It's an exhilarating time to be a fan of Daredevil, with the much-anticipated continuation of the live-action Netflix series arriving on Disney+ as Daredevil: Born Again. On the comic book front, Marvel is launching an exciting new miniseries, Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell, which reunites the creative team of Charles Soule, the writer behind Death of Wolverine, and artist Steve McNiven. This series promises an intriguing premise, drawing comparisons to the iconic The Dark Knight Returns. In this narrative, what if Daredevil experienced a similar comeback?
IGN had the opportunity to discuss this with Charles Soule via email, diving deep into what this means for Matt Murdock. Before we delve into the details, take a look at an exclusive preview of Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1 in the slideshow gallery below. Then, continue reading to learn more about the series and Soule's thoughts on his previous Daredevil work being adapted into Born Again.
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 grappling with the challenges of old age and a past filled with tragedy. Soule explains that in this world, superheroes are a thing of the past, and Matt has left his Daredevil persona behind due to the natural decay of his radioactive-induced powers. "Matt's older, for sure," Soule tells IGN. "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 theme of an aging superhero returning to action is not new, having been explored in various Marvel titles like The End series and Old Man Logan. Soule elaborates on why this trope resonates so strongly, "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. 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?"
Soule and McNiven have previously explored similar themes in Death of Wolverine, raising the question of whether Cold Day in Hell serves as a companion piece. "I think everything we do together is in some ways a companion piece to everything we've done," Soule reflects. He emphasizes the collaborative nature of their work, 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, a back and forth discussion as scripts and inks and dialogue and colors came in throughout, and I think people are going to see that on the page."
A significant aspect of stories like Cold Day in Hell is how the hero's friends and foes have evolved over time. While Soule remains tight-lipped about specific details, he promises surprises regarding Daredevil's supporting cast and villains. "Don't want to say more than that, though - that stuff is part of what I think people are going to tune in for."
With the release of Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1 coinciding with the debut of the Born Again show, it's evident that Marvel aims to leverage the excitement around the series. Soule believes that Cold Day in Hell can serve as an accessible entry point into Daredevil's comic universe, despite its futuristic setting and reliance on existing 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 - blind, Catholic lawyer who had super-senses and ninja training at one time, but now he doesn't."
Turning to Born Again, Soule's run on the Daredevil comics from 2015-2018 has clearly influenced the show, particularly with elements like Wilson Fisk becoming mayor and the villain Muse. "I've been fortunate enough to see the entire season of Daredevil: Born Again, and can confirm that the work I did with Ron Garney and my other amazing collaborators during my Daredevil run in the comics is all over the show," Soule shares. He expresses his excitement about seeing his ideas reach a broader audience, "The thought that these ideas will be reaching that many people, when I can still remember writing them down in my red Daredevil notebook almost a decade ago now as things that might be cool... what a wonderful thing."
Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1 will be released on April 2, 2025. For more insights into what Marvel has in store, check out what to expect from Marvel in 2025 and see our most anticipated comics of 2025.
