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. With the much-anticipated continuation of the live-action series, *Daredevil: Born Again*, set to premiere on Disney+, and the launch of a new comic miniseries, *Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell*, there's plenty to look forward to. The latter reunites the acclaimed team of writer Charles Soule and artist Steve McNiven, who previously worked together on *Death of Wolverine*. This new series promises a unique twist, drawing inspiration from the iconic *The Dark Knight Returns*.

IGN had the opportunity to delve into the details of *Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell* through an email interview with Charles Soule. Before diving into the interview, 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

6 Images

The comparison to *The Dark Knight Returns* is apt, as *Cold Day in Hell* is set in a future where Matt Murdock has lost his powers and is dealing with the challenges of old age and his tumultuous past. Soule explains that in this future Marvel Universe, superheroes are a thing of the past, and Matt has left his Daredevil identity behind. The reason for his retirement is straightforward: the radioactive substance that granted him his powers has faded over time, leaving him as an ordinary older man with an extraordinary history.

Soule highlights the appeal of stories where aging superheroes return to action, a theme explored in various Marvel titles like *The End* series and *Old Man Logan*. He notes that such narratives allow for a fresh perspective on familiar characters, stripping them down to their core while introducing new elements outside the regular continuity. *Cold Day in Hell* takes place in a corner of the Marvel Universe marked by recent tragedies, allowing Soule and McNiven to innovate with iconic elements while putting their unique stamp on the story.

This isn't the first time Soule and McNiven have tackled themes of mortality in a Marvel hero's story; they previously collaborated on *Death of Wolverine*. Soule views *Cold Day in Hell* as a continuation of their collaborative evolution, describing their process as highly interactive and experimental, akin to "jazz."

One of the intriguing aspects of *Cold Day in Hell* is how it will portray Daredevil's supporting cast and villains in their later years. While Soule remains tight-lipped about specifics, he promises significant surprises that will keep readers engaged.

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 accessible to new readers, requiring only a basic understanding of Daredevil's background.

Speaking of *Born Again*, Soule's run on the Daredevil comics from 2015-2018 has notably influenced the upcoming series, including elements like Wilson Fisk's mayoral campaign and the villain Muse. Having seen the entire season, Soule expresses his excitement about seeing his ideas reach a broader audience and believes fans will thoroughly enjoy the show.

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.