Daredevil's "Cold Day in Hell": 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 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 past Daredevil work.

Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1 Preview Gallery

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The Dark Knight Returns comparison is apt. Cold Day in Hell isn't set in the present-day Marvel Universe; instead, it depicts an older, powerless Matt Murdock grappling with age and past traumas. He's not alone; superheroes are largely absent in this future. Soule explains Matt's absence: his radioactive powers have faded. He's an ordinary older man with an extraordinary past.

This "aging hero returns" trope is common, seen in various Marvel titles like The End series and Old Man Logan. Soule notes the power of showing familiar characters in unfamiliar circumstances, highlighting their core traits. It allows for stripping away the superhero veneer while creating new, outside-continuity possibilities. Cold Day in Hell uses familiar Marvel elements with a unique twist, drawing inspiration from other similar stories.

Soule and McNiven previously collaborated on Death of Wolverine, another story about a hero confronting mortality. Soule considers their collaborations companion pieces, each building upon their shared experience and evolving creative partnership. Cold Day in Hell involved extensive collaboration, described by McNiven as "jazz," resulting in a unique creative process.

The story explores how supporting characters and villains have aged. While Soule remains tight-lipped, he promises major surprises.

Given its release timing, Cold Day in Hell capitalizes on Born Again's debut. Soule confirms it serves as an accessible entry point into Daredevil comics, requiring only basic knowledge of the character's past. While familiarity with key allies and adversaries is helpful, it's not essential.

Born Again draws inspiration from Soule's 2015-2018 Daredevil run, including Mayor Fisk and Muse. Soule confirms other thematic elements are also present, and he expresses excitement about the show's wide reach.

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.