Image via Wizards of the Coast
For years, Dungeons & Dragons fans have wondered when (and if) Wizards of the Coast would return to the Dark Sun setting. This beloved post-apocalyptic world has become controversial due to its difficult, adult themes. As such, the upcoming 5.5e Dark Sun sourcebooks will be the first D&D text that comes shrink-wrapped with a Mature Content warning. However, we now know that the Season of Survival gameplay expansions aren’t the only way D&D will return to Athas in 2027.
Dark Horse Books and Wizards of the Coast recently announced a brand-new trilogy of standalone graphic novels called Dungeons & Dragons: Dark Sun. As the name suggests, the novels will be set in the world of Athas, expanding on the lore that will arrive with the 2027 release of new D&D 5.5e sourcebooks. The first book is expected to release in April 2027, which should place it firmly within the Season of Survival that begins in early 2027. Here’s what we know about this latest dive into D&D lore.
Dungeons & Dragons: Dark Sun Starts New Graphic Novel Trilogy Set in Athas
Dark Horse is no stranger to D&D tie-in content. The company has previously partnered with Wizards of the Coast for series like The Fallbacks and Ravenloft. They’re also working on a series of Baldur’s Gate 3 comics, which will deliver new stories about Karlach and Astarion. So, it’s not too surprising to see they’re once again delivering some exciting new D&D graphic novel goodness to go along with the long-awaited return to Dark Sun.
Dungeons & Dragons: Dark Sun will follow “an unlikely team of antiheroes” as they fight for survival in the post-apocalyptic wasteland that is Athas. The first volume, set to release in April 2027, will be written by Dan Abnett of Warhammer 40K fame and illustrated by Nil Vendrell, best known for their work on The Witcher. Also attached to the project are Mattia Iacono, who will color the novel, and Buddy Beaudoin, who will do the lettering. The cover, which you can check out below, is illustrated by Jeff Stokely.
Our main character in book one is the gladiator Tikat, who is determined to protect their friend Wik from a powerful threat. Of course, things get more complicated from there, because this is D&D, after all. Thus begins a battle for survival that only the Dark Sun setting can deliver.
This is the first in a planned three-book arc for the series. More details about volumes 2 and 3 will be revealed at a later date. For now, book one is up for pre-order at most major comics retailers for $17.99 USD.
Looking for more Dungeons & Dragons coverage? Check out my review of the Baldur’s Gate 3 Astarion tie-in novel.
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