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It’s an exciting era for Daredevil enthusiasts. The Netflix series continues with Daredevil: Born Again on Disney+. Simultaneously, Marvel Comics launches a new miniseries, Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell, reuniting Death of Wolverine writer Charles Soule and artist Steve McNiven. This series offers a compelling premise: what if Daredevil had his own The Dark Knight Returns?
IGN interviewed Soule via email to explore what this means for the embattled Matt Murdock. First, view an exclusive preview of Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1 in the slideshow gallery below, then read on for insights into the series and Soule’s reflections on his past Daredevil work influencing Born Again.
Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1 Preview Gallery
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The Dark Knight Returns serves as the closest comparison for this series. Set in a future Marvel Universe, Cold Day in Hell finds Matt Murdock stripped of his powers, grappling with age and a haunted past. Soule explains that Matt isn’t the only hero who has retired in this future world, at least until a catalyst pulls him back into action.
“Matt’s older now,” Soule told IGN. “We don’t pinpoint his age, but he abandoned his superhero life years ago. In the world of Cold Day in Hell, superheroes are largely absent compared to the current Marvel Universe. Matt’s powers, gained from radioactive exposure, have faded over time. He retains his combat skills but hasn’t used them in years. He’s an ordinary older man with an extraordinary history, trying to move forward—at least at the story’s start.”
The “aging hero returns” trope isn’t new, seen in Marvel’s The End series and McNiven and Mark Millar’s Old Man Logan. Soule notes why this narrative endures.
“Showing familiar characters at unfamiliar life stages can redefine them in fresh ways,” Soule says. “It clarifies who they are. What remains of Matt Murdock when his superhero abilities vanish? He’s not Daredevil at the outset—does he need to be? These stories strip heroes to their core while allowing creative ideas outside standard continuity.”
Soule adds, “Cold Day in Hell exists in a unique Marvel Universe corner where recent tragedies ripple through the characters and story. Steve and I get to craft new elements using iconic Marvel pieces, putting our spin on them. We drew inspiration from other great takes on this theme.”
This isn’t Soule and McNiven’s first exploration of a Marvel hero facing mortality. Their 2014 Death of Wolverine removed the X-Man from action for years. We asked if Soule sees Cold Day in Hell as a companion to that story, despite their distinct Marvel Universe settings.
“All our collaborations connect in some way,” Soule says. “Working with Steve—from Wolverine to Uncanny Inhumans, Star Wars, and now Daredevil—has been an evolving partnership. I trust Steve’s ability to deliver stunning visuals, and I hope he feels the same about my scripts. This project was highly collaborative, a back-and-forth of scripts, inks, dialogue, and colors. Steve called it ‘jazz,’ and that’s apt. I’m proud of our work, but this one truly shines.”
Part of the appeal of stories like Cold Day in Hell is seeing how a hero’s allies and foes have aged. For instance, The Dark Knight Returns shows a catatonic Joker without Batman, Superman as a government tool, and Green Arrow as a one-armed rebel. Soule keeps details about Daredevil’s supporting cast and villains under wraps but promises surprising developments.
Soule teased, “I won’t say more—that’s a big reason readers will dive in.”
With Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1’s release, Marvel aims to leverage the Born Again show’s debut. We asked Soule if this future-set series, built on decades of Daredevil lore, is accessible to new readers.
Soule says, “Absolutely. It’s crafted for readers with basic Daredevil knowledge—blind, Catholic lawyer with past super-senses and ninja training, now powerless. Knowing key allies and adversaries helps, but it’s not required.”
Regarding Born Again, the show draws from Soule’s 2015-2018 Daredevil run, including Wilson Fisk as New York City mayor and the villain Muse. Soule confirms additional influences from his work.
“I’ve seen all of Daredevil: Born Again, and my run with Ron Garney and others is woven throughout,” Soule says. “Mayor Fisk and Muse are there, but so are other thematic elements from 2015-2018. Seeing ideas I jotted down years ago reach such a wide audience is incredible. Fans will love the show.”
Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1 hits shelves on April 2, 2025.
For more on Marvel Comics, explore what’s coming from Marvel in 2025 and check out our most anticipated comics of 2025.
