Daredevil #22

Daredevil number 22, published by Marvel Comics in December 1966, emerged during the mid-1960s when the character was still finding his definitive tone. Written by Stan Lee with pencils by John Romita Sr., the issue features an encounter between Daredevil and the Gladiator, a villain who would go on to become a staple of the hero's rogue gallery. The cover and interior art showcase the transition of the character's aesthetic during the Silver Age of comics, moving toward a more dynamic and grounded visual style.

The creative team behind this issue was instrumental in shaping the character's evolution from a relatively lighthearted swashbuckler into the more complex, noir-influenced vigilante he would eventually become. John Romita Sr., who took over art duties around this time, is widely credited with refining Daredevil’s look and bringing a cinematic sensibility to the panel layouts. While early issues of the series were sometimes criticized for a lack of narrative focus, this era is remembered by historians for stabilizing the title's artistic direction and establishing the long-standing antagonist role of the Gladiator.