It's an exciting time for fans of the Man Without Fear, as Daredevil continues to captivate audiences across different media. The much-anticipated continuation of the live-action series, Daredevil: Born Again, is set to premiere on Disney+, bringing new adventures for Matt Murdock. Meanwhile, in the world of comics, Marvel is launching an intriguing new miniseries, Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell. This series, penned by Charles Soule and illustrated by Steve McNiven, promises a unique take on the character, reminiscent of the iconic The Dark Knight Returns. In this narrative, Matt Murdock faces the challenges of old age and the fading of his powers, exploring what it means to be Daredevil without his traditional abilities.
IGN had the opportunity to discuss this new venture with Soule via email. Before diving into the details, take a moment to browse an exclusive preview of Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1 in the gallery below.
Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1 Preview Gallery
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The premise of Cold Day in Hell is set in a future where Matt Murdock has long since retired from his superhero duties. As Soule explains, "Matt's older, for sure. We don't get specific with it, but the idea is that he left super hero life behind many years ago." This future Marvel Universe sees superheroes as a thing of the past, and Matt's powers have faded due to the diminishing effects of the radioactive substance that once granted them. Now, he's an ordinary man with an extraordinary history, confronting the ghosts of his past.
The concept of an aging superhero returning to action is not new, but Soule finds it a powerful tool for redefining characters. He notes, "For me, the tonal switcheroo you get when you show familiar characters at unfamiliar points in their lives can be a really potent way to define them in new ways for readers." This approach allows for a deeper exploration of what makes Matt Murdock tick, beyond his superhero persona.
Soule and McNiven, who previously collaborated on Death of Wolverine, bring their creative synergy to this project. Soule reflects on their partnership, saying, "I think everything we do together is in some ways a companion piece to everything we've done." Their collaboration on Cold Day in Hell was described as a "jazz" experience, highlighting the dynamic and experimental nature of their work together.
One of the most intriguing aspects of stories like Cold Day in Hell is seeing how the hero's allies and enemies have aged. Soule hints at significant surprises in store for Daredevil's supporting cast and villains, promising a fresh take on familiar faces.
Given its release timing, Cold Day in Hell seems poised to leverage the excitement surrounding the Born Again series. Soule believes the comic can serve as an accessible entry point into Daredevil's world, even for those new to his story. He states, "It's designed as a story people can pick up and enjoy if they know the most basic things about Daredevil and his past."
Regarding the Born Again series, Soule confirms that it draws inspiration from his 2015-2018 run on the comic, including elements like Wilson Fisk's mayoral campaign and the villain Muse. Having seen the entire season, Soule expresses his excitement, saying, "The thought that these ideas will be reaching that many people... what a wonderful thing."
Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1 is scheduled 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.
