For Fans of Sin City, The Boys, and Chaos—RIOT Comics Awaits

This comic book series is full of raw, unfiltered storytelling and bold artwork, and is perfect for fans who love the chaos of The Boys, the noir grit of Sin City, adding in a hefty dose of indie rebellion.  The creator behind it all adds a unique touch with a vision as bold as the worlds he creates.

So, who is the visionary behind the panels and pages?  Our FantasyVerse team sat down this week with the writer to find out more about him and what has inspired him to push the boundaries of conventional comic storytelling

​The RIOT Comics Bundle spotlights the creative work of Daniel 'Deray' Clarke, a UK indie comic book creator renowned for his compelling storytelling and distinctive artistic style. Clarke's narratives often explore dystopian themes, exemplified by his notable work, RIOT #1, which follows Callum Clarke, a young adult in a dystopian London who gains the ability of premonition. Published by Dark Wave, this series showcases Clarke's talent for blending intricate plots with evocative visuals.

Clarke's contributions to the indie comics scene have garnered attention for their depth and originality. His work is characterised by rich character development and an immersive world.  

Take five, and see what Daniel had to say in this Q&A for the FantasyVerse blog. 

What inspired the creation of Darkwave Comics? What was the catalyst that created the RIOT comic series?

RIOT was started as my final course project during my time as a creative writing student and was inspired by everything that had influenced me up to that point. Although I was encouraged to develop it further, my early outlines were rejected by publishers, which I expected.   As a result, I decided to publish it myself. Despite the difficulties, running my own business allows me to publish what I want, when I want. 

RIOT is also deeply personal to me. In 2011, I was arrested during the London RIOTs and sentenced to a youth detention center. I almost died that night from a head injury. Since then, I've wanted to use my experiences to show that something positive can come out of even the darkest moments. Everyone has a story to tell; at Dark Wave Comics, we aim to bring those stories to life, starting with RIOT.

How do your comics stand out in the indie comics space, and what do you hope readers take away from them?

Raw and relatable are two words that we want to be synonymous with the RIOT series. RIOT is a unique blend of British urban storytelling with supernatural elements and social commentary, inspired by real events and exploring the light and dark sides of our reflections. We aim to create stories that feel raw and relatable, hoping readers will connect with Callum and see themselves in his journey.  The series has strong potential for an anime adaptation,  with a visual style reminiscent of a mix between That’s So Raven and Top Boy.

Indie comics is a competitive space for anyone looking to break into, what would be a key piece of advice for them?

Begin with a small, manageable project that you can finish. This will allow you to demonstrate your skills, establish a pattern of productivity, and show that you can follow through.

However, if you're the type of creator who doesn't know how many chapters your story will have but is determined to tell it anyway, be aware that it will be a long journey. Surround yourself with encouraging people who will motivate you. Having a support system is essential, unless you're working on something dark and disturbing—then maybe isolation is better.

What’s next for Darkwave Comics? Are there any exciting projects on the horizon?

Issue 8 will be released as soon as possible, depending on collaborator availability.  Beyond that, we'll be at MCM Comic Con in May and hopefully at other events later in 2025.  Beyond RIOT, I plan to publish more original stories, and Dark Wave Comics is open to new creators with epic visions.

The RIOT Comics Bundle, an intense and immersive experience, is available now.  This collection of comics, filled with dystopian grit, unpredictable twists, and raw storytelling, is perfect for fans of art, chaos, and rebellion.  Don't miss out on this opportunity to experience the FantasyVerse at an unbeatable price. Check out the bundle today, and let us know which issue hooked you first!