It’s an exhilarating time to be a fan of Daredevil, with the character making waves both on screen and on the page. The much-anticipated continuation of the live-action series, *Daredevil: Born Again*, is set to premiere on Disney+, while Marvel Comics is launching a thrilling new miniseries, *Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell*. This series reunites writer Charles Soule and artist Steve McNiven, the dynamic duo behind *Death of Wolverine*, and promises to deliver a narrative that echoes the iconic *The Dark Knight Returns*. Imagine a future where Matt Murdock, stripped of his powers, must confront the specters of his past and the trials of old age.
IGN had the opportunity to delve into this intriguing premise with Charles Soule via email. Before we dive into the details, take a moment to explore an exclusive preview of *Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1* in the slideshow gallery below, and then continue reading to discover more about the series and Soule's reflections on the adaptation of his past work in *Born Again*.
Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1 Preview Gallery
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The comparison to *The Dark Knight Returns* is apt for *Cold Day in Hell*. This series unfolds in a future where Matt Murdock has lost his powers and is dealing with the challenges of aging and the lingering effects of his tumultuous past. Soule shared with IGN, “Matt's older, for sure. We don't get specific with it, but the idea is that he left super hero life behind many years ago. Not just him, either - in the world of Cold Day In Hell, super heroes are long gone, at least in comparison to the way they operate in the present-day Marvel Universe.” The reason behind Matt's retirement from his Daredevil persona is rooted in the fading of his powers, which he acquired from a radioactive mishap. Now, he's an ordinary older man with an extraordinary history he's strived to move beyond.
The narrative of an aging superhero returning to action is a familiar trope in comics, seen in titles like *The End* and *Old Man Logan*. Soule believes this approach offers a fresh perspective on well-known characters. “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 explains. “It also lets you define them more clearly. What parts of Matt Murdock persist when his ability to be a super hero in the traditional sense vanishes?”
*Cold Day in Hell* takes place in a unique corner of the Marvel Universe, marked by past tragedies that continue to influence the characters and the story. Soule and McNiven have the creative freedom to introduce new elements while reimagining iconic Marvel concepts. This approach is reminiscent of other stories that explore similar themes, and Soule acknowledges the inspiration drawn from these works.
This isn't the first time Soule and McNiven have explored themes of mortality in a Marvel hero's story. Their previous collaboration, *Death of Wolverine*, also delved into this territory. When asked if *Cold Day in Hell* serves as a companion piece to *Death of Wolverine*, Soule responded, “I think everything we do together is in some ways a companion piece to everything we've done. I've been truly fortunate to work with Steve as much as I have.” He highlights their collaborative process as a unique experiment, likening it to jazz, and expresses immense pride in their joint work.
One of the exciting aspects of stories like *Cold Day in Hell* is witnessing how the hero’s allies and adversaries have evolved over time. While Soule remains tight-lipped about specific details, he promises significant 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*, Marvel aims to leverage the excitement surrounding 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. “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 states.
Speaking of *Born Again*, the series draws inspiration from Soule's 2015-2018 run on Daredevil, including elements like Wilson Fisk's mayoral campaign and the villain Muse. Soule has had the privilege of viewing the entire season and confirms the strong influence of his comic work on the show. “The work I did with Ron Garney and my other amazing collaborators during my Daredevil run in the comics is all over the show,” he says. He expresses his delight at seeing his ideas reach a broader audience and believes fans will thoroughly enjoy the series.
*Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1* is set to hit the shelves on April 2, 2025. For more insights into what Marvel Comics has in store, explore what to expect from Marvel in 2025 and check out our most anticipated comics of 2025.
