"Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell - Matt Murdock's Dark Knight Returns"

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 new comic series, penned by Charles Soule and illustrated by Steve McNiven, promises a thrilling narrative that echoes the iconic *The Dark Knight Returns*. In this series, we see a future where Matt Murdock, having lost his powers, confronts the challenges of old age and his tumultuous past.

IGN had the opportunity to delve into the details of *Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell* through an exclusive 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

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The comparison to *The Dark Knight Returns* is apt, as *Cold Day in Hell* is set in a future where superheroes are a thing of the past. Matt Murdock, now an older man without his powers, has left his Daredevil identity behind. Soule explains, "Matt's older, for sure. We don't get specific with it, but the idea is that he left superhero life behind many years ago. Not just him, either - in the world of Cold Day In Hell, superheroes are long gone, at least in comparison to the way they operate in the present-day Marvel Universe."

The reason for Matt's retirement from the Daredevil mantle is straightforward: his powers, derived from a radioactive accident, have faded over time. "He's still got all his combat training, but he hasn't used it for a very long time. He is, to put it pretty plainly, an ordinary older man with an extraordinary past that he's worked quite hard to move beyond," Soule adds.

The theme of an aging superhero returning to action is a familiar one in comics, seen in titles like *The End* and *Old Man Logan*. Soule sees this as a powerful way to explore characters in new dimensions. "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," he says. This approach allows for a deeper understanding of what makes Matt Murdock tick, even without his traditional superhero abilities.

*Cold Day in Hell* also introduces a unique corner of the Marvel Universe, where recent catastrophic events have left lasting impacts on the characters and the world around them. Soule and McNiven have the creative freedom to introduce new elements while staying true to the essence of Marvel's iconic characters.

This isn't the first time Soule and McNiven have explored themes of mortality in a Marvel hero's story. Their previous collaboration, *Death of Wolverine*, also dealt with similar themes. Soule views *Cold Day in Hell* as a continuation of their collaborative journey. "I think everything we do together is in some ways a companion piece to everything we've done," he notes, emphasizing the evolution of their partnership and the experimental nature of their work on this series.

One of the intriguing aspects of stories like *Cold Day in Hell* is seeing how the hero's allies and enemies have aged. While Soule keeps details under wraps, he promises significant surprises regarding Daredevil's supporting cast and villains.

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 believes the comic can serve as an accessible entry point into Daredevil's world, even for those new to the character. "It's designed as a story people can pick up and enjoy if they know the most basic things about Daredevil and his past," he explains.

Speaking of *Born Again*, Soule's run on the Daredevil comics from 2015-2018 has notably influenced the upcoming series. Elements like Wilson Fisk's mayoral campaign and the villain Muse are directly inspired by his work. "I've been fortunate enough to see the entire season of Daredevil: Born Again, and can confirm that the work I did with Ron Garney and my other amazing collaborators during my Daredevil run in the comics is all over the show," Soule shares, expressing his excitement about seeing his ideas reach a broader audience.

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.