It's an exciting time for fans of the Man Without Fear. With the much-anticipated continuation of the live-action series, *Daredevil: Born Again*, set to premiere on Disney+, and the launch of a new comic miniseries, *Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell*, there's plenty to look forward to. The new comic series, penned by Charles Soule and illustrated by Steve McNiven, promises a thrilling narrative that echoes the iconic *The Dark Knight Returns*. In this series, we see a future where Matt Murdock, having lost his powers, confronts the challenges of old age and his tumultuous past.
IGN had the opportunity to delve into the details of *Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell* through an exclusive email interview with Charles Soule. 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 comparison to *The Dark Knight Returns* is apt, as *Cold Day in Hell* is set in a future where Matt Murdock has retired from his superhero life. Soule explains, "Matt's older, for sure. We don't get specific with it, but the idea is that he left superhero life behind many years ago. Not just him, either - in the world of *Cold Day In Hell*, superheroes are long gone, at least in comparison to the way they operate in the present-day Marvel Universe." The reason for Matt's retirement is tied to the fading of his powers over time, leaving him as an ordinary older man with an extraordinary past.
The theme of an aging superhero returning to action is a familiar one in comics, seen in various Marvel titles like *The End* series and *Old Man Logan*. Soule highlights the appeal of this narrative, stating, "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 Matt Murdock's core identity beyond his superhero persona.
*Cold Day in Hell* also introduces a unique corner of the Marvel Universe, where recent catastrophic events have left lasting impacts on the characters and the story. Soule and McNiven have the creative freedom to introduce new elements while staying true to the iconic Marvel universe, making the series a fresh yet familiar experience.
This isn't the first time Soule and McNiven have tackled themes of mortality in a Marvel hero's story. Their previous collaboration, *Death of Wolverine*, also explored similar themes. Soule views *Cold Day in Hell* as a continuation of their collaborative journey, describing it as an evolution of their work together. "I think everything we do together is in some ways a companion piece to everything we've done," Soule reflects, emphasizing the experimental and collaborative nature of their work on this series.
One of the intriguing aspects of *Cold Day in Hell* is how it will portray Daredevil's supporting cast and villains in their later years. While Soule remains tight-lipped about specifics, he promises significant surprises that will keep readers engaged.
With the release of *Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1* coinciding with the debut of *Born Again*, it's clear Marvel is leveraging the excitement around the show. Soule assures that the comic series is accessible to new readers, requiring only a basic understanding of Daredevil's background. "It's designed as a story people can pick up and enjoy if they know the most basic things about Daredevil and his past," he explains.
Speaking of *Born Again*, Soule's influence from his 2015-2018 run on the Daredevil comics is evident in the series. Elements like Wilson Fisk's mayoral campaign and the villain Muse are directly inspired by his work. Soule shares his excitement about seeing his ideas come to life on screen, saying, "The thought that these ideas will be reaching that many people, when I can still remember writing them down in my red Daredevil notebook almost a decade ago now as things that might be cool... what a wonderful thing."
*Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1* is set to hit the shelves on April 2, 2025. For more on what's coming from Marvel Comics, check out what to expect from Marvel in 2025 and see our most anticipated comics of 2025.