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

By MadisonMar 25,2025

It's an exciting time for fans of Daredevil, as the beloved character continues to captivate audiences across different platforms. The live-action series is set to continue with "Daredevil: Born Again" on Disney+, promising thrilling new adventures for the Man Without Fear. On the comic book front, Marvel is launching a new miniseries titled "Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell," which reunites the acclaimed team of writer Charles Soule and artist Steve McNiven. This series draws inspiration from the iconic "The Dark Knight Returns," offering a fresh take on Matt Murdock's journey.

IGN had the opportunity to speak with Charles Soule via email to delve deeper into what "Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell" entails for Matt Murdock. Before diving into the interview, take a moment to enjoy 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 series takes a page from "The Dark Knight Returns," setting the story in a future where Matt Murdock has lost his powers and is confronting the challenges of old age while haunted by his 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, according to Soule, is tied to the natural decay of the radioactive substance that initially granted him his abilities. Now, Matt is an ordinary man with an extraordinary past, trying to move on—until circumstances draw him back into action.

Soule elaborated on the appeal of the "aging superhero returns" narrative, a trope familiar to fans of both DC and Marvel. He noted that exploring familiar characters in unfamiliar life stages can redefine them in new and interesting ways for readers. "Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell" allows for a deep dive into Matt Murdock's core identity, examining what remains of him when his traditional superhero abilities are gone.

The series also offers a chance to explore a unique corner of the Marvel Universe, where recent catastrophic events shape the narrative and characters. Soule and McNiven leverage this setting to introduce new elements while staying true to the Marvel spirit, drawing inspiration from various takes on the aging superhero theme.

This isn't the first time Soule and McNiven have tackled the theme of a hero confronting mortality; they previously collaborated on "Death of Wolverine." Soule views "Cold Day in Hell" as a continuation of their collaborative journey, describing their process as experimental and highly interactive, akin to "jazz" in its fluidity and creativity.

A key aspect of stories like "Cold Day in Hell" is seeing how the hero's supporting cast and villains have evolved over time. While Soule remained tight-lipped about specifics, he promised major surprises regarding the roles of Daredevil's allies and adversaries.

With the timing of "Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1" aligning with the debut of "Born Again," Marvel aims to leverage the excitement around the character. Soule emphasized that the comic is accessible to new readers, requiring only a basic understanding of Daredevil's background.

Speaking of "Born Again," the series draws inspiration from Soule's 2015-2018 run on the Daredevil comics, including elements like Wilson Fisk's mayoral campaign and the villain Muse. Soule expressed his excitement and pride in seeing his work adapted for the screen, noting the thematic connections between his comic run and the new show.

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"Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1" is slated for release on April 2, 2025. 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.

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