If you're a fan of Daredevil, you're in for a treat. The beloved character is making waves both on screen and in the pages of comic books. On the live-action front, the Netflix series is set to continue with "Daredevil: Born Again" on Disney+. Meanwhile, Marvel is launching a new miniseries, "Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell," which promises to be a thrilling addition to the comic world. This series brings back the creative duo of writer Charles Soule and artist Steve McNiven, known for their work on "Death of Wolverine," and introduces a unique premise that echoes the iconic "The Dark Knight Returns."
IGN had the chance to delve into this new venture with Soule through an email interview. Before we dive into the details, take a moment to explore an exclusive preview of "Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1" in the slideshow gallery below. Then, read on to discover more about the series and Soule's insights on how his previous Daredevil work is being adapted for "Born Again."
Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1 Preview Gallery
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"The Dark Knight Returns" serves as a clear inspiration for "Cold Day in Hell," but with a distinct twist. Unlike the present-day Marvel Universe, this story unfolds in a future where Matt Murdock has lost his powers and is dealing with the challenges of aging and his tumultuous past. Soule explains that Matt is not alone in retiring from superhero life; in this future, superheroes are a thing of the past. The reason behind Matt's departure from his Daredevil identity is rooted in the fading of his powers over time, leaving him as an ordinary older man with an extraordinary history he's tried to leave behind.
The "aging superhero returns to action" narrative is a familiar trope in comics, seen in various Marvel titles such as "The End" series and "Old Man Logan." Soule emphasizes the power of exploring characters in different life stages, allowing readers to see new facets of their personalities and stories. "Cold Day in Hell" is set in a unique corner of the Marvel Universe, where recent catastrophic events shape the narrative and allow Soule and McNiven to innovate while staying true to Marvel's iconic elements.
Soule and McNiven have previously explored themes of mortality in "Death of Wolverine," and while "Cold Day in Hell" exists in a different Marvel Universe, Soule sees it as part of their ongoing collaboration. Their creative process for this series was highly collaborative, described by McNiven as "jazz," reflecting their evolving partnership and mutual trust.
One of the most intriguing aspects of "Cold Day in Hell" is how Daredevil's supporting characters and villains have aged. While Soule keeps details under wraps, he hints at significant surprises that will engage fans. With the release of "Cold Day in Hell #1" timed to coincide with the "Born Again" show, Soule believes the series can serve as an accessible entry point into Daredevil's comic world, even for newcomers.
Speaking of "Born Again," the series draws inspiration from Soule's 2015-2018 run on Daredevil, notably featuring Wilson Fisk as mayor of New York and the villain Muse. Soule has seen the entire season and confirms that elements from his run, including thematic explorations, are prominently featured. He expressed excitement about how his ideas are reaching a broader audience through the show.
"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 our most anticipated comics of the year.
