It’s an exciting time for fans of Daredevil. With the eagerly anticipated continuation of the live-action series, "Daredevil: Born Again," set to premiere on Disney+, and a new comic book miniseries titled "Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell" launching soon, there's plenty to look forward to. This comic series, crafted by the dynamic duo of writer Charles Soule and artist Steve McNiven, promises to deliver a unique narrative reminiscent of "The Dark Knight Returns" but tailored for Matt Murdock, aka Daredevil.
IGN had the opportunity to speak with Charles Soule via email to delve deeper into what "Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell" entails and how it relates to his previous work on the character, which is now being adapted for the screen. Before diving into the interview, take a moment to enjoy an exclusive preview of "Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1" in the gallery below.
Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1 Preview Gallery
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In "Cold Day in Hell," we find Matt Murdock in a future where he has lost his superpowers and is dealing with the challenges of old age, alongside the lingering effects of his tumultuous past. This setting isn't just limited to Matt; in this universe, superheroes are relics of a bygone era. 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 behind Matt's retirement from the Daredevil mantle is tied to the fading of his powers over time, a consequence of the radioactive exposure that originally granted them. Now, he's an ordinary man with an extraordinary history, a history he's tried to move beyond. However, the narrative teases a return to action, a familiar trope that Soule sees as a powerful storytelling tool. "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," he notes.
The series is set in a unique corner of the Marvel Universe, where recent catastrophic events have left lasting impacts on its characters and storylines. This allows Soule and McNiven to introduce fresh elements while honoring the iconic aspects of the Marvel lore. "Cold Day In Hell takes place in its own corner of the Marvel Universe where terrible things have happened in the somewhat recent past, the after-effects of which resonate through the lives of the characters and the story," Soule shares.
This isn't the first collaboration between Soule and McNiven that explores the theme of a hero facing mortality. Their previous work, "Death of Wolverine," also delved into similar territory. When asked if "Cold Day in Hell" could be seen as a companion piece, Soule responded, "I think everything we do together is in some ways a companion piece to everything we've done. I've been truly fortunate to work with Steve as much as I have."
One of the intriguing aspects of stories like "Cold Day in Hell" is seeing how the hero's allies and adversaries have evolved. While Soule keeps details under wraps, he hints at major surprises involving Daredevil's supporting cast and villains. "Don't want to say more than that, though - that stuff is part of what I think people are going to tune in for," he teases.
Given its release timing, "Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1" is poised to ride the wave of excitement surrounding the "Born Again" series. Soule assures that the comic can serve as an accessible entry point into Daredevil's world, even for those new to the character. "It's designed as a story people can pick up and enjoy if they know the most basic things about Daredevil and his past - blind, Catholic lawyer who had super-senses and ninja training at one time, but now he doesn't," he explains.
Speaking of "Born Again," the series draws inspiration from Soule's 2015-2018 run on the comic, including elements like Wilson Fisk's mayoral campaign and the villain Muse. Soule has seen the entire season and is thrilled to see his work come to life on screen. "I've been fortunate enough to see the entire season of Daredevil: Born Again, and can confirm that the work I did with Ron Garney and my other amazing collaborators during my Daredevil run in the comics is all over the show," he says.
"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.
