And if you happen to be in the vicinity of Charlotte, North Carolina this weekend, come say hi in person! I will be at HeroesCon Friday, Saturday, and Sunday!

Thank you for the continued support and encouragement!

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Get your free D’orc cover to color. Find it at www.brettbean.com.

All my energy is on the moments I get with the family and the creative energy to write, draw, ink, and sometimes color D’orc and keep to drawing one page a day for Dungeon Crawler Carl the Crocodile. Everything else, like this newsletter, fall to the sides.

But now you know my last 4 months as well as my life until at least November when I’m scheduled to be done with the Crocodile book. I am on page 114 of DCC: the Crocodile and page 8 of inking D’ORC issue 8. We are moving along, slow and steady. I have a big convention schedule coming up so I am trying to get things in order as we head into that.

Denver this weekend, Heroes con, San Diego, Terrifficon, New York Comic Con, San Jose, and Chattanooga are on the list so far. I have to do a special thing for the D’ORC collector, there is a nice gentleman in the UK collecting EVERY cover of D’orc and putting it on this awesome wall. You should check it out. DORC COLLECTOR

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Here’s some artwork now. D’orc issues 1,2, AND 3 are getting reprints!

And not to forget, I did an ABSOLUTE BATMAN cover!!!! issue 22. You can order it at your local shop!

Thanks, more to come. Back to work.

Thank you for the support and I hope you like Barry!

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Get your free D’orc cover to color. Find it at www.brettbean.com.

There is a beautiful lake and a nice walk to a small downtown area with fudge. The last 4 months, since D’orc issue 1 came out, have been a surreal event in my life. I have had countless interviews, 3 conventions, 3 signings, and a slew of new attention I never saw coming. It has been a marathon and very few moments to breathe.

So here I type this because the silent part needs to be written out loud. Every one of these things that has happened is amazing. People love D’orc. Companies have asked me to do variants and asked me to write other stories. I get to work with amazing Peers, people I’ve adored in the industry have shown support and done guest covers and given their own precious time to me.

For 20 plus years, when I go on a new adventure, like this new creator owned comics, I pack my bags and I set out with what I want and where to go. There is some control to starting a new venture, or career, or story. But this adventure was more like being strapped to the edge of a rocket ship and hold on tight as everyone watches to see what will happen.

And it happened all at once. And when every good thing happens at the same time, you don’t realize it can become overwhelming. I am a people pleaser and now the circle has expanded and there are so many more to please.

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It was Julie who noticed it first. That the last 4 months have been fantastic but with no recharge. She sent me away for 4 days to a cabin in the woods. Away from our everyday. Away from every person, even the family. The first day was the hardest. The decompression day, as my body had built up a tremendous amount of stress and worry. Fear of failure on a bigger stage, worry that if I’m not on time or not early then I will no longer be able to work and D’orc will cease to exist. That if this all comes crashing down, I will have no good reason when my son asks why I missed soccer games. It’s an unfair expectation that I gave myself, but I’m learning.

This is day 3 and I have written issue 8. I will draw some Dungeon Crawler Carl pages. I will dance freely in the cabin, probably to Lucy Dacus. Tears that welled up two days ago, now feel released back into the wild, free and shiny. I think it’s sinking in. This is an amazing experience. Once in a lifetime kind. That my self worth is not tied up in whether my career soars, stays steady, or crashes and burns. I will go walk by the lake and listen to the birds. I will eat a strudel.

Julie and the boys are driving up and spending the weekend with me before we all head back. To the mothers out there, happy mothers day this weekend. To the rest of you with mothers, mother figures, guardians, and anyone in between you feel that towards, take a moment for them if you are able to. For those, like me, who no longer have their mothers, remember a good memory on Sunday. One of the times they made you smile or feel loved for a moment.

I remember my mom at the kite festival. We sat on a blanket, watching and talking. I tried to help her up. She flew backwards as I helped her up and screamed out, “Oh I peed a little” and we couldn’t stop laughing. We rolled on the blanket giggling. The rest of the family caught up with us and we just went about like nothing happened. It was our little shared moment and it was never talked about again.

The world can be tough, the world can be harsh. But the sun shines, people still care, and there’s always time to dance in a cabin.

Let’s catch up, ask questions and get into shenanigans. I’ll be live next wednesday, May 13th for another D’ORC Day for the release of issue 4! Live on Instagram, follow me here: INSTAGRAM

Sneak Peak of some of the original art!

Also, we now have signed D’orc comics on the website in the books section! These are live now and ready to ship.

Finally, if you want, you can also pre-order Brett’s exclusive Ninja Turtles Issue #18 cover - either as a signed copy or with a remarque. Shipping May 13th, 2026

Don’t forget to join Julie and I for our next D’orc Day! I will be drawing and answering questions live on Instagram. The next one will be for issue #4 launching on May 13th. Join me at 9am PT.

Cover for D’orc #4:

Thank you again for the support!

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Get your free D’orc cover to color. Find it at www.brettbean.com.

I was talking with Julie this morning and the talk of conventions came up. She asked if I wanted to cut back during this busy time. I told her that although they do take time and travel is tiring, they also bring happiness. They get me out of my little room and my head and let me have real interactions with others. I get to explore new cities and meet new people - for someone with their head down facing deadlines and emails, this is a very welcome change of pace.

If you are around the Calgary area, I will be doing Calgary Fan Expo next week. If you are interested in a commission, I am doing them on a first come basis and taking a couple requests a day. All day long though I am doing remarques, signatures, and hellos.

If you can’t make it to a show and want to say hello, please join me for my once a month D’orc Day on Instagram. Each month when the newest issue of D’orc hits the shelves at your local comic shop, I will be drawing and answering questions live on Instagram. The next one will be for issue #4 launching on May 13th. Join me at 9am PT.

Cover for D’orc #4:

Thank you again for the support!

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Get your free D’orc cover to color. Find it at www.brettbean.com.

After the last live draw, I put up a few remarques of D’orc in the Original Art section of my website. I get asked a lot about these and I offer them primarily at the conventions so that I can focus on writing and drawing the comic when home, but I am going to try to put up some remarques during these once-a-month lives for those who can’t make it to a convention. Here’s a sneak peek:

Thank you for all the love. The last few months have been an emotional rollercoaster. Before D’orc launched into the world, my wife and I were walking and I told her, I hope just enough people like it so that I can keep making it. Your support and kind words mean so much, thank you!

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Get your free D’orc cover to color. Find it at www.brettbean.com.

I have also been getting questions about original art. While I am not currently selling any D’orc original art, I do have both interior pages and covers from I Hate Fairyland, covers from other projects and more. I will be listing some originals for sale on my website now!

I can’t express how much I appreciate all the support. The response to D’orc, Chicken, and Shield has been amazing. Don’t forget to get your free D’orc Cover A inks page to download, print out, and color! Thank you again!

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Find it at www.brettbean.com.

Here’s my cover for Barbaric Issue 2 by Vault Comics. 2 of 3. Here is a quick show of the process from sketch to finish!

It was a fun cover for sure, ONE MORE TO GO!!!!

Here’s the first issue….

Thanks for looking!

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Find it at www.brettbean.com.

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I am still blown away by the support, it’s only been a week and a half. What I really liked was the eclectic group of people who showed up. It’s awesome that more people from all walks of life are starting to see how great comics are. Some jsut started DnD. Some it was their first comic they ever got signed and collected. It reminded me of all the years in high school going into the comics store each week and that happiness. Thank you, and thanks 4 Color Fantasies for my first plunge.

Now for some Q and A. I have received a ton of requests for art commissions. To maintain my sanity, and the fact that we both want this book to come out month to month, I need to pause and re evaluate how to proceed with my time. I still need to manage workload, home life, and being a father. I greatly appreciate the love. I did the LCS signing to test out my theory. To take a specific number of commissions each day, probably D’orc related, at the conventions on a first come, first served basis until slots are filled for the day. Then spend most my time talking, hopefully making your time with me worth it at the table, and signing/ remarks at the booth space. Right now I can’t take any more pre commission requests. I hope you understand. I have to keep my eye on the prize, making a good book worth reading.

I also found out every human on the planet runs a podcast….. It’s such a great problem to have, but I can’t do them all. I will reach out when I can.

Now let’s talk about some cool stuff, my new artbook was delivered.

You can find it at the conventions or online at my shop here: LINK

Issue 1 reprints of D’orc issue 1 lands March 4th. Issue 2 hits stores March 11th.

Thanks to you all for coming on the grand adventure. It takes a village to raise a D’orc!

Today is your last day to call your local shop and preorder issue 1 of D'ORC 2nd printing! I'm still a bit in shock to the response and I've seen bonkers prices for issue 1 out there already. I want to say that it's more important to me to gain a reader then a dollar, so only buy those first run comics if you have the means and are able. I tried to make the 2nd print cover just as awesome so there's no FOMO. It's printed on the same paper and cheaper than a coffee ;)

Thanks to everyone who read it and talked about it. It was all grassroots I had no idea. I took off for my birthday and let the comic speak for itself but you all did the talking!!!!

Check out the press release if you feel inclined.

HALF-DWARF, HALF-ORC, ALL SOLD-OUT

I will be doing D’orc Days on each issue’s release. I will figure out how to do a live stream drawing or talking and answering questions on those Wednesdays. March 4th will be the first one as Issue 1 reprinted goes out! More news as we get closer.

I really thought this was going to be a slow marathon to try to get people invested in my lil D’ORC.

Years ago I was doing tests to work out if the combination of physical funny mixed with word funny was going to work. Here’s just one of the many tests I did. As some of the true believers of what I’m doing I wanted to share with you the full 2 page test for myself. Thank you for making D’orc a success!

I am catching up on emails, new covers, but I wanted to break a moment and let people know to preorder your issue 1 and get onboard for D’orc! It’s going to be a fun ride.

I appreciate you.

Cheers,

Originally the book was going to come out in March, but the Invincible TV show and Battle Beast is doing a HUGE event in March and Image and I made the best decision to move things up. That meant the debut comes out on my vacation time! We haven’t been on a family vacation in 10 years. My 1st born was only 1….

Probably best as it’s very nerve wracking. Now I can just sit on the beach, hang out with the family and let myself relax for a few days and not worry about the book for a few days.

I really hope you like issue 1. I am inking the cover for issue 6 before I take off and it’s been a rush to see how many people already love what D’orc is doing. There is a LOT of stuff coming. I can’t wait to tell you but all in good time. One that I can tell you about is Image announced the special variants of Invincible month!

• D’orc #2 Cover C Invincible Team-Up variant by Brett Bean – Lunar Code 0126IM8042

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It’s available for order as well as Riley Rossmo’s awesome cover:

Cover B by Riley Rossmo - Lunar Code 0126IM0344

And mine for issue 2:

Cover A by Brett Bean - Lunar Code 0126IM0343

That’s it from me. Have a great week and tell your friends about D’orc!

Show Dates:

MegaCon - Orlando, Florida - March 19th - 22nd, 2026

C2E2 - Chicago, Illinois - March 27th - 29th, 2026

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I will have copies of D’Orc for both shows - it’s launch date is February 4th so we will have issues 1 and 2 by both of these shows. Very excited to share D’Orc with the world! I will be taking a limited number of commissions each day, Art prints, signings, original art, covers, and books at the booth. If you want to make sure to get a commission, reach out ahead of time to me at brettbean@2dbean.com. Stop on by and say hello!

Prices for Commissions:

Head Shot $200

Bust $250

Torso $350

Full body $450

Add Color $100

Here are some of the commissions I’ve done in the past.

If you are intrigued, I have these blank sketch covers currently available at the time of this newsletter:

Finally, I am down to my last handful of D’Orc ashcans available for remarks! You can check them out on my website here. Thank you for the incredible support for D’Orc and I hope to see you at the shows!

Perfect for fans of Conan the Barbarian, Chew, Shrek, The Lord of the Rings—and, of course, I Hate Fairyland’s deadpan humor—D’orc is an adventure readers won’t want to miss.

“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

The all-new high-fantasy satire—D’orc—by 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) will offer a palooza of additional variant covers by top tier artists including Jorge Corona (Transformers), Jason Howard (The Astounding Wolf-Man, Trees), Ryan Ottley (Invincible), Ryan Stegman (Venom, Vanish), Riley Rossmo (The Moon is Following Us), Mirka Andolfo (Sweet Paprika), and more high-flyers yet-to-be-announced. This ongoing series is set to launch next month from Image Comics.

“I am a massive fan of all of these creators and it’s a magical feeling to see their interpretations of the universe and how they see this D’orc,” said Bean. “I couldn’t be happier, not only for their talent but who they are as people.”

Armed with nothing but a wisecracking enchanted shield and a crippling need for friendship, a lonely orphan stumbles headfirst into Sunderaine’s never-ending war. Light vs. Dark. Elves vs. Orcs. Wizards vs. Common Sense. Dragons vs. Literally Everyone. And caught dead-center? D’orc.

Half dwarf, half orc, and wholly inconvenient to a doomsday prophecy, D’orc’s 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. Unfortunately, so will his enemies.


D’orc #1 will be available at comic book shops on Wednesday, February 4:

• Cover A by Brett Bean - Lunar Code 1225IM0269

• Cover B by Jorge Corona - Lunar Code 1225IM0270

• Cover C by Jason Howard - Lunar Code 1225IM0271

• Cover D 1:25 copy incentive by Ryan Ottley - Lunar Code 1225IM8018

• Cover E 1:50 copy incentive by Ryan Stegman - Lunar Code 1225IM8019

• Cover F Blank Sketch - Lunar Code 1225IM8020

D’orc #2 will be available at comic book shops on Wednesday, March 11:

• Cover A by Brett Bean - Lunar Code 0126IM0343

• Cover B by Riley Rossmo - Lunar Code 0126IM0344

• Cover C TBA

D’orc #3 will be available at comic book shops on Wednesday, April 8:

• Cover A by Brett Bean

• Cover B by Mirka Andolfo

D’orc will also be available across many digital platforms, including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, and Google Play.

Thanks for scrolling!

Today, I am grateful that Julie is still recovering from Breast Cancer. I am happy that my sons are growing into caring and funny creatures heading into ages 12 and 7. I am eternally grateful for pizza and History lessons. I’m glad I can still watch Anthony Bourdain talk about foods and listen to Tim Curry talk about his Vagabond days after a horrific stroke. I am pleased to see my son make warhammer armor from old cardboard boxes and taking long walks in my neighborhood.

I am ecstatic that I am recovered from shingles and the flu and painfully sad I gave my son breakthrough chicken pox for Christmas. I can’t believe I just finished inking issue 5 of my comic and get to play with Dungeon Crawler Carl all next week. I am grateful for the people who buy my artwork and support my creative endeavors. It’s like buying stock in the artists you want more things from. Each art sale, book, and comic bought is an investment that I hope you see returns for, in 2026. I plan on making this year a big one. I hit 50 this year, and my body and eyesight is reminding me of the number hahaha. But I have many years left in me, and many stories to come.

So I joke about doing two full time projects this next year, and it’s because I don’t want to leave anything behind. I’ll rest later down the road, maybe in 2027. I started in comics late and need to catch up to all the others that have done it for 20 plus years. I can’t wait to see what’s in store.

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And that’s the kicker. I have no idea what’s going to happen in 2026. Some moments feel like life is a marathon in the fog, next to a cliff’s edge….. at night…. with howling wolves waiting for you to break an ankle.

I used to write all this stuff down, probably to feel more in control, and talk about future goals and ideas and what I’ll do and aspirations to hit. What I’ve come to realize is, creativity just comes and shows up as I live life. It takes form in new ideas, endeavors, connections, emails out of the blue, and partnerships. It’s the the highs and lows of what being alive truly means. We only think we’re in control.

Just be ready for opportunities that arise. You can’t imagine ALL the possibilities in life, so why bother?

I’ve come to trust myself in this artistic life, and so writing this out is as fresh as I can make my thoughts. This is real time baby. In a world progressively telling me to be sugar coated, fake, glamorous, derivative, and slickly produced, every fiber in my body yearns to accept the real of the world. Imperfect and loving it.

I accept the flaws I have, that we all share. I endure the low days and wait for the high moments. 2026 will have everything 2025 had. I will draw. I will ink. I will laugh. I will cry. I will hate somethings but I will Love most things. I will hug a stranger and open the door for an old person. Here’s to 2025, an epic failure of a success!

I hope you can trust yourself this year. I believe you’ll endure and figure out the hard moments, and thrive and enjoy the good ones. Every year is full of promise and compromise. May you reach them both with the same energy. Onward to 2026. Let’s see what’s going to happen.

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And when I admit this to myself, or admit this aloud to fellow artists and creators, I’m surprised by how quick and concise they are to tell me no no no, that’s not true. It’s not gaslighting, but I’m shocked on how many creators don’t let their truest feelings come out and sit for a while. I find the only way to process information is to accept and figure them out. Burying them and pretending they don’t exist is a failure in growing up. There is a fine line between remaining child like in ways to create, and ignoring what it means to be a functioning adult.

And so I sat with that feeling Friday and Saturday. I watched thousands flock to Jim Lee, well deservedly, and watched fellow artists at Marvel get recognized and loved, and then sit there, wondering what did I do wrong? What am I doing here?

Then I remembered a story. Like many stories they embellish to make a point and I don’t believe it’s real, but the point is still valid.

A daughter graduates high school and her father gives her his old car as a graduation gift. He says, you just have to do three things for me first. First thing, take the car to a basic used car lot. She does this and she is offered an $1,000 as it’s an old model and not worth much.

She comes back and her father says now take it to a pawn shop. Groaning, she traces it in and gets even lower offers, its too worn-out and needs investment and no real need for the “clunker”.

Dad then asks her to take the car into a rare car shop or car club. She does this and she gets several offers of $100,000 or more for a vintage model in great condition for the year it was made.

Surprised, she comes back home and dad tells her this.

The car’s inherent value never changed, but its worth was only seen in the right group or setting. Context matters.

I don;’t care what you do with the car, he says to her. Just remember cars are like people. Find the place, people, and community that truly appreciates your unique qualities, rather than staying where you’re undervalued.

Now you may think I thought about the states. About conventions, variant covers, art work, and Instagram followers. And I won’t lie, I did that for about 30 seconds trying to feed my ego and career desires. I realized how hollow that was as well. You can let somebody else think you’re a star, but you never should.

And then this happened.

So I sit in this hotel room, homesick, writing this substack. Not for you, sorry, but for me. A reminder to seek your value. Be true to yourself, to take big chances and swing away. I am extremely fortunate to have a career in the arts, but my value lies with those three redheads. I can’t believe I get to feel homesick, when there are so many who may never get to feel or experience any of this. No Tokyo, no art, no highs and lows of all of it. It’s all part of it and I wouldn’t change any of it. We are nothing but our experiences and wish everyone their own version of life. Whatever form it takes for you.

For me, I booked my ticket one day early last night. I love Tokyo, but home is calling and it’s time to rest for the holidays. I will site see today and eat glorious food and then be home and hug my gingersnaps.

Thank you so much Tokyo, you made me love Japan, but home even more.

Here are some photos of my time at the convention.

- Brett

Is it really almost Thanksgiving? How?!?! First off, a very Happy Thanksgiving to all and thank you for reading this and the continued support. It’s been a wild year and it’s not over yet. Off to Japan next week for Tokyo Comic Con and then the holiday madness before the start of the new year. Life is busy to say the least.

Starting today, for one week, all the goodness on the website including original art, books, stickers, and more are 20% off with code BLACKFRIDAY2025. Comic bundles, book bundles, and even mystery blind boxes have been added to the mix this year - poke around the website and you never know what you will find!

Blind Mystery Boxes - Guaranteed to include at least 1 T-shirt (you get to pick your size), 1 Dorc Ashcan, 1 Sticker and at least 3 more items. Quantities limited.

Set of signed comics! Below is a bundle of I Hate Fairylands issues 1 - 15. Other bundles available in the shop. I have a just a few of each bundle available.

Original Art is also on sale - including covers!

From my family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!

And yes, the new cat has made herself at home.

Image has the official Press release! LINK. Or read below.

Boost the signal. Tell all your favorite retailers and brick shops about it. I have to pinch myself. As a fan of comics and love of the medium, this amazing to type out!

• Lunar Code 1225IM0269

FANS OF I HATE FAIRYLAND, CHEW WILL FIND LAUGHS IN NEW SERIES D’ORC LAUNCHING IN FEBRUARY 2026

“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

PORTLAND, Ore. 11/21/2025 — 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) team up for a high-fantasy romp in the upcoming, D’orc. This exciting, all-new ongoing series is set to launch from Image Comics in February 2026.

Armed with nothing but a wisecracking enchanted shield and a crippling need for friendship, a lonely orphan stumbles headfirst into Sunderaine’s never-ending war. Light vs. Dark. Elves vs. Orcs. Wizards vs. Common Sense. Dragons vs. Literally Everyone. And caught dead-center? D’orc.

Half dwarf, half orc, and wholly inconvenient to a doomsday prophecy, D’orc’s 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. Unfortunately, so will his enemies.

“I always gravitate to stories that have purpose, heart, and humor,” said Bean. “I love characters that are flawed, believable, and feel real despite being in a very unreal world. There’s a lot of D’orc in me…”

Perfect for fans of Conan the Barbarian, The Lord of the Rings, and, of course, I Hate Fairyland’s deadpan humor, D’orc is an adventure readers won’t want to miss.

D’orc #1 will be available at comic book shops on Wednesday, February 4, 2026:

• Cover A by Brett Bean - Lunar Code 1225IM0269

• Cover B by Jorge Corona - Lunar Code 1225IM0270

• Cover C by Jason Howard

• Cover D 1:25 copy incentive by Ryan Ottley

• Cover E 1:50 copy incentive by Ryan Stegman

D’orc will also be available across many digital platforms, including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, and Google Play.

Gallery

Behold, the strange gloriousness that is….

These were super fun, yet weird, to imagine and do. Thanks to Jeremy Cranford and Thomas Brillante for working with me on these.

Here are some quick layouts of them too…

I personally still love the Hydroman playing his own water glasses and Noir Spiderman doing his best Tom Waits impression. It was going to be all black and white and smokey, but some plans don’t work out. But this is some of the stages and process we go through to make those finished paintings! You can see the Man spider and Superior spiderman flipped instruments too. Not sure how I feel with Prowler being lead vocals with the mask on. I had to repaint it twice, and they even painted over it again out of my control after I turned it in. Oh well, that’s production for ya.

thanks for reading!