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

It's an exciting time for fans of the Man Without Fear, as the beloved character Daredevil continues to captivate audiences across different media. The live-action journey of Matt Murdock, portrayed in the Netflix series, is set to continue with "Daredevil: Born Again" on Disney+. Simultaneously, Marvel Comics is launching a thrilling new miniseries titled "Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell." This project reunites the dynamic duo of writer Charles Soule and artist Steve McNiven, who previously collaborated on the impactful "Death of Wolverine." The premise of "Cold Day in Hell" echoes the iconic "The Dark Knight Returns" but reimagines it in the Marvel Universe.

IGN had the opportunity to delve into the details of this upcoming series through an email interview with Charles Soule. Before diving into the insights shared by Soule, take a moment to browse 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 Matt Murdock has lost his powers and is dealing with the challenges of aging and the haunting echoes of his past. Soule explains that in this story, Matt is not alone in his retirement from superhero duties; the world of "Cold Day in Hell" sees superheroes as a relic of the past. The reason for Matt's departure from the Daredevil mantle is rooted in the fading of his radioactive-induced powers over time, leaving him as an ordinary man with an extraordinary history.

The narrative of an aging superhero returning to action is a familiar trope in comics, from "The End" series to "Old Man Logan." Soule highlights the power of this storytelling approach, noting, "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." This approach allows for a deeper exploration of what makes Matt Murdock tick, even without his traditional superhero abilities.

"Cold Day in Hell" also introduces a new corner of the Marvel Universe, where recent catastrophic events shape the characters and the storyline. This setting provides Soule and McNiven with the creative freedom to innovate while paying homage to classic Marvel elements.

Reflecting on their previous collaborations, Soule considers "Cold Day in Hell" as a continuation of their creative journey, saying, "I think everything we do together is in some ways a companion piece to everything we've done." Their partnership has evolved through various projects, and this series represents a collaborative experiment akin to a "jazz" performance, as McNiven described it.

One of the intriguing aspects of stories like "Cold Day in Hell" is how they portray the aging of a hero's supporting cast and adversaries. While Soule keeps details under wraps, he promises significant surprises regarding the roles of Daredevil's allies and enemies.

With the release of "Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1" timed to coincide with the "Born Again" series, it's clear Marvel aims to leverage the heightened interest in the character. Soule assures that the comic is accessible to newcomers, requiring only a basic understanding of Daredevil's background.

Speaking of "Born Again," Soule's previous run on the Daredevil comics from 2015-2018 has evidently influenced the new series, with elements like Wilson Fisk's mayoral campaign and the villain Muse making appearances. Having seen the entire season of "Born Again," Soule expressed his excitement about seeing his work reach a broader audience, saying, "The thought that these ideas will be reaching that many people... what a wonderful thing."

"Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1" is set to hit the shelves on April 2, 2025. For more on Marvel's upcoming releases, explore what to expect from Marvel in 2025 and discover our most anticipated comics of 2025.