Dark Horse Comics to Release Dark Sun Graphic Novel
The three-volume series set on Athas arrives in stores on April 20, 2027.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Comic Books
Live Poll
Do you generally find that new adaptations of classic game settings live up to the original?
Dark Horse Comics will release the first volume of a new Dungeons & Dragons: Dark Sun graphic novel series on April 20, 2027. Written by Dan Abnett with art by Nil Vendrell, the story follows an insectoid gladiator named Tikat.
Why it matters
The release marks the first comic book experience for the Dark Sun setting in over fifteen years. It precedes a broader return of the campaign setting to Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition later in 2027.
The new series is comprised of 3 volumes and marks the return of the franchise after a 15-year hiatus. The 2011 IDW comic series predecessor ran for only 5 issues.
The players
Dan Abnett
He is the writer for the new Dark Sun graphic novel series.
Nil Vendrell
He is the artist responsible for the visuals in the new series.
Dark Horse Comics
This is a prominent American comic book and manga publisher known for licensed works.
Tikat
He is the insectoid gladiator and central protagonist of the upcoming story.
The details
The narrative follows the gladiator Tikat as he volunteers to serve as a bodyguard for his friend Wik. Together, they navigate the city of Tyr while attempting to evade agents of a mysterious faceless evil.
Timeline
1991: The original Dark Sun campaign setting launched.
2010: The setting returned for the Fourth Edition of Dungeons & Dragons.
2011: IDW Publishing released a previous Dark Sun comic series.
April 20, 2027: The first volume of the new graphic novel series debuts.
2027: Dark Sun content returns for Fifth Edition Dungeons & Dragons players.
Culture Shift
This release follows the precedent set by the 2011 IDW Publishing Dark Sun comic series in reviving a dormant tabletop setting. The project capitalizes on current nostalgia cycles for legacy Dungeons & Dragons lore.
Fans can look forward to purchasing the first volume at local retailers beginning in April 2027. The return of the Dark Sun setting also signals new gameplay expansion content for tabletop hobbyists later that year.
The takeaway
Readers interested in the Dark Sun setting should prepare for a significant expansion of the lore in 2027. Collecting these volumes provides a new entry point for those unfamiliar with the desert world of Athas.
What happens next
The first volume of the graphic novel series arrives on April 20, 2027, followed by the expected releases of the Blood and Power and Edge of Oblivion Dungeons & Dragons expansion sets later that same year.
Further reading
For more information on the latest releases, browse our Comic Books section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBR.
Live Poll
Do you generally find that new adaptations of classic game settings live up to the original?
