The best budget entries for Daredevil: the Bendis/Maleev run (2001-2006) in lots under $40, Daredevil #1 (1998, Kevin Smith) under $10, and the issues of the Nocenti/JRjr run (1986-1991) at $2-5 each.
Daredevil is a paradox for the budget collector: his #1 (1964) and #168 (first Elektra) are out of reach, but between these peaks exists a huge bibliography of acclaimed runs available for next to nothing. Matt Murdock is literally the character with the best writing quality/purchase price ratio at Marvel.
This guide shows you howbuild an exceptional Daredevil collection on a modest budget. From key issues still accessible to underpriced runs that should be worth ten times their current price, here is the complete strategy for the smart collector.
Key issues Daredevil under $50
#1 (1964) exceeds $5,000 even in low condition, and #168 (1981, Elektra) sells for around $200+. But other key issues remain in the budget zone:
- Daredevil #158 (1979)— Frank Miller takes the drawing, VG copies around $30-45.
- Daredevil #131 (1976)— first appearance of Bullseye, in GD around $40-50.
- Daredevil #1 (1998, Kevin Smith/Joe Quesada)— relaunch Marvel Knights, under $10 in NM.
- Daredevil #1 (2011, Mark Waid)— start of the award-winning run, under $15 in NM.
- Daredevil #16 (2001, Bendis)— start of the Bendis/Maleev run, under $10.
- Daredevil #26 (2001)— public outing of Matt Murdock, under $15.
Underrated Runs to Buy Now
Lerun Ann Nocenti/John Romita Jr (1986-1991, Daredevil #236-291)is a crime against economic common sense. Nocenti has written dark, political, and edgy stories with one of Marvel's best artists — and these issues can be found for $2-$5 each. Buy the full run while you can.
Lerun Bendis/Maleev (2001-2006, Daredevil #16-81)is the run that redefined the character for the 21st century. A complete set of 65 issues sells for around $40-60 on eBay. The quality is on par with any acclaimed graphic novel.
Lerun Mark Waid/Chris Samnee (2011-2015), winner of multiple Eisner Awards, can be found in a complete set for $30-50. The “Luminous Daredevil” approach provides a fascinating contrast to previous eras.
Where to find deals
Dollar bins: Daredevil paradise
Daredevil issues from the 80s and 90s (excluding Miller) systematically populate the dollar bins. The Nocenti run, the DG Chichester run, the Karl Kesel run — all available for $1-2 per issue. Conventionally, a seller who has 50 DD numbers in his bins will often give you a lot price of $0.50-$1 each.
Strategic eBay lots
Search for “Daredevil lot Bendis” or “Daredevil lot 50+ issues” — bidding remains low as collectors focus on individual key issues rather than complete runs.
Raw vs slabbed: budget strategy
Daredevil is a character where raw dominates for the budget. The only issues that justify a slabbed investment are #158 (Miller art) and #131 (Bullseye) if you find VF+ copies to grade. For modern runs, slabbing makes no economic sense — a CGC 9.8 from the Bendis run sells for barely more than a raw NM copy.
Newsstand gems
THEnewsstand editionsfrom Daredevil #227-233 (Born Again, Frank Miller/David Mazzucchelli) are the real hidden treasures. These live edition issues are already worth $20-40 each, but newsstands don't yet command the premium they deserve. A complete Born Again in newsstand is a budget collector's holy grail.
Modern keys under $20
- Daredevil #1 (2019, Chip Zdarsky)— start of the current acclaimed run, under $15.
- Daredevil #25 (2020)— Elektra becomes Daredevil, under $15.
- Daredevil #1 (2022)— post-prison recovery, under $8.
- Daredevil: Woman Without Fear #1 (2022)— solo Elektra, under $5.
2nd prints and alternatives
LeDaredevil #1 (2019) second printingwith minimalist red cover is sought after and still under $10. The True Believers covering Daredevil #168 (Elektra) and #131 (Bullseye) offer iconic covers for $1 — perfect for the Silver/Bronze Age gaps.
Reading copies vs investment copies
The ideal Daredevil budget collection: the Nocenti, Bendis and Waid runs in reading copies (total budget: $100-150), plus a targeted investment on Daredevil #158 in VF and Daredevil #1 (1998) in NM/MT. The revival of the character via the Disney+ series guarantees sustained demand for key issues.
With decades of runs to track, useour management applicationto track your Daredevil collection issue by issue. Identify missing items, track values and plan your purchases.