It's an exciting time for fans of Daredevil, as the beloved character continues to thrive both on screen and in print. The much-anticipated continuation of the live-action Netflix series, "Daredevil: Born Again," is set to premiere on Disney+. Simultaneously, Marvel is launching a thrilling new miniseries titled "Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell." This series marks a reunion for the creative team of Charles Soule and Steve McNiven, who previously collaborated on "Death of Wolverine." "Cold Day in Hell" presents an intriguing premise, drawing inspiration from the iconic "The Dark Knight Returns," but with a unique twist tailored to the world of Matt Murdock.
IGN had the opportunity to speak with Charles Soule via email to delve deeper into what this means for the beleaguered hero. 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 Dark Knight Returns serves as a clear point of comparison for "Cold Day in Hell." This series is set in a future where Matt Murdock has lost his powers and is dealing with the challenges of aging and confronting his past. Soule explained that in this universe, superheroes are a thing of the past, and Matt has left his Daredevil persona behind years ago. The reason for this is tied to the fading of his radioactive-induced powers over time, leaving him as an ordinary older man with an extraordinary history he has tried to move beyond.
The narrative of an aging superhero returning to action is a familiar one in comics, seen in various Marvel titles such as "The End" series and "Old Man Logan." Soule highlighted the potency of this trope, noting how it allows for a deeper exploration of characters by placing them in unfamiliar life stages. "Cold Day in Hell" takes place in a distinct corner of the Marvel Universe, marked by past tragedies that continue to affect the characters and the story. This setting enables Soule and McNiven to introduce new elements while reimagining iconic Marvel components.
Soule and McNiven have previously explored themes of mortality in "Death of Wolverine." When asked if "Cold Day in Hell" could be seen as a companion piece, Soule emphasized the collaborative nature of their work, describing it as an evolution of their partnership. He praised McNiven's artistic contributions and their experimental approach to this series, likening it to "jazz."
One of the most intriguing aspects of "Cold Day in Hell" is how it reimagines Daredevil's supporting cast and villains in their later years. While Soule remained tight-lipped about specifics, he promised significant surprises that would captivate readers.
With "Cold Day in Hell" launching around the same time as "Born Again," it's evident that Marvel aims to leverage the excitement surrounding the show. Soule believes the series is accessible to newcomers, requiring only a basic understanding of Daredevil's background to enjoy the story.
Speaking of "Born Again," Soule confirmed that the show draws inspiration from his 2015-2018 run on the comic, including elements like Wilson Fisk's mayoral campaign and the villain Muse. Having seen the entire season, Soule expressed his excitement about seeing his ideas come to life on screen and praised the thematic connections to his work.
"Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1" is set to hit shelves on April 2, 2025. For more on what Marvel has in store, check out what to expect from Marvel in 2025 and see our most anticipated comics of 2025.
