Daredevil: Born Again received stellar reviews from critics who shared their first reactions mere days before the show's premiere.
"As the saying goes, "the devil's work is never done," so it is no surprise that Charlie Cox's Man Without Fear is back in the MCU after nearly seven years since his Netflix series came to an end.
Described as yet another "dark and sinister" entry into the MCU character's ever-expanding canon, the series will see Cox jump back into the suit for his first proper blood-soaked outing as the character under the Disney+ banner.
The Daredevil: Born Again Reviews Are In
Daredevil: Born Again is off to a strong start, as Critics posted their first reactions online.
In its early goings, the show is being praised for its impressive start, incredible performances from actors like Charlie Cox and Vincent D'Onofrio, and pulse-pounding action that makes the series earn its R-rating.
While most of these first reactions are glowing, there have been a few critiques levied Born Again's way including spotty CGI work and familiar plot beats.
Erik Davis from Fandango called the show's first two episodes, "Among the strongest starts for a Marvel Studios TV show to date:"
"Marvel’s 'Daredevil Born Again' comes out of the gate HOT! Among the strongest starts for a Marvel Studios TV show to date imo - the first two episodes are terrific, setting up a story that is part court procedural and part all-out brawling. There’s a fight in EP 1 that is all done in one shot w/ a wild ending—really kicks off the series in a memorable way."
Davis continued by comparing the series to HBO's critically acclaimed The Penguin show, saying they both have "similar vibes but the fights in Daredevil are already next level:"
"Honestly reminds me a bit of 'The Penguin; in terms of a city in chaos and a larger-than-life gangster trying to rule all. Similar vibes but the fights in Daredevil are already next-level. This show might have some of the best brawls we’ve seen from the MCU. I’m instantly hooked and can’t wait to see where it goes from here."
Screenrant's Liam Crowley echoed these sentiments, dubbing the show's premiere "the best pilot of any MCU series thus far," while spotlighting the performances of its main cast and "edge of seat energy:"
"'Daredevil Born Again' has the best pilot of any MCU series thus far, and it’s not close. Edge of seat energy w/ audible gasps throughout. Charlie & Vincent haven’t lost a step, Benson & Moorhead bring the sauce. Above all else, it’s EPISODIC. We *might* be back."
"Daredevil Born Again is a worthy successor," The Cinegeek Editor-In-Chief Rayyan Akbar remarked in his review of the series, calling out the character work being done as well as the script which is (as he puts it) "is as great as before:"
"'Daredevil Born Again' is a worthy successor! Nails what made the original work, while moving these characters forward in shocking ways. The grounded tone and grit is there, and the writing is as great as before. The action even larger, and sharper. Traumatized, Overjoyed, Loved it!
POC Culture was just as glowing about the show, lamenting that it is "a perfect blend of old & new:"
"I’ve seen 2 episodes of 'Daredevil Born Again!'
It’s a perfect blend of old & new. It combines the grit of the original with the flair of the MCU.
Incredible bone-crunching action mixed w/ the focus on character development that makes Daredevil special."
Comicbook's Chris Killian advised fans to "avoid spoilers," as there are some emotional beats that will feel like "a gut punch" in the first few episodes:
The first two episodes of 'Daredevil Born Again' breathe a new, stylish energy into Daredevil that feels less grounded than the Netflix run, but more akin to the moodiness of the comics, which I personally loved. Prepare for a gut punch and avoid spoilers!"
It was not all positive from Killian, though, as he heeded caution among fans when it came to the show's CGI. Despite that, he still made sure to reiterated, Born Again is "already probably [his] favorite Marvel Disney+ show in recent memory:"
"My biggest criticism is some of the CGI feels rushed, but overall, I loved the story and vibe of it all. This version of Daredevil feels much more like a superhero than he did on Netflix and is already probably my favorite Marvel Disney+ show in recent memory."
Brandon Davis from Phase Hero was similarly positive, but offered a bit of critique as well, noting that "some VFX moments are a weak spot:"
"'Daredevil Born Again' comes out SWINGING!
It’s a TRUE continuation of the Netflix series. Cox & D’Onofrio haven’t missed a beat! Some VFX moments are a weak spot.
It kicks ass, moves quick, and takes no prisoners. Really solid first 2 eps.
Really enjoyed and want to see more!!"
Assistant Editor at The Mary Sue Rachel Leishman wrote that the series' fight scenes are "just as violent as the original show" and "play with Matt's morality in such a poignant and beautiful way:"
"'Daredevil Born Again' brings my boy back to me. The fight sequences are just as violent as the original show and play with Matt's morality in such a poignant and beautiful way. Charlie Cox and Vincent D'Onofrio step effortlessly back into their rivalry. I love having my devil back."
Untitled Movie Podcast co-host Eric Marchen shared that the series did not work for him at least in its early goings, calling it "somewhat familiar as a faux-docudrama procedural:"
"The first two episodes of 'Daredevil Born Again' dismantle and rebuild what Netflix previously assembled. The series borrows plot elements from 'Batman Returns' and 'Batman Forever,' making it somewhat familiar as a faux-docudrama procedural."
He would go on to say in the replies to his review that he is "mixed" on the series as a whole.
Marchen also added that the "strangest part" of Born Again that it borrows its "episodic structure" from She-Hulk:
"While tonally different, the strangest part of 'Daredevil Born Again' is that it shares an episodic structure with 'She-Hulk' with a guest star/defendant of the week presentation to bring new and old characters into the fold."
The Hashtag Show's Junio Felix called out one particular action sequence in his review, saying it "will leave you speechless:"
"Watched the first 2 episodes of 'Daredevil Born Again' and WOW! Ep1 starts with a bang and makes a point to show you this isn't Netflix. Truly fantastic fight sequence that will leave you speechless. D'Onofrio's is incredible as a hardened, cautious, and wary Fisk."
"Daredevil Born Again is GRITTY, RUTHLESS & UNFORGIVINGLY BLOODY,"
The Movie Podcast co-host Anthony Gagliardi wrote in his first reaction to the series, positing that stars Charlie Cox and Vincent D'Onofrio "still steal the show:"
"'DaredevilBornAgain' is GRITTY, RUTHLESS & UNFORGIVINGLY BLOODY! Fans of the original series are in for a treat, echoing the first season’s intensity and rage. Cox & D’Onofrio still steal the show. Two episodes in, and all I can say is The Man Without Fear is BACK!"
Daredevil: Born Again hits Disney+ with its two-episode premiere on Tuesday, March 4.
