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

Daredevil fans are in for a treat! A new miniseries, Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell, is launching, reuniting writer Charles Soule and artist Steve McNiven. This series offers a unique take on the Daredevil mythos, reminiscent of The Dark Knight Returns, but with a twist.

The story unfolds in a future where Matt Murdock, older and stripped of his powers, has long retired from his superhero life. Superheroes, in general, are a thing of the past in this altered Marvel Universe. Soule explains that Matt's powers, stemming from radioactive exposure, have simply faded with time. He's left with his exceptional combat skills, but unused for years.

This "aging hero returns" trope, also explored in works like Old Man Logan, allows for a potent re-examination of the character. Soule highlights the opportunity to strip away the superhero facade and focus on the core essence of Matt Murdock. Cold Day in Hell introduces a new corner of the Marvel Universe, allowing creative freedom while incorporating familiar elements.

Soule considers this collaboration with McNiven an evolution of their past work together, including Death of Wolverine, emphasizing the collaborative and experimental nature of this project. The supporting cast and villains will feature significant surprises, although Soule remains tight-lipped on specifics.

The timing of the miniseries release coincides with the Daredevil: Born Again series on Disney+, which draws inspiration from Soule's previous Daredevil comic run. Soule confirms that elements like Mayor Fisk and the villain Muse are directly inspired by his work, along with other thematic elements. He expresses excitement about the show's potential reach.

Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1 releases April 2, 2025. This miniseries serves as an accessible entry point into Daredevil comics, requiring only basic familiarity with the character.