‘Dungeon Crawler Carl’ Gets Comic Series from Vault Comics in January 2027

Vault Comics will launch an ongoing “Dungeon Crawler Carl” comic series in January 2027, starting with a double-sized, 48-page first issue. Matt Dinniman’s popular fantasy LitRPG novels are the source material. The announcement came exclusively through Variety.

The first issue arrives in comic book stores in January 2027. Following issues will ship monthly.

By Elena Vasquez

Who is making the comic?

The new comic will serialize the hit “Dungeon Crawler Carl” webtoon series. Writer Tevagah and Laurel Pursuit Studios, which provides artwork, will move from the webtoon to the ongoing comic series. Artist Kuzomari also joins the project. The series will feature scaled-up art adapted to the comic book page.

Nathan Gooden (“Barbaric,” “Post Malone’s Big Rig”) draws the main covers.

Which artists are on variant covers?

A rotating cast of artists will illustrate variant covers:

• Ryan Ottley (“Invincible”)
• Brett Bean
• Frank Cho
• Clayton Crain
• Yoshi Yoshitani
• Katie Cook
• Riley Rossmo
• Tyler Walpole
• Doug Mahnke
• Trish Forstner
• Luciano Fleitas, who creates the covers for the novels

More artists will be announced in the future, according to the announcement.

What did Matt Dinniman say?

Author Matt Dinniman addressed the adaptation directly.

“Entering the comic space is nothing short of amazing,” Dinniman said. “The fact that I get to work with some of the greatest creators and artists working today feels like a dream.”

His series has now expanded across three formats: novels, webtoon and print comics, with a television adaptation following.

What is the story about?

The logline describes the premise: “‘Dungeon Crawler Carl’ follows Coast Guard vet Carl and his ex-girlfriend’s cat, Princess Donut, as they try to survive the end of the world — or just get to the next level — in a video game-like, trap-filled fantasy dungeon.”

“A dungeon that’s actually the set of a reality television show with countless viewers across the galaxy,” the logline adds.

The premise pairs survival mechanics with a satirical media frame: the dungeon is entertainment, broadcast to a galactic audience.

What about the TV adaptation?

The novels will also be adapted into a live-action Peacock TV series. Universal International Studios and Seth MacFarlane’s Fuzzy Door produce the show. Chris Yost and Eric Heisserer serve as co-showrunners.

That places the comic launch within a broader franchise expansion, with print and screen adaptations running in parallel.

The January 2027 first issue gives the franchise its first standalone print comic release, and the monthly schedule signals Vault’s commitment to an ongoing series rather than a limited run.