Discover 5 Must-Read Comics for Fans of Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell!

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As the finale of “Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell” draws near, anticipation remains high for this portrayal of Matt Murdock in his later years. This brief series has already stirred up quite a buzz as an engaging “What If” exploration and has received favorable responses both from critics and fans alike. Although it’s not a new idea altogether, “Cold Day in Hell” promises an exhilarating rollercoaster for the veteran Daredevil. With many tales focusing on mature superheroes and in preparation for the final issue, here are five books you might enjoy if you’re a fan of Cold Day in Hell.

Delving into the evolved, seasoned iterations of comic book characters is remarkably skillful, as demonstrated by giants like Marvel, DC, and lesser-known publishers. Stories that delve into these characters’ futures often become timeless classics. If Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell left you craving more, here are some suggestions for your next exploration.

1) Old Man Logan

Kicking off our list, we find a character not typically associated with it – Old Man Logan, but not as you might know him. The original series by Mark Millar and Steve McNiven is indeed a classic, but there’s another perspective on the idea: the less noticed series of the same name, penned by Jeff Lemire and Andrea Sorrentino. Post-Secret Wars (2015), Logan, or a remarkably similar version of Logan from “Old Man Logan”, finds himself shifted into the primary 616 continuity, taking on adventures in place of the main Logan who was deceased at that time. Relocating a character from a world where he lost everything and everyone he cherished to a new world brimming with possibilities was an audacious yet imaginative decision by Lemire and Sorrentino.

In the original, it reads: “As entertaining as Logan is in his regular timeline, portrayed as a grouchy old man, an even crankier and older version of him steals the show as a compelling main character. Although the backdrop of a war-torn world is absent, the central theme of averting such a future remains the heart of the novel and even paved the way for a spinoff focusing on Hawkeye titled Old Man Hawkeye.

“Logan, with his grouchy old man persona in the primary storyline, is already quite enjoyable. But an even grumpier and older version of him makes for a fantastic lead character. The war-ravaged setting has been replaced, but the crux of preventing such a future still holds significance throughout the book, eventually leading to a spinoff centered around Hawkeye, called Old Man Hawkeye.

2) The Dark Knight Returns

Leaving out Frank Miller’s “The Dark Knight Returns” from a list of vintage superheroes in alternate realities would be an oversight. Set in the 1980s, this story depicts the chaos that ensues when Batman decides to retire after failing to save Robin (Jason Todd). Over the course of ten years, Gotham City deteriorates into a lawless and dilapidated metropolis, under the control of a gang called the Mutants. In an attempt to restore order, Bruce Wayne once again dons the Batman suit. This decision triggers a series of events that result in him discovering a new Robin, the resurfacing of the Joker, and ultimately, a heated debate about who would emerge victorious in a battle between Batman and Superman.

Over a span of four stories, Miller laid out the foundation for grim, dystopian Elseworlds tales across all comic books, and he continues to be highly regarded as one of the best. What initially began as a massive fanbase for this universe has subsequently splintered into varying opinions with each new series installment. Ranging from “The Dark Knight Strikes Again” to the contentious prequel “All-Star Batman and Robin, the Boy Wonder“, and extending to “DKIII: The Master Race“, there are numerous choices if you’re eager for more of Miller’s interpretation of the dystopian Batman. However, the original stories remain the most recommended.

3) Spider-Man: Life Story

The latest addition to our list is “Spider-Man: Life Story”, penned by Chip Zdarsky and acclaimed Spider-Man artist Mark Bagley in 2019. This comic chronicles the life journey of Peter Parker as Spider-Man, where he experiences the passage of six decades in real time. Bagley’s artwork brings a nostalgic feel to the narrative, making readers feel like they’re reuniting with an old friend after years apart, and demonstrates how the mantle of Spider-Man shapes Peter’s life in both positive and negative ways. Each issue takes place in a different decade, with Zdarsky deftly weaving together key aspects from Peter’s 616 universe into a compelling narrative that shows him growing increasingly world-weary over time.

Because of its engaging structure, this book becomes almost impossible to stop reading once you begin, making it a must-read in one sitting. The series continued with an annual detailing J. Jonah Jameson’s activities following his disappearance in the second issue, and it is truly heart-wrenching.

4) Kingdom Come

Returning with another timeless comic, we present to you “Kingdom Come,” a masterful work by Mark Waid and illustrated by Alex Ross. This story takes place in an alternate universe where the age of golden heroes is fading, replaced by a world filled with indistinguishable gun-wielding superheroes and villains. In this narrative, we witness the consequences when these heroes return, leaving behind a trail of emotional turmoil, regret, and failure. The story delves deep into the human psyche through the character of preacher Norman McKay, who observes the future with The Spectre.

Originally criticizing the ’90s comic era for its character designs resembling those of artists like Rob Liefeld, “Kingdom Come” instead emerges as a profound exploration of superhero power and hope in an increasingly bleak world. In the face of growing darkness, it’s hope that sustains us, and “Kingdom Come” delivers just that, with the reappearance of a mature Superman.

5) Jupiter’s Legacy Vol 1 & 2

To round things off, we have “Jupiter’s Legacy Volumes 1 & 2” penned by Mark Millar and Frank Quitely. This series takes place in a time before the world’s superheroes fell into obscurity. “Jupiter’s Legacy” chronicles the tale of the disillusioned offspring of the world’s foremost superhero, The Utopian. After his brother manipulates him and convinces his son to confront their father, it falls upon Chloe Sampson, daughter of The Utopian, to thwart her uncle and older brother from seizing control of the world. With the aid of Hutch, the son of superhero Skyfox, they strive to halt the oppressive rule established by the rest of The Utopian’s family in what is considered Mark Millar’s magnum opus.

The comic series Jupiter’s Legacy has gone beyond its initial 12 issues, expanding into six volumes that have recently concluded across three generations of characters. Following the structure of Star Wars with prequels and sequels, this unique comic masterpiece is a standout in its genre. With an extensive legacy to engage readers for quite some time, Millar and Quitely have crafted one of the most exceptional original superhero stories set within a realistic universe.

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2025-06-28 20:12