Review: Daredevil – Cold Day in Hell #1
By Nolan P. Smith
Editor, Pastrami Nation
Marvel’s newest series, Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1, hits hard—and not just with fists. Written by Charles Soule and Steve McNiven, and brought to life by Steve McNiven’s stunning visuals, this isn’t the Daredevil we’re used to. This is an older, world-weary Matt Murdock, stripped of his powers, living in a post-apocalyptic world that feels more like The Road than The Defenders. And it works.
The story opens with Matt visiting a grave that will immediately resonate with longtime Daredevil fans—a somber, emotional scene that sets the tone. He’s no longer a practicing lawyer or a masked vigilante. Now, he runs a soup kitchen, offering what little help he can to the broken people of a broken world. But when a radioactive explosion threatens civilians, the fire reignites in him. The Man Without Fear may be older, but he kicks into high gear as his powers return with a force.
What follows is a slow-burn reawakening for Matt, one that taps deep into his faith, his regrets, and his sense of justice. Soule nails the internal struggle. Even without his heightened senses, Murdock is still a force to be reckoned with—and a symbol of hope in a hopeless world.
Steve McNiven absolutely kills it on the art. The level of detail, the grim atmosphere, the character expressions—it’s all top-tier. The world feels cold, dangerous, and decayed, but every page is rich with visual storytelling. The character designs, especially for some of the surprise cameos, are gritty and grounded, perfectly matching the tone of the book.
Speaking of cameos—there are a few jaw-droppers here. Characters from across the Marvel Universe show up, some playing major roles, others hinting at bigger things to come. But none of it feels forced. Each appearance adds weight to the story and reminds us just how far-reaching this world-ending event has been.
What stands out most is how personal this story feels. Cold Day in Hell is about Matt Murdock wrestling with who he is without the suit, without the world he once knew. It’s a grounded, character-driven tale dressed in the trappings of dystopian fiction—and it’s excellent.
This debut delivers everything you’d want: emotional depth, high stakes, killer art, and a Daredevil story with real weight. Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell #1 gets a full five Pastrami Nations out of five. Don’t miss it.
Rating: FIVE Pastrami Nations out of FIVE
