It just hit stores today, the latest installment in the line of comics for Diablo fans. Diablo: Dawn of Hatred. Trust us. It translates brutally into words of black violence. Meet the evil mind of Cullen Bunn-the same one who brought Deadpool to kill all of Marvel Universe-joined by the artistic fiction of Daniele Serra; most known for his morbid depictions in Fade To Black. Lovely. Heavy stuff.
So what’s this whole Dawn of Hatred? Well, the good people at Blizzard aren’t any close to spilling the whole beans on it, but you can be sure that, considering what demons signify- betrayal and general suffering within the confines of the Diablo universe-sunshine and rainbows might not be such likely fruits from the comic. Just the thick gothic horrors oozing off it courtesy of Serra can be justified for such a franchise where hell literally stops breaking loose every other Tuesday.
And you’re not going to get this at your Amazon or digital store. Nope. Dawn of Hatred is only through local comic shops, which means you have to support your neighborhood nerd haven to get your hands on a copy. Now, here’s where Blizzard helps with the handy link: after all, let’s be honest, some of us haven’t set foot in a comic store since the last impulse purchase of a Funko Pop.
So what matters for Diablo fans? Obviously, more lore, more demons, and that many more reasons why anyone would ever leave home in Sanctuary. Sounds like groundwork for future story arcs for Diablo IV. This is Blizzard’s favorite thing-seeding its universe stuff into later games, so don’t be surprised when some of these characters or events show up in the next big patch.
And while we’re here talking about Diablo IV, it has continued that attractive darkness in which Lilith reigns supreme while people are still licking their wounds from the previous season’s grind. Maybe that’s what Dawn of Hatred is all about? Or it’s just a standalone nightmare-fuel comic. Probably both ways, but if you’re into demon-slaying, tragic backstories, and art that makes you want to sleep with the lights on, this is your jam.
One thing was certain-Cullen Bunn never did “lighthearted.” The man wrote Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe, which is as straightforward as it sounds, and his other horror work is… well, horrifying. Combine that with Serra’s moody, shadow-drenched art and you’ve got yourself a comic that is an ode to just about everything Diablo fans crave.
So hey, if you happen to be within sight of a comic shop today, it might prove worthwhile to swing by. But certainly don’t take it to bed with you just before going to sleep unless you’re into that sort of thing.
And hey, even if you miss your shot at it today, don’t stress; comics like this tend to reappear with time either as reprints or as a digital edition. Right now, though, it’s physical-copy life all the way. Let the hunt begin, people.
