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Ben Urich

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Ben Urich
Ben Urich as depicted in Daredevil #16 (May 2001).
Art by David W. Mack.
Publication information
PublisherMarvel Comics
First appearanceDaredevil #153
(July 1978)
Created byRoger McKenzie (writer)
Gene Colan (artist)
In-story information
Full nameBenjamin Urich
Team affiliations
Supporting character of

Benjamin "Ben" Urich (/ˈjʊərɪk/) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character usually appears in comic books featuring Daredevil and Spider-Man.

Urich is a chain-smoking, tough-as-nails investigative journalist for the New York newspaper The Daily Bugle. Urich deduced the secret identity of Daredevil and has used him as a source of information and vice versa. To a lesser extent, he has a similar relationship with Spider-Man, whose alter ego Peter Parker was a photographer for the Bugle who occasionally accompanied Urich on assignments. Urich has used these connections to expose supervillains posing as businessmen including Kingpin and Green Goblin.

He has been portrayed by Joe Pantoliano in the 2003 film Daredevil. Ben Urich was also portrayed by Vondie Curtis-Hall in the first season of the Marvel Television streaming television series Daredevil, set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

Publication history

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Created by Roger McKenzie and Gene Colan, Ben Urich first appeared in Daredevil #153 (July 1978).[1]

Fictional character biography

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Urich first appeared in Daredevil stories, where he investigated Wilson Fisk, a businessman who was secretly the Kingpin, the head of the New York criminal underworld.

Urich plays a vital behind-the-scenes role in the Punisher limited series Circle of Blood (drawn by Mike Zeck). When a younger, less experienced Punisher plays into the Kingpin's ruse, he leaves a message for Urich. The resulting story results in the murders of several mafia men and the deaths of many innocent people, teaching the entire community how vital Kingpin unfortunately is.

Ben learns the secret of Daredevil's identity but refuses to divulge it. He is drawn into the circle of revenge the Kingpin has planned for Daredevil. Ben tries to overcome the intimidation but the threats come closer to home. His fingers are broken and he hears the death of a witness over the phone. His courage crumbles but he rallies back. His wife is nearly killed. The would-be hit-woman turns state's evidence and Ben and several allies go to interview her. One of his self-proclaimed 'entourage' and a prison guard turn out to be Kingpin assassins. Ben defeats one by a severe pistol whipping. The witness is killed. Kingpin uses a super-powered assassin, Nuke, to try to take out all his enemies, but the attempt fails.[2] Urich uses public support to destroy the Kingpin's empire.[3]

Urich later takes on another criminal businessman, Norman Osborn, also known as the villainous Green Goblin. After Osborn's presumed death, Urich writes an exposé book on the man's many crimes, titled Legacy of Evil. During the course of research for the book, Ben helps Spider-Man and the Molten Man save Liz Allan's son from kidnappers who resembled the Green Goblin. His research helps the trio go through the Goblin's history and eventually discover what had really gone on.[4] When Norman returns from the dead (or rather, Europe), he is able to discredit Urich and the book, going to great effort to clear his name. Urich refuses to retract his exposé on Osborn despite being threatened by him and risking his career, and investigates him further to prove that Osborn is a criminal.

Ben becomes colleagues with his nephew Phil Urich. Though unsure at first, Phil proves to be a skilled investigator. Though his work life is professional, his personal life is in shambles, causing him and Ben to become endangered.[5]

During the period where Daredevil's identity was exposed in print, Ben refuses to confirm it to J. Jonah Jameson on the principle of protecting his sources, and his status at work suffered for it. Jameson was able to move beyond that argument when he assigns Ben to the new supplement, The Pulse. During this assignment he reveals to Peter Parker that he knows his identity as Spider-Man. It is also around this time that Matt Murdock sets up a meeting with Ben to privately declare he is ending their professional relationship to avoid anyone else discovering this connection and using Ben to get to Murdock.[6]

Ben Urich turns out to be right when he originally exposed the Green Goblin, as Daily Bugle research would show, and conclusively when the Green Goblin is publicly unmasked by Luke Cage and Spider-Man and sent to jail. Plans for a re-release of Legacy of Evil are discussed at that point.

Ben is approached by the Kingpin to act as journalist covering the Kingpin brokering a deal with the FBI for release and reinstatement of his wealth, in exchange for proof that Daredevil is in fact Matt Murdock. To Ben's horror, he is the one who is forced to lead the FBI to Daredevil's location. Matt Murdock is recovering at the Night Nurse's clinic, of which Ben Urich knows the location (he had written an article on her), and he is forced to give that information to the FBI, due to the manipulation of the Kingpin.

Civil War

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During the Civil War storyline, Ben is one of the main characters in Civil War: Front Line, covering Iron Man's side as an embedded journalist on behalf of the Bugle. His neutrality is called into question after a confrontation with the Green Goblin, who was supposed to be in prison at the time but had been secretly released as part of one of Iron Man's plans. After insisting to J. Jonah Jameson that it was him, Ben is fired.

In Civil War: Front Line #4, Ben reveals to his friend Sally Floyd that seeing the Silver Surfer during the alien's first visit to Earth caused him to realize that mankind is not alone in the universe. This drove him into alcoholism for about a year.

In the end of Civil War: Front Lines, Ben leaves the Daily Bugle, with Jameson's blessing and understanding, and forms the online newspaper Frontlines.com with Sally Floyd. They later form the print newspaper Front Line.

World War Hulk

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During the World War Hulk storyline, Ben and Sally, in their capacity as the new editorial staff of Front Line, are two of the few reporters who cover the alien invasion in close proximity, at times too close as they end up dodging live fire to get 'soldier on the street' interviews. During the course of those events, Sally Floyd learns that Daily Bugle editor Jonah Jameson was the mysterious financial backer of the publication, a fact which they agreed to hide from Urich, lest it kill his spirit.[7]

Ben Urich tries to uncover the identity of the Red Hulk. He works with She-Hulk and Peter Parker. They investigate a former S.H.I.E.L.D. base and almost perish in a terrorist explosion. Red Hulk appears before Urich and threatens to destroy those he works with if the story ever sees print.[8]

Secret Invasion

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During the Secret Invasion storyline, Ben was covering a story in a local hospital, only to be trapped inside during the Skrull attacks. He survives, though a new-found nurse friend and all the others inside are killed by rampaging Skrulls. Ben and many other human refugees make their way to Stark Tower, though few are aware a human-hunting Skrull with a large body count hides within. The Skrull perishes via human trickery. Ben and one of the Stark Tower survivors, a young girl, wander the city. The duo witness the climactic battle against the Skrulls in Central Park.[9]

He finds out after the invasion ends, that his wife has died; the exact manner is left unclear. He hits both an incredible depression and writer's block. After taking some time off and seeing the city begin to recover, he starts to recover himself. He then gets word of Norman Osborn's rise to power and confronts him at the press conference announcing the control of the Thunderbolts Initiative over S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Avengers, only to get brushed off by Osborn, and the crowd around cheers for Osborn. This ultimately breaks Urich's writer's block, prompting him to write his return article: "Dark Reign: Norman Osborn Takes Control".[10]

Siege

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Following a superpowered disaster in Chicago, Ben teams up with his old friend Bill Stern, a disgraced former news reporter who rescues him from police custody. By coincidence they find Volstagg of the Warriors Three, who was involved in the disaster. The trio travels to Oklahoma, intent on covering Osborn's Siege of Asgard. All three end up separating and encountering each other again and again, due to Osborn's attacks on Asgard. Ben is almost eaten by Venom during a press junket near the battle. Volstagg saves Ben and Bill from the explosive effects of the HAMMER helicarrier crashing down. All three work to save and evacuate Asgardians with Ben leading the effort. Ben sees the heroes defeat the menace of the Sentry's alter-ego the Void. When Norman Osborn tries to escape, Volstagg captures him with a knock-out blow. Ben and Bill return to New York as colleagues while Volstagg works at Soldier Field to rebuild.[11]

Shadowland

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During the Shadowland storyline, Ben is forced by gang members to write about Bullseye's funeral. He manages to leave his notebook in Essex County Morgue. Daredevil finds it and leads a rescue mission. The funeral service is interrupted by Daredevil and the Hand, as a massive brawl breaks out, almost killing Ben.[12] Ben becomes involved with the return of the Punisher, who literally fell into the care of Norah, one of his employees.[13]

Goblin Nation

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Learning of his nephew's identity as the new Hobgoblin, Ben Urich attempts to arrange a meeting to talk Phil down and convince him to accept a cure for the Goblin formula, but when Robbie Robertson is discovered in the area, Phil believes that Ben had been trying to set a trap and delivers a serious injury to Robbie before The Superior Spider-Man (Doctor Octopus' mind in Peter Parker's body) appears. Phil is able to get away when Ben convinces Spider-Man to take Robbie to hospital, but Ben makes it clear that he had no interest in protecting Phil and was simply trying to help Robbie while he could still be saved, accepting that Phil liked what he had become and was uninterested in redemption or help.[14]

With the Daily Bugle on its deathbed, Ben approaches Jessica Drew and convinces her to assist him with investigating potential stories and cases, both local and nationwide.[15] The two are later joined by Porcupine.[16]

The three later become a close-knit team handling super-villain confrontations, with Porcupine handling the main battling work. Drew becomes sidelined with a mysterious pregnancy.[17]

Ben later becomes involved in the battle to eliminate Baron Mordo, who was magically rampaging through New York City. Ben's pure soul allows him to wield a magic suit of armor and destroy many of Mordo's monsters.[18]

Other versions

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House of M

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An alternate universe variant of Ben Urich makes a cameo appearance in "House of M".[19]

Marvel Noir

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An alternate timeline variant of Ben Urich appears in Spider-Man Noir (vol. 1). This version is a jaded cynic and substance abusing reporter from 1933 who blackmails crime boss Norman Osborn for money to feed his drug habit.[20] After taking idealistic social activist Peter Parker under his wing, Urich "takes back control of his life" before he is killed by the Chameleon disguised as J. Jonah Jameson.

Ultimate Marvel

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An alternate universe variant of Ben Urich from Earth-1610 appears in the Ultimate Marvel imprint. This version is marginally younger than the mainstream incarnation, works as a top reporter at the Daily Bugle, and displays no connection to Daredevil.[21][22]

Secret Wars

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Two alternate universe variants of Ben Urich from Battleworld appear in Secret Wars.

  • An armored variant of Ben from the domain of Technopolis appears in Armor Wars #3. This version is the uncle of Peter Urich / Spider-Man. After they discover the truth behind Technopolis' past, they are killed by Tony Stark.[23]
  • A Wild West-themed variant of Ben from the domain of the Valley of Doom appears in 1872 #1.[24]

In other media

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Television

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Ben Urich appears in Daredevil (2015), portrayed by Vondie Curtis-Hall.[25] This version is a struggling African-American journalist at the New York Bulletin who is later killed by Wilson Fisk.[26][27][28][29]

Film

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Ben Urich appears in Daredevil (2003), portrayed by Joe Pantoliano. This version is bald and works for the New York Post.

Video games

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Miscellaneous

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References

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  1. ^ DeFalco, Tom; Sanderson, Peter; Brevoort, Tom; Teitelbaum, Michael; Wallace, Daniel; Darling, Andrew; Forbeck, Matt; Cowsill, Alan; Bray, Adam (2019). The Marvel Encyclopedia. DK Publishing. p. 390. ISBN 978-1-4654-7890-0.
  2. ^ Daredevil #232-233 (1986)
  3. ^ Zimmerman, David (2004). Comic Book Character: Unleashing The Hero In Us All. InterVarsity Press. p. 67. ISBN 9780830832606.
  4. ^ Spider-Man: Legacy of Evil
  5. ^ Green Goblin #1 (1995)
  6. ^ Daredevil vol. 2 #35
  7. ^ World War Hulk Front Line #1-6 (December 2007)
  8. ^ The Incredible Hulk #600 (July 2009)
  9. ^ Secret Invasion: Front Line #1-4
  10. ^ Secret Invasion: Front Line #5
  11. ^ Siege: Embedded #1-4 (2010)
  12. ^ Shadowland: Bullseye (2010)
  13. ^ The Punisher #3-5 (2011)
  14. ^ The Superior Spider-Man Annual #2
  15. ^ Dennis Hopeless (w), Javier Rodriguez (p), Alvaro Lopez (i), Javier Rodriguez (col), VC's Travis Lanham (let), Nick Lowe (ed). Spider-Woman, vol. 5, no. 5 (4 March 2015). United States: Marvel Comics.
  16. ^ Dennis Hopeless (w), Javier Rodriguez (p), Alvaro Lopez (i), Javier Rodriguez (col), VC's Travis Lanham (let), Devin Lewis (ed). Spider-Woman, vol. 5, no. 9 (22 July 2015). United States: Marvel Comics.
  17. ^ Spider-Woman #1 (Jan. 2016)
  18. ^ Doctor Strange ##22-24 (2017)
  19. ^ The Pulse #12 (Jan. 2007). Marvel Comics.
  20. ^ Spider-Man Noir #1 (2009)
  21. ^ Ultimate Spider-Man #95 (August 2006)
  22. ^ Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #18 (Feb. 1 2013)
  23. ^ Armor Wars #3
  24. ^ 1872 #1
  25. ^ "NYCC 2014: Marvel's DAREDEVIL on Netflix Panel - NEW IMAGES".
  26. ^ Kane, Adam (director); Marco Ramirez (writer) (April 10, 2015). "Rabbit in a Snowstorm". Marvel's Daredevil. Season 1. Episode 3. Netflix.
  27. ^ Surjik, Stephen (director); Steven S. DeKnight (writer) (April 10, 2015). "Shadows in the Glass". Marvel's Daredevil. Season 1. Episode 8. Netflix.
  28. ^ Blackburn, Farren (director); Luke Kalteux (writer) (April 10, 2015). "Nelson v. Murdock". Marvel's Daredevil. Season 1. Episode 10. Netflix.
  29. ^ Lyn, Euros (director); Douglas Petrie (writer) (April 10, 2015). "The Ones We Leave Behind". Marvel's Daredevil. Season 1. Episode 12. Netflix.
  30. ^ a b "Ben Urich Voice – Daredevil franchise | Behind The Voice Actors". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved December 24, 2019. Check mark indicates role has been confirmed using screenshots of closing credits and other reliable sources.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link)
  31. ^ McMillan, Graeme (August 14, 2019). "Marvel and Stitcher Partner for 'Marvels' Podcast". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved August 16, 2019.
  32. ^ Dudley, Joshua (November 22, 2019). "New Marvel Podcast Sees The World Of Super Heroes From Our Perspective". Forbes. Retrieved February 8, 2021.
  33. ^ Alejandro. "Whitehead Meets Pynchon in "The Big Skyscraper"". The University of Texas at Austin. Archived from the original on 19 February 2022. Retrieved 28 October 2018.
  34. ^ Fassler, Joe (18 October 2011). "Colson Whitehead on Zombies, 'Zone One,' and His Love of the VCR". The Atlantic. Atlantic Media. Retrieved 28 October 2018.
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