Spoiler alert! This article contains spoilers for Daredevil: Born Again.
In the riveting series Daredevil: Born Again, Wilson Fisk is cracking down on vigilantes in New York City, painting several beloved Marvel heroes as potential criminals. Known as the Kingpin, Fisk has cunningly stealth his way into political power, taking the mayoral seat by fervently campaigning against vigilantes. His promise to clean the streets of costumed heroes places him in direct opposition to the very characters who have long safeguarded the city against threats that go beyond the reach of conventional law enforcement.
Within the rich tapestry of Marvel Comics, New York is a bustling hub for heroes, ranging from Spider-Man to Daredevil and even the Fantastic Four. In the timeline of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), numerous heroes have walked these streets, including the Avengers—most of whom have either retired or fallen in battle. The remaining heroes now find themselves vulnerable to Kingpin’s stringent anti-vigilante laws, which threaten to criminalize any unauthorized attempts to combat crime.
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Daredevil Has Seemingly Retired in Daredevil: Born Again
See Daredevil: Born Again
At the onset of Daredevil: Born Again, Matt Murdock, famously known as the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen, appears to have hung up his suit. Following the tragic murder of his best friend, Foggy Nelson, at the hands of Bullseye, Matt walks away from his vigilante life, retreating into normalcy. However, the very title of the series implies that this hiatus won’t be permanent.
With this backdrop, one can only anticipate Matt’s eventual return to face the oppressive regime of Fisk. His comeback is likely to serve as a beacon of hope for the heroes still daring enough to resist Kingpin’s reign of power.
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White Tiger Is Currently Incarcerated
See Daredevil: Born Again
Hector Ayala, the MCU’s White Tiger, steps into the light but doesn’t remain there long as he gets arrested early on for unintentionally killing a police officer. His incarceration unfolds in the second episode, with Matt Murdock representing him. There’s a possibility that Hector might be released. However, if he resumes his heroics upon release, he risks being categorized as an outlaw targeted by Fisk.
Hector, who derives his powers from mystical amulets, poses a formidable challenge for Kingpin’s law if he ventures back into action. During Daredevil’s downtime, White Tiger has quickly established himself as a significant force in New York City.
10
Kate Bishop Is Operating in New York City
See Hawkeye
Clint Barton’s protégé, Kate Bishop, is carving out her own identity as a New York-based hero. She has been actively fighting street-level crimes and even clashing with formidable threats like Kingpin himself in Hawkeye. Her determination and archery skills have made her a force to reckon with, even in a world without superpowers defending her.
Acting independently without any backing from law enforcement or the Avengers, Kate is now exposed to Kingpin’s new regime, which will not hesitate to brand her an outlaw. If she continues her quest against crime in the city, she’s bound to cross paths with Kingpin’s enforcers.
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Spider-Man Is New York’s Only Avenger
See Spider-Man: No Way Home
After the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home, Peter Parker finds himself in a precarious situation. With the world having erased his identity from memory, he operates as a lone vigilante—no longer connected to the Avengers. This shift positions him as a prime target for Kingpin’s anti-vigilante laws.
Despite the anonymity that shrouds his existence, it’s vital to note that Fisk has made overt references to Spider-Man in Daredevil: Brave New World. This relationship suggests that a conflict between the two is looming. Peter’s resolve to safeguard the innocent remains resolute, posing significant obstacles for Kingpin’s dominion in New York City.
8
Punisher Was Last Seen In New York City
See The Punisher
Frank Castle, otherwise known as the Punisher, was last seen battling criminals in New York during The Punisher Season 2. His brutal tactics directly contradict Fisk’s anti-vigilante laws, making him a clear target. In fact, Punisher is notably mentioned by Kingpin in Daredevil: Born Again.
Though he had tried to leave his past behind, Frank’s inclination for violence inevitably pulled him back into conflict, leading him to don a new Skull Vest and confront a gang in a dramatic showdown. Although he’s not currently featured in Daredevil: Born Again, there are hints that his presence in the city continues to loom large in the shadows, potentially drawing Kingpin’s ire.
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Jessica Jones Is Still Running Alias Investigation In NYC
See Jessica Jones
Jessica Jones is still operating Alias Investigations while aiming to maintain a low profile. However, as a private investigator, Jessica often finds herself in situations where her enhanced strength must come to the forefront. Given her skeptical nature towards authority, laws set forth by Kingpin would likely be the last thing she adheres to.
While she’s not actively seeking trouble, Jessica is fiercely protective of the innocent. At the end of Netflix’s Jessica Jones season 2, she firmly embraced her role as a vigilante—an identity she can’t entirely escape given her powers.
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Iron Fist Was Last Seen In Japan But Could Return Home
See Iron Fist
Danny Rand stepped out of New York and into Japan in search of answers regarding his powers as Iron Fist. With Rand Enterprises still operating in the city, there’s a chance his ties to Colleen Wing could draw him back. Given his dedication to protecting the innocent, it’s unlikely he would turn a blind eye to Kingpin’s oppressive rules.
Trained in K’un-Lun, Danny prides himself on being a defender against injustice. A return to New York would inevitably thrust him into confrontation with Fisk, where he would continue to uphold his legacy regardless of Kingpin’s anti-vigilante laws. The question remains whether this version of Iron Fist can resonate with fans given mixed reactions to the character in previous portrayals.
5
Luke Cage Owns A Nightclub In Harlem
See Luke Cage
After the events of Luke Cage season 2, Luke assumed control of the nightclub Harlem’s Paradise. This position has made him the unofficial defender of Harlem. Although he approaches crime-fighting with pragmatism, Luke’s strong sense of morality won’t allow him to remain passive while Kingpin’s authoritarian measures are embraced.
As chaos unfolds, Luke’s imposing stature and powers could compel him back into the role of a vigilante. Despite his best intentions to navigate within the system, he’ll undoubtedly rise to protect his community against any direct threats.
4
Doctor Strange Is Based Out Of The New York Sanctum Sanctorum
See Spider-Man: No Way Home
Operating from the iconic Sanctum Sanctorum in Greenwich Village, Doctor Strange is primarily detached from everyday crime. Nonetheless, his role as the Sorcerer Supreme makes him an essential player in New York’s fate. Any laws imposed by Kingpin hold little weight for someone of his caliber.
If mystical dangers arise, Strange will undoubtedly take action, possibly putting him at odds with Fisk’s laws. His deep mastery of the Mystic Arts places him well beyond the jurisdiction of standard law enforcement—if called into action, it’ll be in ways that Kingpin wouldn’t anticipate.
3
Ms. Marvel Might Be Just Out Of Kingpin’s Purview
See The Marvels
While Kamala Khan, known as Ms. Marvel, primarily operates out of Jersey City, she’s on the cusp of being drawn into the conflicts of New York City. With her rising association among the superhero community and collaborations with prominent figures, it’s only a matter of time before Kingpin’s influence reaches her.
Should she make her way into New York and utilize her polymorphic powers, Kamala would immediately find herself under Fisk’s anti-vigilante scrutiny. Her unwavering dedication to saving lives means she won’t hesitate to act in the face of danger, despite the potential consequences.
2
Misty Knight Is On The Verge Of Her Heroic Transformation
See Iron Fist
Misty Knight remains a detective with the NYPD, sporting a newly acquired high-tech bionic arm after a life-threatening incident in The Defenders. Although she has followed the rules, her moral compass often draws her outside the confines of the law. In the comics, Misty evolves into a prominent vigilante after obtaining her bionic enhancements—suggesting that we may soon see her transition into a heroic figure.
Faced with Kingpin’s laws, she could find herself at a crossroads: enforce corrupt mandates or champion justice. With her connections to both Luke Cage and Colleen Wing, Misty could easily emerge as one of Kingpin’s most unexpected adversaries.
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Colleen Wing Has Become The Next Iron Fist
See Iron Fist
Colleen Wing garnered the powers of Iron Fist at the conclusion of Iron Fist season 2, making her a potent figure in New York’s crime-fighting landscape. While she tries to remain under the radar, any crackdown on vigilantes will certainly draw Kingpin’s attention towards her.
With remarkable martial arts skills and the glowing power of the Iron Fist at her disposal, Colleen stands as a direct challenge to Fisk’s authority. Her commitment to protecting the people of New York and her close ties with Misty Knight and Danny Rand ensure she plays a pivotal role in resisting Kingpin’s draconian laws. Whether she operates solo or with allies, it’s clear that Colleen would have no qualms about defying Kingpin to safeguard the city.