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 series reunites Death of Wolverine writer Charles Soule and artist Steve McNiven, offering a compelling premise: Daredevil's own version of The Dark Knight Returns.

IGN spoke with Soule to learn more. See an exclusive preview of Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1 in the gallery below, then read on for details and Soule's thoughts on Born Again's adaptation of his past Daredevil work.

Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1 Preview Gallery

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The Dark Knight Returns comparison is apt. Cold Day in Hell isn't set in the present-day Marvel Universe; instead, it depicts an older Matt Murdock, stripped of his powers and grappling with age and past traumas. He's not alone; superheroes are largely absent in this future. Soule explains Matt's absence from superhero life stems from his powers fading due to the radioactive origin of his abilities. He retains his combat skills, but he's essentially an ordinary older man with an extraordinary past.

This "aging hero returns" trope is common, seen in various Marvel titles like The End series and Old Man Logan. Soule notes the potent effect of showing familiar characters at unfamiliar life stages, clarifying their core essence. It allows for stripping away superficial elements while exploring new creative possibilities outside regular continuity. Cold Day in Hell creates its own corner of the Marvel Universe with a unique past, allowing Soule and McNiven to incorporate iconic elements with their own spin.

Soule and McNiven's previous collaboration on Death of Wolverine, which similarly explored mortality, is relevant. Soule considers their works companion pieces, each an evolution of their collaboration and friendship, highlighting their collaborative process described as a "jazz" approach.

The series also explores the aging of Daredevil's allies and enemies. While details are scarce, Soule promises major surprises. He hints that Cold Day in Hell serves as an accessible entry point for readers familiar with Daredevil's basics, even with its future setting.

Daredevil: Born Again draws inspiration from Soule's 2015-2018 run, including Mayor Fisk and Muse, but also thematic elements. Soule expresses his delight at seeing these ideas reach a wider audience.

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.