Mister Fear, one of Marvel's most dangerous Reckless villains, returned to the comics, suggesting that an MCU appearance could be in the works – especially considering the imminent release of Daredevil: Born Againcoming next year. Mister Fear would be a perfect fit for the new era of Reckless on screen, and this appearance could just be the first step in the character's rebirth.
Spider-Gwen: The Ghost Spider (2024) #8 – written by Stephanie Phillips, with art by Paolo Villanelli – descends into chaos when Mister Fear unleashes his version of a fear toxin on the people of New York.
As she investigates, Gwen also falls victim to the villain's nefarious substance, and she reacts with her symbiote suit, leaving her in a coma-like state of fear. This is just a taste of what Mister Fear can do, and serves to familiarize readers, or reacquaint them, with Daredevil's longtime villain ahead of a possible role in the MCU.
Mister Fear: Daredevil's Most Terrifying Villain and His MCU Potential, Explained
Spider-Gwen: The Ghost Spider (2024) #8 – Written by Stephanie Phillips; Art by Paolo Villanelli; Color by Matt Milla; Ariana Maher Lyrics
Mister Fear's last appearance in Spider-Gwen highlights his villainous potential in general, but longtime Marvel readers will know that he's a particularly powerful enemy of Daredevil due to his interpersonal connections. Larry Cranston attended law school with Matt Murdock and was jealous of the secret superhero. One day, Larry witnessed the murder of supervillain Mister Fear, who asked Larry for help. Mister Fear revealed the location of all his equipment to him, but Larry was unable to save Mister Fear's life. Becoming the new Mister Fear, Larry decides to get revenge on Matt.
The integration of Mister Fear into the story suggests that Marvel wants to remind readers how dangerous he can be.
In his initial arc, Larry plotted against his enemy, convincing his law firm to hire Matt and then attacking him with fear toxin. Matt defended himself and Larry was quickly defeated by an unmasked Daredevil. In his last appearance, he nearly kills Spider-Gwen.causing her to fall from the top of a building. She is only saved at the last moment by Black Tarantula, another antagonist – suggesting this could be part of a coordinated plan between the two. Either way, Mister Fear's integration into the story suggests that Marvel wants to remind readers just how dangerous he can be.
Spider-Gwen's face with Mister Fear reminds fans that the villain would be a natural choice for “Daredevil: Born Again”
The dark opposite of the fearless man
In Spider-Gwen #8, Mister Fear makes quick work of Ghost-Spider, proving that his skills and abilities are formidable against an experienced hero. His new, modern costume – with bird mask, armor, cape and glowing eyes – also looks menacing, with the redesign further suggesting he's ready for a live-action appearance in the MCU. With Daredevil: Born Again arriving in March, as a classic Daredevil villain, Mister Fear would fit perfectly into the series' updated aesthetic. With his potential arrival in the MCU in mind, Reckless fans should check out the villain's return to Marvel Comics lore.
Spider-Gwen: The Ghost Spider #8 is now available from Marvel Comics.
Following Charlie Cox's appearance in Spider-Man: No Way Home and supporting role in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, Daredevil: Born Again gives Matt Murdock his first gig set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Daredevil: Born Again, consisting of 18 episodes, serves as a spiritual successor to Netflix's three-season Daredevil series and adapts its characters to the MCU's main continuity while establishing a new beginning for the superhero lawyer.