Hell’s Kitchen has a nasty rot in its foundations, and Daredevil’s right in the thick of it. Kidnapped, drugged, and infected with a mysterious fungal parasite, Matt Murdock finds himself trapped among a collection of missing persons as “Rites of Reconciliation” continues forward. Writer Saladin Ahmed keeps the pressure high following the emotionally brutal attack from the Seven Deadly Sins in the previous arc, and things aren’t looking any easier for our hero here. Artist Carlos Nieto joins Jose Luis Soares as they bring this grossness to life in an ugly, beautiful way. Be glad Marvel didn’t make this issue a scratch-and-sniff one, and that you don’t have Daredevil’s heightened sense of smell.
Marvel
The issue opens with a nightmare, a solid hook as a visual piece and an excellent tool for sharing Matt Murdock’s thoughts. Saladin Ahmed leans into the psychological aftershocks of the last arc while the art team dials up the surreal tension. Matt’s dream is equal parts recap, and I wonder if it is maybe an omen? Framed in a way that invites rereading for hidden meanings. There’s something symbolic here, especially with Matt’s sense of fear, penance, and self-doubt across the visuals. Pages and scenes like this are the kind of Daredevil storytelling that rewards paying attention.
Marvel
Visually, this issue hits hard. We get a sharp return of the armored Daredevil costume – retro in all the right ways, but given a modern edge. And then there’s the “Vitruvian Daredevil” panel, a striking blend of form and function that doubles as a showcase for Matt’s heightened senses. It’s the type of page that could hang on a wall as a poster and still whisper about Daredevil’s inner turmoil while sharing ways Daredevil uses his powers. There’s a nice thematic undercurrent, too. Ahmed keeps pushing Matt’s guilt front and center, particularly how it shapes his choices when he starts rescuing people. He questions why his instinct was to save those he knows first. Is it selfishness, or just human nature? It’s a great dilemma for Daredevil, making us and himself question if he is the hero who wants to do right by all or by his needs. He can’t shake the personal weight of his decisions.
Marvel
As for the villain reveal? Unknown, but with just enough shadowy intent to spark curiosity. There’s an odd sense of recognition between them and Daredevil – was that intentional, or just me reading into it? The villain has wild methods that are bringing horror to this series, and it is an excellent welcome after the supernatural spirits from the last round. The chapter keeps the arc moving forward and adds layers to Matt’s guilt with an intriguing malefactor. Daredevil #21 keeps the tension high and the storytelling layered nicely, infected with paranoia, fungus, and mystery on the page. This arc is becoming quietly unsettling, but very Matt Murdock with the guilt and task of saving Hell’s Kitchen, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Daredevil #21 drags Matt Murdock into another hellish ordeal. He’s kidnapped, infected with a fungus, and wrestling with the emotional fallout of the last arc. Saladin Ahmed keeps the psychological tension sharp while artists Carlos Nieto and Jose Luis Soares blend horror and introspection beautifully. Plus, the return of the armored costume makes it worthwhile alone, along with other great visual feasts for the eye. It’s an eerie, character-driven chapter that pits Matt’s guilt and instincts against a chilling new villain. Gross, gripping, and thankfully without the stink.
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