Dark Regards Is a Comic With a Truly Ludicrous Back-Story

*Dark Regards* emerges as one of the most captivating new indie comics to hit shelves in recent memory. It’s not just the story within the pages that grabs your attention—it's the wild, unpredictable journey behind its creation that makes it all the more compelling. This unique blend of reality and fiction sets the tone for a series unlike any other. You can get a firsthand look at what’s in store with our exclusive preview of *Dark Regards #1*.

Take a scroll through the gallery below to experience an inside glimpse of this bold new series—just a heads-up, some of the language ahead may not be safe for work!

Oni Press Presents: Dark Regards #1 – Preview Gallery

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The creative force behind *Dark Regards* is none other than multi-talented comedian, writer, and musician Dave Hill, alongside artist Artyom Topilin (known for *Cruel Universe* and *I Hate This Place*). The four-issue comic series draws directly from Hill’s real-life antics involving the formation of his fictional Satanic metal band, Witch Taint—and the chaotic whirlwind that followed.

Here’s how Oni Press officially describes the series:

Two decades ago, Dave Hill and his first band aimed to set their high school auditorium ablaze with a storm of heavy metal fury—but they flopped hard. Fast forward, and Dave has carved out a successful career in the New York comedy scene, where being laughed at is part of the job description. But when his passion for metal reignites after discovering the intense world of Norwegian black metal, Dave resurrects his long-dormant dreams by creating a wildly exaggerated alter ego and forming the band Witch Taint. As rumors about the band’s “extreme” nature spread online and reach Norway, Dave finds himself caught in a surreal spiral—one that puts everything he cares about on the line when real black metal extremists come calling.

“A few years back, I was sitting in my underwear late at night, fueled by too much caffeine and a deep obsession with Norwegian black metal,” said Hill. “That led me to email a Norwegian black metal label, trashing all their bands without ever listening to them, and pitching my own made-up band, Witch Taint. What started as a joke turned into months of serious correspondence I never meant anyone to see. Of course, the internet had other plans. Eventually, people found out, chaos ensued, and now… here we are. This story became *Dark Regards*, my first-ever comic book series with art by the brilliant Artyom Topilin. If you don’t read every issue, well—you’re basically insane.”

*Dark Regards #1* hits shelves on May 13, 2025, and carries a retail price of $4.99. For more exclusive previews of upcoming comic releases, don’t miss sneak peeks into the final chapters of *TMNT: The Last Ronin II* and the gritty, *Dark Knight Returns*-inspired *Daredevil: Cold Day in Hell*.