From the combined madness of Red Hook Studios and Vault Comics comes an original canon graphic novelization set in the Darkest Dungeon universe. Join an ensemble of heroes as they confront unfamiliar evils and embark on their next journey into the unknown.
From gothic horror enthusiasts to long-time fans of the games, expect to be treated to graphic novel storytelling at its best-- a new adventure that is gripping, torturous, and unrelenting in the face of unending darkness.
Taking us past the ends of the known world are our guides: acclaimed writer John Lees (The Nasty, Sink), comic artist and illustrator Maan House (Dark Souls: Mother of Mourning, The Cemeterians), and co-founder and Darkest Dungeon creative director, Chris Bourassa.
This expedition, at least, promises success
Thanks to your valiant efforts, a $1 reservation now unlocks THREE pre-Launch gifts: a digital download, a bonus bookmark, and a bonus sticker. Simply place a pledge when we launch to collect all of your hard-earned rewards.
Collect your exclusive bonus reservation gifts by making a pledge at any physical tier once we're launched!
Curiosity is a dangerous bedfellow… yet no great deed was ever wrought without it. Follow our expedition today and see what fates await you in the Darkest Dungeon.
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Vault
22 minutes ago
To write the abyss, one must know it.
Darkest Dungeon is a combined effort between the creative minds at Red Hook Studio and Vault Comics. Author John Lees and illustrator Maan House, joined by colorist Steve Canon and the lettering team at Andworld Studio are working hard alongside studio co-founder and Darkest Dungeon creator Chris Bourassa to bring this new canon story to life like never before.
We sat down with veteran Vault creators John Lees (author of The Nasty) and Maan House (artist of The Cemeterians) to hear what they had to say about taking on the world of Darkest Dungeon.
Fans of Darkest Dungeon are ravenous for more lore about the world and their favorite heroes. Without spoiling anything, can you give us an idea of what fans can look forward to in this new graphic novel?
John: The team has been working hard to craft a story that captures the emotion and atmosphere of playing the games and conveys it in the medium of comics: that oppressive feeling of obstacles being insurmountable and the road ahead being long and daunting, the feeling of a conflict spiraling out of control and stakes suddenly becoming more fraught.
One element from the games I’ve been particularly excited to tackle is the characters. A big part of what makes Darkest Dungeon so special is its cast of distinctive, visually striking characters, each haunted and broken in their own way. In the process of playing the game and spending time with these characters, watching them crack under psychological pressure and seeing their relationships with one another evolve or devolve, it’s hard not to want to know more about them. So, with this story, I relished the opportunity to dig deeper into some of those characters, explore more the ways they might interact with the world and one another beyond the context of terrifying mortal peril… though there’s a fair share of terrifying mortal peril too!
And trying not to spoil anything, but given how Darkest Dungeon 2 takes us on this arc of these characters facing their failures, struggling to conquer their demons, I found myself fascinated with the question of what happens after you’ve done that? Recovery and healing are not a linear process, and the tests of your resolve don’t go away just because you now find yourself better equipped to handle them.
Given the scope of the world of Darkest Dungeon, how is the writing team keeping this canon story true to the spirit of the games?
John: When it comes to keeping true to the spirit of the games, it has been invaluable having creator Chris Bourassa involved in the creative process. We’ve had really fruitful discussions where I’ll maybe have an idea for how a sequence will unfold, and Chris can say that this might be a scene that works generally in a narrative sense, or even something that would work generally for dark fantasy, but specifically for the world of Darkest Dungeon, there’s a certain thematic thread to which we must hold true, and so we should tweak our idea to better fall in line with that. Chris knows this world and these characters intimately, and it’s been so helpful to have him onboard, where I can ask, “Should the Highwayman do this?” And he can authoritatively answer, “No, the Highwayman wouldn’t do that, but he might handle it this way instead.”
One of the primary creative concerns throughout the development of this project is making sure that none of this feels generic, or a story you could tell in any world, but rather something that feels singularly like Darkest Dungeon.
You’re certainly no stranger to dark fiction either. What creative mindset and experiences are you bringing to the world of Darkest Dungeon?
John: Those who know me know that I’m a horror guy, that I have a lifelong love for the genre both as a creator and as a fan. And Darkest Dungeon is a game series with horror baked into its DNA. You have the fantasy trappings, but also these monster designs that are truly ghoulish and frightening, and of course, fear is baked into the gaming mechanics, the rising terror, this constant ticking time bomb among your characters that you have to observe and combat. So, I feel like I’m a good fit for telling a story within this world. I’ve had a blast crafting some suspenseful set-pieces punctuated by some horrific, WTF moments. As I write, I like to imagine the readers have their own Stress Bar that I’m working to tick upwards!
How would you describe this book to Vault readers who love gothic horror comics but aren’t quite as familiar with the Darkest Dungeon games?
John: While we all want to make a comic that established fans of the game enjoy and that does justice to the world we love, just as important to me is to write something that anybody can pick up and enjoy. My hope is that Vault readers who’ve never played the games might see the awesome Maan House renderings of these compelling characters and think, “Wow, this looks interesting, I want to check this book out.” And if they’re unfamiliar but interested, I would describe this book as a dark fantasy/horror set in a bleak, oppressive world where monstrosities lurk, where a varied group of adventurers with troubled pasts must band together once again to face a new threat, in a story that’s tense, violent and action-packed. I hope that there are readers out there who will read this comic, and through it be encouraged to pick up the games and immerse themselves deeper in this world into which they’ve been introduced.
Maan, your style is made for horror! What is your background in creating horror comics and illustrations?
Maan: I have always been passionate about horror stories and dark fantasy video games. I began my career working on a local television show about urban legends and horror, where I illustrated 17 books on the subject and developed my dark, gritty style. In comics, I have consistently focused on horror and dark fantasy, which has led me to work with publishers on projects such as Cemeterians, 30 Days of Night, Dark Souls, and, more recently, Dungeons & Dragons.
What tools do you use to create the artwork we'll see in the Darkest Dungeon comic?
Maan: My entire process is digital. I work on a 24-inch Wacom Cintiq, using Clip Studio Paint for all penciling and inking. It gives me the perfect control and versatility to handle the heavy blacks, gritty textures, and atmosphere required for Darkest Dungeon.
Your trophies mount and word travels
We'd be remiss not to remind about our $1 reservation, which followers like you have unlocked to achieve the full set of three bonus items to be included with every physical pledge. We'll be sunsetting these items once the campaign begins, so you have another few days to mull over this portentous purchase.
Collect your exclusive bonus reservation gifts by making a pledge at any physical tier once we've launched
Next week marks our final days of Pre-Launch previews. We shall see you again on Tuesday, September 29th for some news about Darkest Dungeon at NYCC, some reward previews, and more!
What is a crowdfunding campaign if not an Expedition? Once we Launch, backers will have their own chance to face peril and reach for new rewards hidden within the Darkest Dungeon.
Once our campaign is live, backers will be able to access the first dungeon Expedition Map on the campaign page. Our Torch symbol will be used to track our progress through the dungeons.
Achieving campaign goals will offer a way through the dungeon, but multiple paths may open before you. Choose your steps wisely.
Once a new unlock has been reached, backers will vote via timed poll to decide on which rewards--and consequences--they are willing to live with. Don't let the stress get to you... you'll need a clear head to make tough decisions. Navigate your party (and escape with the spoils) before the torch light runs out!
Seize this momentum–push on to the task's end.
We have reached our goal of 10,000 followers! Thank you for being a part of this pre-launch expedition! The Bonus Bookmark has been unlocked for all $1 reservation backers.
If you have not already claimed your reward, the $1 reservation to the campaign will yield a digital download along with two physical bonus rewards with your future physical pledge. Once we launch, these two items will no longer be available, so make your reservation now or prepare to live with your regrets.
Join us for our next update on Thursday, September 24th for a special Q&A session with the creators!
The flame grows stronger! Comic previews, and more.
Poll results... A closer look, perhaps?
It seems you've all got a taste for lore! While we can't promise you that we'll be making any of the characters kiss (we appreciate the enthusiasm), many of your favorites will be making an appearance more deeply than we've seen before. We also know that many of you are looking forward to seeing more of Maan's work in action, so we'll give you another peek behind the curtain, with an early scene featuring Dismas:
A sample page featured in our upcoming NYCC special preview issue... more on that in a future update!
Luckily, regardless of the option you voted for, the graphic novel features all of the options in our last poll: incredible art, many of your favorite heroes working together against a shared threat that you may recognize, and a new portion of the world that we've never ventured to before. All of this, in your choice of digital, standard, or our Limited pitch black edition.
Which edition suits you best?
Collaboration confers advantage
A brief reminder that you've got until our launch on October 6th to take advantage of our reservation pledge gift! We're very, very close to our next unlock at 10,000 backers... your $1 already gets you a bonus sticker, why not tell a friend, and sweeten the deal with a bonus bookmark as well?
But for those who require a more difficult challenge, and access to even greater rewards, stay tuned for our next update. We've designed a campaign within this campaign for those who wish to take their own perilous journey through the dark...
We’ve hit our first achievement! Thank you for helping our campaign reach 6,666 followers. In addition to the wallpaper collection already included with every reservation, this achievement has unlocked a bonus sticker for all $1 reservation backers. Reservation backers, you won’t need to do anything– this item will be added automatically to your pile of rewards (given, of course, that you pledge at any tier that includes a physical pile).
We’ll continue to sweeten the pot with one last challenge. At 10,000 followers, we will add another item to the $1 reservation stack: a bonus bookmark. These will go very nicely with your comics. Speaking of which... shall we take a peek?
A volume for all tastes
The Darkest Dungeon graphic novel will be available in two thrilling editions... an accessible Standard hardcover edition, as well as a limited Deluxe edition, especially dark, and made especially for campaign.
Another feature to look forward to: we've got some special upgrades and surprises in store for these editions (as well as our other rewards) as well. If you've been a part of a previous campaign, you'll know that our upgrade system can be quite rewarding... if you're able to rise and meet the challenge.
The path winds on...
Our next update will give a look into the interior of the books, but until then, why not let us know what you're most looking forward to seeing in our first poll? The most popular choice will get a featured preview in our next update on September 17.
We've also got a little peek at a concept with colors by Steve Canon below the cut for our followers. Enjoy!
From the combined forces of Red Hook Studios and Vault Comics…
“They say it’s a new day. That the darkness has been pushed back, along with the monsters that dwelled within it…”
A heartening response! Many thanks to nearly 3,000 of you who have gathered here before we embark. We hope to enthrall you further with the upcoming campaign, which will offer a canonical adventure set in the Darkest Dungeon world. Look forward to the comic in digital and physical editions as well as additional covetous items for those collectors of fine artefacts.
Leave the known world behind
A tidbit more about our upcoming graphic novel: planned at nearly 200 pages in length, writer John Lees is working closely alongside Darkest Dungeon creative director Chris Bourassa to develop a storyline that takes us to never-before-seen corners of the world of Darkest Dungeon.
Maan House, illustrator and comic artist who specializes in darker tales, was an immediate fit for the look of this new comic. The heaviness of his inkwork alongside deft, slashing strokes of texture and spatter, will offer a bold and tactile approach to the series. Our band grows larger, as well… we’re looking forward to revealing our colorist in the next post, and perhaps even some of his work on the comic.
A challenge
With these periodic updates, we’ll bring you glimpses into the creative team’s process, tantalize you with hints about the new story, and… well, what would a dungeon be without a glint of reward?
Our first challenge: placing a $1 reservation today will unlock an exclusive wallpaper download by Maan House (immediate access), and allows you to join our first quest: if we reach 6,666 followers before launch, every reservation-holder will receive a bonus sticker along with their future physical pledge. We’re nearly halfway there… if we reach that goal before launch, who knows what may lay ahead?
Another glimpse in the dark
We asked you previously which character you were most interested in seeing next… Thanks to commenter Cyniu who suggested Flagellant! Here is a take on Flagellant as he will appear in this comic, which takes place following the events of Darkest Dungeon 2.
We’ve got an additional peek at another certain beloved character from the series under the cut, for the eyes of our followers… especially those who are most in need of ministrations.
We'll have a look at the book editions, even more characters, and more in our next update, on September 10!
This October, experience the world of Darkest Dungeon as a wholly original graphic novel expansion set after the events of Darkest Dungeon II. Taking us past the ends of the known and into stifling, undelved darkness are our guides: acclaimed writer John Lees (The Nasty, Sink), comic artist and illustrator Maan House (Dark Souls: Mother of Mourning, The Cemeterians), and co-founder and Darkest Dungeon creative director, Chris Bourassa. Red Hook Games joins Vault Comics every step of this journey to ensure that the story we tell is as gripping, torturous, and triumphant as the games themselves.
Following the campaign and placing a $1 reservation today unlocks an exclusive wallpaper set download by Maan House (immediate access). Your reservation also allows you to take part in our first quest: when we reach 6,666 followers, all who placed a reservation will receive an exclusive Darkest Dungeon sticker along with their physical rewards, available only during this pre-Launch quest.
What lies ahead?
Our next update with new concept art arrives on August 20th. Followers, peer under the cut for a sneak-peek at one of the hardened heroes you may recognize. Who do you most wish to see next?
Early $1 pledge reservers, you've unlocked our first bonus gift, and now you can get another--if we reach 10k followers prior to our Oct 6 launch, a bonus bookmark will ALSO be automatically added to your rewards at any physical pledge tier.
Goal: 10,000 reached! — We did it! This project reached this goal!
