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 miniseries 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. See an exclusive preview of Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1 in the gallery below, then read on for details and Soule's thoughts on Born Again's adaptation of his previous Daredevil work.
Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1 Preview Gallery
6 Images
The easiest comparison is indeed The Dark Knight Returns. Cold Day in Hell isn't set in the present-day Marvel Universe; instead, it depicts an older Matt Murdock, stripped of his powers, grappling with age and past traumas. He's not the only hero to have retired in this future Marvel Universe.
“Matt's older,” Soule told IGN. “He left superhero life behind years ago. Superheroes are largely absent in Cold Day in Hell. His power loss is explained simply: his radioactive origin fades over time. He retains his combat skills, but he's essentially an ordinary older man with an extraordinary past.”
This “aging superhero returns” trope is common, seen in various Marvel titles like The End series and McNiven and Millar’s Old Man Logan. Soule explains its appeal:
“Showing familiar characters at unfamiliar life stages is a potent way to redefine them. It clarifies what endures when their heroic abilities vanish. Does Matt need to be Daredevil? These stories offer the best of both worlds: stripping the hero down to essentials while allowing for inventive, outside-continuity ideas.”
Soule continues, “Cold Day in Hell unfolds in its own Marvel Universe corner, marked by recent terrible events. Steve and I create new things using iconic Marvel elements, adding our own spin. We were inspired by other brilliant variations on this theme.”
Soule and McNiven previously collaborated on 2014’s Death of Wolverine. Is Cold Day in Hell a companion piece?
“I think everything we do together is a companion piece,” Soule says. “From Wolverine to Uncanny Inhumans, Star Wars, and now Daredevil, our collaboration evolves. I trust Steve's ability to create amazing visuals, and he hopefully feels the same about my scripts. This book was extremely collaborative, a back-and-forth discussion throughout the process. Steve called it ‘jazz,’ and I think that fits. I'm proud of our work, but this one stands out.”
The story's appeal lies in seeing how supporting characters and villains have aged. Soule hints at major surprises in this area:
“Don't want to say more—that's part of what people will tune in for.”
Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1’s release coincides with Born Again. Is it an accessible entry point into Daredevil comics?
Soule believes so: “It's designed to be enjoyed even with basic Daredevil knowledge—blind, Catholic lawyer with super-senses and ninja training, but now without the powers. Knowing key adversaries and allies helps, but isn't essential.”
Born Again draws inspiration from Soule's 2015-2018 run, including Mayor Fisk and Muse. Soule confirms other, unexpected elements:
“I've seen the entire season of Daredevil: Born Again, and my work with Ron Garney and others is all over the show. Mayor Fisk and Muse, yes, but other thematic elements from 2015-2018 as well. It felt amazing. The thought that these ideas, written almost a decade ago, will reach so many people… wonderful. I think 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.
Latest Downloads
Downlaod
Top News
