Warning: contains spoilers for Daredevil #6!Although Daredevil and the Punisher have squared off many times, these two street-level vigilantes are now preparing for their most brutal showdown ever. In Daredevil #6, the titular hero continues his efforts to take down the Hand once and for all. But the Hand - now led by the Punisher - is ready for Daredevil, promising an epic conflict in the issues to come. While they've clashed before over their differing views of justice, this time they're both truly on opposite sides, and this showdown will doubtless be their most violent and most bloody.
After being released from prison, Daredevil rededicated his life to stopping the Hand once and for all, joining with Elektra to create the Fist. Among his many recruits are his old partner Foggy Nelson, as well as a cadre of villains, including former nemesis Stilt-Man. Meanwhile, the Hand, using evil magic, has resurrected Frank Castle's wife, promising to reunite their family in exchange for him becoming their Great Slayer. Day by day, the Punisher’s already tenuous grip on reality has begun to slip, and he is well on his way to truly embracing the dark destiny the Hand has laid out for him. With both the Hand and the Fist consolidating their power bases, the stage has been set for Punisher and Daredevil’s most epic confrontation yet.
As the issue opens, Daredevil is addressing the recently-liberated villains, offering them the opportunity to better themselves by joining the Fist. Meanwhile, Elektra has uncovered a plot by the Hand to kill world leaders, their bodies to be possessed by evil spirits. Tracking the President to a G8 Summit in France, Elektra attempts to learn more, but is intercepted by Iron Man, who advises her to back down. Elektra proves more than a match for Iron Man, and after the possessed president seemingly throws himself out of a window, Elektra is framed as the killer. Back at the Hand’s lair, the Punisher is watching the whole thing go down, concluding “those murderers need to be punished.” The issue is written by Chip Zdarsky, drawn by Rafael De LaTorre, colored by Matthew Wilson and lettered by Clayton Cowles.
Daredevil & Punisher Are Going to War - Literally
The issue’s last page, showing the Punisher readying himself for combat by sharpening his sword, makes it clear he is heading for a fight with Daredevil. Yet this showdown promises to be unlike any other fight they have had. In the past, the two worked alone, but now both have vast armies at their disposal, greatly increasing the potential for bloodshed. Furthermore, when Daredevil and the Punisher squared off in the past, it was possible for their fights to end if Frank could get clear of Matt Murdock and resume his personal vendetta. Now, however, the Punisher has gone completely villainous. He still believes he is punishing evil, but as the Great Slayer of the Hand, he has abandoned all semblance of reason, becoming the ultimate, soulless killing machine.
The stakes in the upcoming conflict between the Punisher and Daredevil are extremely high. Daredevil and Elektra have committed themselves to destroying the Hand once and for all, a move that puts them straight in the Punisher’s sights. The Punisher has found a new purpose with the Hand, and he is not about to let Daredevil take that away - especially as it would mean losing his family once again. Fans have seen Daredevil vs Punisher before, but the coming conflict guarantees that this time, their battle will come with a body count.
Daredevil #6 is on sale now from Marvel Comics!