HELL GONE COLD! After a horrific series of events, the world is in shambles. Matt Murdock is old, and his powers have faded to nothing. Matt will not, however, sit by and watch his fellow New Yorkers suffer, so instead of swinging around the city from his billy club line, he slings soup at a food center for the poor. But when a mysterious wrinkly old man interrupts a secret convoy causing an explosion, a deadly gas fills Hell's Kitchen and this tale takes a turn that will change how you look at the Man Without Fear.
Charles Soule is a #1 New York Times-bestselling novelist, comics author, screenwriter, musician, and lapsed attorney. He has written some of the most prominent stories of the last decade for Marvel, DC and Lucasfilm in addition to his own work, such as his comics Curse Words, Letter 44 and Undiscovered Country, and his original novels Light of the Jedi, The Endless Vessel, The Oracle Year and Anyone. He lives in New York.
Wow - did not see this one coming! Think 'Old Man Logan' - but for DD! Something catastrophic has happened and DD has lost his powers. He now just tries to survive in this polluted and disease ridden city that he protected for so many years. A terrorist bombing brings his powers back - just in time for an encounter with Captain America (CA). What happens next will shock you and keep you on the edge of your seat waiting for the next issue!
Daredevil: Cold Day In Hell #1 presents Matt Murdock as an older, retired superhero who now works at a soup kitchen. The world has spiraled into chaos after a devastating "war," and when terrorists unleash a chemical weapon, it mysteriously restores Matt's senses. With his abilities back, Matt begins rescuing people, ultimately crossing paths with an old friend. This issue highlights Matt's indomitable spirit, delivers intense fight scenes, and offers some emotional moments that caught me off guard. It's a Great opener for a three-part series.
Always find old-age superhero stories super interesting. This first issue of Cold Day in Hell really hooked me, Matt’s now powerless in a messed-up NYC where heroes are forgotten and things are falling apart. But he’s still out there helping people, proving it’s never about the powers, it’s who you are. Excited to see where it goes next!
Utterly riveted by the pacing of this issue. I am thoroughly looking forward to seeing where this goes.
Generic comparison to make as they’re both “old superhero comes out of retirement one last time” stories but this made me feel exactly like how The Dark Knight Returns did when I first read that. I have a vivid memory of that sequence of scenes of Bruce watching TV where he is horrified at the reports he sees and then he snaps and dons the costume and you see flashes of him fighting crime but no one can see it’s him and then he chases those three dudes to the abandoned building with the two cops, blah blah. That wholeeeee sequence made my hairs stand up on my arms.
I had that exact same shit happen here when Matt gets his powers back from the bomb and saves the kid and chases down the bombers. I am slightly concerned it’s a bit too similar to The Dark Knight Returns. Nevertheless, I’m very down for issue two and three when they come out.
this feels like a really lived in world with all the background details and the language/vernacular.
it was funny at times too. surprisingly so.
mcniven's newer art style isn't my preference but it is still good work. the colouring is nice too, but I miss civil war/death of Wolverine/nemesis mcniven.
I was disappointed that Bullseye is the villain. it would have been cool to be Owl. a lower tier DD Villain, or a non Daredevil villain but this looks like it will be good.
the punisher reveal was incredible and cap was clever.
This was pretty fantastic! Matt has lost his powers and something reawakens them. Now it's time to fight again. The part with Frank Castle was really intense. The art fits the story really well here and I am hope this continues like this because I really liked this issue.
Wow I really did not know what I was getting into with this, and I’m all the better for it. I don’t usually pick up marvel comics, but when I saw a new daredevil mini series starring an older daredevil…I couldn’t resist. I don’t know how this will fully play out, but this is already feeling like daredevil’s TDKR with how badass he is. Just like daredevil, the world did not age well. His powers have since faded completely…but that prevented him from joining the war. What war? We really don’t know, I question if it’s a civil war but they leave it purposely ambiguous. All we know is that there is a war, and anyone with powers were involved. It’s also revealed at the beginning when Matt visits Wilson Fisk’s grave, that Matt thinks he would have been out there swinging. Which implies to me that this was the kind of war to bring everyone out to fight, hero or villain. What could cause that?
While at Fisk’s grave, Matt told a story about seeing Jessica Jones again. She asked if he had any regrets, he told her no. “Not a one. Everything that’s happened to me is all part of God’s plan.” This statement, “all part of God’s plan,” covers Matt for the rest of this issue. He even admits that it’s used in such a catch all way that pushes aside the need for deeper responsibility. For instance, Priests love to say it when something terrible happens to frame something bad in a good way…with the war and the permitted checks and how terrible life is in general right now…people say it a lot.
To get back home, Matt has to take the Staten Island ferry. Even without his super senses the bottom area is filled Jo and smells. Filled with the sick and medicated. He decides to go up top and breathe in the cold air. This leads into a peculiar interaction with a man that continues to say a lot about the current state of the world. Matt doesn’t say anything by to him but the man curses a group known as the deebees. He sees what the left behind as a disgrace, and questions why Matt won’t say anything standing there with his scarf when he can look over and see what they did. But then Matt holds up his cane and the man realizes that he is blind and immediately backs off. Matt can’t see that one of the famous New York bridges has been completely destroyed. Signs that say never surrender and never forget hang from it. Very reminiscent to what people say about the 9/11 attacks, except there has been no effort to rebuild this…like a reminder to stoke hate. But what does Matt think about it. “It’s all part of God’s plan.”
Once he arrived back in Manhattan we get another example of his powers being gone as a low down and out guy approached him asking for money. Matt asked him to take what he needed, and the man pushed him down a flight of subway stairs. Matt tried to do a flip and land properly but still fell hard, right into the hands of the guys compatriot. Matt handed them the 30 bucks he had on them, but offered an alternative…to come down to his soup kitchen and get a free hot meal and a place to sleep. He’s blind and won’t tell them apart anyway. The offer is very appeasing, but like he said…he won’t see them anyway. So they take the money and almost take his cane too, but after he begged they threw it back to him. Matt tried to channel his abilities, to sense where the cane was and grab it…but it ended up slamming right into his face instead.
I love that his soup kitchen is called “Battlin Jack’s house.” That’s quite fitting. What makes me think this is a civil war is the updates from the radio. They mention updates from the southern front. Matt spends his time cleaning the dishes and helping around, and when he took the garbage out he suddenly hears a bunch of people running from the subway…right before it exploded with a green mist. Matt was thrown back and suddenly his senses became overloaded. At first he thought the scent was overwhelming…but then he realized he was hearing it…hearing everything. Memories of stick flooded into his mind, he chose one thing to focus on and everything he knew came back to him. I love it so much, seeing him whip right back into from and immediately start saving people. He was able to save a girl and pass her off to people, he then heard the ambulance coming and was able to keep saving people with that in mind. His soup kitchen partner, Angie, suddenly came out and sounded the radiation alarm. Just the fact that a radiation alarm is so easily accessible is alarming, but that’s when Matt puts it together. The green mist is just like the radiation spill that gave him his powers originally.
He now has to understand what happened. He jumps down into the blown subway tunnel, surprised that it hasn’t caved in yet, and he begins to go after the men he could hear did this. But suddenly he heard a sound he recognized…the heartbeat of captain America…holding up the entire subway platform to stop it from collapsing on a little girl. Cap legit looks like Alan Moore in this, lol, but in a good way. Cap is able to confirm it wasn’t the deebees but the girl id important and the reason this happened, she’s what they wanted. Cap sends him on his way as he can’t hold it up anymore, but he asks Matt to listen to his final words. As mad jumps through the collapsing subway station to the surface, he hears cap talk about a military shipment moving chemicals from one base to another to get ahead of the deebees. “New warrior project.” I know the new warriors are a group, so that really stands out to me. But the last thing cap mentioned before it caved in on him completely, is that Matt wouldn’t believe how deep and how far back this goes. Matt could still hear his heartbeat as he got to the surface and tried to dig down and get him, believing that is why he has his powers back and why he is here…to save cap. But there was no chance of digging down and getting him before his heartbeat stopped…cap is dead.
But the men enough did it are still trying to get away and daredevil can made them as they hold up Cap’s shield as a trophy to bring back to their boss. But daredevil has their scent and they are not getting away. He immediately is able to dome one of them in the head with a rock, and is able to jump around to the roofs to dodge their bullets. They quickly start to get away in an ambulance, but they can see he is still chasing after them. If he is going to act a hero they are going to give him people to save, as such they immediately drove their truck through crowds of people. Daredevil desperately wants to show them what it feels like to get hit by a truck, but he had to stop himself. He is old, and this will come back to bite him. They are gone, but he still has their scent.
When the goons get back they brought the shield all wrapped up as a nice present for their boss. Their old wrinkly freaky looking boss is so happy to see the shield. So happy that he stabs himself in the hand to stop himself from twitching. Their boss has run into Steve before and is so happy that he noticed their activities and wants whatever they are after…but with Steve dead there is also no risk of him coming after it. His men were also able to point out the lanky redhead chasing after them and their boss also knows exactly who that is. I really didn’t recognize their boss until he said this:
“This means a lot. To me. This is a gift. In fact, I’d say that everything…is right on target.”
Of course bullseye has survived this long and is just as freaky. As we see Matt back at his home opening his crate and pulling out his daredevil gear…we also get a look at a friendly face, but one that is in the worst situation imaginable…in the hands of bullseye. You may recognize him just off this idea: he basically worshipped captain America, which makes it way worse when bullseye is the one to break the news to Frank Castle that Steve is dead. Frank is not doing so well though, the fighting spirit and need to kill bullseye is very much in his eyes. But a pun so her logo has been carved into his chest, and although he is still alive…bullseye has cut off his arms and legs and sewn them back up. I am really hoping that Frank can get some kind of mech upgrade vengeance against bullseye. How bad are things that this goes under the radar!? Wow.
As the issue comes to an end we see that the crate holding daredevil’s gear is empty. Only to flip to the final page and see a glorious shot of daredevil flying throughout the city. With only one signature idea going through his head:
“Whatever has happened. Whatever Will happened. It’s all part of God’s plan.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
En la ya constatada tradición de historias distópicas y/o post apocalípticas Marvelitas, El Viejo Logan y el concepto de las Wastelands ha tenido su gran relevancia. Ciertos one shots con el título THE END, siguen apareciendo ofreciendo "últimas aventuras" para personajes en los que, curiosamente, Daredevil no se incluyó. Aunque sí que podemos contar cierta miniserie titula End of Days donde es cierto que se intuía un contexto tirando a distopía gris con gran ausencia de los héroes Marvelitas, entre ellos el mismo Diablo Guardián de quien empezamos sabiendo que murió en otra pelea con Bullseye. Aún con todo, nada como lo que Charles Soule y el dibujante de El Viejo Logan crean con Cold Day In Hell, en el que sí que se establece un futuro cercano totalmente catastrófico por una misteriosa guerra que se sigue desarrollando y en el que los superhéroes tomaron partido. Igualmente, se deja claro que han pasado varias décadas y el toparnos con un Matt Murdock tirando a la senectud no nos sorprende. Sí que lo hace saber que lleva años sin ponerse el traje rojo... Y es que más que alguna excusa argumental ligada a su sentimiento de culpa católico (que también habrá algo), el motivo es directamente que los superpoderes del Diablo Guardián ya no están con él. Es solo un hombre ciego más que visita tumbas de viejos conocidos. Pero este mundo necesita más que nunca a los héroes.
Aunque Daredevil: Cold Day In Hell ya deja claro en este primer número que no apostará del todo por el osado planteamiento inicial de tener a un viejo Matt Murdock sin superpoderes. Charles Soule deja bien claros los handicaps para esta última aventura del Diablo Guardián. Lo cual, aunado a ciertos cameos de otros superhéroes o personajes ancianos que mellan bastante al ajado Mattie, sí que establecen de lleno lo crudo y desesperado de la situación general en el que el "feísmo" impuesto por el dibujo de Steve McNiven rematan de encumbrar esta propuesta alternativa que creo que tendrá mejor resultado que otra historia reciente que alude a esa temática de "Futuro terrible para una comunidad superheroíca avejentada" que fue AVENGERS TWILIGHT, yendo a algo más mínimo y concreto.
Honestly surprising giving that Daredevil: Born Again is currently streaming new episodes (as of writing) that Marvel hasn't capitalized with its usual comic book synergy. But THIS came out of nowhere for me and crushed it. I'm a big DD fan, and I hadn't seen this previewed or talked about until release week.
Aesthetically wearing its TDKR influences on its sleeves, it's exciting to see the 'Old Man' approach explored with Daredevil. Old Man Murdock is at an interesting place of resignation or acceptance with his faith, everything that has happened, the good and the bad have been a part of "God's plan". He does what he can to help his city, despite losing both his powers AND presumably his role as a lawyer. I'm curious to see more of the maturation of the Murdock character, who has always been written for his conflicted nature and dualities. He's always teetering on the edge, he's emotionally impulsive. Here, at first, he seemed a lot more mellow, wiser. What changes have the wounds of time done to this person? Who is he now? What artistic comment does Soule have to say in his return to the character? Frank Miller's legacy is inextricably tied to Batman and Daredevil, this is an honourable medley of both.
I appreciate the visual story-telling and the sixteen panel grid, snowy New York and the red scarf, the dirty, scratchy McNiven artwork... but there are some answers the story is going to have to give us regarding its context and premise. It was so cool to see this lanky old man leap around with Daredevil's dynamic style of combat. Much better than "HUSH HAS RETURNED", the devil is back in the kitchen, baby. Not just the soup kitchen either!
I'm someone who suspends my judgment of the gimmick and thought this was excellent. This is at the top tier of 2025 releases for me so far.
Kali ini Matt Murdock sudah tua, pensiun. Kemampuan pendengarannya tidak sehebat dulu lagi.
Lalu tiba-tiba terjadi ledakan, dari baunya (menurut Matt) sama seperti cairan kimia yg mengenai dirinya dahulu. Kemudian pendengaran ultra sensitif Matt bekerja kembali.
Ia mulai menyelamatkan orang-orang yang tertimbun. Captain America mati demi menyelamatkan seorang remaja. Lalu ada Frank Castle yang ditahan oleh para penjahat.
Apa motif utama penjahat itu? apakah Matt Murdock akan kembali lagi menjadi Daredevil?
In general I thought the old man ( insert hero name here) thing was over done immediately after Wolverine but turns out I just need them to make one about a hero I actually care about. I really enjoyed this. I think Matt often operates under the assumption that he'll die before he gets to grow old, that for him to fulfill his ultimate purpose he has to give the ultimate sacrifice so it's really interesting to have a Daredevil story set beyond all that. This story feels like it was made by people who love Daredevil & I have really hopes for this series.
Essentially Dark Knight Returns, but for Daredevil as it is the future and a 60+ now powerless but still blind Matt Murdock navigates a crime ridden NYC while running a soup kitchen for the homeless. Stuff happens and many twists and turns later we have a few mysteries happening though we are told of a prior war and Matt essentially retiring as he is both older and possessing no special abilities. Questions remain, but a great script by Soule mix well with McNiven fine line and detailed art and color along with framing. A true collaboration and an exciting opening to this Old Man Matt series.
Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1 sets up an intriguing premise with some heavy winter noir vibes and a fantastic cover by Steve McNiven. The art delivers—gritty, moody, and sharp—but the story feels like it’s still winding up rather than striking.
There’s tension and potential, some interesting revelations, but for me the story didn’t quite land yet. Still gearing up. Problem is I think it’s just a 3 issue run… Hoping the next chapters dig deeper and really let Matt loose.
Just got done reading it, and it was really good. Crazy seeing an old Matt Murdock, old Cap, and old Frank Castle. I’m real curious about what led to the war they talk about in the story, and how Matt ended up just being an average Joe. Still wondering how Daredevil even lost his powers. Can’t wait to see where it goes.
I’m not sure I can explain this eloquently. I definitely can’t explain this in any way that does it justice. But this will be for Daredevil what The Dark Knight Returns is for Batman
Solid story. I haven’t read Daredevil in years, so I’m not exactly sure what time period we’re in, or whether it’s mainstream continuity, but I’m loving the beautiful words and pictures. Keep it up Charles and Steve.