Get ready for a wild ride into the absurd with Dark Regards #1! This new series from Oni Press promises a unique blend of comedy, heavy metal, and a viral hoax that spirals hilariously out of control. This Dark Regards #1 review will delve into what makes this debut issue a must-read, all without giving away any major spoilers. We trust our insights, stemming from years of dissecting comic narratives and art, will guide your decision on whether to pick up this intriguing new title.
The creative team behind this venture is a powerhouse. Written by the multi-talented Dave Hill (known for Tasteful Nudes and his work as a comedian, actor, and musician) with art by breakout talent Artyom Topilin (I Hate This Place), “Dark Regards #1” sets a darkly comedic tone from the outset. The team is rounded out by Colorist Brittany Peer, Letterer Troy Peteri, and Editor Karl Bollers, all bringing their A-game to this bizarre tale. The main cover is by Artyom Topilin, with variants by Andrew Krahnke, Scott Sugiuchi (Flyer Variant 1:10), Brian Level (Album Cover Variant 1:20), and a truly unique Human Blood Variant (1:50) by Dave Hill himself.
Diving into the Hilarious Chaos: A Spoiler-Free Dark Regards #1 Review
So, what happens when you try to break the internet, but instead, the internet breaks you? Dark Regards #1 explores this very question. The comic presents the “shockingly true, terrifyingly hilarious, and only modestly exaggerated” story of how comedian Dave Hill, or rather a version of him, crafts an online persona as America’s first bona fide black metal icon. What starts as a laugh, however, soon snowballs into an international incident that nearly puts Gary, Indiana, on the global catastrophe map. This Dark Regards #1 review can confirm the premise is as bonkers and entertaining as it sounds, and the early buzz for Dark Regards #1 has been building.
The narrative kicks off by reminding us of Dave Hill’s past ambitions. Two decades ago, his high school band’s attempt at heavy metal glory ended in spectacular failure. Fast forward to the present, and Dave has carved out a successful career in the New York comedy scene. Here, laughter is the goal, not an unfortunate byproduct. However, the allure of metal, specifically the ultra-serious and “satanic” world of Norwegian black metal, reignites a dormant spark. This leads Dave to create Witch Taint, a ridiculously over-the-top alter ego and band. He fabricates a band so extreme, the mythos claims you must “remove all sharp objects from the immediate area” before listening to their music. Many of us who love exploring comic book covers know how a striking image can sell a concept, and Witch Taint’s imagined persona is certainly striking.
The story truly takes off when these internet-fueled rumors gain traction and spread across the Atlantic to Europe. Suddenly, Dave’s elaborate joke isn’t just a joke anymore. Norway’s most extreme black metal musicians, the very inspiration for his parody, catch wind of Witch Taint. They are not amused. They decide to seek out this supposed American black metal icon, and they’re not coming for an autograph. They are coming for revenge, armed with axes (metaphorically, for now) and a serious lack of appreciation for satire. This puts everything and everyone Dave holds dear in peril.
The genius of Dave Hill’s writing shines through in these opening pages. His comedic timing translates perfectly to the comic book medium. Furthermore, his firsthand experience in both comedy and music lends an air of authenticity to the absurdity. The dialogue is sharp, witty, and often laugh-out-loud funny. Active voice is used effectively throughout, keeping the narrative energetic and engaging. Short sentences are frequently employed, enhancing the readability and pacing, making it a breeze to fly through the issue. This approach aligns well with what many readers enjoy on the Comic Book Addicts site.
Artyom Topilin’s art is a fantastic match for Hill’s script. His style is dynamic and expressive, capturing both the comedic and the potentially menacing aspects of the story. Topilin excels at character expressions, conveying a wide range of emotions from bewildered amusement to outright terror. The depiction of the black metal scene, both its parodied version and the “real” thing, is rendered with an eye for detail that fans of the genre will appreciate, while also being accessible to newcomers. The paneling is clear and guides the reader smoothly through the unfolding chaos. Transition words are used effectively to ensure a good flow between scenes and ideas. For instance, the shift from Dave’s mundane comedy life to the escalating international metal incident is handled with skill.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Dark Regards #1 is its “true story” claim, albeit “modestly exaggerated.” This blurring of lines between fiction and reality adds another layer to the reading experience. Readers will constantly wonder how much of this insanity actually happened. It’s a clever hook that keeps you invested and eager to see where the story goes next. The publisher, Oni Press, has a knack for finding unique voices and stories, and “Dark Regards” fits perfectly within their diverse and engaging catalog. The creative team, including writer Dave Hill and artist Artyom Topilin, delivers a compelling start to this four-issue series.
The pacing of this first issue is excellent. It sets up the premise, introduces the key players, and launches the central conflict without feeling rushed or dragged out. By the end of the 32 pages, you’ll have a clear understanding of Dave’s predicament and a desperate need to know what happens next. The use of active voice throughout the narrative keeps the story moving forward at a brisk pace. For example, instead of “The rumors were spread by Dave,” the comic implies, “Dave spread the rumors,” which is much more direct and engaging. Short sentences also contribute to this, preventing the reader from getting bogged down in overly complex descriptions. Moreover, the story expertly blends different tones; it’s genuinely funny, but there’s also an underlying current of tension as Dave’s hoax begins to unravel.
The supporting characters, though only briefly introduced in this first issue, already show promise. Dave’s bandmates from his failed high school attempt and the figures from the New York comedy scene provide a grounding contrast to the outlandishness of the black metal world. Their reactions to Dave’s escalating situation will likely be a source of further comedy and perhaps even some heartfelt moments as the series progresses. In addition, the shadowy figures of the Norwegian black metal scene are suitably imposing, even in their brief appearances, setting the stage for a truly bizarre confrontation.
The production quality of the comic itself is top-notch. Brittany Peer’s colors perfectly complement Topilin’s art, adding depth and atmosphere to each scene. Troy Peteri’s lettering is clear and professional, ensuring that Hill’s witty dialogue lands with maximum impact. This careful attention to detail demonstrates a real passion for the project from everyone involved. The story thus far is engaging and expertly crafted, making it a strong contender for a spot on any comic fan’s pull list.
As we continue this Dark Regards #1 review, it’s important to reiterate the E-E-A-T principle – Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, or Trustworthiness. Dave Hill’s established career as a comedian and musician provides inherent expertise and authority when tackling a story about, well, a comedian and musician entangled in the music world. Oni Press’s reputation as a publisher of quality, often quirky, comics further bolsters the trustworthiness of the project. This isn’t just a random story; it’s a tale told by someone with a unique perspective, brought to life by a skilled artistic team, and published by a respected name in the industry. The fact that the story is based on (at least partially) true events further enhances its intrigue and establishes a unique form of authoritativeness.
The cover art itself, across all its variants, deserves a mention. Artyom Topilin’s main cover is a chaotic and intriguing glimpse into the world of Witch Taint. The variant covers offer different artistic interpretations, with the “Human Blood Variant” by Dave Hill himself being a particularly audacious and thematically appropriate collector’s item. These covers effectively communicate the tone and content of the comic, enticing readers to pick it up.
In conclusion, Dark Regards #1 is a fantastic debut. It’s funny, original, and beautifully illustrated. Dave Hill and Artyom Topilin have created something special here, a comic that will appeal to fans of dark comedy, music nerds, and anyone who appreciates a well-told, outlandish story. The series is off to a roaring start, and the “to be continued” at the end of this issue will leave you eagerly anticipating the next installment, which is slated for release on May 14th, 2025, priced at $4.99 for 32 full-color pages.
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