The Top 12 Daredevil Costumes Ranked Worst To Best

As a devoted fan of Marvel Comics and its gritty street-level characters, I can confidently say that Frank Miller’s reimagining of Daredevil left an indelible mark on the Man Without Fear. The ninja-inspired black outfit, as seen in “Daredevil: The Man Without Fear,” certainly had its merits, but it was Charlie Cox’s all-black makeshift costume in the Netflix series that truly resonated with me. It perfectly captured the raw, unpolished essence of Matt Murdock’s struggle against crime in Hell’s Kitchen.

Matt Murdock plays the dual role of protector in Hell’s Kitchen, New York, functioning both as a defense attorney and the masked vigilante called Daredevil. Being part of the legal profession and having sworn an oath, it wouldn’t be acceptable for Matt to roam the city wielding his signature billy club to fight wrongdoers. Instead, he hides his true identity behind a costume. Similar to many superheroes, the Fearless Man has undergone various costume transformations since his debut in 1964; these changes often reflect the unique characteristics of different adaptations or specific eras known for their eccentricities.

Let’s consider the 2003 “Daredevil” movie as an illustration. What’s striking about the skin-tight outfit? Given that agility is crucial for a superhero, how does one maintain flexibility when enveloped in such restrictive leather? It seems that Ben Affleck might have found relief in the cancellation of “Daredevil 2”, as it’s hard to imagine that outfit was comfortable. Interestingly, this isn’t even the most problematic Daredevil costume; there have been some real duds throughout the years. However, for every poorly-designed ensemble, there’s a remarkable costume that truly embodies the character. In this ranking, we’ll be evaluating Daredevil’s standout costumes (those that are either renowned for their excellence or infamy) based on practicality, accuracy to the character, and compatibility with the story in which they appear, from the least satisfactory to the most impressive.

12. Daredevil’s armored costume is a product of its time

1993 marked a time when fashion crimes were rampant, including the transformation of classic wardrobes such as long-sleeve tops worn under t-shirts and sideways baseball caps. Tragically, this trend affected superheroes too, as their appearances became subject to experimental makeovers. In “Daredevil” #321, penned by D.G. Chichester and Scott Mcdaniel, the fearless hero Daredevil underwent a significant change, transitioning from the Man Without Fear to the Man With All the Gear. This transformation came about due to his previous costume being damaged, prompting Matt Murdock to revamp his style and incorporate additional protective elements into his outfit.

This revised costume has a darker tone, with a prominent red armored chest piece and additional red highlights. It also includes silver shoulder pads, knee pads, thigh guards, and wrist protectors. To put it simply, it gives Daredevil the look of an NFL player. From a functional standpoint, the added protection is sensible since Matt’s abilities don’t encompass healing or invulnerability. However, one might wonder why he didn’t just incorporate all these enhancements and stick with a red theme throughout. Instead, he seems to have pieced together a superhero toy from different action figure parts.

11. Daredevil should have been put on trial for this spandex nightmare

If you’ve ever attempted to rank the “Hulk” movies from least favorite to most loved, it’s likely that the 1989 TV film “The Trial of the Incredible Hulk” would be towards the bottom for you. While Lou Ferrigno excels as the grumpy, green titan, the overall quality of this production leaves something to be desired. It does mark the live-action debut of Matt Murdock, with Rex Smith portraying him in this instance. In the narrative, Matt steps in to defend David Banner (Bill Bixby), who has been falsely accused. True to a superhero tale, Daredevil and Hulk join forces to thwart the villains, led by John Rhys-Davies’ portrayal of the Kingpin.

In my gaming world, I was really bummed out when Rex Smith’s Daredevil didn’t put on his iconic red suit. Instead, he opted for an all-black getup with no devil horns. Now, I get that Frank Miller’s 1981 “Daredevil” #168 had Matt Murdock wearing a sleek black ninja outfit, but even in that comic, it was less like a formal costume and more like he was just out for a jog, considering the loose-fitting attire and sneakers. Unfortunately, the costume worn by Rex Smith looks more like something you’d find at a cheap spandex Halloween party. As much as I appreciated seeing Daredevil in live-action, I think it might have been better if he had stuck to his regular civilian clothes for this movie.

10. Underwear on the outside doesn’t belong in Hell’s Kitchen

Many classic Marvel animated series didn’t reach the level of popularity as “X-Men: The Animated Series,” with “Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends” (airing from 1981 to 1986) being a notable example. Although it’s not the poorest superhero cartoon out there, its animation quality isn’t as impressive in some areas, especially when it comes to representing Daredevil, who appears briefly in costume during Season 3’s episode titled “Attack of the Arachnoid.

In the series “Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends,” Daredevil’s outfit follows a widespread superhero convention – the infamous “outside underpants.” While the rest of his costume is typically red, his undies, boots, and gloves are a darker shade, which seems rather peculiar. Even the cartoonish yellow “DD” emblem on his chest doesn’t improve the situation. Although it might fit the animation style of the show and the era, it’s generally agreed that the Man Without Fear would look more fitting if he wore his underwear inside his pants instead.

9. Ben Affleck’s red leather costume looks mighty uncomfortable

At one point, there was a possibility of a three-part Daredevil movie series. However, the plans shifted when people saw the 2003 live-action film starring Ben Affleck in the title role and found it to be an imitation of Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man. Additionally, the costume was a subject of debate. To put it simply, many felt that the early X-Men films were responsible for superheroes switching from spandex to leather, but Daredevil went a step further, even by the standards of the early 2000s.

In the snuggest scarlet leather anyone could picture, it’s unclear whether Matt Murdock is geared up for crime-fighting or a night at an EDM party. Given his acrobatic hero status, one might expect practical attire for navigating rooftops, but this outfit seems less than ideal. Moreover, wouldn’t the noise of all that creaking and squeaking leather give away his approach to criminals from quite a distance?

Among all the Daredevil costumes we’ve seen, this one isn’t at the bottom mainly because of its mask, which perfectly resembles the comic version and gives off an impressive look. The mask is undoubtedly the standout feature of the outfit, and it suits the leading man superbly – despite any criticisms about Affleck’s roles as Daredevil and Batman, there’s no denying that his jawline has a comic-book-like quality to it.

8. Black with a splash of red doesn’t feel Daredevil enough

In the 2015 “Daredevil” series by Charles Soule and Ron Garney, fans saw a unique twist on the character’s appearance. Instead of sticking to just black or red, they combined elements from different periods of Daredevil’s history. The creative team blended his dark look from the “Shadowland” storyline with his classic outfit, resulting in a costume that was predominantly black but featured red accents around the eyes, belt, boots, chest, and wrists. This design can be thought of as a more subdued version of the armored suit popularized in the ’90s.

This new style is reminiscent of various periods in the character’s history and fits well with the ongoing dark narrative. However, it seems more suited as a short-term transformation rather than a permanent change. It’s stylish for a while, but it lacks the essence of Daredevil, appearing more like Marvel’s Batman in this form. While it’s a comparison frequently used for the Man Without Fear, it’s not entirely accurate (for one, Bruce Wayne isn’t a lawyer).

7. When the Man Without Fear became the Man Without a Razor

In the 2022 “Daredevil” series by Chip Zdarsky, Marco Checchetto, and Rafael de Latorre, the Man Without Fear joins forces with Elektra in a group called The Fist, created to control the Hand. During this time, his outfit experiences a change. Goodbye to the traditional attire and hello to a new black and red one, complete with spikes on the fists, a protective vest, and a hood. Although he retains his iconic horned helmet, it appears that Matt Murdock may have misplaced his razor, as his previously smooth face now sports a full, rough ginger beard that outshines Thor’s beard.

This rugged take on Daredevil is surprisingly entertaining, but it strays quite far from the classic version of the character, which is why it didn’t rank higher in our list. Interestingly enough, writer Chip Zdarsky shares a similar facial hairstyle. When asked if his beard inspired Daredevil’s “rough beard,” he replied on Substack: “Not really, as Daredevil’s beard is quite soft, so no. But let’s admire how beautifully Marco draws it.” There’s no disputing that – whether you prefer Daredevil’s beard or not, it looks fantastic in the comic book.

6. Charlie Cox’s Daredevil costumes improved as the Netflix show went on

In a public statement, Charlie Cox has expressed his dislike for Ben Affleck’s suit in the 2003 “Daredevil” movie. Interestingly, Affleck shares this sentiment too. It’s worth noting that when fans saw Cox’s Daredevil costume in “Daredevil” Season 1, it didn’t receive universal acclaim. Some viewers felt the mask was too large and restrictive for the actor, and that the rest of the outfit appeared more like armor than a superhero suit. Additionally, the mask covers his nose, which is different from how it appears in the traditional comics.

In the second and third seasons of the show, Cox’s appearance was more acceptable, thankfully, as the costume team adjusted different parts of his outfit. The final suit Cox wore in the Netflix series strikes a good balance between pleasing fans and being practical. Given that in reality, a vigilante wouldn’t venture out without some sort of protective gear for their face and body, the addition of a mask may not be entirely faithful to the original, but it seems fitting in the gritty atmosphere of the series. Similarly, the overall appearance of the character aligns well with the show.

5. Daredevil 2099 steps out in a futuristic fashion

2004’s “Daredevil 2099” by Robert Kirkman and Karl Moline shows Wilson Fisk emerging victorious from his conflict against Matt Murdock, effectively eliminating Daredevil permanently. But in this future setting, a new individual has stepped up to carry on the legacy: Samuel Wilson, the grandson of the Kingpin. His Daredevil costume references the past while incorporating modern technology, bearing more resemblance to Iron Man’s armor than traditional Daredevil outfits.

In the new version of Daredevil, his suit has been upgraded. Instead of jumping from building to building like the old Matt Murdock did, Samuel’s suit now includes rocket boosters that propel him into the air. This armor also provides protection against bullets, which is useful for any vigilante out there. The most exciting feature of this new Daredevil 2099 is the tracking software in his mask, allowing him to pinpoint criminals. Just like RoboCop, his suit opens up to let him grab his non-lethal weapons. Mixing classic styles with new ones can sometimes be tricky, but this updated version showcases how it’s done effectively.

4. The purified Daredevil outfit is different in a good way

The unique contrast of Daredevil lies in his role as a virtuous crusader against wrongdoing, dressed in an attire reminiscent of Satan. In the 2024 issue #6 of “Daredevil,” written by Saladin Ahmed and Aaron Kuder, the creative duo pushes the symbolism even more, giving Matt Murdock’s appearance a fresh twist. In this narrative, Doctor Strange assists Matt in overcoming his internal struggles to unleash his brave spirit once again, enabling him to battle crime effectively.

Indeed, Matt resumes his role as Daredevil, yet this time, his attire is purely white – almost ethereal in its whiteness. This new version of Daredevil seems to have been reborn (a recurring theme in the comics, but let’s not dwell), and his spirit has undergone a purification from past afflictions. The all-white costume stands out significantly, and we believe it ranks among the finest transformations yet. There’s an air of divine intervention about it, as if this vigilante was dispatched from the heavens to restore order in Hell’s Kitchen. Regrettably, the white suit didn’t persist for long. Matt found himself back in his red attire just two issues later, but the transition was certainly unforgettable.

3. Charlie Cox’s red and yellow outfit is a cool upgrade on Daredevil’s first costume

Initially appearing in “Daredevil” #1 by Stan Lee and Bill Everett back in 1964, Daredevil donned a yellow and red outfit instead of the well-known all-red one often associated with him today. In this first issue, his entire costume was yellow, while details such as his bodysuit, gloves, boots, and belt were all red. This color scheme was chosen to pay tribute to Jack Murdock, Daredevil’s late father, whose old boxing robe was also yellow and red, creating a meaningful connection between the character’s past and present.

As a devoted gamer, I’ve always been captivated by the character Daredevil. Initially, he donned an outfit that didn’t last long, eventually being swapped for the iconic red suit. However, from time to time, we’ve seen glimpses of this lesser-known costume in comic books since the ’60s. Recently, this suit made its live-action debut in “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law,” where Charlie Cox’s portrayal of Daredevil, aka the Man Without Fear, shared the screen with Tatiana Maslany’s Jennifer Walters. It seems that the creators of “She-Hulk” managed to include Daredevil in their series by agreeing to use this costume, a detail that fans seem to appreciate, regardless of their feelings towards the show itself. Nonetheless, it’s undeniable that Matt Murdock looks fantastic sporting this stylish update on his original Daredevil gear.

2. Charlie Cox’s simple black costume has a gritty street-level feel to it

Frank Miller, both writer and artist in comic books, often prefers to add his unique touch when working with established characters. For instance, in 1993’s “Daredevil: The Man Without Fear,” teamed up with John Romita Jr., he significantly influenced the look of Daredevil by dressing him in a ninja-inspired, minimalistic black costume that would later be seen in “The Trial of the Incredible Hulk” from 1989. In their reinterpretation of Daredevil’s origin story, Miller and Romita Jr. initially dressed the main character in a simple black outfit, which he eventually upgraded to full superhero attire.

In the first season of “Daredevil”, the character Matt Murdock, portrayed by Charlie Cox, predominantly dons a black, improvised suit for combat throughout most episodes. This outfit has a design reminiscent of both “Daredevil: The Man Without Fear” and “The Trial of the Incredible Hulk”, yet surpasses both in terms of style. It’s snug, similar to many iconic superhero outfits, but avoids the appearance of spandex. The forearm and knuckle wraps provide an edgy touch. The costume fits well with the story’s gritty atmosphere and the character’s street-level persona. Unlike other superheroes who confront extraterrestrial beings or supernatural adversaries, Matt is engaged in battles against crime lords and their henchmen. Therefore, a cape is unnecessary in his case.

1. The classic red Daredevil costume can’t be topped (but Disney came close)

Fears ran high that Charlie Cox’s portrayal of Daredevil might be over following its cancellation on Netflix. Over time, a common query persisted: Will Marvel’s “Daredevil” be reborn or not? The answer was finally revealed in 2021’s “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” as Cox reprised his role as Matt Murdock, and it was announced that he would star in a Disney+ series under the Marvel Studios banner called “Daredevil: Born Again.” This new chapter also brought about a fresh design for the Man Without Fear. The costume is an improvement of the one he wore in Netflix’s “Daredevil,” but it adheres more closely to the traditional red color scheme from the comic books.

While some fans wish that the Disney+ Daredevil suit was sleeker and that they would do away with the armor, this is likely the closest a live-action Daredevil costume will come to looking like the best-known Daredevil outfit from the comics. It’s definitely the best live-action Daredevil we’ve seen to date, but there’s no disputing that the classic red suit from Marvel Comics remains untouchable as the most definitive attire for the Man Without Fear. It debuted in 1965’s “Daredevil” #7 and would go on to become the defining Daredevil look in the decades that followed. On top of switching from red and yellow to totally red, the new costume also came with thigh holsters for Daredevil’s billy club and the single D on his chest became the iconic DD, instead. It’s simple but memorable, and it will never be topped.

Want to read more about Hell’s Kitchen’s favorite son? Check out the untold truth of Daredevil.

2024-11-07 20:11