What happens when Daredevil grows old and loses his powers? Charles Soule and Steve McNiven explore this in Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1, where an aged Matt Murdock serves soup instead of justice. His vigilante days seem over until a mysterious attack unleashes a deadly gas on Hell’s Kitchen. Faced with a lethal threat and none of his former abilities, can Matt Murdock still be the hero Hell’s Kitchen needs?
With the Daredevil: Born Again TV series generating buzz, the Man Without Fear is certainly having a moment. Adding to the excitement is a fascinating new prestige comic, a “What If?” tale digging deep into the meaning of heroism. Acclaimed writer Charles Soule, excelling on projects like Lucky Devils, tackles another complex, red-clad protagonist. His sharp, insightful writing perfectly matches Steve McNiven’s intricate artwork, which echoes Frank Quitely’s distinct style. Together, they deliver a reading experience that is visually breathtaking, engaging, and a fantastic start to this Daredevil tale.
We start in Harborview Cemetery, with Old Man Matt Murdock visiting the grave of his long-time foe, Wilson Fisk. Right away, Charles Soule and Steve McNiven pull us into a dead-of-winter atmosphere. Soule’s narration perfectly captures Matt’s mood, while McNiven’s art brings the cold, detailed setting to life.
Flashing forward after a ferry trip, Matt’s back in Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan, where he immediately gets mugged. Even without his powers, Matt proves he hasn’t lost his edge. Using his wits and some surprising agility, he manages to talk his way out of getting badly hurt; lucky for him, the mugger wasn’t looking for a real fight.
Then, things explode; literally. The panels shake, and suddenly, Matt has his powers back? It feels pretty convenient, maybe a bit random, but it kicks the story into high gear. This leads to a quick but meaningful run-in with an Avenger who’s looking worse for wear. After a wild ambulance chase, we meet the villain of the story, and honestly, it seems like everyone in this comic has seen better days. The issue ends on a cliffhanger: a major reveal, Matt donning the suit again, and a commitment to righting a wrong, all under the banner of “God’s plan.”
Marvel Comics
Charles Soule and Steve McNiven’s Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell starts deliberately, easing readers into the story before launching them onto a wild ride. We meet an older Matt Murdock, worn by time but still undeniably the hero we know. Once the action ignites, it’s relentless and thrilling. The kinetic movement and sharp dialogue converge into a visual masterpiece that commands attention. It’s impressive to see this “Old Man Matt” moving with incredible agility; flipping, jumping, and leaping as if he hasn’t lost a step.
Steve McNiven deserves immense praise for the artwork. His illustrations are rich, dense, and brimming with detail. A standout sequence utilizes a 16-panel grid during a conversation, capturing every nuance: the wrinkles on faces, the tension in a hand gripping a railing, the anger and regret washing over a stranger realizing Matt’s blindness. This culminates in a powerful reveal of a ruined bridge, effectively painting a bleak, somber world. McNiven’s art also depicts a certain injured Avenger; the struggle is palpable, with concrete bars gruesomely protruding and blood rendered in visceral detail.
Consequently, and maybe I’m showing my unfamiliarity with Daredevil’s powers here, but when Matt regained his abilities, suddenly, he’s performing age-defying feats of agility. Did the barrel restore his senses and grant peak human conditioning, too? The comic doesn’t spell it out, but seeing Matt back in the fight is fantastic. And that sleek, all-black suit looks sharp, showing off his lean form and how smoothly he moves for a man his age.
Marvel Comics
The comic boasts strong lettering that complements the creative panel layouts, making it easy to follow. The sound effects land with impact; you can almost feel the villain’s sting as his hand is punctured, and the “THMP, THMP” effectively signals the unseen Avenger passing by. After the explosion, a green hue permeates the panels, adding depth and color to the chaos. Steve McNiven’s coloring is wonderful, giving everything impressive depth and resulting in a beautifully rendered visual experience.
Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1 introduces an aged, powerless Matt Murdock who rediscovers his purpose when a mysterious attack restores his abilities, forcing him to confront a new threat in Hell’s Kitchen. Driven by a compelling “What If?” premise, sharp writing from Charles Soule, and visually stunning, detailed art by Steve McNiven, this debut issue gets the story off to an engaging start, despite a slightly hazy plot catalyst.
‘Daredevil Cold Day in Hell’ #1 Review: Daredevil’s “What If?” Packs a Punch
Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1 introduces an aged, powerless Matt Murdock who rediscovers his purpose when a mysterious attack restores his abilities, forcing him to confront a new threat in Hell’s Kitchen. Driven by a compelling “What If?” premise, sharp writing from Charles Soule, and visually stunning, detailed art by Steve McNiven, this debut issue gets the story off to an engaging start, despite a slightly hazy plot catalyst.
