With the latest trailer for the third season of Daredevil having revealed Bullseye as its main villain, many fans of the show who are unfamiliar with the comics are wanting to know more about the deadly marksman considered by many to be Daredevil's most physically dangerous foe. They are not alone, as the character of Bullseye has been a figure of mystery since his first appearance. In fact, precisely when he made his first appearance is a mystery in and of itself.
Thankfully, the origins of the Netflix series' take on Bullseye are far more straightforward. The new villain will be introduced as FBI Agent Benjamin "Dex" Poindexter - a master marksman who is also good with thrown weapons. Dex also appears to have some serious mental problems, which the structure of his work at the FBI helped to keep in check. It spoils little to say that something will break and "Dex" will soon be putting his talents to use in the service of The Kingpin.
Related: New Daredevil Season 3 Trailer Introduces Bullseye
Curiously, the origins of the man known as Bullseye aren't nearly as well defined in the comics. Much like The Joker, his real name is unknown and he's told a number of conflicting stories about his past over the years. The efforts of various writers to tie Bullseye into the past of characters besides Daredevil, such as one story which suggested Bullseye faced Frank Castle in one of his first adventures as The Punisher, have only muddied the waters. There is also an assassin called Bulls-Eye, who was seemingly killed after his first appearance in Nick Fury: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. some six years before Bullseye appeared in the pages of Daredevil. Opinions differ as to whether or not they are the same man.
One of Bullseye's origin stories suggested that he was a promising professional baseball pitcher, who became bored with the game and discovered an untapped blood-lust when he intentionally threw a fastball right between the eyes of a batter who mocked him. Another story depicted him as the product of an abusive home, who faked his father's suicide by using a toy arrow set to pull off a trick-shot that set off his father's pistol. Yet another story suggests that Bullseye was once a highly respected NSA agent, who abandoned his life to go into business for himself as a freelance assassin. It is impossible to say which of these stories (if any) is true, as Bullseye has freely admitted to lying about his past whenever he is asked about it.
Bullseye's true name is just as big a mystery as his past. The Ultimate Universe version of Bullseye was said to be named Benjamin Poindexter, but it was never made clear if this was an alias or not. The main Marvel Comics Universe version of Bullseye has referred to himself as Benjamin Poindexter on several occasions, but no one has confirmed if that is his real name. He has also used the names Lester Jangles and Leonard McClain.
Whatever his origins, Bullseye had a reputation for cruel efficiency as a freelance assassin long before he was hired by The Kingpin to be his personal problem solver. His talent for murder was equaled only by his capacity for holding a grudge and he showcased both when he killed the assassin Elektra for stealing his job, after The Kingpin hired her to replace Bullseye when he was imprisoned. Call him what you will but it seems likely that Daredevil will have his hands full in the season to come.