Thread by @peppard_anna

#Daredevil comics have been criticized as sexist for their tendency to mistreat Matt Murdock’s lovers. But in many stories from DD’s 58-year history, he’s an overtly romantic and sexually liberated character, partnering with strong women and indulging sensual pleasures. 1/14

In Silver & Bronze Age comics, romance is key to DD's story via his love for Karen Page, which he thinks his superheroism & blindness render impossible. Matt’s often presented as a tragic romance novel heroine, narratively & via fluid linework evoking melodramatic yearning. 2/14

Many later comics with Matt & Karen as a couple continue in a melodramatic vein. Matt & Karen struggle with personal problems & supervillains. But they’re also allowed plenty of romantic indulgence, as in examples like these, where Matt literally sweeps Karen off her feet. 3/14

From 1972-74, Daredevil & Black Widow share a series and a house in San Francisco, fighting crime, smooching… and exploring gender equality in the wake of second-wave feminism. It’s imperfect, but ambitious; Matt & Nat negotiate being lovers who are also co-adventures. 4/14

In modern comics, Daredevil & Black Widow continue challenging each other... and sexing each other, as in Daredevil #62 (2004), where one team-up demands another. Because he’s hung-up on his estranged wife, Matt declines. But the interweaving of sex & superheroism is plain. 5/14

Elektra Natchios looms large in Matt Murdock’s sexual and romantic life. Introduced in Daredevil #168 (1981), Elektra is dangerous and sexy, but she’s not a seductress. Importantly, Matt’s the one who pursues her, and Elektra ends the relationship against his wishes. 6/14

Tropes germane to action genres & Catholicism suggest Elektra should be a femme fatale. But in 1993’s “Man Without Fear” miniseries, she also inspires Matt’s superheroism, and passionate nights on bearskin rugs in front of roaring fires are a crucial part of that awakening. 7/14

In later comics, Elektra & Matt’s relationship can have a dark edge. But it’s also shamelessly joyful, as in this scene from Daredevil #610. Note how Phil Noto foregrounds subjectivity within objectification, mixing close-ups of body parts with close-ups of complex faces. 8/14

There’s lots to criticize about the handling of Matt Murdock’s relationship with Milla Donovan, his only wife. But the setup in Brian Michael Bendis & Alex Maleev’s lengthy Daredevil run had promise. The relationship explicitly foregrounds Matt’s sensuality & sexual appeal. 9/14

Matt is easily overwhelmed by Milla’s sensual attributes & Milla’s bestie overtly objectifies Matt, describing him as “beautiful” with “the best tush I have ever seen.” We’re also treated to lengthy scenes of the couple in bed, where Milla’s desires & agency are emphasized. 10/14

Post-Milla, Matt’s most serious romance is with fellow lawyer Kirsten McDuffie. In some ways Matt’s relationship with Kirsten mirrors his relationship with Natasha; he once again finds himself in San Fran, navigating professional & romantic equality with a powerful woman. 11/14

Matt and Kirsten’s relationship is also unabashedly romantic—and sexy. It begins with fiery romantic chemistry, conquers supersized obstacles, then becomes identifiably domestic while never losing the visceral physical chemistry that first drew the characters to each other. 12/14

Daredevil also has sex just ‘cause it’s fun. Where Spider-Man is often trying to extricate himself from the femme fatale clutches of Black Cat, in Daredevil #8 (2012), Matt’s entirely comfortable with superheroic adventure being foreplay for shameless supersex with Felicia. 13/14

Some of DD’s history is less fun than these examples. But the point stands: Daredevil is a sexy character who likes strong, sexy women, who like him a lot in return. Meaning DD and #SheHulk definitely enjoy each other, and anyone who says otherwise is selling something 😉 14/14