The American Nightmare

Ann Nocenti’s run as the lead writer for the Daredevil comic book series is highly regarded for the depth of her character development and the complex subject matter she takes on. Nocenti’s interpretation of Daredevil as a defender of working class values and concerns, resulted in stark messages in support of social justice. Her writing critically reflects past and current events, and challenges instances of bias within politics and popular culture.

In Daredevil issue #283 (August, 1990), titled, The American Nightmare, there is an especially pertinent focus on the United States’ influence in shaping (and manipulating) national and international policy. The overarching tone of the issue is in favor of the contributions immigrants have made over the course of United States history, but that hopeful narrative is dashed by the reality of their marginalization under the United States’ corporatism.

The comic begins with an opening monologue from an immigrant inventor named Victor Cieszkowska that asks readers to reflect upon what American policy is actually accomplishing. The issue also contains several progressive conversations between Captain America and Daredevil, noting that throughout its history, the United States government has supported racism, gutted vital social programs and orchestrated a genocide of the Indigenous peoples in order to steal their land.

Captain America has some particularly sharp criticism regarding how the widening income gap is driven by the influence corporations have on American policy. He also admonishes the way the United States has handled its “War on Drugs,” noting that the real motive appears to be imperialism. Any alleged “concern” about drugs are a front for the United States gaining control of a foreign country’s resources.

The premise of the story centers around Victor Cieszkowska, being harassed in successive visits from immigration, IRS and FBI agents who claim that he is under investigation to be deported. Captain America and Daredevil arrive when the FBI agent is there, and realizing that Victor is being wrongfully targeted, they shoo the agent away.

After the scene in which he is threatened by government agents, it becomes clear why Victor Cieszkowska is being targeted. He is working on an energy-efficient flying car that is powered by recycled refuse. His work would offset profits from major oil corporations, and mark a revolutionary pivot to more sustainable fuel sources. The mainstream news media is also in on the attempt to take him down, by broadcasting a smear campaign labeling his car and work as a hoax. Unfortunately, corporate America gets what they want, when hired thugs end up break into Victor’s garage and destroy the car. His wife Nora explains that Victor’s ideas come during periods where he is lucid dreaming, and if his inventions are destroyed while he dreams, they can never be rebuilt. His “American Dream” is shattered.

The American nightmare of this issue is of course existent and ongoing outside of the Marvel media franchise. We are under the influence of a real-life oligarchical elite class who is steadfast on exploiting foreign nations to line their own pockets. These manipulative actions have upended and destabilized the lives of communities both at home and abroad, and has made the world a less secure environment. History is full of tales about how exploitation and greed are profitable in the immediate and short term, but eventually those who wield their unchecked power at the expense of the masses are in for a rude awakening.