Daredevil Modern Age Key Issues: Recent Comics to Collect

The modern era of Daredevil — from Marvel Knights (1998) to today — constitutes one of the most remarkable editorial sequences in comics history. Four consecutive runs of exceptional quality (Smith/Quesada, Bendis/Maleev, Brubaker/Lark, Waid/Samnee) followed by the masterful work of Chip Zdarsky produced a catalog of key issues that are still widely accessible.

This guide identifies thekey numbers of modern Daredevilwhich deserve your attention as a collector, with current prices, the CGC census and valuation prospects for each editorial era.

Marvel Knights era (1998-2001): the rebirth

Daredevil #1 (November 1998)— Kevin Smith and Joe Quesada are relaunching the title under the Marvel Knights label. This issue marks the beginning of the creative renaissance of Daredevil and Marvel in general. CGC 9.8: $40-60. Census: more than 1,200 copies graded 9.8, which keeps the price accessible but guarantees liquidity.

Daredevil #2 (1998)— often overlooked, this issue contains the first appearance of Maya Lopez (Echo), now an Avenger and star of her own Disney+ series. CGC 9.8: $80-120. MCU demand propelled this issue from $15 to $100+ in three years.

Daredevil #9 (1999)— first Joe Quesada cover featuring the character's new visual look. In CGC 9.8: $25-35. A pure collectible issue whose value is based on the cover art.

Bendis/Maleev era (2001-2006): deconstruction

Daredevil #16 (2001, vol. 2)— start of the Bendis/Maleev run which redefines the character for a generation. Maleev's dark, cinematic style combined with Bendis's relaxed writing creates a standard. CGC 9.8: $30-50. Underrated compared to its historical importance.

Daredevil #26 (2001)— the Daily Globe publicly reveals the identity of Matt Murdock. A pivotal moment that influences all subsequent stories for 15 years. CGC 9.8: $40-60. The concept of “secret identity outing” resonates strongly in the age of social media.

Daredevil #32 (2002)— introduction of the King of Crime locked up, reversed dynamic with Matt Murdock. CGC 9.8: $20-30. Narratively crucial number but still ignored by the speculative market.

Daredevil #49 (2003)— Milla Donovan, Matt's new romantic interest, rises to prominence. CGC 9.8: $15-25. Speculative if the character appears in Born Again.

Brubaker/Lark era (2006-2009): the descent

Daredevil #82 (2006)— first issue of the Brubaker run, Matt Murdock in prison. One of the strongest early runs of the 2000s. CGC 9.8: $25-40. Post-Captain America Ed Brubaker attracts a cross-title collector base.

Daredevil #86 (2006)— introduction of Dakota North as the main ally, narrative dynamic which foreshadows Jessica Jones. CGC 9.8: $15-20.

Daredevil #100 (2007)— centenary issue of volume 2, multiple variant covers. The Turner variant in CGC 9.8 reaches $40-60. The regular issue remains under $20.

Waid/Samnee era (2011-2015): light

Daredevil #1 (July 2011)— Mark Waid and Marcos Martín relaunch the title with a revolutionary luminous tone. Multiple Eisner Awards. CGC 9.8: $60-90. This number has tripled in value since 2020, driven by the run's growing critical recognition.

Daredevil #7 (2012)— first crossover with Spider-Man in this volume, iconic snow scene. CGC 9.8: $25-35. Samnee cover sought after for its graphic beauty.

Daredevil #1 (2014, vol. 4)— relocation to San Francisco, continuation of the Waid/Samnee run. CGC 9.8: $30-45. Often confused with theft. 3, which creates buying opportunities.

Daredevil #1.50 (2014)— 50th anniversary issue, multiple contributors. CGC 9.8: $20-30. Historical interest and completionism.

Soule/Garney then Zdarsky era (2016-2024): the peak

Daredevil #1 (2016, Charles Soule)— Matt Murdock regains his secret identity, becomes a prosecutor again. CGC 9.8: $20-30. Underrated run that lays the foundation for Zdarsky.

Daredevil #1 (February 2019, Chip Zdarsky)— start of what many consider the best DD run since Miller. CGC 9.8: $40-70. Demand is steadily increasing as the run becomes recognized as a modern classic. Census limited to 9.8 (around 400 copies) compared to usual print runs.

Daredevil #25 (January 2021)— Elektra dons the Daredevil costume. Iconic moment, cover that became an instant classic. CGC 9.8: $30-50. First print difficult to find in perfect condition.

Daredevil #36 (2021)— end of first act Zdarsky, Matt Murdock dies (temporarily). CGC 9.8: $20-35. Underrated arc conclusion number.

Daredevil #1 (2022, vol. 7)— post-resurrection revival, always Zdarsky. CGC 9.8: $25-40. Spectacular Marco Checchetto cover.

Modern variants to watch out for

THEratio variantsDaredevil offer dynamic investment ground. Daredevil #1 (2019) 1:25 Checchetto variant reaches $150-200 in CGC 9.8. #25 (2020) 1:50 variant with Elektra as Daredevil commands $100-150. These limited mintages create an artificial but real scarcity that supports prices in the long term.

THEsecond printsdeserve attention: Daredevil #1 (2019) second print with minimalist red cover is sought after (CGC 9.8: $30-45). Second prints of acclaimed runs tend to appreciate once the run is completed and recognized as a classic.

Valuation outlook 2026-2028

The Born Again series on Disney+ creates a pipeline of catalysts. Each appearance of the character or his allies/enemies in the MCU triggers peaks in demand for the corresponding first appearances. Savvy collectors anticipate: numbers linked to characters not yet introduced (Muse de Soule, the Stromwyns de Zdarsky) represent low-cost speculative bets.

The modern Daredevil comics market is structurally healthy: moderate print runs (30,000-50,000 copies for #1), natural attrition from perfect conditions, and critical recognition which grows over time. A Daredevil #1 (2019) in CGC 9.8 at $50 today could be worth $150-200 in five years if the Zdarsky run is canonized at the same level as the Miller.