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

Daredevil fans are in for a treat! A new miniseries, Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell, is launching, reuniting writer Charles Soule and artist Steve McNiven. This series offers a unique take on the Daredevil mythos, drawing comparisons to The Dark Knight Returns.

An exclusive preview of Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1 is available in the gallery below. The story depicts an older, powerless Matt Murdock grappling with age and past traumas, in a future where superheroes are largely absent. Soule explains that Matt's powers, stemming from radioactive exposure, have faded over time. He's essentially an ordinary man with an extraordinary past.

This "aging hero returns" trope, also explored in works like Old Man Logan, allows for a potent reimagining of familiar characters. Soule highlights the opportunity to strip away the superhero facade and explore the core essence of the character. Cold Day in Hell creates its own unique corner of the Marvel Universe, allowing creative freedom while incorporating familiar elements.

The collaboration between Soule and McNiven is described as a "jazz" approach, a collaborative back-and-forth process reflected in the final product. Soule views their past collaborations, including Death of Wolverine, as interconnected evolutions of their shared creative journey.

While details about supporting characters and villains are scarce, Soule promises major surprises. He emphasizes the series' accessibility, stating it's enjoyable even for those unfamiliar with the extensive Daredevil history, requiring only basic knowledge of the character and some key allies/enemies.

The timing of the comic's release coincides with the Daredevil: Born Again Disney+ series, which draws inspiration from Soule's previous Daredevil comic run. Soule confirms the show incorporates elements like Mayor Fisk and the villain Muse, along with other thematic elements from his 2015-2018 run. He expresses excitement about the show's broad reach and the realization of ideas conceived years ago.

Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1 releases April 2nd, 2025.

6 Images