Episode 18 - Murdock and Marvel: 1980
It’s a rough time for America and for comics in general, but big things are happening at Marvel this year, and it’s a great time to be a Daredevil fan.  Let’s talk a bit about the start of a new decade, and a new era for this podcast’s featured hero – welcome to 1980!
Announcement:
Duane screwed up... That's why the podcast was late last week. Sorry.
The Year in Comics 
Notable and Newsworthy
Industry Trends
Eagle Awards
The Year in Marvel
Events & Happenings
New Titles
New Characters
Series Ending
Who's in the Bullpen
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Louise Simonson

The Year in Daredevil 
Appearances: Daredevil 162-167, Avengers #191, Marvel Treasury Edition #25, Captain America #250, Defenders #88-90 and Marvel Two-in-One #69 
Writing: Michael Fleisher (162), Roger McKenzie (163-4), McKenzie/Miller (165-6), David Michelinie (167) 
Art: Steve Ditko (162), Frank Miller (163-7) 
After absorbing a large amount of radiation while stopping a malfunctioning reactor, Daredevil passes out and comes to with amnesia. Mr. Hyle, a boxing promoter, tries to recruit him to be a prizefighter – but when he refuses to fight - Hyle shoots his trainer causing Daredevil to regain his memories and he quickly defeats Hyle, his henchmen and a pet leopard. 
Next, Daredevil confronts the Hulk as he wreaks havoc in NYC. Daredevil convinces him to turn back in Bruce Banner. Banner agrees to leave the city, but in trying to do so the Hulk comes out again. Daredevil confronts again only to be badly beaten and collapses. Rather than killing Daredevil, a confused Hulk leaps out of the city. Daredevil lays motionless as our story ends.  
While in the hospital recovering from the Hulk attack, we finally get a payoff in the Ben Urich investigation into Murdock/Daredevil. Urich questions Daredevil and he admits the two are the same person. We get another recap of his origin story. After recounting his story, Matt tells Ben that if he publishes his story, he can no longer be Daredevil. After some reflection, Ben burns his papers keeping Murdock’s secret intact.  
Heather finds out that her company is doing business with Doc Ock, and Daredevil (alone) comes to her rescue when she is captured. The Widow realizes her relationship with Matt is through and leaves New York. This is our spotlight story for the week. 
Foggy’s wedding day with Debbie Harris finally arrives, but the Gladiator holds a group of kids (and their teacher/chaperone) hostage. Foggy “loses” the wedding ring giving Murdock an excuse to take down the Gladiator and return during the ceremony. Turns out the ring was in Foggy’s pocket the whole time. 
Issue 166 featured a new cover logo said to be designed by Miller. Slanted “Daredevil” with it getting smaller to larger. And just below it “The Man without Fear!” 
In Defenders, Matt Murdock acts as Kyle Richmond’s (aka Nighthawk) Lawyer and ends up fighting Fem-Force and is captured before being broken out by Nighthawk. The two then help the Hulk fight Fem-Forces along with Hellcat and Valkyrie – who are being mind-controlled by Mandrill. They free the defenders but Mandrill escapes. 
The year ends with a new villain, the Mauler who is going after Edwin Cord – who’s trying to recruit Murdock for a lawyer job at his company Cordco Incorporated. We learn Mauler is Aaron Soames, a 30+ year employee of Cord’s who was recently denied his pension due to a clerical error (he never existed). Mauler gets a bit of revenge by destroying Cord’s driver’s license and credit cards before being shot and killed by Cord’s security team. Because of his security clearance and the mauler suit being government property, Cord can’t be brought to justice beyond getting knocked out by Daredevil. 

New Powers, Toys or Places
New Supporting Characters
New Villains
This Week's Spotlight: Daredevil #165 July 1980 “Arms of the Octopus”
Recap
Why We Picked This Story
The Takeaway
Marvel is in an interesting place and an appreciation of Jim Shooter
Question