Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell Gives Matt Murdock the Dark Knight Returns Treatment

It's a great time to be a Daredevil fan! The Netflix series continues with Daredevil: Born Again on Disney+, and Marvel Comics launches a new miniseries, Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell. This miniseries reunites Death of Wolverine writer Charles Soule and artist Steve McNiven, offering a compelling premise: Daredevil gets his own Dark Knight Returns.

IGN spoke with Soule to learn more. Below is an exclusive preview of Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1, followed by insights into the series and Soule's thoughts on the Born Again adaptation of his previous Daredevil work.

Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1 Preview Gallery

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Cold Day in Hell draws comparison to The Dark Knight Returns, but instead of the present-day Marvel Universe, it's set in a future where Matt Murdock has lost his powers, grappling with age and past traumas. He's not alone; superheroes are largely absent. Soule explains Matt's power loss is due to the fading effects of the radioactive accident that granted him his abilities. He retains his combat skills but lives as an ordinary older man with an extraordinary past.

The "aging superhero returns" trope, seen in works like Old Man Logan, is potent, says Soule. It allows for a fresh perspective, stripping the hero down to essentials while generating unique narrative possibilities outside regular continuity. Cold Day in Hell creates its own Marvel corner, with past events shaping the characters and story, allowing creative freedom within the established Marvel universe.

Soule and McNiven previously collaborated on Death of Wolverine. Soule views their projects as interconnected, each an evolution of their collaboration and friendship. Cold Day in Hell was particularly collaborative, a back-and-forth process resulting in what Soule describes as a "jazz" approach.

The story explores how Daredevil's allies and enemies have aged. While Soule remains tight-lipped, he promises surprises.

Cold Day in Hell serves as an accessible entry point to Daredevil comics, requiring only basic knowledge of the character. Soule confirms the Born Again series draws inspiration from his 2015-2018 run, including thematic elements and characters like Mayor Fisk and Muse. He expresses excitement about the show's wide reach.

Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1 releases April 2, 2025. For more on Marvel Comics, see what to expect from Marvel in 2025 and our most anticipated comics of 2025.