Dead by Daylight: The Hillbilly #1 REVIEW
Horrifying Discovery by Rookie Cop
Inspired by the video game Dead by Daylight, Dead by Daylight: The Hillbilly #1 reintroduces an original character for comic and video game fans alike. What was supposed to be a little initiation game conducted by veteran cops on the force, Darnell gets roped into participating in a ridiculous attempt to impress them as the only rookie cop in their ranks. This kind of attention doesn’t happen often and only happens when the new kid on the block scores his first big bust. Ecstatic by Darnell’s efforts, he is subjected to leaving a kiss on a prize-winning hog at a farm. What he discovers in the barn is far from normal, but he makes too much noise and attracts a strange figure who chases him outside. Luckily, he’s smart enough to avoid him, but his ride home abandons him on the farm in the dead of night.
Written by Derek Fridolfs (Batman: Arkham Unhinged), Dead by Daylight: The Hillbilly #1 expounds on the origin story of one of the original antagonists of the video game. Giving more details about this character and his staple in the core of the video game adds an invaluable interest in knowing where this villain appeared. Adding a rookie cop makes the story even more engaging because of the unpredictability of the comic book’s direction. As it’s written to lay more foundations to that world, it’s equally entertaining to see someone who’s never seen or been through anything like this being incorporated. While Fridolfs incorporates some small lore of the game into the comic book, readers will come to realize the worst thing Darnell could have done was making all that noise. What he unknowingly may have unleashed is a great deal of storytelling snowball effect.
Illustrated by Dean Kotz (Conan the Barbarian), Dead by Daylight: The Hillbilly #1’s artwork feels eerie in a good way. Koz’s art makes a reader feel trapped inside 1970s horror comics in the best way possible. The linework spells impending doom with a little bit of grim added to it. It seems wrong, but it works perfectly to capture the essence of how the story is supposed to be. The panel-by-panel artwork pays homage to the gut-wrenching experience of the video game. If not enhancing the overall anticipation for something horrible to happen, Kotz emphasizes the suspense point of view that improves the quality of the comic book.
Simultaneously, Allison Hu’s (Grimm Tales from the Cave) coloring work enhances the experience of reading Dead by Daylight: The Hillbilly #1. Hu’s work contributes to the depth of storytelling through coloring by defining the chilling atmosphere the moment Darnell stumbles upon Hillbilly. This page alone highlights the ability of the coloring technique Hu can achieve.
Speaking of technique, Alex Horley (Doctor Strange, Conan the Barbarian), as the cover artist, brings home the ideal image for a title such as Dead by Daylight: The Hillbilly #1. His work perfectly displays the horrors that await once readers start reading.
The lettering work by AndWorld Design (Nectar, Spawn: The Dark Ages) is spot on. The usage of word placement and sound effects allows the comic book to flourish with suspense. Dead by Daylight: The Hillbilly #1 is kept at a smooth pace. Effectively, the comic book produces the same amount of anticipation, which resembles the video game.
Overall, Dead by Daylight: The Hillbilly #1 doesn’t fail to entertain, and readers will come to like this comic book. It was a little slow in the beginning, but it improved as more pages were turned. It even has an exclusive code that players can use to unlock some digital gifts in the game. Be sure to check out this comic book in comic book stores or online, where copies are sold. It even has an exclusive code that players can use to unlock some digital gifts in the game. Don’t want to be in the same boat as Darnell in this one.
Comic Details
Writer: Derek Fridolfs
Artist: Dean Kotz
Cover Artist: Alex Horley
Colorist: Allison Hu
Letterer: AndWorld Design
Editor: Phoebe Hedges
Publisher: Titan Comics
Release Date: April 8, 2026
Rating: 5/5
About the Author
Howard Smith Howard is a passionate collector and avid reader of comics & manga. His love for all things pop culture extends beyond the pages of comics, as he is a seasoned gamer with an appreciation of quality storytelling. As he is always on the hunt for rare collectibles, he manifests an opportunity to celebrate his fandoms. Follow along for new discoveries and changes in the world of entertainment.
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