Discover an Underrated Comic Perfect for Your Next D&D Adventure

In the realm of role-playing games, few can rival the legendary status of Dungeons and Dragons (D&D).This iconic RPG offers a level of immersion that few others can match, drawing fans into richly woven narratives. Its influence has radiated out into various forms of media, generating movies, novels, and comic adaptations. However, while many attempts have been made to translate the D&D experience to the comic book format, few have made a lasting impact.

For comic enthusiasts eager to explore a D&D-themed narrative, look no further than Die, a groundbreaking series crafted by Kieron Gillen, Stephanie Hans, and Clayton Cowles. Running for 20 issues from 2018 to 2021 under the Image Comics banner, Die has not only won numerous accolades but has also inspired its own role-playing game. With Dark Horse Comics poised to expand the D&D portfolio in 2025, now is the perfect time to delve into Die’s fascinating universe.

Exploring the World of Die

Ideal for RPG Enthusiasts

The journey within Die kicks off in 1991, where we meet a tight-knit group of six friends: Dominic, Angela, Solomon, Isabelle, Chuck, and Matthew. The narrative unfolds with Dominic Ash recounting the events of a pivotal night—their 16th birthday—celebrated at Solomon’s home. This night takes a fantastical turn as Solomon reveals he has devised a new RPG, positioning himself as the Game Master. Once the friends select their characters, they engage with a unique 20-sided die (not “dice, ”as is often mistakenly referred) and vanish without a trace.

Two years later, they reemerge, haunted by unanswered questions about their ordeal—most notably, where Solomon has disappeared and the mystery of Angela’s missing arm. Fast forward 25 years, and the survivors struggle to reconcile their extraordinary experiences with ordinary adult lives. When Dominic receives an ominous package containing the very die that changed their lives, the friends reunite to confront their past. In a twist, the die lifts off the table and sends them back into the enigmatic realm they once escaped, this time adorned in the character outfits they previously selected.

Authenticity in the RPG Experience

Channeling the Essence of D&D

returning to the fantasy realm in Die #1

As the narrative progresses, the friends discover that Solomon has survived, now ruling as the Grandmaster of this fantastical land. The comic series shines in its homage to Dungeons and Dragons, evident in how Solomon distances his creation from standard D&D fare, asserting it’s “not some piece of D&D off-the-shelf s*** in a box.”

Die serves as a love letter to both Dungeons and Dragons and the RPG genre itself, effectively engaging players and readers alike. Gillen and Hans expertly weave the essence of traditional role-playing games into the story, from character roles like the Dictator and the Grief Knight, to the immersive world they navigate. This attention to detail rewards both seasoned players and newcomers alike, making Die an accessible gateway into the complexities of RPGs.

Is Die: The RPG a Must-Play for D&D Fans?

A Game for All Audiences

Matthew wields a sword in Kieron Gillen's Die #1

The creative team behind Die took it a step further with the launch of a tabletop RPG version in partnership with publisher Rowan, Rook and Deckard. Initially funded via Kickstarter in 2021, the project was later relaunched in 2022, achieving significant success. Both the comic and the RPG have garnered critical acclaim in the fantasy genre. The comic itself clinched the British Fantasy Award for Best Comic/Graphic Novel and was a finalist for the Hugo Award three times, while the RPG won the Best Role-Playing Game Core Product at the Origin Awards.

Die’s gaming mechanics incorporate a meta-narrative, allowing players to embody characters that navigate the very RPG world the comic establishes. Each player takes on the role of a Paragon, and even the Game Master becomes a character in this self-referential landscape. Gillen’s foresight to create a role-playing game alongside the comic’s development illustrates his dedication to building a cohesive universe, benefitting both mediums.

This cross-pollination between the comic and the RPG resonates with audiences from various backgrounds, transforming Die into a remarkable accomplishment for fans of fantasy, RPGs, and Dungeons and Dragons. For those unfamiliar with these worlds, the captivating blend of horror and adventure—reminiscent of a cross between It and Jumanji—coupled with Hans’ striking artwork and Gillen’s compelling narrative makes a strong case for both mediums. In essence, Die serves as a vital entry point into the magical world of Dungeons and Dragons.

Die is currently available for readers to explore through Image Comics.

Source & Images