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Amir E UNITED STATES
Member Since March 2020
5 Artworks | Watched by 145

Daredevil #170 Cover (Marvel, 1981) - First Kingpin in DD Comics

Location: Daredevil
Artists: Frank Miller (Penciller) ,  Klaus Janson (Inker)

1962  Views  -  48  Comments  -  44  Likes

Additional Images

DD 170 Cover Comic
Artwork Details
Location: Daredevil
Title: Daredevil #170 Cover (Marvel, 1981) - First Kingpin in DD Comics*
Artist:  Frank Miller (Penciller) ,  Klaus Janson (Inker)
Media Type: Pen and Ink
Art Type: Cover
For Sale Status:
Views: 1962
Likes on CAF: 44
Favorited on CAF: 3
Comments: 48
Added to Site: 11/24/2021

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Description
There are moments in comics where a character isn’t just reintroduced — they’re redefined. Daredevil #170 marks exactly that kind of turning point. This cover captures the moment Frank Miller pulled the Kingpin out of Spider‑Man’s orbit and anchored the character permanently into the darker, more layered world of Daredevil. It was the beginning of a shift that would influence not only the title, but the entire tone of street‑level Marvel storytelling for decades.

The artwork itself reflects that intention. Miller’s composition is unapologetically bold: Kingpin doesn’t merely appear — he dominates the page. Every line emphasizes size, power, and inevitability. Daredevil, agile and defiant, cuts across the foreground in sharp contrast, giving the entire cover a sense of escalating collision. Even in this early stage of Miller’s run, the visual language that would define his legendary tenure is already asserting itself.

What adds further weight to this piece is its role in establishing one of the most important rivalries in modern comics. Kingpin had appeared before, of course — but never like this. Never with this sense of menace, complexity, and permanence. This is the issue where he stops being a colorful villain and becomes a central pillar of Daredevil’s world. Artists and writers have built on that foundation for more than forty years, but the blueprint is right here.

Original covers from Miller’s Daredevil run are scarce, and the ones tied directly to milestone moments rarely surface. This one stands at the center of that lineage — a cover that doesn’t just represent a story, but the start of an era. It has been a cornerstone of my collection for that exact reason. Artwork like this resonates long after the storyline ends, because it marks the place where a title found its identity and never looked back.

A pivotal issue. A defining cover. And a signature moment in the evolution of two of Marvel’s greatest characters.

About The Owner

Member Since: March 2020
Last Login: July 2026
Country: UNITED STATES
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Comments on this Artwork

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Marcus Wai Member Since 2005
3    
Posted On 11/24/2021

For your eyes only, can see Matt through the night

For Bulleyes only, You'll never find a place to hide

You can see so much in Miller, so much in Miller that's new

I never felt until I looked at you

For your eyes only, only for you

You'll see what crime noir art can be, and now Kingpin is free

For your art only, only for you

The love and comments it gets from me, the fantasy of a big turkey

Only for you, only for you

Dino Mauricio Member Since 2009
1    
Posted On 11/24/2021

Incredible Miller DD cover, wow!!! I blinked twice to be sure then pulled my jaw off the floor!  Congrats my friend on this amazing grail piece!

Vik V Member Since 2016
1    
Posted On 11/24/2021

That cover rocks! Congrats and thanks for sharing 

James S Member Since 2017
1    
Posted On 11/24/2021

Covers like this are classic for me!  That's for sharing, lovely to see!

Mario Losada Member Since 2011
1    
Posted On 11/24/2021

Oh my god 

Fantastic cover. A real grail.

West Stephan Member Since 2007
1    
Posted On 11/24/2021

THE KINGPIN MUST DIE... but he never does! Great cover!

Ankur J Member Since 2003
1    
Posted On 11/24/2021

Awesome! Congrats!!!

K Gearon Member Since 2011
1    
Posted On 11/24/2021

Epic! Really hard to top in terms of a Miller OR DD example! Classic. Sincere congrats, man, and enjoy your holiday!

PERCY'S COLLECTION Member Since 2003
1    
Posted On 11/24/2021

Amazing grail piece. Congrats.

Canada  Jones Member Since 2017
1    
Posted On 11/24/2021

WOW, CONGRATULATIONS on landing this one!!! No wonder you have been so quite on CAF lately!!!

Bill J Member Since 2009
1    
Posted On 11/24/2021

Stunning cover from an unforgettable run! One of the best covers from the Miller/Janson era!

Chris K. Member Since 2008
1    
Posted On 11/24/2021

Well, there's something you don't see every day. Spectacular!

Ron S Member Since 2007
1    
Posted On 11/24/2021

It's a great one!  Congrats and thanks for sharing!

Rick W Member Since 2017
1    
Posted On 11/24/2021

Matt needs a bigger Billy Club ;)

Sweet cover!

Scott Williams Member Since 2004
1    
Posted On 11/24/2021

A Miller/Janson DD cover is always worth a special notice of appreciation. In my opinion, this run is one of the high water marks of modern superhero comics. Great example you've got there. Congrats!

Duke  Fleed Member Since 2013
1    
Posted On 11/24/2021

One of the best covers from the run! Just love the composition and all that's going on! Just Wow!!

artless artmore Member Since 2013
1    
Posted On 11/25/2021

Unforgettable,  classic cover from an amazing story arc early in Miller's run that converted me into a lifetime comic book reader.

Ruben DaCollector Member Since 2008
1    
Posted On 11/25/2021

What else is there to say? This is a fabulous cover from one of comicdom's best run's of all time and a wonderful representative example from the title that turned lanky Frank Miller into a superstar!

J. Sid Member Since 2004
1    
Posted On 11/25/2021

Great design, and I Love the lighting on Kingpin's face. Thanks for sharing.

Carlo M Member Since 2006
1    
Posted On 11/25/2021

Classic!

REDEMAGNI CLAUDIO Member Since 2016
1    
Posted On 11/25/2021

Woww wonderful cover, great pick, congratulations

Timothy Finney Member Since 2006
1    
Posted On 11/25/2021

I love the callback to those Golden Age Daredevil vs the Claw covers. Cheers!

Peter Sullivan Member Since 2006
1    
Posted On 11/25/2021

I'll add your gallery if you let me see the vault. Who the hell has vaults? Safes, maybe.

Tyler T Member Since 2020
1    
Posted On 11/25/2021

Epic cover

Paul  Brzegowy Member Since 2010
1    
Posted On 11/25/2021

I could not wait for each new DD to come out during the Miller/Janson run. To own a cover would be a dream. Congrats and you have a new follwer.

 

David Askani’Son Member Since 2012
Forum Moderator
1    
Posted On 11/25/2021

Absolutely Insane in the Membrane!

E DLS Member Since 2005
1    
Posted On 11/25/2021

Gee, I wish I could open up my Itoya and pull something like this out.  Happy Thanksgiving indeed. 

Peter Sullivan Member Since 2006
Posted On 11/26/2021

E DLS wrote:
"  Gee, I wish I could open up my Itoya and pull something like this out.  Happy Thanksgiving indeed. 
 "

Yours is already too stuffed with goodies to fit more in. Sell some and you will have more space.

Paul P Spiderversity Member Since 2011
1    
Posted On 11/26/2021

Holy Turkey Stuffing!!!!  A Frank Miller iconic DD cover??? That is a an insane and magnificent get!!!  Thanks for sharing!

1    
Posted On 11/26/2021

Oh My God! Oh My God! Oh My God!  Congratulations!  This is my favorite run, and love that you shared the cover!  And did I say?  Oh My GOD!

frank x townsondecker Member Since 2006
1    
Posted On 11/26/2021

Awesome!!!!!!

Mark Levy Member Since 2004
1    
Posted On 11/26/2021

Mic Drop!  Prime Miller DD cover with Kingpin and Daredevil - this is HA cover material for sure!

Sam H Member Since 2007
1    
Posted On 11/27/2021

I had this in my hands 36 years ago and couldn't afford it - probably the biggest piece I regret slipping though my fingers.  Congrats on grabbing it!

Dave W Member Since 2006
1    
Posted On 11/29/2021

Miller's covers during this run were stunning and always set the tone for the issue and made you want to buy it to find out what was going on inside. Great cover from the run! Congrats - thanks for sharing!

Gal Schwartz Member Since 2005
1    
Posted On 11/30/2021

Amazing cover ! Your collection never fails to impress !

Felix  Lu Member Since 2005
1    
Posted On 12/2/2021

A Miller DD cover...damn!! JEALOUS! Big congrats!!

Jon B Member Since 2011
Forum Moderator
1    
Posted On 12/4/2021

Wow! Incredible piece! Congrats!

Alex B Member Since 2008
1    
Posted On 12/12/2021

Definitely one of the best and most iconic cover in the whole DD history !

Peter Venkman Member Since 2003
1    
Posted On 12/13/2021

A masterpiece for the ages, congrats!

J L Member Since 2005
1    
Posted On 12/24/2021

A Miller DD cover is not an easy feat to obtain these days. Congratulations for taking down such a cool cover!!!!

Migs DC Member Since 2006
1    
Posted On 12/25/2021

What an iconic piece. Congrats! 

Dinesh Shamdasani Member Since 2004
1    
Posted On 1/10/2022

INCREDIBLE!!

alessandro gentili Member Since 2011
1    
Posted On 4/16/2022

DREAM .

Steve . M Member Since 2017
1    
Posted On 5/26/2022

Iconic! 

O P Member Since 2006
1    
Posted On 9/24/2022

Spectacular!

Steve Gumm Member Since 2004
1    
Posted On 12/26/2022

Somehow this beauty slipped by me until today.. WOW! This is crazy cool, I actually saw this in a major collector's portfolio back around 2000 I was completely floored when I turned a page and saw this killer Miller DD cover...still a show stopper! CONGRATS!!!

CJ Design Member Since 2018
1    
Posted On 1/24/2025

An unbelievable cover for the ART and Importance. People don't realize or overlook the fact this is the FIRST issue of DD with the Kingpin in it!

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