D’Orc #1
Written by: Brett Bean
Illustrated by: Brett Bean
Image Comics
2026
Armed with nothing but a magical yet ambitiously violent shield, a lonely orphan stumbles headfirst into Sunderaine’s never-ending war between the Light and Dark. Elves vs. Orcs. Wizards vs. Common Sense. Dragons vs. Literally Everyone. And caught dead-center? D’ORC.
With a wholly inconvenient doomsday prophecy, the half dwarf, half orc—all D’ORC—is fated to end the world. Soon, every human, elf, goblin, dwarf, Snargletooth, Necroid, Ice Giant, Trauma Llama, and at least three other unpronounceable magical creatures, will know his name and want him dead. There will also be a chicken.
Join fan-favorite artist BRETT BEAN (I HATE FAIRYLAND, DUNGEON CRAWLER CARL THE CROCODILE), colorist JEAN-FRANÇOIS BEAULIEU (I HATE FAIRYLAND), and letterer NATE PIEKOS (MINOR THREATS) for a hilarious high-fantasy romp perfect for fans of CONAN, LORD OF THE RINGS, and of course, GERT‘s deadpan humor.
D’Orc #1 is a confident, entertaining debut that knows exactly what kind of fantasy comic it wants to be and pulls it off with style. Set in a world trapped in an endless, pointless war, the story immediately stands out by refusing to treat that conflict as noble or glamorous. Instead, it focuses on survival, personality, and dark humor, which gives the book a refreshing point of view right from the start.
The main character is instantly likable in his own rough-edged way. D’Orc isn’t chasing glory or destiny — he’s just trying to make it through a violent world that doesn’t care much about anyone. Pairing him with a talking shield that has very different ideas about how problems should be solved adds a constant source of humor and tension. Their dynamic gives the book much of its charm and keeps even the heavier moments feeling fun and readable.
The artwork is a major strength. Brett Bean’s expressive style brings a lot of personality to every page, from character reactions to large-scale action. The visuals do a great job of supporting the tone, blending chaos and comedy without sacrificing clarity. Nothing feels stiff or overworked, and the book moves at a pace that keeps you engaged without rushing.
What really makes D’Orc #1 work is how comfortable it is being both silly and sincere. It pokes fun at familiar fantasy tropes while still respecting the genre enough to build a believable world. The humor never undercuts the story; instead, it makes the setting feel more lived-in and the characters more human, even when things get ridiculous.
By the end of the issue, D’Orc #1 leaves a strong impression and a clear sense of direction. It’s fun, sharp, and full of personality, with a creative team that clearly understands what makes comics entertaining. If you’re looking for a fantasy book that balances humor, action, and heart, this is an excellent place to start.
D’Orc Delivers Action Laughs and Personality
D’Orc #1 makes a strong debut by blending sharp humor, expressive artwork, and a world weary of endless conflict. The comic balances action and comedy while introducing a lead character who feels relatable despite the fantasy setting. It’s an entertaining first issue that shows confidence in its tone and leaves readers eager to see what comes next.
Beam Me Up Scotty
Born and raised in the city of Miami. Lifelong pro wrestling fan. Been deep in the 'zine scene since ’84, interviewing locals, Hardcore, Punk, and Metal bands. Spent 26 years in the comic book biz and still obsessed with all things pop culture—Mego, Micronauts, Shogun Warriors, Die-Cast Metal Super Robots, you name it. I can go on about comic books and bad movies all day.
