In this review of Daredevil #7, Daredevil’s life experiences another loop as Elektra’s return poses some serious questions.
DAREDEVIL #7
Written by: Stephanie Phillips
Art: Flaviano
Main Cover: Lee Garbett
Variant Covers: Flaviano, Nogi San, Francesco Manna, Luciano Vecchio, Lee Garbett
Page Count: 22 pages
Release Date: September 16, 2026
This review contains spoilers
Daredevil #7 is here, and the war continues. Daredevil is a one-man army, taking on the gangs of Hammerhead, Tombstone, and everyone who grasps at becoming the new Kingpin of NYC. Accompanied with the action is a monologue by Matt, using window cleaning as a metaphor on how troublesome things in his life constantly re-occur. Backing that up, here is yet another gang war.
As he works his way through the streets, Matt rescues the survivor of an attacked car. The survivor is a kid, who was entrusted with Kingpin’s coveted ledger. The Owl helps lead them into the sewers to escape. Along the way, they’re attacked by Silvermane, and Daredevil entrusts the kid with Owl as he engages the enemy. He tells them the location of a church to reach.
Matt defeats the cyborg-esque mercenary where he unscrews his arm before tossing him into the water. When returning to the surface, he finds Elektra at the church, in possession of the ledger. Matt dislikes Elektra’s usage of the word “we” to describe them, by stating there is no “we” between them. But he desires the book, trusting they can fix up the streets together using whatever its contents are.
Elektra laughs it off, alluding that any positive difference they make tends to get reversed. She then kisses her ex and walks out with the book, returning into his life as DD monologues once more on constant re-occurrences.
Analysis
Phillips starting the issue with Matt’s monologue on repeating cycles was a great choice, as it’s both an easy framing device and a true statement for his life. Things just continue to pile up over and over again, no matter how much work Matt has put in to rectify them. And that’s the beauty in Daredevil’s character. Despite the system’s constant failure, he has faith that they’ll eventually get better.
However, not everyone shares that sentiment. Elektra comes off as the opposite. She’s tried his Daredevil route and despite it, New York is currently at war. She’s a contrast, as Daredevil describes the brutal methods with which she kills Mr. Negative’s Inner Demons. The difference in method gives way to why she’s unwilling to follow his road.
Both of their ideas reign true to their character journeys, and it gives a real reason for why they have a split this time. Still, they share a kiss and Matt is clearly still flustered by her, so it’ll be interesting to see how this plays out.
It’ll require a balance, since Elektra’s tied to the Daredevil aspect of Matt’s life, and his civilian side is chasing fellow professor Sari Ellison. A dimension is added to the story of him trying to balance both of his lives..
On the topic of character relationships, the budding partnership between Owl and Daredevil has been quite good. Owl going out of his way to protect civilians and defy major criminal bosses adds depth to his character. It’s gonna take a few more issues and an eventual culmination to bring Owl’s character arc home. But thus far, they’re good foundations, and it’s enjoyable to see Daredevil re-build a network.
The focus on Matt’s relationships over focus on the book was a strong choice. The story around the book can be written in at any time. Taking an issue instead to further character arcs and provide commentary on Matt/Elektra gives the story needed emotional depth.
What the book’s chase also did well was allow for some chaotic fight scenes. Issue #7 contains the best action of the series to date, showcasing the agility of Matt Murdock.
Final Thoughts
Daredevil #7 displays strong action, good writing, and an intriguing twist that’ll hold weight going forward.
