During this period, he was a prominent example of creators distributing their black-and-white comics to the direct market.

In 1995, Hayes brought Poison Elves to Sirius Entertainment; and, in 2000, according to Sirius publisher Robb Horan, Hayes "signed a long-term agreement for the property that was specifically intended to allow for an expanding universe and an unhindered continuation of the relationship under any circumstances.

"[2] With Sirius, Hayes produced another 79 issues of Poison Elves and a color special, the last of which was published in September 2004.

[2] During this time, Hayes engaged in an ongoing mock "feud" with fellow comics creator Brian Bendis in the letters pages of their books.

After undergoing treatment in the hospital and losing weight, he planned to resume creating new issues of Poison Elves, but died at the age of 37, of a heart attack while suffering from pneumonia.