The upcoming series Daredevil: Born Again, though sharing its name with a legendary comic storyline, is not directly based on that narrative. Instead, the show draws inspiration from Charles Soule’s run on the character from 2015 to 2018, during which Wilson Fisk shockingly ascended to the position of mayor in New York City. This plotline unfolds further in the latest episode by hinting at a new antagonist reminiscent of previous villains from the comics.
Introduction of Muse
In a captivating moment, the fourth episode features a character dragging a body through the New York subway, revealing a masked figure that fans of the comics may recognize. This character is Muse, a serial killer who specialized in graffiti art and posed a significant threat to Daredevil during the late 2000s.
Background on Muse
Muse was created by Charles Soule and Ron Garney and made his first appearances in story arcs dating back to 2016 and 2018. He is a chilling character with an artistic obsession, using a unique, blood-based paint for his work, believing he had a profound role in New York City’s art scene. Despite lacking a conventional superhero uniform, he is identifiable by his striking white mask, accented with blood red smears. His capabilities were intense, featuring superhuman speed, strength, and a silencing power that complicated Daredevil’s radar-like abilities.
Fisk’s Political Maneuvering
When Wilson Fisk became the mayor, he leveraged the presence of Muse to his advantage by failing to pursue the serial killer actively. This choice was strategic, as it created a media narrative that painted him favorably amidst public interest in superheroes. Ultimately, Muse’s storyline culminated in his dramatic demise, where he chose to sacrifice himself in a fire, which he claimed was part of his artistic vision.
The Inhuman Connection
Speculation exists surrounding Muse’s potential identity as an Inhuman, but it seems unlikely that Daredevil: Born Again will delve into this aspect. During the mid-2010s, Marvel attempted to expand its Inhuman characters as a substitute for the X-Men, who were under Fox’s cinematic control. At that time, Inhumans became integral to Marvel’s storyline, with their powers derived from the Terrigen Mist. Muse’s abilities were likely framed in this context, signifying the character was part of this broader narrative trend.
The Future of Muse in the Series
Given the grounded nature of Daredevil: Born Again, it seems improbable that the series will address the Inhumans—especially considering the mixed reception of the previous Inhumans TV adaptation. The show already has a considerable focus, with major figures like Mayor Fisk, new characters such as White Tiger and the Punisher, alongside Matt Murdock, suggesting that introducing Inhumans may not fit within its current framework.