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, reuniting writer Charles Soule and artist Steve McNiven. This series offers a compelling premise: a Dark Knight Returns-style story for Daredevil.

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 the Born Again adaptation of his previous Daredevil work.

Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1 Preview Gallery

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Cold Day in Hell is set in a future where Matt Murdock has lost his powers and confronts old age and past traumas. He's not the only hero to retire in this futuristic Marvel Universe.

“Matt's older,” Soule explained to IGN. “He left superhero life behind years ago. Superheroes are largely absent in this world. His powers faded due to the radioactive origin of his abilities. He’s an ordinary older man with an extraordinary past.”

This "aging hero returns" trope is common, seen in titles like The End and Old Man Logan. Soule notes the effectiveness of this approach:

“Showing familiar characters at unfamiliar life stages defines them in new ways. It reveals what persists when their heroic abilities vanish. Does he need to be Daredevil? These stories strip the hero to essentials while allowing creative freedom outside regular continuity.”

Cold Day in Hell creates a unique corner of the Marvel Universe with significant past events impacting the characters and story. Soule and McNiven incorporate iconic Marvel elements with their own creative spin, inspired by similar stories.

Soule's collaboration with McNiven, reminiscent of Death of Wolverine, is described as an evolution of their working relationship:

“Everything we do together is a companion piece. Our collaboration, from Wolverine stories to Uncanny Inhumans, Star Wars, and now Daredevil, is an evolution. This book was extremely collaborative; a back-and-forth discussion involving scripts, inks, dialogue, and colors. Steve called it ‘jazz,’ and I think that’s accurate. I’m proud of our work, but this one stands out.”

The story explores how Daredevil's allies and enemies have aged. Soule teases significant surprises in this area:

“Don't want to say more than that—that's part of what people will tune in for.”

Cold Day in Hell serves as an accessible entry point into Daredevil comics, requiring only basic knowledge of the character:

“It's designed so people can enjoy it knowing the basics—blind, Catholic lawyer with super-senses and ninja training, but now he doesn't. Knowing key adversaries and allies helps, but isn't necessary.”

The Born Again series draws inspiration from Soule's 2015-2018 run, including Mayor Fisk and Muse, and other thematic elements:

“I've seen the whole season. My work with Ron Garney and collaborators is all over the show. Mayor Fisk and Muse, yes, but other elements too, especially thematic things. It felt amazing. Fans will enjoy the show.”

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.