Played by Michael Gandolfini, the character of Daniel Blake was presumed to be an original introduction to the cast of Daredevil: Born Again. However, a new theory proposes that there is something more to the slimy aide of Wilson Fisk. Indeed, the character’s name may be a hint as to his status as a rogue member of the Skrulls.
The name Daniel Blake was used once before as an alias in a Marvel Comics story from 1961. Written by Stan Lee and Larry Lieber with art by Jack Kirby, Tales to Astonish #25 told the tale of a bold astronaut named Dan Blake. However, Blake was secretly a Martian spy who sought to sabotage America’s space program.
(Image Source: Marvel Comics / Jack Kirby)
Ironically, the Martian’s plan was thwarted by an alien from Jupiter in disguise. This alien sought to aid Earth to the benefit of his people, who were at war with Mars. It was believed that Earth’s efforts to colonize Mars would provide a welcome distraction from Jupiter.
Tales to Astonish #25 predates the first issue of Fantastic Four by several months. However, comic readers will recognize elements of the races that became the Skrulls and Kree in the earlier story. Given that, it seems logical that if this version of Daniel Blake were to be introduced into the MCU, it would be as a Skrull.
(Image Source: Marvel Studios)
We know very little about Daniel Blake based on the first two episodes of Daredevil: Born Again. He is said to have single-handedly gathered 2000 signatures to get Wilson Fisk on the Mayoral ballot as a volunteer. He apparently managed Fisk’s social media presence during the campaign, based on his speaking of trending topics and memes. One year later, Blake seems to have continued in this vein as an aide, arranging an interview with Fisk for journalist B.B. Urich.
It is curious, however, given how strictly Fisk monitors his operations, that he and his managers don’t seem to know more about Blake’s background. While this doesn’t indicate a false identity, it would be consistent with the shallow fake IDs used by the Skrulls. It is also notable that, when questioned on his credentials by B.B, Urich, Dan Blake replies “Well, maybe I’m… I don’t know what I am.”
(Image Source: Marvel Studios)
It should be noted that this theory is possible within the timeline of the MCU. Following the events of Secret Invasion, all alien life on Earth was outlawed due to the actions of a rogue Skrull faction. The fate of all the Skrulls on Earth has yet to be revealed. This means it possible for Daniel Blake to be a Skrull posing as human in defiance of the new laws.
The big question is what is what motive Daniel Blake has for helping the Kingpin. Is he an honest believer in Fisk’s cause? Or does putting Fisk in office aid the rogue Skrulls somehow? This latter option seems likely, given Fisk ran on an anti-vigilante platform, and it was vigilantes who stopped the Secret Invasion.
Daredevil: Born Again Episodes 1 & 2 are now streaming on Disney+.