DAREDEVIL #266 (1989): Beer with Mephisto

After being beaten by New York City and a dentist, Daredevil decides to get drunk.

a beer with the dare devil

It’s a Christmas issue, and the launch of the Daredevil-goes-to-hell arc.  He gets drunk with Satan.  And Satan looks a little like Black Widow in the beginning.

And then he is revealed as Mephisto.

Romita Jr.’s Mephisto is truly hideous, and constantly changes shape during the issue.

He appears fat and bloated, monstrous, and in a more traditional heroic body as well–which makes his statement that Daredevil is a reflection cast in Mephisto’s image all the more powerful.

In the end of the issue, DD rejects Mephisto and falls down drunk.

An incredible issue.  Nocenti has a clear vision for Daredevil, and even a corporate-mandated tie-in can’t deter her.  Just phenomenal comics. One of the best single-issue stories of all time, according to this objectively accurate list.

It’s also one of the best Daredevil stories of all time.

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