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

It's a great time to be a Daredevil fan! The Netflix series continues with Daredevil: Born Again on Disney+, and Marvel's launching a new miniseries, Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell, reuniting Death of Wolverine writer Charles Soule and artist Steve McNiven. Think The Dark Knight Returns, but with Daredevil.

IGN spoke with Soule about this new direction for Matt Murdock. (See the exclusive preview of Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1 in the gallery below.)

Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1 Preview Gallery

6 Images

This story isn't set in the present-day Marvel Universe. Cold Day in Hell finds Matt Murdock older, powerless, and grappling with his past, years after leaving superhero life behind. He's not alone; superheroes are largely absent in this future. His powers, gained from radioactive exposure, have faded. He's an ordinary older man with an extraordinary past.

This "aging hero returns" trope, seen in works like The Dark Knight Returns, Old Man Logan, and various "The End" titles, is potent, says Soule. It allows for a fresh perspective, stripping the hero to their essence and opening up creative possibilities outside regular continuity. Cold Day in Hell creates its own corner of the Marvel Universe, with its own history and unique spin on iconic elements.

Soule and McNiven's collaboration echoes their work on Death of Wolverine. Soule considers each project an evolution of their partnership, describing their collaboration on Cold Day in Hell as experimental and highly collaborative, a back-and-forth process resulting in a unique "jazz" feel.

The supporting cast and villains will also be significantly altered. While Soule remains tight-lipped, he promises major surprises.

Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell is designed to be accessible, even to newcomers, requiring only basic knowledge of Daredevil's background.

The Born Again series draws inspiration from Soule's 2015-2018 Daredevil run, including Mayor Fisk and Muse, but also thematic elements. Soule has seen the entire season and is enthusiastic about its connection to his comic work.

Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1 releases April 2nd, 2025. For more on Marvel Comics in 2025, check out what to expect from Marvel in 2025 and our most anticipated comics of 2025.