✍️ Chip Zdarsky

✍️ Chip Zdarsky — illustration page
2014–present Modern Masters 83 articles
83
articles
2
characters
12
years active

Biography

Chip Zdarsky, born Steve Murray, is a versatile creator who excels equally as a writer and an artist. A Canadian from Ontario, he first gained recognition as an artist on Jughead (2015) for Archie Comics and as co-creator of Sex Criminals (20132020) with Matt Fraction at Image Comics. The irreverent series, blending adult humor with a heist narrative, earned him immediate critical acclaim and multiple Eisner Award nominations.

His run on Howard the Duck (20152016) at Marvel showcased his flair for comedy and self-aware humor, but it was Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man (20172018) that proved his ability to handle major characters. He followed that with Daredevil starting at #1 in 2019, a run spanning more than 60 issues through 2024 that many consider the finest take on the character since Frank Miller's legendary stint. His portrayal of Matt Murdock — wracked with guilt after accidentally killing a man — redefined the character for a new generation.

Zdarsky's collaboration with artist Marco Checchetto on Daredevil produced pages of rare cinematic intensity. The arc Daredevil: Devil's Reign (20212022), which expanded into a crossover across the entire Marvel universe, and Elektra's stint as Daredevil in the red costume, are moments that have driven up the value of the relevant issues. In 2024, Zdarsky took on an additional milestone by taking the helm of Batman at DC, with Jorge Jimenez on art, becoming one of the rare writers to work simultaneously for both major publishers.

For collectors, the key issues of Zdarsky's Daredevil run are in constant demand. Daredevil #1 (2019) in CGC 9.8 is a sought-after investment. Sex Criminals #1, though older, remains highly valued. His Batman #1 (2024) with Jimenez stands as one of DC's most anticipated launches of the decade. Zdarsky belongs to that elite tier of writers whose name alone on a title guarantees market attention — a rare status achieved only by the very best.

Co-created Characters

Collecting Impact

Zdarsky proved that a creator could move from indie comedy to Marvel and DC icons with equal narrative mastery.

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