Monster Guild: The Dark Lord’s (No-Good) Comeback! Series

A VISIT TO THE PAST

When the escaping caravan of monsters led by the Dark Lord is attacked by the awakened Hero, the Dark Lord’s newly appointed status as leader calls on him to protect all those relying on him. Even though he is confronted with such a strong challenger, the Dark Lord once again solitarily faces off against the man who previously ruined him. Though he is sure of his defeat, his friends once again come to his aid. However, to fully regain his place, the Dark Lord must wade through past memories and confront the true reason for his existence.

THE DARK LORD RISES

As the Luminaries’ Hero struggles to grasp the world’s mysteries, he faces a confrontation with the original hero. He must come to terms with facts that challenge the way he has viewed the world. Elsewhere, the monsters’ fortress is assaulted by new warriors seeking out the “new” Dark Lord. Thanks to the Dark Lord’s protection, however, these new competitors become much needed allies. As his reputation continues to grow, the Dark Lord begins to realize that it is his bonds and relationships that empower him to rise again.

HIS ALTERED FORM REFLECTS THE CHANGES IN HIS HEART.

Sheltering at the abandoned castle housing monsters fleeing savage humans, the Dark Lord is concerned to see the condition of its stones. Its old walls and ruined defenses crumble before the force of the two Luminaries bearing down, intent on the slaughter of all the refugees protected within. The Dark Lord is once more called to defend those who need him and answer his own uncertainties regarding his purpose in this new life.

CURSED TO REMEMBER

After defeating the Luminary, Virgoski, in battle at the Fortress of Concealment, the Dark Lord also falls. Small and weakened once more, his body is retrieved by Hellfire and after a mysterious encounter, delivered to the ruins of an abandoned castle. There the Dark Lord is reunited with Slime and the Queen, but before they can celebrate their survival, humans once again descend upon the peaceful monster sanctuary. With two Luminaries among the crush of troops, the Dark Lord must once again prove himself true protector of his monster kin!

A KING’S WORTH

Faced with the horror of her sister’s mutilated corpse, Queen of Concealment’s sanity fractures and she loses control of her significant magical power. Her path of destruction reveals her and the Dark Lord to the humans, leaving them surrounded. When it’s clear their escape is not possible, the Dark Lord makes a drastic decision, staying behind to face the human army alone. But when Luminary Blazing Lion Virgoski arrives, a battle of exponential scale ensues. Despite the odds against him, the Dark Lord intends to put up a fight worthy of a king.

A SECOND CHANCE AT FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Searching for answers about his mysterious sealed staff, the Dark Lord continues his travels with his ever-expanding party of minions. They set their sights on the notorious Queen of Concealment, hoping her extensive skills will shed light on secrets even the Dark Lord himself is unaware of. Their inquiry must be put on hold, however, as the Queen’s fortress and all those she protects fall under a savage human attack. As the stronghold’s defenses fall and the battle’s tide turns, the Dark Lord must decide what his purpose as the “Dark Lord of Agniin” will be in this life…

A comedic and (anti)heroic fantasy manga in which a defeated villain builds a motley crew for his monstrous comeback!

It’s hard to defeat a mighty hero when he keeps coming back to life—in fact, it’s impossible. The Dark Lord, stuck in a loop of battling a good guy who won’t stay dead, finally loses the fight and meets his own end…or so it would seem. The Dark Lord saved himself by putting his soul into an empty vessel, and now he’s about to stage his own comeback. He may be weak now, but along with his newfound fellowship of misfits—a slime, an orc, an ifrit, and a dark elf—he’s convinced he can rebuild his evil empire, one bumbling step at a time.