protecting the city. They have incredible depth here and must face “the good, the bad, and the ugly” of their decisions.
Get Daredevil vs. Punisher: Means and Ends on Amazon
3. “The Bully/The Creep” Daredevil #257/Punisher #10
Writer: Ann Nocenti (Daredevil #257)/ Mike Baron (Punisher #10)
Artist: John Romita Jr., Al Williamson (Daredevil #257)/ Whilce Portacio, Scott Williams (Punisher #10)
Nocenti and Baron show us different perspectives on the same story, depicting how each character sees a case. It’s a great gimmick that we sadly don’t get a lot of (except during major events).
4. “The Omega Effect” Avenging Spider-Man #6/The Punisher (2011) #10/Daredevil (2011) #11
Writer: Mark Waid, Greg Rucka
Artist: Marco Checchetto
“The Omega Effect” arc brings Spidey to the fold, which enriches Daredevil and Punisher’s dynamic. They are great together, and it makes you wish they had more self-contained stories together. A big plus is that you’ll probably like any of these three series if you enjoy the crossover.
Get Avenging Spider-Man #6 on Amazon
5. “The Devil in Cell-Block D” Daredevil (1998) #82-87
Writer: Ed Brubaker
Artist: Michael Lark, Stefano Gaudiano
This arc is phenomenal from start to finish. Daredevil is in jail and has a most unexpected savior: Frank Castle. With so many stories of them beating up each other, it’s great reading one about the Punisher teaming up with him and wanting Matt to be better.
Get The Devil in Cell-Block D on Bookshop
Get The Devil in Cell-Block D on Amazon
6. Daredevil (2022) #8
Writer: Chip Zdarsky
Artist: Marco Checchetto
Marco Checchetto gives us one of his most outstanding works here. It’s beautiful, it’s violent, and most of all, it’s breathtaking. Here, the stakes are higher than ever, and it’s the culmination of Punisher and Daredevil’s different philosophies. If you haven’t read Zdarsky’s run, please do.
Get Daredevil & Elektra by Chip Zdarsky Vol. 2: The Red Fist Saga Part Two on Bookshop
Get Daredevil (2022) #8 on Amazon
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