Step back into the gritty world of Hell’s Kitchen with Daredevil #232, a landmark issue released by Marvel Comics on March 25, 1986. This pivotal comic marks the first appearance of the terrifying supersoldier known as Nuke, a character whose chaotic introduction would leave a lasting impact on Daredevil’s life.
The Origin of Nuke in Daredevil #232
Nuke, whose real name is Frank Simpson, was no ordinary villain. He was a product of the infamous Weapon Plus program. This clandestine supersoldier initiative also created iconic heroes like Captain America and was responsible for transforming Wolverine into the formidable Weapon X. Tragically, the experimental enhancement and conditioning process that created Nuke went horribly wrong, leaving him severely deranged and dangerously unstable.
Frank Simpson’s early life was marred by trauma. The disturbed son of a wealthy, abusive, and alcoholic upper-class woman in Ohio, young Frank found solace in his babysitter, who became the only true maternal figure in his life. Exploiting Frank’s affection, the babysitter, who harbored feelings for his father Charles, manipulated the boy into committing the horrific act of killing his own mother.
Adding another layer to his tragic origin, Wolverine, who was then an operative for Weapon Plus, was tasked with kidnapping Frank. Wolverine subsequently stalked Charles Simpson and the manipulative babysitter, eventually shooting the young woman with Charles’ own gun, driving Charles to commit suicide. Following this dark chain of events, Wolverine abducted Frank, delivering him into the hands of the Weapon Plus program, where he was transformed into the unstable force known as Nuke.1
The Explosive Plot of Daredevil #232
In Daredevil #232, titled “God and Country,” the story unfolds with Matt Murdock assisting Karen Page in her battle to overcome her drug addiction. Meanwhile, the ruthless Kingpin hires the dangerously deranged Nuke as a weapon to eliminate Daredevil. This sets the stage for a brutal confrontation between the Man Without Fear and the unstable supersoldier.
The tension escalates as Ben Urich hires Glorianna O’Brien as a photographer. Urich pursues an interview at the jail with a nurse who previously attempted to assassinate him in the hospital on Kingpin’s orders. However, before the nurse can reveal any crucial information, one of the guards shoots her dead.
The chaos intensifies when Nuke is dropped into the heart of Hell’s Kitchen by a helicopter. He unleashes a barrage of gunfire, targeting anyone attempting to contact Daredevil. His brutal tactics prove effective, successfully drawing Daredevil into a confrontation.
The creative team behind this impactful issue includes writer Frank Miller, penciler and inker David Mazzucchelli, colorist Christie Scheele, letterer Joe Rosen, and editors Jim Shooter and Ralph Macchio. Key characters featured in this storyline include Ben Urich, Daredevil (Matt Murdock), Foggy Nelson, General Haywerth, Glorianna O’Brien, Karen Page, Kingpin, and, of course, the unforgettable Nuke.
Learn more about Daredevil and other Marvel Comics at their official website: https://www.marvel.com/.
