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D'Orc
D'Orc #1
"You had me at magic talking eyeball shield. Brett Bean creates a fantasy world like no other! Don't be a dork, buy D'orc!" —Robert Kirkman
Armed with nothing but a magical yet ambitiously violent shield, a lonely orphan stumbles headfirst into Sunderaine’s never-ending war between the Light and Dark. Elves vs. Orcs. Wizards vs. Common Sense. Dragons vs. Literally Everyone. And caught dead-center? D'ORC.
With a wholly inconvenient doomsday prophecy, the half dwarf, half orc—all D'ORC—is fated to end the world. Soon, every human, elf, goblin, dwarf, Snargletooth, Necroid, Ice Giant, Trauma Llama, and at least three other unpronounceable magical creatures, will know his name and want him dead. There will also be a chicken.
Join fan-favorite artist BRETT BEAN (I HATE FAIRYLAND, DUNGEON CRAWLER CARL THE CROCODILE), colorist JEAN-FRANÇOIS BEAULIEU (I HATE FAIRYLAND), and letterer NATE PIEKOS (MINOR THREATS) for a hilarious high-fantasy romp perfect for fans of CONAN, LORD OF THE RINGS, and of course, GERT's deadpan humor.
Armed with nothing but a magical yet ambitiously violent shield, a lonely orphan stumbles headfirst into Sunderaine’s never-ending war between the Light and Dark. Elves vs. Orcs. Wizards vs. Common Sense. Dragons vs. Literally Everyone. And caught dead-center? D'ORC.
With a wholly inconvenient doomsday prophecy, the half dwarf, half orc—all D'ORC—is fated to end the world. Soon, every human, elf, goblin, dwarf, Snargletooth, Necroid, Ice Giant, Trauma Llama, and at least three other unpronounceable magical creatures, will know his name and want him dead. There will also be a chicken.
Join fan-favorite artist BRETT BEAN (I HATE FAIRYLAND, DUNGEON CRAWLER CARL THE CROCODILE), colorist JEAN-FRANÇOIS BEAULIEU (I HATE FAIRYLAND), and letterer NATE PIEKOS (MINOR THREATS) for a hilarious high-fantasy romp perfect for fans of CONAN, LORD OF THE RINGS, and of course, GERT's deadpan humor.
Kindle Edition
Published February 4, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
April 27, 2026
I liked this more than I should have. Good fun! Creative! Intrigued by the story and characters.
July 16, 2026
4.5 stjerner, skikkelig teit og skikkelig morsomt!
June 3, 2026
Read: June 2nd - June 3rd
Format: E-Book
Rating: 2.75 Stars
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Honestly, my lukewarm feelings on this comic are my own fault. I really expected a comic called D'Orc to be more, well, dorky, even though I guess it never promised such. And the comic is goofy in some ways, but not what I was looking for. It's still a good and quick read, even if it didn't really land with me. I enjoy when narratives make both sides wrong in battles of light vs dark. Woo for exploring nuance and morality! The art is also entertaining, definitely fitting to the comic. So, it has its good, but not enough for the comic to be something that will stick with me.
Format: E-Book
Rating: 2.75 Stars
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Honestly, my lukewarm feelings on this comic are my own fault. I really expected a comic called D'Orc to be more, well, dorky, even though I guess it never promised such. And the comic is goofy in some ways, but not what I was looking for. It's still a good and quick read, even if it didn't really land with me. I enjoy when narratives make both sides wrong in battles of light vs dark. Woo for exploring nuance and morality! The art is also entertaining, definitely fitting to the comic. So, it has its good, but not enough for the comic to be something that will stick with me.
February 28, 2026
*applauding*
April 29, 2026
Volumes 1-6:
Semi cool world but humor def not for me
Semi cool world but humor def not for me
March 18, 2026
3.75
Lots of buzz for this, so I gave it a try. The humor just isn't my cup. And parts were a bit dumb. I'll check out the 2nd issue.
Lots of buzz for this, so I gave it a try. The humor just isn't my cup. And parts were a bit dumb. I'll check out the 2nd issue.
July 3, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC! (Although GR says it's already published, so...who knows).
This was recommended by Matt Dinniman, so obviously, I had to read it.
D'Orc really said "what if Lord of the Rings had a stroke and it was funny." And listen, I'm into it.
The premise: half dwarf, half orc, all bad decisions. Man is literally cursed with a doomsday prophecy through no fault of his own (relatable, my student loans said the same thing to me) and now every faction in Sunderaine wants him dead — elves, wizards, dragons, and presumably HR. Meanwhile his shield is basically that one friend who's always DTF (down to fight) and has zero chill about it.
The MVP of this book is 100% the shield. D'Orc is out here trying to have a peaceful little orphan era and his own weapon is like "actually let's just kill everyone, I have notes." Iconic dynamic. I would die for this shield's chaotic little arc.
Also there's a chicken. I don't know what the chicken's deal is yet. I don't need to know. The chicken is just fueling the vibes at this point and I respect that for it.
The art is doing SO much heavy lifting — very "I Hate Fairyland raised on Animaniacs and let it go feral," which tracks since it's the same artist. The Light vs Dark war stuff could've been paint-by-numbers fantasy, but they're clearly setting up "both sides are unhinged," which, yes, thank you, give me moral nuance in my orc chicken comic.
My only gripe: it's a first issue, so it's doing a LOT of table-setting. World, prophecy, factions, chicken lore (TBD) — it's a lot to cram in before we even get to the good violence.
TLDR: half-orc, evil shield, mystery chicken, war between good and evil that's actually just "everyone sucks equally." Fun, fast, violent-but-cute. Some amazing one-liners sprinkled throughout. Give me issue 2 immediately.
This was recommended by Matt Dinniman, so obviously, I had to read it.
D'Orc really said "what if Lord of the Rings had a stroke and it was funny." And listen, I'm into it.
The premise: half dwarf, half orc, all bad decisions. Man is literally cursed with a doomsday prophecy through no fault of his own (relatable, my student loans said the same thing to me) and now every faction in Sunderaine wants him dead — elves, wizards, dragons, and presumably HR. Meanwhile his shield is basically that one friend who's always DTF (down to fight) and has zero chill about it.
The MVP of this book is 100% the shield. D'Orc is out here trying to have a peaceful little orphan era and his own weapon is like "actually let's just kill everyone, I have notes." Iconic dynamic. I would die for this shield's chaotic little arc.
Also there's a chicken. I don't know what the chicken's deal is yet. I don't need to know. The chicken is just fueling the vibes at this point and I respect that for it.
The art is doing SO much heavy lifting — very "I Hate Fairyland raised on Animaniacs and let it go feral," which tracks since it's the same artist. The Light vs Dark war stuff could've been paint-by-numbers fantasy, but they're clearly setting up "both sides are unhinged," which, yes, thank you, give me moral nuance in my orc chicken comic.
My only gripe: it's a first issue, so it's doing a LOT of table-setting. World, prophecy, factions, chicken lore (TBD) — it's a lot to cram in before we even get to the good violence.
TLDR: half-orc, evil shield, mystery chicken, war between good and evil that's actually just "everyone sucks equally." Fun, fast, violent-but-cute. Some amazing one-liners sprinkled throughout. Give me issue 2 immediately.
June 1, 2026
First, the art style. It's a mix between absurd -- with elongated bodies, hooked noses, bulging bellies, and all the cartoon shorthand of good vs. evil -- and nuanced. The backgrounds are lovely and full of small moments, the main character's facial expressions and body language are almost as much, if not in some scenes more evocative, than the dialogue. I don't often comment on art in graphic novels, because it is subjective, and what I find visually appealing might not work for everyone ... but here the art is just so strong I felt like it needed to be mentioned.
It's clear the author has a very clear path in mind for D'Orc, and it's one I'm wholeheartedly on board for. Born the son of a "good" dwarf and "evil" orc, he's destined to change the world, and the people in power don't want it changed. They're happy with the constant violence and power grabs, with killing anyone they want in the name of fighting off the other side, and getting away with it. So of course they have to kill D'Orc to stop him from changing everything ... which creates a self-fulfilling prophesy as he, hunted by everyone with no friends save his shield and a bodiless ghost chicken/headless chicken body, is determined to change the world for the better.
Propaganda, the stupidity of blind hatred, how following the status quo prevents you from growing, fearing an outsider for no reason other than because you're told to ... it's all here in its absurd and gloriously stupid fantasy armor. This is brilliant fun, and I cannot wait for the next volume to come out.
Please read this book!
It's clear the author has a very clear path in mind for D'Orc, and it's one I'm wholeheartedly on board for. Born the son of a "good" dwarf and "evil" orc, he's destined to change the world, and the people in power don't want it changed. They're happy with the constant violence and power grabs, with killing anyone they want in the name of fighting off the other side, and getting away with it. So of course they have to kill D'Orc to stop him from changing everything ... which creates a self-fulfilling prophesy as he, hunted by everyone with no friends save his shield and a bodiless ghost chicken/headless chicken body, is determined to change the world for the better.
Propaganda, the stupidity of blind hatred, how following the status quo prevents you from growing, fearing an outsider for no reason other than because you're told to ... it's all here in its absurd and gloriously stupid fantasy armor. This is brilliant fun, and I cannot wait for the next volume to come out.
Please read this book!
July 30, 2026
[Read as an electronic release from NetGalley] This comic starts with a map, so you know it’s going to be good because all good fantasy books start with maps. But if you’re expecting an epic tale of good vs. evil you are doomed to disappointment. There are light guardians and dark warriors, but it’s not really about them, it’s about a half light dwarf/half dark orc (or d’orc) vs. everyone else (because the ALL want to kill him). It’s one person’s quest for sanity in an insane violent world. Bean blends action with introspection, adds some humor, and a splash (ok, many splashes) of violence, giving us the rise of a hero in an unjust, polarized world. So, should you read it? If you’re a fan of fantasy, hero’s quests, RPGs, D&D, Dungeon Crawler Carl, Lord of the Rings, or just want to read a comic with a headless chicken and a violent soul possessed shield, then yes, this comic is for you. Please be aware, this comic is, rightly, rated for older teens and up. 3.5/5 stars - I liked it and would recommend it, with warning labels, to others.
August 9, 2026
Simply put, D’Orc is what a summer graphis novel should be all about.
Creator Brett Bean has created a totally fun hero in D’Orc who is trying to avoid a ‘preordained’ future which says he will be the end of the world.
It sounds super serious, but Bean laces this one with a tonne of humour including giving D’Orc a bloodthirsty processed shield complete with a bulbous eye and flippant mouth, and then there is a ghost chicken head and its animated body, creating an adventuring party too unusual not to be funny.
And as a write Bean tosses humour around easily here – my wife can confirm I laughed out loud on a few occasions.
Artistically, while many pages are awash in blood and gore, Bean affects the look with a cartoon flare which softens the violence.
This is not a ‘great’ graphic novel in the same vein as classics like Maus or Essex County, but darned it was so much fun to read giving off the perfect summer vibe.
Creator Brett Bean has created a totally fun hero in D’Orc who is trying to avoid a ‘preordained’ future which says he will be the end of the world.
It sounds super serious, but Bean laces this one with a tonne of humour including giving D’Orc a bloodthirsty processed shield complete with a bulbous eye and flippant mouth, and then there is a ghost chicken head and its animated body, creating an adventuring party too unusual not to be funny.
And as a write Bean tosses humour around easily here – my wife can confirm I laughed out loud on a few occasions.
Artistically, while many pages are awash in blood and gore, Bean affects the look with a cartoon flare which softens the violence.
This is not a ‘great’ graphic novel in the same vein as classics like Maus or Essex County, but darned it was so much fun to read giving off the perfect summer vibe.
May 24, 2026
What a great first issue. I have to say, I'm hooked so far! This was such a fun and entertaining concept. A world divided between Dark and Light, with our protagonist caught between both while trying to avoid letting a prophecy dictate his future, is a really interesting setup. The story balances a lighthearted tone while still touching on larger and darker themes. This was very much an introductory issue, so a lot of world building was necessary to establish the setting and lay the foundation for what's to come. I'm excited to see where the story goes from here.
The art also really stood out to me. It reminds me of the Animaniacs style, and I absolutely love it. It brought a sense of nostalgia while still feeling fresh and unique, which is something many stories try to capture but rarely pull off successfully. I definitely recommend checking this issue out.
Grade: A
The art also really stood out to me. It reminds me of the Animaniacs style, and I absolutely love it. It brought a sense of nostalgia while still feeling fresh and unique, which is something many stories try to capture but rarely pull off successfully. I definitely recommend checking this issue out.
Grade: A
August 12, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, Image Comics, and Brett Bean for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
D’Orc is an absolutely chaotic fantasy adventure in the best possible way. This comic doesn’t take the traditional fantasy genre too seriously, instead throwing its hero into a ridiculous world of elves, orcs, wizards, dragons, monsters, and seemingly everyone else who wants a piece of him. The humour is wonderfully absurd and self aware, but underneath all the ridiculousness there’s enough heart and genuine adventure to keep the story from feeling like one long joke.
D’Orc himself is an incredibly likeable protagonist, and his misfit energy makes it easy to root for him even as everything around him descends into complete mayhem. The artwork perfectly matches the tone. It is expressive, colourful, exaggerated, and packed with personality.
D’Orc is an absolutely chaotic fantasy adventure in the best possible way. This comic doesn’t take the traditional fantasy genre too seriously, instead throwing its hero into a ridiculous world of elves, orcs, wizards, dragons, monsters, and seemingly everyone else who wants a piece of him. The humour is wonderfully absurd and self aware, but underneath all the ridiculousness there’s enough heart and genuine adventure to keep the story from feeling like one long joke.
D’Orc himself is an incredibly likeable protagonist, and his misfit energy makes it easy to root for him even as everything around him descends into complete mayhem. The artwork perfectly matches the tone. It is expressive, colourful, exaggerated, and packed with personality.
March 15, 2026
Disclaimer: I only have the second printing of issue one, still cost a pretty penny for a new comic but not worth the risk of breaking in to steal it. Risk of which will result in 'Death by 1000 slaps'
With that out of the way this comic book is Funny, its been a while since a comic has been able to make me laugh the way this one did. Its funny, cute and surprisingly brutal and i can see why people are all over for this comic (meaning those who are not scalpers, shame on you) and I'm glad to be along for the ride.
With that out of the way this comic book is Funny, its been a while since a comic has been able to make me laugh the way this one did. Its funny, cute and surprisingly brutal and i can see why people are all over for this comic (meaning those who are not scalpers, shame on you) and I'm glad to be along for the ride.
April 17, 2026
A riot! 4.5/5
What I enjoyed most was the overarching contrast of the premise and plot line: light vs dark, good vs evil, and D'ORC versus all lol. The shield is an absolute comedic experience as he hypes up D'ORC to become a killer and tries in every way possible to keep him going in that direction. Half orc and half dwarf is quite the concept. I love the setting /!; the images in this issue/series which is what drew in, in the first place. I have a feeling this is only going to get wilder as we go on this journey with D'ORC and his shield. And let's not forget the chicken: HILARIOUS!!!
What I enjoyed most was the overarching contrast of the premise and plot line: light vs dark, good vs evil, and D'ORC versus all lol. The shield is an absolute comedic experience as he hypes up D'ORC to become a killer and tries in every way possible to keep him going in that direction. Half orc and half dwarf is quite the concept. I love the setting /!; the images in this issue/series which is what drew in, in the first place. I have a feeling this is only going to get wilder as we go on this journey with D'ORC and his shield. And let's not forget the chicken: HILARIOUS!!!
February 18, 2026
When all your friends who are into D&D, Magic: The Gathering and The Lord of the Rings tell you that this is the best fantasy comic that has come out in several years then you take notice! D'Orc is a cross between a Dwarf/Orc who inhabits 'the scar' - an almost arena like area where good and evil are constantly fighting to the death. D'Orc just wants to be left alone - but his 'magic' talking shield wants nothing but violence! Looks like a pretty 'immersive' new mythos!
June 3, 2026
I picked up D'orc from Netgalley - thank you for sharing!
When I started reading this, I went into it mostly blind. At first, the style reminded me of a YA-comic, but I quickly realized that is definitely not the case. The struggle between light and dark was fun, and this was a very quick read.
It did fall a little flat for me overall though. I wasn't sure what the tone was going for and the humor just wasn't it for me.
When I started reading this, I went into it mostly blind. At first, the style reminded me of a YA-comic, but I quickly realized that is definitely not the case. The struggle between light and dark was fun, and this was a very quick read.
It did fall a little flat for me overall though. I wasn't sure what the tone was going for and the humor just wasn't it for me.
July 11, 2026
10/10 | Did not expect to enjoy it this much. Fun characters, super creative, and very funny. The concept of both sides being equally bad is shown perfectly in the last few pages with them mirroring each other, very cool art. With the main character apparently being a crash out I expect the next issues to get wild. Very hype to read more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2026
Awesome artwork and fun story!
I love the style of the drawings! The colours are vibrant and the action is such fun to look at. So far the story is well established and I am looking forward to the next chapters!
I love the style of the drawings! The colours are vibrant and the action is such fun to look at. So far the story is well established and I am looking forward to the next chapters!
February 12, 2026
Hilariously relevant fantasy for our divided age
If you ever have felt out of place with any available tribe… if your personal main character energy is “weirdo”… then D’orc is your Spirit Dwarf-Orc! Don’t miss this one… the art and writing are phenomenal!
If you ever have felt out of place with any available tribe… if your personal main character energy is “weirdo”… then D’orc is your Spirit Dwarf-Orc! Don’t miss this one… the art and writing are phenomenal!
February 20, 2026
Cute and clever, but don't be fooled by the art: it's actually violent with adult language. Reads like an adult role-playing game session. Much like White Sky, there is a lot of potential here. I recommend it, but I would say it's for mature audiences.
March 18, 2026
96
An amazing first issue. Reminds me of Barbaric with the talking weaponry. I am very excited for this series and can see why this issue has so many printings already.
Man, when they can write and draw at the same time, I am truly impressed.
An amazing first issue. Reminds me of Barbaric with the talking weaponry. I am very excited for this series and can see why this issue has so many printings already.
Man, when they can write and draw at the same time, I am truly impressed.
May 18, 2026
oh no!
The world will tremble, the seas will cry the trees will pee their bark.
D’Orc will carry out the prophecy I think, well maybe, oh just go smash something and we will talk about it later.
The world will tremble, the seas will cry the trees will pee their bark.
D’Orc will carry out the prophecy I think, well maybe, oh just go smash something and we will talk about it later.
July 10, 2026
Honestly this book is way better than it has any right to be
Wow this is one of my favorite fantasy comics and the first issue hits. The sense of humor is amazing, and so good. The shield and the D’Orc, their banter is so well done. This book had me seriously laughing out loud.
Wow this is one of my favorite fantasy comics and the first issue hits. The sense of humor is amazing, and so good. The shield and the D’Orc, their banter is so well done. This book had me seriously laughing out loud.
February 16, 2026
GREAT FUN! Looking forward to issue 2 and beyond
Fantastic and Fun setup for storyline in issue 1. Hope this goes on for a while!! This was by far the most fun read of 2026.
Fantastic and Fun setup for storyline in issue 1. Hope this goes on for a while!! This was by far the most fun read of 2026.
February 17, 2026
not for me. give it to your kids.
March 6, 2026
Picked up second printing and was finally able to dive into Brett Bean and team’s entertaining new fantasy epic and the wait was definitely worth it! Interesting story, fun colorful characters and the right amount of humor combined with absolutely jaw dropping artwork and colors!
March 6, 2026
Really enjoyed this book. Fun kick off issue, interesting characters and premise. Love the art and humor.
March 9, 2026
I’m into this. Fun and silly and richly illustrated. It’s a world and tone I’m into and keen to delve further.
March 18, 2026
Absolutely worth the hype and all the praise! Fun. Whitty. Charming. Heartfelt. Punny as all get out. Wonderful world building! So glad I grabbed a copy when I did!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews