Dungeon Crawler Carl Is Officially Getting a New Release Next Year

Even if you haven't read any of the books, you've probably heard of Dungeon Crawler Carl at this point. The LitRPG series (a genre defined by its use of video game and tabletop RPG mechanics) by Matt Dinniman has become a cultural juggernaut, and it is only getting bigger. In addition to a television adaptation, Dungeon Crawler Carl is also being adapted into a comic book.

The announcement comes from Variety, which revealed that Vault Comics will be publishing an ongoing Dungeon Crawler Carl comic. The new comic will serialize the existing webtoon adaptation of Dungeon Crawler Carl, retaining writer Tevagah with artwork by Laurel Pursuit Studios. Kuzomari will also join the series to help adapt the art to the larger comic-book format. Nathan Gooden will provide the main covers, with plenty of variants also being made available.

For the uninitiated, this is the official synopsis for the series:

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.

On the latest adaptation of his novels, Dinniman said that, "Entering the comic space is nothing short of amazing. The fact that I get to work with some of the greatest creators and artists working today feels like a dream.” The first issue of the Dungeon Crawler Carl comic will be a double-sized, 48-page affair and is set to be released in January 2027.

When does the next Dungeon Crawler Carl book release?

We know Dinniman is actively working on the ninth book in the series, though there is no release date as of yet. It is currently being called The Beautiful Place, and the author has even shared the prologue and early chapters. The most recent book in the series was released this year, and if Dinniman writes at his usual pace, it wouldn't be unsurprising to see the ninth book release sometime in late 2027. Dinniman has said this will begin the conclusion to the series, which should end with the tenth book.

Beyond the main series, a lot of Dungeon Crawler Carl projects are still in the works. During New York Comic Con, Universal Global Television scripted series chief Kelsey Balance revealed that shooting could begin as early as next year. Dungeon Crawler Carl also has a pretty solid tabletop RPG.