With ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Season 2 on the verge of release, there is one question that keeps ringing in the minds of fans: Where is Spider-Man in all this? With Wilson Fisk tightening his grip on New York and declaring open season on vigilantes, it is nearly impossible not to mention the most well-known web-slinger in the city.
However, unexpectedly, the show does not intend to answer this question directly. Rather, Marvel appears to be adopting a more realistic style, one that keeps the focus squarely on Matt Murdock and his own world, despite the larger heroes casting long shadows.
Why Spider-Man Isn’t Part of ‘Born Again’ Season 2’s Story
Although the implications of the anti-vigilante crusade led by Fisk are enormous, the creative team behind ‘Born Again’ has made it clear that Spider-Man is not the focus of their story.
Although Spider-Man is certainly present in this version of New York, his lack of presence in the main plot is not accidental. Something refreshingly focused about that decision.
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Rather than trying to make the story as broad as possible to encompass all the key heroes, the show plays into its street-level origins. Consequently, the consequences are more immediate, and the fights are as emotional as they are physical.
Still, we can imagine the ripple effects. Naturally, a city where vigilantes are hunted would have an impact on Spider-Man. While he does not appear on screen, the thought of him navigating this hostile world adds an element of tension to the world.
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The contrast in tone is what makes this dynamic interesting. Daredevil is a shadowy character who handles crime at its most basic, personal level. Spider-Man, however, tends to be more optimistic, flying higher and exhibiting heroism. Marvel appears to be welcoming that difference instead of imposing a crossover.
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As we look forward to projects like ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’, there is evidently some coordination going on behind the scenes. However, it won’t be at the cost of the identity of each story. And that could be the most intelligent thing to do. Since fans are fond of crossovers, they are also fond of stories that stand by themselves.
‘Born Again’ seems to be intent on narrating a rough, closed-ended story of power, control, and resistance, where Matt Murdock is the main character, not in the shadow of anybody. Still, as the walls narrow down on vigilantes all over New York, there is one thing that comes to mind: how long can Spider-Man remain out of it?
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