From writer and illustrator Brett Bean, D’Orc is one of our most anticipated new fantasy comics of 2026. Is is worth your time? Here’s our review!
Published by Image Comics, D’Orc #1 is a whimsical, laugh-out-loud fantasy about an orphaned half-dwarf, half-orc, wielding an ambitiously violent sentient shield, caught in the middle of a never-ending war between the Light and Dark. Writer and illustrator Brett Bean takes you inside a satirical high-fantasy world that’s brilliantly absurd and hilariously brutal.
D’Orc sets a simple premise; this isn’t your sprawling, multi-faceted fantasy, and that’s fine. We follow a half dwarf, half orc, better known as D’Orc, who’s the one prophesied to end the world, ultimately bringing an end to the never-ending squabbles between the Light and the Dark.
Brett Bean doubles down on humour with D’Orc. Every panel is chock-full of playful, charming elements, largely delivering its punchlines in a deadpan tone. It’s capricious and inherently chaotic, and makes everything from a shield to a chicken into characters that you’ll root for and laugh at. The wisecracking enchanted shield was a particular favourite of mine.
The comic’s dialogue is sharp, just about delivering enough lore to understand the world in-between the myriad moments of wit. In addition, Bean’s artwork is eye-popping, instantly transporting you into the world of Sunderaine, where most anything is possible — it invites the reader to expect the unexpected.
Bean reaches new heights with his art, building on his already incredible portfolio, notably his work on I Hate Fairyland. The comic also features colors by Jean-François Beaulieu and letters by Nate Piekos. The final product is pretty extraordinary.
It’s got a dash of Terry Pratchett humor, blended with a dose of quintessential Douglas Adams absurdity. I suppose you could add a Shrek element to it as well. This high-fantasy romp gets off to a rollicking start. It’s bursting with energy from the get-go, getting readers on-board instantly. Sure, the fantastical adventure has the simplest premise, but we guarantee you won’t be able to put it down.
We’re already so early on in 2026 and Image Comics has found another gem. D’Orc is a barrel of laughter from beginning to end. If you go into it expecting to put it down with a smile, you won’t be disappointed.
D’Orc #1 lands in comic stores on February 1.
