"Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell - Matt Murdock's Dark Knight Returns"

It's an exciting time for fans of the Man Without Fear. The beloved live-action Netflix series is set to continue with *Daredevil: Born Again* on Disney+, and on the comic book front, Marvel is launching a new miniseries titled *Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell*. This series brings back the dynamic duo of writer Charles Soule and artist Steve McNiven, who previously collaborated on *Death of Wolverine*. The premise of *Cold Day in Hell* is intriguing: what if Daredevil had his own version of *The Dark Knight Returns*?

IGN had the opportunity to discuss this new venture with Soule via email, delving into what this means for Matt Murdock. Before diving into the details, take a moment to enjoy an exclusive preview of *Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1* in the slideshow gallery below, and then continue reading to learn more about the series and Soule's reflections on his past work being adapted for *Born Again*.

Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1 Preview Gallery

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The comparison to *The Dark Knight Returns* is apt, as *Cold Day in Hell* is set in a future where Matt Murdock has lost his powers and is dealing with the challenges of old age and his tumultuous past. Soule explains that in this future Marvel Universe, superheroes are a thing of the past, and Matt has left his Daredevil identity behind. The reason for this is straightforward: the radioactivity that granted him his powers has faded over time, leaving him as an ordinary older man with an extraordinary history he's tried to move beyond.

The theme of an aging superhero returning to action is not new, having been explored in various Marvel titles like *The End* series and *Old Man Logan*. Soule highlights the appeal of this narrative, stating, "For me, the tonal switcheroo you get when you show familiar characters at unfamiliar points in their lives can be a really potent way to define them in new ways for readers." This approach allows for a deeper exploration of Matt Murdock's core identity, questioning what remains of him without his traditional superhero abilities.

*Cold Day in Hell* takes place in a unique corner of the Marvel Universe, where recent catastrophic events have left lasting impacts on the characters and the story. Soule and McNiven have the creative freedom to introduce new elements while staying true to the iconic Marvel universe, drawing inspiration from other successful variations of this theme.

This isn't the first time Soule and McNiven have tackled a story about a hero facing mortality; they previously did so with *Death of Wolverine*. Soule views *Cold Day in Hell* as a continuation of their collaborative journey, describing their work together as an evolving partnership. He emphasizes the experimental and collaborative nature of this project, likening it to "jazz" and expressing pride in their work.

One of the intriguing aspects of stories like *Cold Day in Hell* is seeing how the hero's allies and enemies have aged. While Soule remains tight-lipped about specific details, he promises major surprises regarding Daredevil's supporting cast and villains.

With the release of *Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1* coinciding with the debut of *Born Again*, it's clear Marvel is leveraging the excitement around the show. Soule believes the series can serve as an accessible entry point into Daredevil's comic universe, even for those unfamiliar with the extensive continuity. He notes, "It's designed as a story people can pick up and enjoy if they know the most basic things about Daredevil and his past."

Speaking of *Born Again*, the series draws inspiration from Soule's 2015-2018 run on the comic, including elements like Wilson Fisk becoming mayor of New York City and the villain Muse. Soule has seen the entire season and confirms that his work with Ron Garney and other collaborators is evident throughout the show. He expresses his excitement about seeing his ideas reach a broader audience, saying, "The thought that these ideas will be reaching that many people... what a wonderful thing."

*Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1* is set to hit the shelves on April 2, 2025. For more on what's coming from Marvel Comics, check out what to expect from Marvel in 2025 and see our most anticipated comics of 2025.