10 Things You Didn’t Know About Kingpin in the Daredevil Comics

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Over the years, Marvel has introduced many memorable villains. However, one of the top villains of his generation is Wilson Fisk, aka Kingpin. His presence has transcended comic book form as he’s made his way into live-action remakes, animated universes, and now the MCU. He truly is a presence to fear, and there’s plenty for fans to learn about his time in the comics.

Traditionally, Kingpin is considered an enemy of Daredevil or Spider-Man, though, in truth, he’s a much larger threat than that. He has no problem going up against any hero, even the infamously invulnerable ones. Here are some things to keep in mind the next time Fisk appears on the screen.

10

Earth-65’s Kingpin Is Very Different

Matt Murdock Is the Kingpin of This Universe

“What was it you called me? “Matt Murderdock?” I dig it. Makes a nice hashtag.”

-Matt Murdock

The multiverse isn’t a new concept for most Marvel fans, and unsurprisingly, Fisk has a different role in different Earths. Interestingly enough, Earth-65 portrays a very different version of the Kingpin. This version is so different that Fisk doesn’t even hold the title, though he does make an appearance. For added context, Earth-65 is the Universe Gwen Stacy, aka Spider-Gwen/Ghost-Spider, comes from.

Believe it or not, Matt Murdock is the Kingpin of Earth-65. He not only carries the mantle famously held by Fisk, but he controls The Hand. It’s a dangerous combination, especially with somebody like Murdock playing a shadow game with the public. He’s the kind of enemy Gwen has no idea how to handle, as evidenced by her struggles.

9

Wilson Fisk Once Considered Leaving the Life of Crime

Kingpin Even Went Into Voluntary Exile

“No, no, no! Vanessa! No, do not leave me again!”

-Wilson Fisk

Wilson Fisk has always had a presence about him. He always appears bold, confident, and capable. However, it’d be inaccurate to say that Fisk has never had doubts about his path in life. In at least one instance, Wilson went so far as to leave America in a voluntary exile, taking his wife and son with him. In addition to taking himself away from his criminal base, Fisk handed over critical evidence on former associates.

The criminal underground may have been willing to let Wilson Fisk walk away, but there was no chance it would let Fisk go unpunished for revealing their secrets. Unfortunately for Fisk’s wife, she became the chosen target. For a long time, it looks like she didn’t survive the ordeal, which sent Kingpin on a rampage back into the underworld.

8

Kingpin Is a Villain Global Reach

Fisk May Be Famous for Working In New York, But He Has Many More Connections

“The underworld will now be run like a business… and the chairman of the board will be… the Kingpin!”

-Wilson Fisk

Wilson Fisk is probably most famous for the criminal game he plays in New York City, but it would be dangerous to assume his reach stops at the city borders. The truth is that the Kingpin has a global reach, tying him to multiple networks of criminals, from larger organized crime rings to singular villains. They’re all willing to work with this villain for a price.

Since his introduction, Wilson Fisk has been working hard to expand his reach outside of Hell’s Kitchen.He’s infamously allied with The Hand and even HYDRA, though that probably shouldn’t be all too surprising for this villain. At the end of the day, Fisk will make whatever deal is necessary to get him one step closer to his goals.

7

Wilson Fisk Is Based on Sydney Greenstreet

Credit Belongs to Sydney Greenstreet for the Kingpin’s Looks

“They have the men, the guns, the money. But I am the Kingpin.”

-Wilson Fisk

Wilson Fisk, aka the Kingpin, was famously created by Stan Lee and John Romita Sr. His first appearance was in The Amazing Spider-Man #50 (1967). Interestingly, Ramita Sr. seemed influenced by a specific actor when he was initially drawing Fisk’s character. Sydney Greenstreet was a famous actor of his generation, known for his roles in Casablanca, The Maltese Falcon, and Passage to Marseille.

Looking between Greenstreet and Fisk, it’s easy to see how the influence played a part in Fisk’s design. This explains why Fisk sometimes has more of a classic ’40s look, complete with a cigar and cane. Interestingly, this isn’t the only pop-culture character to be influenced by Greenstreet, as he also inspired Jabba the Hutt’s design in Star Wars.

6

Kingpin Hands Out Superpowers Like Candy (Sort Of)

Fisk’s Helped Several Characters Gain Access to Abilities

“Crime is on the rise — and therefore so are our profits.”

-Kingpin

Depending on the variation, Kingpin may or may not have abilities or powers. Even without access to his own superpowers, Wilson Fisk has been known to help those in his services access new abilities. Admittedly, this isn’t always intentional. For example, Fisk hired Dr. Jonathan Ohnn to dig into teleportation (a la Cloak’s superpower), but in true scientific fashion, an accident resulted in Dr. Ohnn transforming, complete with a new power.

Following the accident, Dr. Ohnn became known as The Spot, a villain who can create his own portals. While he’s a bit of a laughingstock in the superhero world, he has continued to work for Fisk occasionally. In another instance, Fisk arranged for Black Cat to gain superpowers, though he arranged it all from the shadows.

5

Kingpin Has a Son named Richard Fisk, aka The Rose

Fisk’s Son Also Becomes a Villain

“I have a son. Richard. I thought him dead… but he’s back. He’s back, and I’m afriad… he’s going to try to become Kingpin. He always had the desire… just not the ability. I don’t want that life for him.”

-Wilson Fisk

Wilson Fisk may not seem like a family man, but there’s no denying the love he felt for his wife and son. Enter Richard Fisk, the young son of Wilson and Vanessa. The Kingpin was wise enough to send his son far away for safekeeping. Unfortunately, this didn’t prevent news from reaching his son. Eventually, Richard finds out about his father’s criminal side.

Instead of being horrified by the news, Richard takes it in stride, faking his death and beginning a journey to become a Kingpin in his own right. He takes on the mantle of The Rose, and instead of following in his father’s footsteps, he aims to steal everything his father built. He makes a bit of a name for himself, causing plenty of trouble along the way.

4

Echo Temporarily Took Fisk’s Sight

Maya Lopez Shot Fisk in the Head

“My name is Maya Lopez. I’m not sure if I’m still that person. The newspapers called me Echo. That’s what I feel like. An Echo. This is my story.”

-Echo

Maya Lopez is a complicated character who eventually takes on the name Echo. Her father’s death radicalizes her, and it’s safe to say she went down a dangerous path in her quest for vengeance. Eventually, Maya learns who is truly responsible for her father’s death—Wilson Fisk. That news might have scared some people off, but not Maya.

In truth, Maya was furious, as Kingpin had tricked her into believing it was Daredevil (classic villain move). As such, Maya, aka Echo, shot at Fisk. While Fisk survives the attack, he temporarily loses his eyesight. A similar series of events occurs during the MCU’s Hawkeye finale, in which Maya tracks down her father’s killer, Fisk, for revenge. This information becomes relevant in the Echo series.

3

Fisk Became the Mayor of New York

Despite All Odds, Wilson Fisk Became the Mayor of New York

“I am the Mayor of New York City. Whatever you’re intending here, it is a mistake. I am not the man you think I am. I haven’t been for some time.”

-Wilson Fisk

Wilson Fisk has always known when it’s time to make his move. Secret Empire gave Fisk exactly what he needed to take on a new form of power. It all began when HYDRA started targeting New York City, cutting it off, and then trying to take over. Fisk responded by putting on a good public face and standing up against HYDRA, helping to keep the city safe.

Obviously, Fisk wasn’t worried about the citizens of New York; he just wanted them to have a good opinion of him. By getting into their good graces, Wilson Fisk was able to run for Mayor of New York City and win. He didn’t have to cheat or threaten his way to the top; all he had to do was change how the public perceived him.

2

Kingpin Has More Than One Superhero Enemy

It’s Safe to Say That Kingpin and Spider-Man Do Not See Eye to Eye

“And… if some maniac has decided to rid me of Spider-Man, why should I interfere?”

-Wilson Fisk

Given how Wilson Fisk operates, it’s no surprise that he’s gained a bit of a reputation among superheroes and vigilantes. While he may be better known for his battles with Daredevil, this is far from the only opposition he faces. Kingpin is also often up against Spider-Man, another New York-based hero who is disinclined to let Fisk have his way. Their battles even led to Fisk nearly killing Aunt May.

Since his introduction, Wilson Fisk has gone up against many Marvel heroes and vigilantes, notably those based in New York. He’s come across the likes of Luke Cage, the Fantastic Four, and Miles Morales. Likewise, he’s been on the wrong end of Punisher’s wraith, which is never a good place to be.

1

Kingpin’s Employee Roster is Massive and Full of Recognizable Names

People Close to Spider-Man and Daredevil Keep Working for the Kingpin

“We need each other, Daredevil. We are partners after a fashion. We are the power in this city.”

-Wilson Fisk

One would think that as an infamous leader of an underground criminal organization, Fisk would have trouble getting his hooks into named Marvel characters. Unfortunately, it seems like the opposite is true. Fisk has historically employed characters close to beloved heroes, possibly knowing the pain it would cause these characters in the process.

One such example is Elektra, Matt Murdock’s ex, who has a long and complicated history. Elektra worked for Wilson Fisk, even going so far as to take on the assignment to kill Foggy Nelson (though she didn’t go through with it). In another example, Felicia, aka Black Cat, became an accountant for Fisk Enterprises. Other named characters who have been on Fisk’s payroll include Bullseye, Typhoid Mary, and Hobgoblin.

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“}]] Kingpin is a villain who has made his way from comics to multiple live-action adaptations and even an animated universe, yet there’s plenty to learn.  Read More