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

It's an exciting time for Daredevil fans. Not only is the beloved character getting a new live-action series, Daredevil: Born Again, on Disney+, but Marvel Comics is also launching an intriguing new miniseries titled Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell. This series brings back the dynamic duo of writer Charles Soule and artist Steve McNiven, previously known for their work on Death of Wolverine. With a premise that echoes the iconic The Dark Knight Returns, this miniseries promises to explore a new facet of Matt Murdock's life.

IGN had the opportunity to speak with Soule via email to delve deeper into what fans can expect from Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell. Before we dive into the details, take a moment to browse through 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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Drawing inspiration from The Dark Knight Returns, Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell is set in a future where Matt Murdock has lost his powers and is struggling with the weight of old age and past tragedies. Soule explains that in this series, superheroes are a thing of the past, and Matt has long since retired from his Daredevil persona. The reason behind his retirement is tied to the fading of his radioactive-induced powers over time, leaving him as an ordinary older man with an extraordinary history he's tried to move beyond.

The theme of an aging superhero returning to action is a familiar one in comics, seen in various Marvel titles like The End series and Old Man Logan. Soule believes that this narrative approach allows for a fresh perspective on characters, stripping them down to their core while introducing new and exciting elements outside the regular continuity.

Soule and McNiven have previously explored the theme of mortality in their work on Death of Wolverine. While Cold Day in Hell exists in a different corner of the Marvel Universe, Soule sees all their collaborations as interconnected, evolving their partnership and storytelling style. This new series, in particular, was a collaborative effort described by McNiven as 'jazz,' highlighting the fluid and experimental nature of their creative process.

One of the intriguing aspects of Cold Day in Hell is how it will depict Daredevil's supporting cast and villains in their later years. Soule hints at major surprises in store for readers, though he remains tight-lipped on specifics.

With the release of Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1 coinciding with the buzz around the Born Again show, Soule believes the series can serve as an accessible entry point into Daredevil's comic universe. It requires only a basic understanding of Matt Murdock's background as a blind, Catholic lawyer with super-senses and ninja training, now without his powers.

Speaking of Born Again, Soule's previous run on the Daredevil comics from 2015-2018 has clearly influenced the new series. Elements like Wilson Fisk's mayoralty and the villain Muse are directly drawn from his work, alongside other thematic elements that fans may not expect. Soule has seen the entire season of Born Again and is thrilled to see his ideas from nearly a decade ago come to life on screen.

Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1 is set to hit shelves on April 2, 2025. For more on upcoming Marvel Comics, explore what to expect from Marvel in 2025 and discover our most anticipated comics of the year.