Dungeon Crawler Carl Special Edition #0 — Nathan Gooden’s Homage Cover Hits the Shelf

The LitRPG smash hit arrives in single-issue format with a stunning Nathan Gooden cover. This special #0 collects the Webtoon series that captivated millions, introducing you to a game show gone horribly wrong.

Some stories are just too big to stay in a book. Dungeon Crawler Carl has been running that way for a while now, a self-published sensation that grew so loud it eventually found a home with Ace Books. But before the trade paperbacks piled up on shelves, there was the Webtoon. And now, Vault Comics is letting us experience that initial spark in its original single-issue form.

This Special Edition #0 is your gateway. It collects the first episode of the Webtoon run that racked up over five million reads and a quarter-million subscribers. You’re meeting Carl, a guy who thinks he’s getting a surprise birthday party, only to find himself trapped in a sadistic alien game show. To make matters worse, his ex-girlfriend is there, and so is her cat. It’s a setup that balances dark humor with genuine stakes, grounding a high-concept premise in relatable misery.

The art team of Laurel Pursuit Studio brings this chaotic world to life, handling the action and the awkward social dynamics with equal flair. But let’s talk about the package. This special edition features a second printing with a cover by Nathan Gooden, who reimagines the iconic scene through an Absolute Batman homage. It’s a striking visual hook that signals you’re getting something special, not just a reprint.

If you’ve been hearing about the craze but haven’t jumped in, this is the perfect, low-commitment way to test the waters. You get the setup, the tone, and the first major twist of the arc without buying a whole volume. It’s a curated entry point that lets you decide if you want to follow Carl through the levels.

Trust me on this one: these special editions with unique covers tend to move fast. The art community loves a good homage, and Gooden’s take is no exception. Grab this one early if you want the cover that’s likely to vanish quickly, and start the adventure on your own terms.