REVIEW: ‘Daredevil’ Issue 4 (2026)

Daredevil Issue 4 (2026) is published by Marvel Comics. Written by Stephanie Phillips, art by Lee Garbett, colors by Frank Martin and letters by Ariana Maher.

In this latest issue, Daredevil can’t beat Omen on his own, but an unlikely savior comes to his rescue. Taking place instantly after the previous chapter ended, the tables are turned on the Man Without Fear. he got the drop on the Omen in the last issue, actually able to study his movements and figure out a way to fight back.

But in Daredevil Issue 4, the villain with a horrifying face starts overwhelming Daredevil. It only takes an intervention from someone else, one of Daredevil’s most infamous villains. It also takes Murdock out of the action for the rest of the chapter.

The other half of the story focuses on the two cops who are hunting Omen. There’s a terrific tension within the partnership that shows that the skill level isn’t as high as it initially seemed. As Daredevil tries to free himself from captivity, the thriller gets deeper, and the two stories overlap. Phillips laces a statement within Daredevil Issue 4, one that rears its head as a Chekhov’s gun much faster than expected. It’s a reminder of the ruthlessness within this corner of the Marvel Universe, hitting the detective and his partner directly.

Daredevil Issue 4 (2026) splits the characters, but Omen is the connection between both. The villain remains enigmatic even after his face was revealed because he doesn’t seem to be present in the moment. His dialogue isn’t direct, instead spoken like a delirious prophet. And he’s speaking whilst kicking the snot out of Daredevil, so there’s intelligence and drive in him.

The chemistry between Daredevil and the members of his rogues’ gallery is always fascinating, and Phillips explores that further here. They hate each other, but the villain isn’t trying to kill Murdock. Instead, he’s after information and retribution following his humiliation earlier in the chapter.

It’s the relationship between Detective Dominic Forte and Officer Callahan that’s most fascinating in Daredevil Issue 4, because it reveals a lot about the detective. Forte is not as experienced as he seems, and he doesn’t have the skills to survive. His shooting accuracy is pitiful, and that is dangerous in a city filled with assassins, ninjas and murderers. The faith between the two has shattered, as has the respect.

The art is fantastic. Omen’s true face has been revealed, and Garbett creates a ghoulish, frightening visage. It makes the villain even scarier. At first, there is a calm quality to how the character acts and fights. By the end of Daredevil Issue 4, Omen is much more feral and ferocious. In the shadows, he’s even more horrifying, with his mouth wide open and wild eyes. The kicks to Daredevil’s stomach look painful, but they’re not the most brutal thing he’ll do in this issue.

And the beating Matt takes is evident in what happens later in the issue. Even after dealing with the villain that captured him, who has its own display of injuries, he is weakened and struggling. This is evident in how he moves, beautifully highlighted by Garbett’s art. He’s struggling to make the jumps he normally does, climbing across rooftops with an exhausted expression. It’s a constant reminder that Daredevil is human and needs time to recover.

The colors are also sensational. The rich red that coats Daredevil’s costume is gorgeous and intense. It really cuts through the darkness, which is heavily prevalent within this book. The lettering is very clear and easy to read, with a terrific use of SFX.

Daredevil Issue 4 (2026) takes a brutal step forward. Much of this run so far has featured all the characters skulking around in the shadows. Omen is powerful and elusive, and no one can really land a glove on him. Hell’s Kitchen itself is unsettled by his intrusion, and Phillips reflects on how the villains seem just as afraid as Daredevil. Phillips’ dialogue is really shining, with every conversation having an interesting dynamic. It avoids stereotypes and clichés, leading to surprises and terrifying finales.

Daredevil Issue 4 is available where comics are sold.