Matt Murdock Gets Dark Knight Returns Treatment in Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell

It's an exciting time for fans of the Man Without Fear, as Daredevil's adventures continue to expand across both the screen and the page. On Disney+, the much-anticipated series *Daredevil: Born Again* is set to reignite the flame of the beloved Netflix show. Simultaneously, Marvel Comics is launching an intriguing new miniseries titled *Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell*, reuniting the dynamic duo of writer Charles Soule and artist Steve McNiven, known for their work on *Death of Wolverine*. This new series promises a unique twist, drawing inspiration from the iconic *The Dark Knight Returns* but with a Daredevil twist.

IGN had the opportunity to delve into the details of *Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell* through an email interview with Charles Soule. Before we dive into the insights, take a moment to explore 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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The comparison to *The Dark Knight Returns* is apt, as *Cold Day in Hell* transports readers to a future where Matt Murdock has lost his powers and is contending with the challenges of old age and his tumultuous past. Soule shared with IGN that in this future Marvel Universe, superheroes are a thing of the past, and Matt has long since retired from his Daredevil persona. The reason for his retirement? The fading of his powers over time, a consequence of the radioactive exposure that initially granted them. Now, Matt is an ordinary older man, albeit one with a rich history of combat training and a past he's tried to leave behind.

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 explains that this narrative approach allows for a fresh perspective on well-known characters, stripping them down to their core while exploring new facets of their identity. In *Cold Day in Hell*, the backdrop is a world where recent catastrophic events have left lasting impacts, providing a canvas for Soule and McNiven to introduce new elements while reimagining classic Marvel icons.

This isn't the first time Soule and McNiven have explored themes of mortality in a superhero's life, having previously collaborated on *Death of Wolverine*. Soule views *Cold Day in Hell* as a continuation of their creative partnership, describing their work together as an evolving journey. The process for this series was particularly collaborative, likened by McNiven to 'jazz' due to its improvisational nature.

One of the intriguing aspects of stories like *Cold Day in Hell* is seeing how the hero's allies and adversaries have evolved over time. While Soule remains tight-lipped about specific details, he hints at major surprises involving Daredevil's supporting cast and villains.

With *Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1* set to release on April 2, 2025, it's clear Marvel is leveraging the excitement around the *Born Again* series. Soule assures that *Cold Day in Hell* is crafted to be accessible to new readers, requiring only a basic understanding of Daredevil's background to enjoy the story.

Speaking of *Born Again*, Soule's influence from his 2015-2018 run on the comic is evident in the series, with elements like Wilson Fisk's mayoral campaign and the villain Muse making an appearance. Soule, having seen the entire season, expressed his excitement about seeing his ideas come to life on screen, reaching a broader audience.

For more on what's coming from Marvel Comics, check out what to expect from Marvel in 2025 and see our most anticipated comics of 2025.