"Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell - Matt Murdock's Dark Knight Returns"

It's an exciting time to be a Daredevil fan. Not only is the beloved character returning in the live-action series "Daredevil: Born Again" on Disney+, but Marvel Comics is also launching a new miniseries titled "Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell." This series reunites the creative team of writer Charles Soule and artist Steve McNiven, known for their work on "Death of Wolverine." The premise of "Cold Day in Hell" echoes the iconic "The Dark Knight Returns," presenting a future where Matt Murdock, aka Daredevil, is older and has lost his superpowers.

IGN had the opportunity to speak with Soule via email to delve into what this means for Matt Murdock. Before diving into the details, take a look at an exclusive preview of "Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1" in the slideshow gallery below.

Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1 Preview Gallery

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In "Cold Day in Hell," Matt Murdock is depicted as an older man who has left his superhero life behind. Soule explains that Matt's powers, which originated from exposure to radioactive material, have faded over time, leaving him as an ordinary man with a remarkable past. This setting takes place in a future where superheroes are a thing of the past, and Matt must confront the ghosts of his history.

Soule highlights the appeal of exploring familiar characters in new stages of life, allowing readers to see different facets of their personalities. "What parts of Matt Murdock persist when his ability to be a superhero in the traditional sense vanishes?" he asks. This narrative approach not only strips the hero down to their core but also allows for creative storytelling outside the regular continuity.

The collaboration between Soule and McNiven is described as highly experimental, with a back-and-forth process that Soule likens to "jazz." This dynamic interaction has resulted in a series that Soule is particularly proud of, marking an evolution in their working relationship.

As with "The Dark Knight Returns," "Cold Day in Hell" promises to offer new perspectives on Daredevil's supporting cast and villains, though Soule keeps details under wraps to maintain the element of surprise for readers.

With the release of "Daredevil: Born Again" on the horizon, "Cold Day in Hell" is poised to serve as an accessible entry point into the Daredevil comics. Soule assures that even those with only a basic understanding of the character can enjoy the story, which focuses on Matt's past as a blind, Catholic lawyer with super-senses and ninja training, now lost.

Soule's previous work on Daredevil from 2015-2018 has influenced "Born Again," with elements like Wilson Fisk's mayoral campaign and the villain Muse making an appearance. Having seen the entire season, Soule expressed excitement about seeing his ideas brought to life on screen, noting the thematic connections to his comic run.

"Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1" is set to hit shelves on April 2, 2025. For more on what's coming from Marvel Comics, explore what to expect from Marvel in 2025 and see our most anticipated comics of 2025.