Daredevil Reveals Marvel’s Brand New Kingpin, [SPOILER]

Warning: SPOILERS for Daredevil #13

The latest issue of Daredevil has finally given Netflix fans the Kingpin twist (and challenge) they longed for all along. Vincent d’Onofrio’s Kingpin was undeniably one of the highlights of Marvel Netflix, and his vendetta with Charlie Cox’s Daredevil played out over all three seasons of Daredevil. He was truly the best Daredevil villain.

Over in the comics, Wilson Fisk’s life has taken a surprising turn. He manipulated his way into a very different position of power in New York, successfully campaigning as Mayor. In a shocking twist, he’s decided this is the right time to abandon his life as the Kingpin of Crime. Fisk has attempted to wind down his criminal enterprises and persuade his old allies to keep the peace. Unfortunately, Daredevil #13 reveals that not everybody is willing to listen to Fisk’s advice.

Crime boss Leland Owlsley – aka the Owl – has decided this is the perfect time to step up. He’s started attempting to aggressively expand his territory, launching devastating attacks upon rivals such as the Libris crime empire. What’s more, the Owl has absolutely no qualms about claiming ownership of these strikes. When crime boss Izzy Libris challenges him, he happily admits it. “Haven’t you heard?,” he asks. “Fisk is done. His head’s in a different ball game now. The old ways of borders and rules are over.” To prove the point, he has his agents shoot Izzy’s bodyguards dead.

It’s the twist everybody wanted to see Fisk face (from a competent rival) in Daredevil, but it’s not going to work out well for the Owl. He doesn’t know it, but his bid for power is premature. On the one hand, Wilson Fisk is beginning to give in to his baser instincts once again. As much as he may be trying to go legit, Fisk still has a ferocious temper, and he’s just committed a murder. Little by little, Fisk is being forced to confront his baser instincts, to admit to the truth of who he really is.

Meanwhile, in the shadows, Matt Murdock is stepping up as well. Fisk thinks he’s broken Daredevil once and for all, but the Man Without Fear is working with Elektra to get his Mojo back. Making matters worse for the Owl, Matt Murdock is actually seeing a member of the Libris family right now, meaning Owlsley will be top on the list of targets for Daredevil when he gets back into action. Owlsley’s greed and ambition led to his death on Marvel Netflix, and they could well lead him to defeat in the comics as well.

Daredevil #13 is on sale now from Marvel Comics.