It's an exhilarating time to be a fan of Daredevil. The much-loved live-action Netflix series is set to continue with "Daredevil: Born Again" on Disney+, while on the comic book front, Marvel is launching an exciting new miniseries titled "Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell." This series reunites the acclaimed team of writer Charles Soule and artist Steve McNiven, who previously worked together on "Death of Wolverine." The concept for "Cold Day in Hell" is tantalizing: what if Daredevil had his own version of "The Dark Knight Returns"?
IGN had the opportunity to speak with Charles Soule via email to delve deeper into what this means for Matt Murdock. Before we explore Soule's insights, 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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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 aging and his haunted past. Soule explains that in this future Marvel Universe, superheroes are a thing of the past, and Matt has long retired from his Daredevil identity. The reason for his retirement is straightforward: the radioactivity that granted him his powers has faded over time, leaving him an ordinary older man with a remarkable history.
The "aging superhero returns to action" narrative is a familiar one, explored in various Marvel stories like "The End" series and "Old Man Logan." Soule reflects on the appeal of this trope, noting that it allows for a fresh exploration of character. "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," he says. This approach strips the hero down to their essentials while introducing innovative elements outside the regular continuity.
"Cold Day in Hell" is set in a corner of the Marvel Universe where recent catastrophic events have left lasting impacts on the characters and the narrative. This setting allows Soule and McNiven to craft new stories using iconic Marvel elements while putting their unique spin on them.
This isn't the first time Soule and McNiven have explored a hero's mortality together; they previously collaborated on "Death of Wolverine." Soule views "Cold Day in Hell" as a continuation of their collaborative journey, describing it as an evolution of their partnership and friendship. "This book was extremely collaborative in a way that was a bit of an experiment for us," Soule notes, likening their process to jazz improvisation.
One of the exciting aspects of stories like "Cold Day in Hell" is seeing how a hero's allies and enemies have evolved over time. While Soule is tight-lipped about specifics, he hints at major surprises involving Daredevil's supporting cast and villains.
With the release of "Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1" timed to coincide with the debut of the "Born Again" show, it's clear Marvel is aiming to leverage the excitement around the series. Soule believes "Cold Day in Hell" can serve as an accessible entry point into Daredevil's comic world, even for those unfamiliar with the extensive continuity. "It's designed as a story people can pick up and enjoy if they know the most basic things about Daredevil and his past," he explains.
Regarding "Born Again," Soule confirms that the series draws inspiration from his 2015-2018 run on the comic, including elements like Wilson Fisk becoming mayor of New York City and the villain Muse. Having seen the entire season, Soule is thrilled to see his ideas reach a broader audience. "The thought that these ideas will be reaching that many people... what a wonderful thing," he says, confident that fans will enjoy the show.
"Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1" is set to hit 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.
