- "I see from the uniform you've taken the devil's name to heart."
"Yeah, I had to." - ―Madame Gao and Daredevil[src]
Daredevil's Suit is the protective body armor worn by Matt Murdock during his vigilantism as Daredevil. Created by Melvin Potter, the suit was originally colored red and designed to resemble the Christian Devil.
Murdock first wore the suit in 2015 to defeat Wilson Fisk and continued to wear it while protecting the citizens of Hell's Kitchen. When his helmet was damaged by Punisher, he received a second suit and helmet with more durability. However, this suit was severely damaged during the Destruction of Midland Circle, prompting Murdock to abandon it. A third suit was created by Potter for Benjamin Poindexter on Fisk's orders so that Poindexter could impersonate Daredevil and commit murders publicly, as a means to turn the public against Daredevil. Murdock then resumed the mantle of Daredevil and began wearing a red suit once more while protecting New York. By 2025, he had multiple suits created for him by Luke Jacobson, including one that was colored golden yellow.
History[]
First Suit[]
Creation[]
- "You really need to get some kind of body armor or something."
"It will only slow me down too much."
"So will a bullet." - ―Claire Temple and Matt Murdock[src]
Matt Murdock beginning his vigilantism
Matt Murdock refused to wear body armor during his vigilante activities in New York City, despite Claire Temple's warnings that he should wear some kind of protective suit, as the injuries he continuously sustained would end up killing him. Murdock felt that body armor would slow him down too much, making his skills ineffective.[1]
During his first encounter with Wilson Fisk, Murdock attempted to kill him to avenge Elena Cardenas, an elderly woman whom Fisk ordered killed just to lure Murdock into a trap. Daredevil had sustained severe injuries in a battle against Nobu Yoshioka, but he was able to attack Fisk with Yoshioka's weapon. However, Fisk was wearing a suit made of a durable material that was able to withstand being cut and stabbed, while being as light and flexible as clothing.[2]
Once he recovered from his injuries, and inspired by Father Paul Lantom's words that the devil was maybe a symbol to be feared, created by God to warn humanity to tread the path of the righteous, Daredevil sought Turk Barrett and obtained the name of the man that created Fisk's suit, Melvin Potter.
Melvin Potter gives Matt Murdock his suit
Potter battled Daredevil inside his workshop, claiming he should not be there. Daredevil managed to defeat him despite still being weakened by the injuries sustained during his fight against Yoshioka, and realized that Potter worked for Fisk only because he was threatening a woman named Betsy Beatty whom Potter cared about.
Daredevil asked Potter for his help in stopping Fisk from hurting anyone else, by making something for him using the same material he used in Fisk's suits. Potter asked him if he wanted him to make another suit, but Daredevil asked him to make something very special, a symbol.[3]
Devil of Hell's Kitchen[]
Daredevil confronts Wilson Fisk
- "That is a serious upgrade."
"I don't know, I think the horns are a little much." - ―Karen Page and Foggy Nelson[src]
Matt Murdock heard on the news that Wilson Fisk had escaped custody during his transport to jail, and intended to return him to the New York City Police Department, so he went to retrieve the armor that he had asked Melvin Potter to create for him. Potter explained that he had not enough time to get every part through the process, and the black parts would give him the most protection, and the red ones might deflect a knife depending on the angle. Potter asked Daredevil if Betsy Beatty would now be safe from Fisk, and Daredevil answered that he made Potter a promise, and he was intending to keep it.
Daredevil watching over New York City
Daredevil went on to look for Fisk, wearing the armor, and confronted him on an alley. The suit offered enough protection to withstand Fisk's blows, which allowed Daredevil to regain the upper hand and finally defeat Fisk and knocked him unconscious. Once Fisk had been defeated, Brett Mahoney arrived on the scene and put Fisk back into their custody. Due to the new suit, Mahoney initially did not recognize Daredevil, before questioning what he should call him from now on. Following this, Mahoney gave a statement and a story was picked up by the New York Bulletin, officially naming Daredevil, who continued his mission to protect the people of New York City.[4]
Damaged[]
The cracked helmet following a gunshot
- "What can you do for me tonight?"
"I don't know. Reinforce the cracks. Replace some of the padding."
"Yeah, good. Do it."
"Okay, but it won't keep you safe." - ―Daredevil and Melvin Potter[src]
Months later, after his first encounter with Frank Castle, Daredevil visited Melvin Potter again, seeking repairs for his cracked helmet. Potter insisted that an entire new suit should be made instead, which Daredevil begrudgingly agreed towards. However, as Daredevil needed to continue operating that very night, Potter agreed to make a quick repair, but warned that it would only be temporary and would lessen Murdock's chances of survival, if he repeated the same type of encounter with Castle.[5]
Second Suit[]
Daredevil's Upgrades[]
Melvin Potter gives Daredevil his second suit
- "It's not just the cracked part that's broken. The crack makes the whole thing fragile like a bird egg. I gotta make you a new one."
- ―Melvin Potter to Daredevil[src]
While Melvin Potter was busy working by his desk, Daredevil quietly arrived at Melvin Potter's Workshop earlier than Potter expected him, which he complained about as he did not like being rushed. Days later, Daredevil returned to Potter's workshop for the new suit. Potter, expecting Daredevil to come earlier than the agreed completion time, had the suit made early.
Daredevil fights the Hand wearing his new suit
Noting that Hell's Kitchen seemed to be making another turn for the worst, Potter decided to add several additional upgrades to the suit. Aside of making it more durable, Potter modified the gloves, adding wrist straps.[6] In addition, he also began to work on an upgrade for Daredevil's Billy Club, with a steel fiber composite cable, which he proudly declared was near indestructible. Potter constructed this new suit and presented it to the vigilante when he returned.[7] When Elektra's died, Murdock retired from being Daredevil and kept the suit in his closet.[8]
Joining the Defenders[]
Murdock resumes being Daredevil
- "Nice ears."
"They're horns." - ―Jessica Jones and Daredevil[src]
Months later, Murdock was forced to return to his vigilante activities as the Hand came back to New York City with the intention to retrieve the substance from beneath the city, which could lead to its entire destruction.[9] Murdock allied himself with Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron Fist to stop them. To protect his secret identity, Murdock retrieved his Daredevil armor and suited up for the upcoming conflict.
Daredevil, Jones and Cage team up against the Hand
Murdock later wore the costume when he tortured one of the Hand leaders Sowande.[10] Murdock's attempts to separate both parts of his life were threatened when Elektra ambushed the team and killed Stick while kidnapping Rand and knocking Murdock, Jones and Cage unconscious, leading to the trio's arrest by the NYPD.[11] To help his friend, Foggy Nelson retrieved the Daredevil suit from Matt Murdock's Apartment so he could save Rand without getting worried about people discovering his secret identity. Murdock suited up, and with Luke Cage and Jessica Jones went to Midland Circle.[12]
Daredevil prepares to confront Elektra
During their last battle against the Hand, the durability of the suit allowed Daredevil to take on several opponents and help the rest of the Defenders members. Daredevil decided to stay with Elektra before the bombs the team had planted went off. While the Defenders escaped, Daredevil removed his cowl and tried to convince Elektra to come back to her senses. As they grew tired, both Daredevil and Elektra embraced and proclaimed their love for each other as Midland Circle crumbled upon itself. While the cowl was lost to the explosion, Murdock's suit allowed him to survive the collapse of the building as his unconscious body was swept away by the waters of an underground sewer.[13]
Abandoned[]
Murdock survives the collapse of Midland Circle
- "I don't want the suit anymore."
"You don't like it?"
"I've outgrown what it stood for." - ―Daredevil and Melvin Potter[src]
Matt Murdock was then taken to Saint Agnes Orphanage, where the damaged suit was removed from Murdock's unconscious body by the nurses in order to treat his wounds. As he had become disillusioned with God, Murdock believed he had outgrown what the suit stood for, and thus elected to continue his crusade as Daredevil using a homemade outfit instead.[8]
Third Suit[]
Attack on the New York Bulletin[]
Benjamin Poindexter wearing Daredevil's suit
- "If he was wearing a copy of your Devil suit... Well, he didn't get it at Sears. How good a copy was it?"
"It was perfect." - ―Maggie Grace and Matt Murdock[src]
Following Daredevil's return, Melvin Potter was approached by Felix Manning on the behalf of Wilson Fisk, who was now operating as Kingpin. Manning provided Potter with a new workshop and ordered him to create a new Daredevil suit, threatening to kill Betsy Beatty if he disobeyed. Potter had no choice but to make that suit that Manning then handed over to Benjamin Poindexter. Poindexter, donning the suit, attacked the New York Bulletin and murdered many people there under the Daredevil moniker. During an attempt to kill Foggy Nelson, he was thwarted by the real Daredevil, who struggled to severely injure Poindexter due to the suit's durability.[14]
Replica Suit[]
Daredevil finds a replica suit
- "It's the FBI, Melvin. Why would Fisk send–"
"They're supposed to find you with the suit."
"Oh, God. He's framing me for being Daredevil." - ―Daredevil and Melvin Potter[src]
Believing that Daredevil would return to Melvin Potter's Workshop to inquire about the imposter wearing the suit, Kingpin forced Melvin Potter into creating a replica of the Daredevil suit, with the intent that Potter would notify them when Daredevil arrived, thereby allowing federal agents who worked for Kingpin to arrest Daredevil. When Daredevil paid Potter a visit, he locked the vigilante in with the suit as FBI agents attempted to seize him. Daredevil managed to escape, despite Potter's resistance and the FBI's assault.[15]
Duel at Clinton Church[]
Benjamin Poindexter arrives at Clinton Church
- "I personally drove Special Agent Ben Poindexter to the Clinton Church dressed in a fake Daredevil suit."
- ―Ray Nadeem[src]
Kingpin then ordered Benjamin Poindexter to kill Karen Page, prompting Poindexter to don the suit again and attack the Clinton Church. Poindexter murdered Paul Lantom with his billy club and prepared to kill Page as well, but he was stopped by Daredevil. In the subsequent fight, Poindexter was forced to retreat and took off the suit to apprehend Daredevil and Page along with FBI agents.[16]
Battle at the Presidential Hotel[]
Benjamin Poindexter crashes Kingpin's wedding
- "He isn't the real Daredevil."
"How do you know?"
"Because he is." - ―Brett Mahoney and NYPD Officer[src]
Realizing that Kingpin was responsible for the death of Julie Barnes, Benjamin Poindexter wore the suit and arrived at the Presidential Hotel, with Barnes' corpse. Revealing himself in front of the wedding guests, Poindexter attempted to kill both Kingpin and Vanessa Marianna; however, he was stopped by Daredevil and the FBI agents on Kingpin's payroll. Poindexter fought both Kingpin and Daredevil; however, he was incapacitated by Kingpin who broke his spine and was arrested by the New York City Police Department. As the police officers noticed that Poindexter wore a devil suit, Brett Mahoney said that he was not the real Daredevil, pointing at the real one, leaving the hotel.[17]
Fourth Suit[]
Attack on Kingpin's Competition[]
Daredevil wearing his new suit
In 2018, both Matt Murdock and Wilson Fisk survived the Snap. Having been released from prison, Fisk resumed his criminal endeavors as Kingpin as Murdock took on the mantle of Daredevil once again, receiving a new red suit and cowl along with a new pair of billy clubs. In 2021, Daredevil donned the suit as he spied on a rival criminal faction moving in on one of Kingpin's territories. However, his surveillance was interrupted by three of Fisk's loyalists who stormed the facility, forcing Daredevil to enter the fray and fight them. Upon knocking out Davy and Edgar, he confronted Maya Lopez before engaging in a duel with her. The suit prevented him from being injured by her attacks, with his cowl even protecting him from a kick to the head from Lopez's prosthetic leg.[18]
Fifth Suit[]
Adventure in Los Angeles[]
Daredevil's new cowl
- "Are you like a superhero? Like the Gold Devil?"
"I'm Daredevil."
"Well, it is very daring to use ketchup and mustard as your color scheme." - ―Jennifer Walters and Daredevil[src]
By 2025, Matt Murdock hired superhero outfit designer Luke Jacobson in Los Angeles to create a couple of Daredevil suits for him, with new billy clubs.[19] One of the suits was nearly identical to his previous suit, albeit with a golden yellow as the new primary color.[20]
Daredevil's golden yellow suit
While in Los Angeles to represent Jacobson in a legal case, Murdock was informed that Jacobson had been kidnapped by Leapfrog. Donning the golden yellow suit, Daredevil chased after Leapfrog before he was attacked by She-Hulk. Daredevil fought against her before he was knocked aside by a sonic clap. Upon clearing the confusion, the two teamed up as they infiltrated Leapfrog's hideout, the Lily Pad, where Jacobson was kept. Infiltrating the facility, Daredevil knocked several goons out in a hallway while giving She-Hulk legal advice.
Daredevil walks back in the morning
Meeting up with Walters, she offered a one-night stand, which Murdock agreed to. Entering her apartment, Murdock removed his helmet as Walters struggled to remove his suit. Murdock then took the suit off for her and placed in neatly on the ground with his billy clubs as the pair retreated to the bedroom. Having stayed the night, Murdock donned the suit in the morning and left the apartment, walking on the grass holding his shoes in his hands by the laces. He then returned to New York City.[19]
Daredevil returns to California
Murdock was later returned to California while wearing the suit, arriving at the Summer Twilights retreat only to discover that he was too late and had missed the action. Walters informed Daredevil that it was good to see him again and he responded in kind. As Walters walked away, Titania greeted Daredevil, prompting him to salute at her.[21]
Capabilities[]
- "Haven't had enough time to get all of it through the process. Black parts will give the most protection. Red might deflect a knife depending on the angle... might not."
- ―Melvin Potter to Daredevil[src]
Daredevil's suit was made from the same material Melvin Potter used to line both Wilson Fisk and Leland Owlsley's suits. The material was light yet at the same time, it was extremely durable. It was unlike anything Murdock had ever felt.[3] Drawing from Murdock's devout Catholicism, the suit is designed to resemble the Devil, complete with horns on the cowl helmet. This was accentuated by the red color scheme, and contributed to the name given to him by the media: Daredevil.
The suit provided Daredevil with enhanced protection; however, the original prototype was incomplete and not properly refined. The red areas on the suit could only protect against knives depending on the angle, while the black parts which were bullet resistant and would offer significantly more protection.[4] After Daredevil's first meeting with Punisher, Potter increased the durability of the suit by adding extra plating and reinforcing the red regions of the suit. Per his recommendation, Potter also incorporated a new carbon nanotube-based alloy which he said was "near indestructible" into a new helmet that included red lenses in the eye holes. He also added advanced alloy gauntlets to the suit's gloves as a bonus. He also added wrist straps to the suit.[6]
The suit also included a pocket located on the left hip of the suit to allow Daredevil to store his twin batons. It would later be outfitted to sport his Billy Club.[7]
The suit's resistance to damage would be tested during the Destruction of Midland Circle, as the suit prevented Matt Murdock from sustaining serious injuries after the building got destroyed and allowed him to survive.[8] The replica created for Benjamin Poindexter was also able to resist attacks, as Poindexter was able to hold his own against Murdock, who was the better fighter, thanks to the suit. The protective armor also prevented Poindexter from being knocked out by Murdock, which led the latter to increase the damage his punches could cause by wearing Muay Thai hand ropes, and even then the suit helped Poindexter to resist Daredevil's attacks.[17] His fifth model suit was shown to protect against being blown by She-Hulk's thunderclap as he was send towards a car and remained active.[19]
Suits[]
_Poster.jpg "Daredevil (She-Hulk) Poster.jpg (1,011 KB)")
Appearances[]
Trivia[]
- In the comics, Murdock makes his first suit out of his father's boxing robes.
Behind the Scenes[]
- Ryan Meinerding, the Head of Visual Development of Marvel Studios, took a more tactical approach to the costume, rather than aesthetic. While the suit is meant to be original, it does resemble the costume Matt Murdock dons in the 2004-2005 Secret War storyline in the comics.
- Meinerding's design was changed through the course of The Defenders Saga TV series, with a yellow-colored version of the updated suit being used for She-Hulk: Attorney at Law and the original red version of the updated suit being featured in Echo.
References[]
- ↑ Daredevil: 1.04: In the Blood
- ↑ Daredevil: 1.09: Speak of the Devil
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Daredevil: 1.11: The Path of the Righteous
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Daredevil: 1.13: Daredevil
- ↑ Daredevil: 2.02: Dogs to a Gunfight
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Daredevil: 2.04: Penny and Dime
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Daredevil: 2.13: A Cold Day in Hell's Kitchen
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 Daredevil: 3.01: Resurrection
- ↑ The Defenders: 1.02: Mean Right Hook
- ↑ The Defenders 1.05: Take Shelter
- ↑ The Defenders 1.06: Ashes, Ashes
- ↑ The Defenders: 1.07: Fish in the Jailhouse
- ↑ The Defenders: 1.08: The Defenders
- ↑ Daredevil: 3.06: The Devil You Know
- ↑ Daredevil: 3.07: Aftermath
- ↑ Daredevil: 3.10: Karen
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 Daredevil: 3.13: A New Napkin
- ↑ Echo: 1.01: Chafa
- ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 She-Hulk: Attorney at Law: 1.08: Ribbit and Rip It
- ↑ She-Hulk: Attorney at Law: 1.05: Mean, Green, and Straight Poured into These Jeans
- ↑ She-Hulk: Attorney at Law: 1:09: Whose Show is This?
