Some worlds are made to be broken.

Paul Tanasin is a young man haunted by visions of a dark and fantastic world―visions he initially believes are hallucinations. But when he discovers they are prophecies from Mirandus, a world in which he’s destined to become a fearsome destroyer, he’ll have to embrace the fear, rise up as the Dark One, and shatter everything. Dark One examines the dual roles we often take on in life—the ability to be a savior as well as a destroyer.

Created & Story by: Brandon Sanderson
Writers: Jackson Lanzing & Collin KellyArtist: Nathan Gooden
Colorist: Kurt Michael Russell
Letterer: Deron Bennett
Designer: Tim Daniel

Dark One, the first in a series of original graphic novels from Vault Comics, is a phenomenal start to a series.

Dark One explores a familiar story line from a unique perspective: the epic villain in a fantasy story… is our protagonist. Paul is a character you have a lot of sympathy for, early on. When he struggles with his visions, it’s initially assumed it’s mental health related, and the lifelong loneliness he’s had to deal with breaks your heart.

But then, there’s the looming knowledge that Paul may be more. Like, the Dark One, destined evil that will rise up in Mirandus, according to the Narrative. However, this isn’t just a story of a villain winning our sympathy. There is so, so much more.

The back and forth between Paul in Mirandus, and his mother’s court case and client seems disconnected, but then comes together in a shocking but intriguing way. There’s so much about the duality of lives for those connected to Mirandus and Earth elevates plot even further.

Everything about this book is excellent, from the writing, art, lettering – every bit drips with that flare Vault comics all have. I’d love to see this picked up by a streaming service willing to give it the budget and love to make it into the next big series everyone obsesses over.

Dark One is a great read for fantasy lovers, and I cannot recommend it enough. You can order here or check to see how you can get it at your local shop.

-Angel