(Image Source: Marvel / Philip Tan)
As a hero, the Man Without Fear is famous for his acrobatic agility and stealth. When Matt Murdock goes into a fight, he usually dresses to move. Given that, it is a major event whenever he chooses to don armor, preparing to absorb damage rather than evade it. Such an event seems to be imminent, as the covers of Daredevil #20 depicting Matt in his black armor suit.

Written by Saladin Ahmed, with art by José Luis Soares Pinto, Daredevil #20 will kick off a new story arc. The current volume has found Matt Murdock fighting the literal demons born of his sins. This has left him bereft and alone, abandoned by what few friends he had left. It is not all doom and gloom, however, as he rekindles a relationship with a lost love. Unfortunately, a new dangerous enemy will threaten Hell’s Kitchen, requiring Matt bring his black armor back to survive what comes next.

Three covers for Daredevil #20 may be viewed below.

(John Romita Jr. cover)

(Philip Tan cover)

(Todd Nauck cover)

The history of Daredevil’s black armor

(Image Source: Marvel / Ron Wagner and Bill Reinhold)

The Daredevil black armor costume first appeared in 1993 in Daredevil #321. Matt Murdock adopted this costume, after his classic red devil suit was destroyed. Beyond being more protective, this costume also mounted his trademark billy clubs to his wrists.

This suit did help the Daredevil hold his own against more dangerous enemies, including Venom. However, Matt Murdock believed the darker costume had a negative influence on his attitude and mental health. He became more confrontational while wearing it, spoiling for a fight instead of acting to avoid his enemies. To that end, he used the black armor costume sparingly afterward, donning it only when he knew he needed the protection.

Daredevil #20 arrives in comic shops everywhere on April 9, 2025.