Daredevil #171

Published in May 1981, Daredevil #171 serves as a pivotal entry in Frank Miller’s iconic run on the title. During this period, Miller transitioned from penciler to writer-artist, fundamentally shifting the tone of the series from a swashbuckling superhero adventure to a gritty, noir-inspired crime saga. This specific issue is particularly notable for featuring the return of the assassin Elektra Natchios, a character Miller introduced earlier in his run who would go on to become a staple of the Marvel universe.

The issue features the collaboration of Frank Miller and Klaus Janson, whose moody, atmospheric ink work perfectly complemented Miller's cinematic layouts. The narrative explores the complex, fractured romantic history between Matt Murdock and Elektra, set against a backdrop of organized crime and urban decay. Upon release, the issue was highly regarded for its mature thematic depth and stylistic innovation, helping to establish the aesthetic standard for modern Marvel storytelling throughout the early 1980s.