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Daredevil (1964 series) #166

Roger McKenzie | Frank Miller

Daredevil (1964 series) #166 cover

Story Name:

Till Death Do Us Part!


Synopsis

Daredevil (1964 series) #166 synopsis by Anthony Silvestro
Rating: 4 stars

Daredevil is working out in his personal gym when Heather Glenn interrupts him, reminding him that his best friend is getting married today! Meanwhile, at the Dibney Museum of Human History, a social worker named Betsy Beatty chaperones a field trip for underprivileged kids. They move through the exhibit, showcasing the costumes of various supervillains, when they come to the costume of the Gladiator. The real Gladiator, Melvin Potter, shows up just then and kills a guard, before donning his costume once more. Melvin had followed Betsy there, who it turns out is his social worker. Melvin is convinced that Betsy loves him and nearly kills a man who tries to run for help.

Meanwhile, Matt helps Foggy get ready for his wedding, when Foggy’s parents and sister arrive, along with his old college friend, Porkchop Peterson. Matt points out that they better get a move on when Foggy realizes that he’s lost the ring! Back at the museum, the Gladiator demands that a champion be sent to fight him within one hour or he’ll start killing the child hostages! Melvin forces a kiss on Betsy and she angrily slaps him away, only further convincing him the he needs to win her love through gladiatorial combat. Elsewhere, Matt and Porkchop attempt to take a cab back to search the Nelson and Murdock law offices, to see if the ring is there. While stuck in a traffic jam, Matt hears about the situation with the Gladiator on the radio and makes a hasty exit.

Daredevil makes his way to the museum and uses his senses to surveil the situation. Just as Gladiator is about to start killing his hostages, Daredevil makes his presence known and the two begin a brutal battle! When Gladiator gets the upper hand, Daredevil throws them both backward into the Roman Arena exhibit. Daredevil is able to knock Gladiator’s helmet off and continuously strikes at his pressure points, eventually taking his large foe down. Though he put her through a huge ordeal today, Betsy still wants to help Melvin, and Daredevil promises that he’ll get the best lawyer possible. Matt hurries back to the church just in time but admits to Foggy that he still couldn’t find the ring. Foggy then sheepishly realizes that it was on his pinky finger the whole time! Foggy and Debbie are then pronounced husband and wife!


Characters
Good (or All)
DAREDEVIL
FOGGYNELSON
Plus: Betsy Beatty, Debbie Harris, Heather Glenn.

Enemies
GLADIATOR1

> Daredevil (1964 series) comic book info and issue index



Excelsioring your collection:
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Holy smokes, Batman!
(The Boy Wonder)

Main/1st Story Full Credits

Frank Miller
Klaus Janson
Glynis Wein
Frank Miller (Cover Penciler)
Klaus Janson (Cover Inker)
Unknown (Cover Colorist)
Additional Credits
Letterer: Joe Rosen.



Review / Commentaries


Daredevil (1964 series) #166 Review by (January 8, 2025)

Review: Daredevil battles the returned Gladiator after he takes a museum full of people hostage! I always thought that Gladiator was one of the cooler of Daredevil’s generally laughable early villains. Even still, this issue begins a more interesting and dark approach to the character, showing that he’s a guy with severe psychological issues, even willing to kill children over his delusions, rather than just a generic bad guy. He’s convinced that his social worker, Betsy, loves him and that he must earn her affections through combat, like an old-time gladiator. She makes it clear that she only wants to help him professionally (though it should be noted that the two do become a couple later down the line, which has to violate some regulations). Daredevil and Gladiator of course have an epic showdown, in a roman arena exhibit no less, rendered beautifully as always by Frank Miller. Also, Foggy gets married to his long-time girlfriend Debbie Harris (though I wish I could say it ends up being a happy marriage).

Comments: Wedding of Foggy Nelson and Debbie Harris. First appearance of Betsy Beatty. The museum contains several displays of various supervillains including Mysterio, Rhino, Scorpion, Leap-Frog, Masked Marauder, Stilt-Man, Melter, and the Beetle. The end blurb promises the Punisher next issue, though this story would not actually materialize for another nearly 20 issues. This issue was co-plotted by Frank Miller.





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