"Dark Regards: The Comic with an Outrageous Origin Story"

Dark Regards is easily the most captivating new indie comic to hit the scene in recent times. Its backstory is as wild and thrilling as the comic itself, and now you have the chance to dive into the madness with our exclusive preview of Dark Regards #1. Prepare to be enthralled by this unique narrative, but be warned: the preview contains some NSFW language!

Oni Press' Dark Regards #1: Preview Gallery

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Dark Regards is a creative venture by the multi-talented Dave Hill, known for his work as a comedian, writer, and musician, alongside the talented artist Artyom Topilin, celebrated for his work on Cruel Universe and I Hate This Place. This four-issue series draws inspiration from Hill's real-life escapades with his fictional Satanic metal band, Witch Taint, and the ensuing whirlwind of chaos.

Here's how Oni Press officially describes the series:

Two decades ago, Dave Hill and his first band aimed to set their high school auditorium ablaze with a heavy metal inferno. They didn't quite make it. Fast forward to the present, and Dave has carved out a new path as an up-and-coming star in New York's comedy scene—where being laughed at is part of the job. But when the allure of Norwegian black metal reignites Dave's rock 'n roll dreams, he invents a hilariously over-the-top persona and band. Together, they fan the flames of his long-forgotten musical aspirations. However, when rumors about Witch Taint—a band so extreme that sharp objects must be removed before their music is played—spread to Europe, things take a dangerous turn. Norway's most extreme black metal aficionados come seeking vengeance, threatening everything and everyone Dave cherishes.

In a statement, Hill shared the origin of this wild tale: “A few years back, I sat down in my underwear late one night and let my obsession with Norwegian black metal take over. I emailed a Norwegian black metal record label, criticizing their bands—despite never having listened to them—and proposed they sign my ultra-extreme band, Witch Taint, which, at that point, was nothing more than a name I'd just concocted. This led to months of back-and-forth with the label, which I never meant for anyone to see. But, as the internet does, it spread, and things got out of hand. Now, beyond my wildest dreams, this story has transformed into my first comic book series, Dark Regards, brought to life by the incredible Artyom Topilin. If you miss out on a single issue, you're missing out on something truly extraordinary.”

Dark Regards #1 is priced at $4.99 and will hit the shelves on May 13, 2025.

For more exclusive comic book previews, don't miss the final issue of TMNT: The Last Ronin II and the Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell, inspired by The Dark Knight Returns.