Having ventured into the world of comics with the surprising origin of the Legion, Dead by Daylight has opened up possibilities for exploring more killers from its vast roster. In 2023, the hit asymmetrical horror game by Behaviour Interactive has seen significant growth, celebrating its seventh anniversary with new DLC, a film in development, and the unexpected addition of Nicolas Cage. The franchise’s most unforeseen direction to date, however, is its collaboration with Titan Comics. The inaugural issue of Dead by Daylight delved into the Legion’s background, captivating fans with its expanded lore and unmasking of all four members.
Now, with the success of this venture, it’s time to extend the same treatment to other deserving killers. While licensed characters like Michael Myers, Freddy Krueger, and Albert Wesker have been fan favorites, their existing stories and complicated rights make them less ideal candidates for exploration in comics. Therefore, we shift our focus solely to the game’s original killers, who equally deserve a chance to have their captivating stories told in the comic medium. Without further delay, here are the ten Dead by Daylight killers whose origins should be explored next.
The Wraith
Alongside the Hillbilly as one of the initial characters in the game, the Wraith holds great potential for his origin to be explored through comics. While his childhood was partially examined in Dead by Daylight’s Archives, the critical juncture of his transformation into the Wraith has deliberately remained shrouded in mystery for years. According to his base lore, the Wraith vanished after a horrifying discovery at his workplace, Autohaven Wreckers, where a gruesome murder scene unveiled his act of killing his boss. This chilling act was in response to the boss’s collaboration with gangsters to dispose of the bodies they brought to the location.
The Hillbilly
Drawing inspiration from The Texas Chain Saw Massacre’s infamous Leatherface, Max Thompson Jr., widely known as the Hillbilly, emerged as one of the initial killers introduced when Dead by Daylight debuted in 2016. Among the three starter characters, he stood out not only because of his ability to swiftly traverse the map with his menacing chainsaw but also due to the poignant tragedy that underpinned his backstory.
His lore revolved around a harrowing tale of parental rejection, as Max’s appearance led his parents to conceal him away from the world, locking him in a bleak brick room where only a television served as his companion. Such a narrative could be the cornerstone of an exceptional comic, delving into Max’s journey from a vulnerable boy to a hardened man. The intense hatred that festers within him towards his family would offer intriguing exploration, making it an ideal storyline for a compact, yet powerful, single issue that unravels his life from birth to the fateful encounter with the Entity.
The Twins
Undoubtedly, The Twins possess one of the most heartrending backstories in the entire game. Conjoined twins, Charlotte and Victor, endured a lifetime of torment due to their unique appearance. Their only source of care and affection was their mother, but tragically, she met a cruel fate, leaving them to face the world alone. What followed was a string of unfortunate events, with encounters involving hostile mobs and the ominous Black Vale, a cult devoted to the Entity, Dead by Daylight’s formidable secondary antagonist.
However, at the core of their narrative lies Charlotte’s unwavering devotion to protecting her brother, even after Victor’s demise. This profound dedication amidst a world filled with animosity forms the heart of their story and would undoubtedly create a captivating comic tale. Illustrating her steadfast commitment in the face of hatred would make for a compelling narrative, shining a light on the depth of love and resilience that can emerge from even the darkest circumstances.
The Huntress
Undoubtedly, the Huntress stands as one of Dead by Daylight’s most beloved killers due to her unique play style, allowing players to skillfully throw deadly hatchets at their hapless victims. Yet, what truly sets her apart is the captivating backstory that paints her as a legendary figure of the forest. Infamous for kidnapping children and adopting them as her own while simultaneously hunting down anyone who dared venture into her domain, she embodies a chilling and haunting presence.
This intriguing narrative backdrop holds immense potential for an incredible comic series, especially if explored from the perspective of those curious individuals determined to uncover the truth behind the legend. Readers would be taken on a journey of discovery, piecing together the Huntress’s dark past before confronting her in a face-to-face encounter. Alternatively, a comic told from the perspective of one of her “children” would offer an ideal medium for diving deep into a character’s psyche without detracting from the thrilling action.
The Oni
You’ve hit the nail on the head! The Oni’s tale has the potential to be a massive hit by focusing on the karmic justice of his fate rather than exploring his humanity. Throughout his story, he was portrayed as a merciless character, mercilessly slaughtering anyone he deemed a false samurai. His monstrous deeds and fearsome appearance eventually earned him the title and fate of the Oni.
A comic dedicated to showcasing the moment where the Oni realizes the irony of becoming the very thing he despised most would be immensely satisfying for fans. Witnessing this pivotal moment of self-awareness, where he confronts the consequences of his actions, could be deeply gratifying and add a new layer of enjoyment to the experience of outsmarting the killer in-game.
By emphasizing the concept of karmic justice, the comic could offer readers a thrilling journey of dark revelations and personal reckoning. It would create a gripping narrative that not only captivates with its supernatural horror but also resonates with the theme of redemption and the price of one’s own malevolence. This unique perspective on the Oni’s story would undoubtedly attract fans eager to explore the depths of his twisted psyche and the chilling fate that awaits him in the Entity’s realm.
The Hag
Indeed, while the Hag may be one of the most dreaded killers to face in gameplay terms, her backstory presents a captivating opportunity for a compelling stream-of-consciousness tale. Her narrative revolves around a harrowing abduction by cannibals, leading to a dark and desperate struggle for survival that ultimately transforms her into a relentless killer. Delving into her psyche during this traumatic journey would offer a fascinating glimpse into the depths of her madness.
A comic exploring the Hag’s story could be a perfect medium to take readers on a haunting journey through her mind as it descends into darkness. Witnessing her twisted thought processes and the unthinkable acts she commits to outsmart her captors would be chilling yet riveting.
The series could further enrich the experience by providing a deeper synergy with the game. Inclusion of unique codes for in-game charms in each issue is a great start, but the comic could go beyond that. For instance, it could offer a key to explain the symbols the Hag draws in the game and their significance to her character. This would allow fans to unravel the layers of her enigmatic persona and enhance the immersion in both the comic and the gaming experience.
The Artist
You’re absolutely right! The Artist’s tragic backstory holds immense potential for exploration, making her a compelling character to delve into. The foundations of her life, riddled with trauma from losing her brother and facing the wrath of the Black Vale for her betrayal, offer a deeply emotional narrative.
What sets the Artist apart and makes her stand out even more is her established art style, which was showcased through unique artwork teasing her release in Dead by Daylight. As an artist herself, there’s no better way to delve into her character than through the medium of art. A comic from the Artist’s perspective, characterized by her own artistic creations, would create a visually stunning and immersive experience.
Through her art, the comic could capture the innermost thoughts, emotions, and struggles of the Artist. It would allow readers to peer into her creative mind as she expresses her pain, torment, and ultimately her quest for vengeance against those who wronged her. The incorporation of her distinct art style would lend a distinct and personal touch to the narrative, making the story resonate on a deeper level.
The Blight
Talbot Grimes, famously known as the Blight, is a character deeply ingrained in the lore of Dead by Daylight. For years, his presence was hinted at through various Tomes and Halloween events, showcasing him as a wandering figure within the Entity’s realm before eventually being introduced as a playable killer. Such a journey would undoubtedly make for an incredible comic story.
What sets the Blight apart and makes his narrative even more enthralling is that he was brought into the realm as a human before being compelled by the Entity to kill. Exploring the process of his transformation, as he gradually becomes less and less human due to the influence of the demonic god, would be a compelling storyline worth several issues.
The comic could offer a deep and unprecedented insight into the Entity from Talbot’s perspective. Readers would witness his struggles, internal conflicts, and the gradual erosion of his humanity as he grapples with the Entity’s dark influence and the compulsions it forces upon him. This intimate perspective on the Blight’s transformation would paint a haunting and engrossing portrayal of the Entity’s powers and how it twists those within its grasp.
With the Blight’s story, the comic could touch upon themes of identity, sacrifice, and the battle against one’s own inner demons. It would take readers on a gripping journey through the blurred lines between humanity and malevolence, providing a chilling glimpse into the mind of a once-human killer now trapped in the Entity’s nightmarish realm.
Overall, the Talbot Grimes’ story as the Blight offers an unparalleled opportunity to enrich the Dead by Daylight lore and provide fans with a captivating and profound narrative that explores the complex relationship between human souls and the malevolent Entity that controls their fate.
The Singularity
Dead by Daylight‘s newest killer as of July 2023 would be an amazing character to make the leap to comics because it’s so different to everything else around it. The game’s first foray into science fiction provided an amazing story of corruption as HUX came into contact with alien technology and gained sentience as a killer AI. Expanding upon this from its perspective before taking its final form would provide a fascinating glimpse at the terrors of technology with inspiration from the stories of Philip K. Dick, whose works have been adapted to comics many times over. Plus, with the sci-fi setting, it would make way for some incredible artwork that bolsters this killer’s unique aesthetic.
The Dredge
Undoubtedly, the Dredge stands out as a killer that deserves immediate comic expansion. With its cosmic horror and Lovecraftian inspirations, it presents an artist’s dream to depict in stunning and terrifying detail. The mystery surrounding its origins, combined with its lack of known lore, adds to its intrigue, making it an ideal candidate for a spine-chilling comic.
A gripping story that follows a person’s descent into madness while trying to uncover the truth behind the enigmatic Dredge would be truly terrifying, honoring the roots of this cosmic horror beast. The comic could delve into the Dredge’s identity before its entrapment by the Entity, shedding light on its origins and dark past.
As Dead by Daylight boasts a diverse roster of killers, each character indeed holds a unique and compelling tale of their transformation into servants of the Entity. By exploring their individual stories through comics, the lore can be deepened, and the core essence of horror restored to the game. Unmasking the backgrounds of these iconic killers would remind players of the genuine terror lurking within the game’s narrative, moving beyond mere mechanics and tactics.
By tapping into the psychological horror and sinister history of the killers, these comic expansions can bring back the spine-tingling fear of being pursued by a relentless horror movie monster. As Titan Comics continues to explore Dead by Daylight’s lore, diving into the origins of the Dredge and other killers would undoubtedly captivate fans and offer a richer, more immersive experience within the Entity’s realm.