By The natural occurrence of specific varieties of cordyceps fungi taking over the nervous system of various organisms, such as ants, has been expanded into some truly chilling horror narratives, particularly in the current hit streaming series The Last of Us, which is founded on the also-popular video game series. Now, in Daredevil #21, the Man Without Fear confronts a similar type of fungus-zombie, seemingly linked to one of Matt Murdock’s most peculiar and perilous adversaries.
Spoilers for Daredevil #21
Daredevil #21, crafted by writer Saladin Ahmed, with artists José Luis Soares, Carlos Nieto, and Oren Junior, colorists Jesus Aburtov and Erick Arciniega, and letterer Clayton Cowles, resumes from where the last issue concluded, with Matt Murdock afflicted by a peculiar, hallucinogenic fungus and confined with other affected individuals.
Quickly overcoming his delusions, Murdock puts on his recently restored Daredevil suit, aiding in freeing the other captives. However, the threat extends beyond just the structure they were held in, as Daredevil employs his enhanced senses to trace a vast subterranean network of the bizarre, hallucinogenic fungus.
Following it across the city, Daredevil ventures into the basement of a building completely engulfed in fungus. There he encounters multiple individuals whose bodies have been overtaken, transforming them into unsettling, soulless mushroom zombies – reminiscent of how the cordyceps fungus in The Last of Us reanimates those it infects.
Daredevil battles through the mushroom zombies, careful not to inflict excessive harm in hopes that the infected individuals can be rescued.
As Daredevil reaches the heart of the fungus pit, a voice emerges from the fungus, mocking him. He quickly locates the source of the voice – a disturbingly eerie mushroom figure, whose purple hue implies a possible connection to the Purple Man.
The Purple Man is indeed Zebediah Killgrave, a merciless sadist possessing mind control abilities and an arch-nemesis of Jessica Jones (played by David Tenant in the first season of Jessica Jones). He was slain by Wilson Fisk in the event titled Devil’s Reign, but as comic enthusiasts know, death is seldom permanent in this realm.
Could this new fungus-based antagonist represent an evolved version of the Purple Man, or at least be linked to him in some manner? Is it possible that he is a vestige of his decaying form? The solicitation for Daredevil #22 on June 4 hints at a “familiar face” behind the fungus, making this a real possibility.
Purple Man stands as one of the greatest Daredevil villains of all time.