Daredevil's Hellish Cold: A Dark Knight-esque Tale

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 series reunites Death of Wolverine writer Charles Soule and artist Steve McNiven, offering a compelling premise: Daredevil's own version of The Dark Knight Returns.

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 draws a clear parallel to The Dark Knight Returns. Instead of the present-day Marvel Universe, this story unfolds years later, with Matt Murdock having lost his powers and grappling with age and past traumas. He's not the only hero to retire in this future Marvel Universe; something will eventually lure him back into action.

Soule explains, "Matt's older. We don't specify, but he left superhero life years ago. This isn't unique to him; superheroes are largely absent in Cold Day in Hell. His reason for retiring is simple: his powers, stemming from radioactive exposure, have faded. He retains his combat skills, but they've lain dormant for a long time. He's an ordinary older man with an extraordinary past he's tried to leave behind."

The "aging superhero returns" trope is common, seen in various Marvel titles like The End series and McNiven and Millar's Old Man Logan. Soule notes the effectiveness of this approach: "The tonal shift when familiar characters are shown at unfamiliar life stages is potent. It clarifies their core essence. What remains of Matt Murdock when his superhero abilities vanish? Does he need to be Daredevil? These stories offer the best of both worlds—stripping the hero down to essentials while allowing for creative freedom outside regular continuity."

Soule continues, "Cold Day in Hell exists in its own corner of the Marvel Universe, where recent terrible events resonate through the characters and story. Steve and I create new elements using iconic Marvel components, adding our own spin. Many stories do this, and we were inspired by other brilliant variations."

This isn't Soule and McNiven's first collaboration on a story about mortality; 2014's Death of Wolverine similarly explored this theme. Soule considers Cold Day in Hell a companion piece, despite the different universes: "Everything we do together is a companion piece. I'm fortunate to work with Steve. From Wolverine stories to Uncanny Inhumans, Star Wars, and now Daredevil, each project evolves our collaboration and friendship. I trust Steve's ability to create amazing visuals, and hopefully, he feels the same about my scripts. This book was highly collaborative—a back-and-forth discussion as scripts, inks, dialogue, and colors developed. Steve called it 'jazz,' and I agree. I'm proud of our work, but this one stands out."

A key element is seeing how Daredevil's allies and enemies have aged. Soule hints at major surprises in this area, teasing, "I don't want to reveal more—that's part of what will draw readers in."

Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1's release coincides with Born Again, potentially serving as an accessible entry point into Daredevil comics: "I think so! It's designed to be enjoyed by those familiar with Daredevil's basics—blind, Catholic lawyer with enhanced senses and ninja training, now without his powers. Knowing his 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 elements, stating, "I've seen the entire season and can confirm that my work with Ron Garney and collaborators is throughout the show. Mayor Fisk and Muse, yes, but other thematic elements from 2015-2018. It felt amazing. The idea that these ideas will reach so many people...what a wonderful thing. 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.