Posted in: Comics, Comics Publishers, Current News, Marvel Comics | Tagged: daredevil, lion's mane

Lion's Mane Fungus & Incel Grifting in Marvel's Daredevil (Spoilers)

Lion's Mane Fungus and Incel Grifting in today's Daredevil by Saladin Ahmed and José Luis from Marvel Comics (Spoilers)

Published Wed, 04 Jun 2025 09:57:07 -0500

Article Summary

Lion's mane fungus becomes a bizarre new villain in Marvel's Daredevil #22 by Saladin Ahmed and José Luis.
The comic blends wellness fads, incel grifting, and "masculine energy" into its story for a satirical punch.
Pop culture trends like functional supplements and shady MLMs are woven into Daredevil's latest foe.
Daredevil #22 features possibly Marvel's first use of "simp" and lampoons social media health crazes.

Spoilers, spoilers, spoilers…Hericium erinaceus, commonly known as lion's mane, is a species of tooth fungus, that has been ascribed wonderful medicinal qualities, though there is insufficient scientific evidence to confirm its safety or effectiveness, but has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries.

But of late, it has been commercialised and weaponised for the consumer culture looking for something different. Even British supermarket chain Marks & Spencer's has a new range of drinks dubbed functional juices, including lion's mane latte. They are supposedly helpful in managing stress, fatigue and anxiety, and have been recommended to those with ADHD and Alzheimer's. And so have been marketed as wellness treatments from your nearest virtue or vice-signalling pyramid scheme. I haven't been able to move without Tik Toks advertising lion's mane using some fake AI of a celebrity lately. But now? Well, they have made it into Marvel's Daredevil comic book as the big bad. With Daredevil #22 by Saladin Ahmed and José Luis.

But also getting mixed up with incel culture, "masculine energy" and nutritional supplements… you know Lionsmane has got a podcast, right? Probably a subscribe-only Substack too.

I mean, I'm not sure such things exist, but doesn't it sound like they do?

First use of "simp" in a Marvel comic book? But I'd be more worried by what's on your face, mate. Daredevil #22 by Saladin Ahmed and José Luis is published by Marvel Comics today.

DAREDEVIL #22
(W) Saladin Ahmed (A) Jos? Luis (CA) John Romita Jr.
THE FIGHT OF HIS LIFE! Matt Murdock has been INFECTED! A monstrous new fungus has wormed its way through the city and, now, into Matt's very pores! Literally up to his nose in the most repulsive textures, tastes and tones he's ever encountered! HAS HIS RADAR SENSE FINALLY MET ITS MATCH?! And what familiar face is responsible for putting DAREDEVIL down for the count?! Rated T+In Shops: Jun 04, 2025 SRP: $4.99

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