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

It's an exciting era for Daredevil aficionados. The beloved character is set to continue his saga on Disney+ with the upcoming series "Daredevil: Born Again," while Marvel Comics is launching a new miniseries titled "Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell." This series marks a significant collaboration between writer Charles Soule and artist Steve McNiven, known for their work on "Death of Wolverine." The premise of "Cold Day in Hell" is intriguing: imagine Daredevil experiencing a narrative akin to "The Dark Knight Returns."

In an exclusive email interview with IGN, Soule shared insights into what fans can expect from "Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell." Before diving into the details, take a moment to view an exclusive preview of "Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1" in the slideshow gallery below.

Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1 Preview Gallery

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Drawing a parallel with "The Dark Knight Returns," "Cold Day in Hell" is set in a future where Matt Murdock has lost his powers and is confronting the challenges of old age alongside the shadows of his tumultuous past. Soule explains that in this narrative, Matt is not alone in his retirement; superheroes are largely a thing of the past in this version of the Marvel Universe. The reason behind Matt's departure from the Daredevil persona is straightforward: the radioactive substance that granted him his powers has faded over time, leaving him as an ordinary older man with an extraordinary history.

The "aging superhero returns to action" theme is a popular one, explored in various Marvel stories like "The End" titles and "Old Man Logan." Soule points out that this narrative device offers a fresh perspective on familiar characters, stripping them down to their core traits while allowing for innovative storytelling that steps outside of regular continuity.

"Cold Day in Hell" is set in a corner of the Marvel Universe where recent catastrophic events have lasting impacts on the characters and the storyline. This setting allows Soule and McNiven to introduce new elements while putting their unique spin on iconic Marvel components.

This isn't the first time Soule and McNiven have tackled themes of mortality with a Marvel hero. Their previous work on "Death of Wolverine" also dealt with similar themes. Soule considers "Cold Day in Hell" as a companion piece to their previous collaborations, highlighting their evolving partnership and creative synergy.

One of the intriguing aspects of "Cold Day in Hell" is the depiction of Daredevil's supporting cast and villains in their later years. While Soule remains tight-lipped about specific details, he promises significant surprises that will captivate readers.

With the release of "Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1" aligning with the debut of "Born Again," Marvel seems poised to leverage the excitement around the new show. Soule assures that "Cold Day in Hell" is crafted to be accessible, requiring only basic knowledge of Daredevil's background to enjoy the story.

Speaking of "Born Again," the series draws inspiration from Soule's 2015-2018 run on Daredevil, particularly with elements like Wilson Fisk's mayoral campaign and the villain Muse. Soule, having seen the entire season, confirms that the show incorporates various aspects of his comic run, both in terms of plot and thematic elements.

"Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1" is slated for release 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.