Watching Marvel characters fly through the sky, swing across buildings, and parkour their way through the city can be exhilarating. However, everything comes at a price, and sometimes those same powers that make superheroes stand out can lead them to their impending doom. We've seen this scenario play out over and over again in comic book pages, and it won't stop anytime soon.
Throughout the years, fan-favorites such as Spider-Man, Ms. Marvel, Captain America, and more have all met their demise. Granted, more often than not, they come back to life thanks to magic, time-travel shenanigans, or even crazier explanations. Unfortunately, there are rare scenarios where a specific iteration of a hero permanently meets its end, bringing an end to a beloved comic book series. Ultimate Spider-Man (2000) is, perhaps, the best example. However, Marvel recently took that concept to a whole new heartbreaking level with one of their most iconic characters.
*** WARNING: There will be spoilers for all three issues of Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell ahead. Turn back now if you don't want any surprises ruined ***
Matt Murdock gave his life away in the fantastic Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell finale
"I can see it". Isn't it extremely poetic that those are Daredevil's final words before the end of the Cold Day in Hell series? A man who has been unable to see the sun in years finally senses a different kind of light. After years of fighting crime, bone-crushing defeats, and losing everyone close to him, Matt Murdock finally uncovers his purpose. He can finally see that he wasn't chosen to save the world, but to inspire the new generation of heroes to do so.
See, in the world of Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell, there are no superheroes left after a devastating war changed the world as we know it. The series doesn't explain what truly happened or why the likes of Captain America went into hiding afterward, which adds an extra touch of mystery to this grim and torn world. All we know is that the days of good guys fighting supervillains are long gone, and not everyone is happy about that.
At one point, the war became so severe that the government funded the "New Warriors" project—an initiative that aimed to reactivate the super-powered community to aid in the fight against the mysterious "deebees". Unfortunately, this project never quite took off, but it left behind a whole shipment of radioactive material that could turn a regular person into something greater. When Bullseye found out about this shipment, it became his personal goal to get his hands on it.
Bullseye's master plan in Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell is nothing short of unique. He doesn't want to end the world, make Matt suffer, or get any sort of personal gain. He simply wants to go back to the way things were, when people didn't live in fear and superpowered individuals faced each other while entire countries watched. And despite Daredevil's best efforts, the villain ultimately wins.
Bullseye detonates the shipment of radioactive materials right in the heart of New York, plunging the city into utter chaos. Much like Matt, no one was able to see what was going on due to all the toxic gas filling the air. At that very moment, readers come to a horrible realization: The devil of Hell's Kitchen was fatally wounded in his fight against Bullseye. He even states that he "only has one move left". So what does with his limited time? Well, save the day, as he usually does.
Matt starts to climb a building using every last bit of force he has left. He even delivers a beautiful monologue, pondering if the reason his life has been filled with so much pain was to teach him to keep going, no matter what. Perhaps this divine purpose would allow him to reach the skies and achieve his goal of speaking to Tyra, who was waiting at the top of the skyscraper.
Tyra was the first human who got superpowers after one of Bullseye's attacks back at the very beginning of the series. She served as the living proof that heroes and saviours could walk amongst humans yet again, only if steered in the right direction. So, that's exactly what Matt did. He talked to Tyra about how her gifts should be used for good, and how it was her moment to shine and lead by example. Like an angel, she rose from the ground and used her powers to illuminate the entire city, dispersing the darkness, fear, and toxic gas.
It was thanks to Tyra's light that Matt could finally see. From his sacrifice, a new generation of heroes will rise and "find a way" to make things better for everyone.
Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell isn't only one of the most incredible runs featuring the Man Without Fear, but perhaps one of the greatest series Marvel has ever made in recent memory. Its ending was the cherry on top of the cake, and even if this iteration of Matt Murdock is no more, his latest adventure will be remembered for years to come.
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