Published Mar 10, 2026, 1:33 PM EDT
TJ Mills is an editor on ScreenRant's Comic team, where she combines her lifelong passion for DC with her analytical background as a former Intelligence Analyst. Since joining ScreenRant in 2023, she has specialized in covering major DC storylines, character evolutions, and industry developments.
2026 is shaping up to be an epic year for Diablo fans. The dark fantasy ARPG is preparing to release its next major Diablo IV expansion, Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred, on April 28, 2026. But that’s not all. Blizzard's Diablo is also getting a new four-part series that will expand the lore of this dark universe.
While Diablo fans are understandably excited for Lord of Hatred and its new storyline involving Mephisto, the region of Skovos, and two new playable classes, there’s another 2026 addition to the franchise fans should know about.
On April 22, 2026, writer Cullen Bunn and artist Daniele Serra will release Diablo: Dawn of Hatred #1, kicking off a four-part limited series. Best of all, it fills a major lore gap in the games, making it essential reading for die-hard fans.
Diablo Gets Four-Part Series Following the Events of Vessel of Hatred
Main Cover by Adam Gorham for Diablo: Dawn of Hatred #1 (2026)
Diablo: Dawn of Hatred is set to explore the evils prowling Sanctuary, following the cataclysmic events of Diablo IV and its first expansion, Vessel of Hatred. This makes the comic series canon to the current Diablo timeline, rather than a prequel or alternate story. If you’re a fan of Diablo lore, this is a no-brainer. The series’ official synopsis can be found below:
“Akarat, the ancient legend whose teachings spawned the Zakarum faith, has risen from death. He claims he has returned to spread peace, love, and the Light. His powers healed the leader of the Fox Tribe, and now the barbarians are amongst his most loyal followers.
All but Derris. Though his people have sworn themselves to Akarat and the Light, Derris knows that the cycle of violence consumes Sanctuary sooner or later – an opinion shared by the mysterious Vrexia, another skeptic swept up in Akarat’s caravan. But when assassins some to slaughter Akarat, Derris must either save the holy man… or watch his tribe be cut down.”
Dawn of Hatred Fixes the Biggest Criticism of Vessel of Hatred
Everything You Need to Know About Diablo: Dawn of Hatred (2026)
This series comes to fans from Eisner-nominated author Cullen Bunn (Harrow County) with art by award-winning illustrator Daniele Serra. With these two at the helm, Diablo: Dawn of Hatred promises exceptional quality and a meaningful expansion of the Diablo universe lore.
Pre-orders for Diablo: Dawn of Hatred #1 are now open, with the 32-page issue priced at $4.99. Issue #2 is slated for release on May 20, 2026, with the final two issues expected in June and July. With the first issue arriving just days before Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred, the timing could not be more perfect.
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While many fans enjoyed Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred, one common critique was its abrupt ending, which felt like it was three acts short of a five-act story. Dawn of Hatred addresses this, bridging the gap between the conclusion of Vessel of Hatred and the events of Lord of Hatred. While some Diablo fans may have preferred a seasonal continuation, many will welcome this story being told in comic format.
Diablo: Dawn of Hatred #1 from Titan Comics is available April 22, 2026!
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