(Image Source: Marvel Studios)
The fourth episode of Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 ended with a shocking attack and possible death. The cliffhanger left things unclear, with conflicting accounts by actors and producers as to whether anyone died. In either case, the episode will lead to something that could forever change the MCU and how superheroes operate in Manhattan.
The Daredevil: Born Again episode “Gloves Off” centers around a charity boxing match. This was intended to set a trap for Bullseye, who was gunning for Kingpin and his wife. Bullseye struck anyway, but was driven off by the arrival of Daredevil. However, in the confusion, Vanessa Fisk was wounded in the neck and temple by glass shrapnel. Ironically, this came from a trophy that Wilson Fisk deflected while defending her.
(Image Source: Marvel Studios)
Both Kingpin actor Vincent D’Onofrio and Executive Producer Sana Amanat gave conflicting accounts as to whether or not Vanessa will survive. However, it seems highly unlikely that such a dramatic moment could end in anything less than the death of Kingpin’s beloved wife. This seems doubly true given the influence that Vanessa had on her husband in the comics.
How Vanessa Fisk died in the Daredevil comics
Vanessa Fisk was a relative innocent when introduced in the pages of Amazing Spider-Man. While aware of her husband’s criminal activities, she tried to convince him to go straight. The Kingpin tried, but ultimately fell back into his criminal lifestyle.
(Image Source: Marvel / John Romita Sr.)
Later, following a botched kidnapping attempt, Vanessa fell into a catatonic state after being rescued by Daredevil. Upon recovering she turned upon her husband, trying to destroy Kingpin and Daredevil for the cycle of violence that ruined her life. She ultimately died of an unrelated illness in 2016’s Amazing Spider-Man #19.
How Daredevil: Born Again quietly alters the MCU
The MCU Daredevil series took Vanessa Fisk’s story in an entirely different direction by making her a willing accomplice in the Kingpin’s criminal activities. However, one aspect of the original comics has remained unchanged. For all his sins, Wilson Fisk does love his wife and will do anything for her. Any threat to her destroys what little sense of restraint holds him back.
(Image Source: Marvel Studios)
The comics often had Kingpin go berserk when he thought his wife was dead, injured or betraying him. This has been teased in Daredevil: Born Again with the revelation of Vanessa Fisk’s off-screen infidelity and his clear fear when she shows up unexpected in his trap to catch Bullseye. Thus far, Kingpin’s efforts to bring order to Manhattan by outlawing vigilantes have hindered heroes like White Tiger and the Swordsman. A Kingpin out for blood could become even more dangerous.
It is unclear just how deeply Fisk’s new anti-vigilante laws reach or fit into the Sokovia Accords of the MCU. The New Avengers, who operate out of Manhattan, may be exempt because they are federal agents and not unlicensed vigilantes. It seems unlikely this point will be addressed in Avengers: Doomsday. However, Fisk’s policies coupled with a vendetta against costume heroes could complicate things for every hero, like Doctor Strange or Ms. Marvel, who operates independently.
