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, promising a unique take on the character. Imagine a Daredevil story inspired by The 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 his past Daredevil work influencing Born Again.

Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1 Preview Gallery

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The comparison to The Dark Knight Returns is apt. Cold Day in Hell isn't set in the present-day Marvel Universe. Instead, it depicts an older Matt Murdock, his powers faded, grappling with age and past traumas. He's not alone; superheroes are largely absent in this future Marvel Universe, until something compels him back into action.

Soule explains, “Matt's older. We don't specify, but he's left superhero life behind years ago. This isn't just him; superheroes are largely absent in Cold Day in Hell. His powers, stemming from radioactive exposure, have faded. He retains his combat skills, but he's essentially an ordinary older man with an extraordinary past he's tried to leave behind.”

The "aging superhero returns" trope is common, appearing in various Marvel titles like The End series and Old Man Logan. Soule notes the potency of showing familiar characters at unfamiliar life stages, clarifying their core traits. What remains of Matt Murdock when his superhero abilities vanish? This allows for exploring his essence while creating new, non-continuity-bound ideas.

Soule continues, "Cold Day in Hell exists in its own Marvel corner, shaped by recent catastrophic events. Steve and I create new elements using iconic Marvel components, adding our own spin. Many such stories do this, and we were inspired by other brilliant variations.”

Soule and McNiven previously collaborated on Death of Wolverine, exploring a hero confronting mortality. While set in different Marvel Universes, Soule sees Cold Day in Hell as a companion piece. He states, “Everything we do together is a companion piece. Working with Steve has been fortunate. From Wolverine to Uncanny Inhumans, Star Wars, and now Daredevil, each project evolves our collaboration and friendship. I trust Steve's artistic abilities, and hopefully, he feels the same about my scripts. This book was highly collaborative, a back-and-forth discussion throughout the process. Steve called it ‘jazz,’ and I agree. I'm proud of our work, but this one stands out.”

A key element is seeing how Daredevil's allies and enemies have aged. Soule hints at major surprises regarding their roles, teasing, “I won't say more—that's part of what people will tune in for.”

Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1's release coincides with Born Again, making it a potential gateway into Daredevil comics. Soule believes it's accessible, requiring only basic knowledge of Daredevil: blind, Catholic lawyer, formerly possessing super-senses and ninja training, but not anymore. Familiarity with key allies and adversaries is helpful but not essential.

Regarding Born Again, its inspiration from Soule's 2015-2018 run is evident, including Mayor Fisk and Muse. Soule confirms other, unexpected elements are also drawn from his run. He shares, “I've seen the entire season of Daredevil: Born Again, and my work with Ron Garney and collaborators is throughout the show. Mayor Fisk and Muse, yes, but other thematic elements from 2015-2018 as well. It felt amazing. To see these ideas reach so many people, almost a decade after writing them... it's wonderful. Fans will enjoy the show.”

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