In this review of Daredevil #4, Matt Murdock and Omen’s second battle comes to a surprising conclusion. Harlan Vale continues his pursuit of ESU’s data.
DAREDEVIL #4
Written by: Stephanie Phillips
Art and Main Cover: Lee Garbett
Variant Covers: Kaare Andrews, Gerardo Sandoval, Geoff Shaw
Page Count: 24 pages
Release Date: July 8, 2026
This review contains spoilers
Daredevil #4’s beginning jumps between the current battle against Omen and various flashbacks to Matt’s life. Matt declares himself a collection of moments, and that those moments were built off pain, fear, anger, and grief. As they tend to dominate much of his life today, Matt states that his past is always present.
Omen continues his tirade, and informs Matt that he can see the future in glimpses. Whatever his current plan is, he believes it’ll bring him closer to seeing the whole future.
At the climax of the battle, Omen nearly ends Daredevil, but he’s shot by Leland Owlsley. Omen retreats and Owl ties up Daredevil, yelling at DD for messing up his operations in issue 2. Matt breaks out easily and escapes, but Owl tells him he owes him.
Elsewhere, Harlan Vale holds a conference at ESU, stating he will provide technology to enhance education. Professor Ellison voices concern, stating one of Vale’s companies was under investigation for stealing data. He attempts to reassure her before walking away, asking his assistant to gather private data on what the professors say about him. Matt’s run-in with Officer Forte also catches his eye.
Speaking of Forte, he and Callahan raid the crime scene once more, only to run into Omen. Omen gouges Callahan’s eyes out, while Forte grips his pistol in fear.
Elsewhere, Matt remarks on Omen’s characteristics, stating he doesn’t resemble a human. Despite realizing he can’t fight him yet, he declares Omen won’t break him.
Analysis
The church flashbacks being timed with the flow of the battle was really cool for me. When Matt thinks of suffering moments such as his father’s death or his refusal to talk to his priest, Omen gains the upper hand. When Matt remembers his priest telling him to fight against sorrow, he attempts to counterattack. Then, Matt loses his spirit when he remembers telling his pastor he has no future due to his blindness. That would’ve been the end if not for Owl’s save.
I loved this part of the issue, especially for a character as intertwined with religion and the past as Murdock. I also think it’s a nice fit and contrast with Omen. Matt’s internal voice was against the past, while Omen’s preaching is about the future.
We’ve seen the scenes involving Battlin’ Jack Murdock’s deaths so many times before, but something that sticks out this time is the innocence on a young Matt’s face. The little Murdock doesn’t seem elated with his father’s win, but simply stares with slight shock after hearing his father was losing for most of the fight. He has no idea of the betting world, and that creates an innocent feeling, which makes the tragedy that follows hit harder.
Lastly, I like the steady Harlan Vale set-ups. The ending of that conversation being about Matt’s questioning connects it to the current story. For a villain who’s seemingly geared to play a major role in this run, it was a good way to bring him in without making the issue feel disjointed.
We still aren’t any closer to finding out who or what Omen is though. But based on how the issue ended and Matt stating he seems non-human, it may come next month.
Final Thoughts
Despite only barely moving closer to Omen’s identity, Daredevil #4 is a solid issue with a highlight on the return to past roots.
