It's a great time to be a Daredevil fan! The Netflix series is getting a Disney+ revival with Daredevil: Born Again, and Marvel Comics is launching a new miniseries, Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell. This series reunites Death of Wolverine writer Charles Soule and artist Steve McNiven, and it's essentially Daredevil's take on The Dark Knight Returns.
IGN spoke with Soule to learn more. Below is an exclusive preview of Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1, followed by insights into the series and Soule's thoughts on his past Daredevil work's adaptation in Born Again.
Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1 Preview Gallery
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The comparison to The Dark Knight Returns is apt. Cold Day in Hell isn't set in the present-day Marvel Universe; instead, it depicts an older, powerless Matt Murdock grappling with age and past traumas. He's not alone; superheroes are largely absent from this future Marvel Universe, until events force Matt back into action.
Soule explains, "Matt's older. We don't specify his age, but he's left superhero life behind years ago. This isn't just him; in Cold Day in Hell, superheroes are largely absent. His reason for leaving is simple: his powers, gained from radioactive exposure, have faded. He retains his combat skills, but he's essentially an ordinary older man with an extraordinary past he's tried to leave behind."
This "aging hero returns" trope is common, seen in various Marvel titles like The End series and McNiven and Millar's Old Man Logan. Soule notes the potency of showing familiar characters at unfamiliar life stages, clarifying their core essence. What remains of Matt Murdock when his superhero abilities vanish? Does he need to be Daredevil? These stories strip heroes to their core while allowing for creative freedom outside standard continuity.
Soule adds, "Cold Day in Hell takes place in its own Marvel Universe corner, where recent terrible events resonate through characters and the story. Steve and I created new elements using iconic Marvel components, adding our own spin. Many stories do this; we were inspired by brilliant variations on this theme."
This isn't Soule and McNiven's first collaboration exploring mortality; Death of Wolverine (2014) similarly confronted the iconic X-Man's mortality. Soule considers their projects interconnected, an evolution of their collaboration and friendship. Cold Day in Hell was highly collaborative, a back-and-forth process described by McNiven as "jazz," resulting in a unique product. Soule is proud of their work together, but this project stands out.
The story's appeal lies in seeing how supporting characters and villains have aged. Soule is tight-lipped about their roles but promises major surprises.
"I don't want to say more – that's part of what will draw readers in," he teases.
Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1's release coincides with Born Again, making it a potential gateway into Daredevil comics, despite its future setting and reliance on established continuity.
Soule believes it's accessible: "It's designed to be enjoyed by those knowing the basics: blind, Catholic lawyer with super-senses and ninja training, now powerless. Knowing key adversaries and allies helps, but isn't essential."
Born Again draws inspiration from Soule's 2015-2018 run, including Mayor Fisk and Muse. Soule confirms other elements, thematic ones, are also present.
Soule states, "I've seen the whole season of Daredevil: Born Again, and my work with Ron Garney and collaborators is throughout. Mayor Fisk and Muse, yes, but other elements too, especially thematic ones from 2015-2018. It felt amazing. Seeing these ideas reach so many people, remembering writing them down almost a decade ago... it's wonderful. Fans will enjoy the show."
Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1 releases April 2nd, 2025. For more on Marvel Comics, see what to expect from Marvel in 2025 and our most anticipated comics of 2025.
