The Order of the Stick: Start of Darkness: is this $12 stack worth it for Comics & Graphic Novels?
If you’ve been waiting for a chance to dive into the backstories of the Order of the Stick’s most notorious villains—Xykon, Redcloak, and the Monster in the Darkness—this is the one. The Order of the Stick: Start of Darkness (Book -1) from Giant in the Playground is a $12 digital edition that finally brings this print-exclusive story to your screen. It’s not just a comic—it’s a deep dive into the tragic, yet hilarious, origins of some of the series’ most iconic antagonists. If you’re a fan of the webcomic or looking for a well-designed digital comic that’s easy on the eyes, this might be the one you’ve been waiting for.
Quick answer
| Best for | Fans of The Order of the Stick or anyone wanting a $12 digital comic with vector art and full-color inserts. |
| Skip if | You’re looking for a printed version or a fully customizable experience. |
| Price | $12 |
| Format | PDF (digital download), Black and white with full-color insert, 116 pages |
| One-line take | A well-designed, $12 digital edition of a print-exclusive comic that brings the backstory of the Order’s villains to life. |
What you’re actually buying
This isn’t just another issue of The Order of the Stick—it’s a standalone story that fills in the gaps of the series’ most infamous villains. You’re getting 116 pages of comic content in a PDF format, which is optimized for digital viewing with vector art that scales cleanly at any size. The comic is black and white, with a full-color insert that adds visual flair to key moments, and it’s the first time this material has been available digitally—previously, it was only released in print.
The version is labeled v1, and it includes the original lettering from the 2007 print run, making it a nostalgic pick for long-time fans. If you’re someone who prefers reading comics on a tablet or computer, this is a clean, no-frills digital edition that avoids the issues of low-resolution scans or watermarked pages. The only watermark is on the cover, which is a small price to pay for the quality of the interior art and layout.
One of the standout features is the vector art, which means you can zoom in without losing clarity—a big plus for readers who want to study the details of the comic’s panels. The format is straightforward, with no additional features beyond the core comic, but that’s not a downside if you’re looking for a pure, uncluttered reading experience.
This edition is specifically labeled as v1, which means it’s the original version from 2007, and it’s not a rework or updated edition—so long-time fans will appreciate the authenticity of the content. The PDF file is a single download, and it’s not bundled with any extra files or digital assets, which keeps the experience focused on the comic itself. The black-and-white format with a full-color insert is a cost-effective way to deliver high-quality visuals without sacrificing readability or accessibility.
Why it’s on our radar
This is a rare case where a print-exclusive comic has been reimagined for digital readers without sacrificing quality. The vector art and scalable PDF format are a big deal for fans who want to read the story without the limitations of low-res scans or paper wear. It’s also the first time this material has been available digitally, making it a must-have for long-time fans of The Order of the Stick who missed the print run. The full-color insert adds visual depth to a story that’s already known for its sharp writing and dark humor, and the nostalgic lettering from 2007 gives it a classic feel. If you’re looking for a clean, no-frills digital comic that doesn’t try to be everything to everyone, this is a solid pick.
A Gumroad review puts it in the reviewer’s own words: “An Evil Book about Evil People, it’s awesome.”
What actually matters
- Digital-first design with vector art that scales cleanly at any size — great for readers who want to zoom in on panels or read on a tablet.
- No watermarks on interior pages — just a cover watermark, which is a small concession for the clarity of the content.
- Black and white with a full-color insert — a nice balance between cost-effective design and visual impact.
- Nostalgic lettering from the original 2007 print run — a treat for long-time fans.
- No extra features beyond the core comic, but that’s not a downside if you’re looking for a pure, uncluttered reading experience.
Mid-check
FAQ
What’s included in The Order of the Stick: Start of Darkness (Book -1)? You get 116 pages of comic content in a PDF format, optimized for digital viewing with vector art and a full-color insert. The comic is the first time this material has been available digitally, and it includes the original lettering from the 2007 print run.
Is this a standalone story? Yes — it’s a standalone comic that fills in the backstory of The Order of the Stick’s most notorious villains, including Xykon, Redcloak, and the Monster in the Darkness.
Is there a printed version available? The digital edition is the first time this material has been available digitally, but if you’re looking for a printed copy, you can get one from Ookoodook or your local gaming store.
Bottom line
If you’re a fan of The Order of the Stick or looking for a $12 digital comic with vector art, scalable PDF format, and nostalgic lettering, this is a solid pick — especially if you missed the print run. It’s not a fully customizable experience, but it’s a clean, well-designed digital edition that delivers exactly what it promises.