Image Comics struck gold when they started the incredible new series Lost Fantasy,  and as the first arc comes to a close, they aren’t simply resting on their laurels. Instead, they are charging ahead at full speed, and that includes the introduction of a spinoff series written by singer, songwriter, and former Disney Channel star Franklin Jonas. Jonas once was a recurring character on the Disney Channel show Jonas, but has also gone on to be an accomplished singer/songwriter, and is making his insane comic book debut as the writer for this absolutely massive project. It all starts in Lost Fantasy #5.

For those that aren’t aware, Lost Fantasy is an Image Comics original set in a world almost like our own, except for the fact that it’s connected to a second, magical world that’s always existed beneath our own. A century ago, the barrier between the two worlds was shattered, and now monsters can pass through into our world. Ever since, monster hunters known as Great Hunters have worked with global leaders to secretly keep the world safe. Unfortunately, something broke through the lines and massacred people in Montana, and now the uneasy safety of the whole world might rest on the shoulders of rookie hunter Henry Blackheart. Written by Curt Pires and drawn by Luca Casalanguida.

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Lost Fantasy Is Special and Growing

This as of yet unknown spinoff might be Jonas’s first foray into writing for a comic book, but it’s far from his first experience with the medium. Jonas said: “Comics have been my deepest passion since before I even discovered my voice in music. Writing a book was always a dream and having my name attached to such an incredible world as Lost Fantasy is an absolute honor. I’ve been preaching the gospel of Lost Fantasy since day one’s release. When Curt reached out to me about collaborating on this exciting new project, I jumped at the opportunity. Curt is such a massive talent and getting to nestle myself beneath his wing has already been the most inspiring experience. I can’t wait for people to experience what we’ve been cooking up.”

Jonas is obviously excited for what’s coming next, and I think we should be too. Not only is this comic building a massively interesting new universe that is at once original and a hallmark of its genre, but it’s bringing in brand new talent to bring it to fruition. It’s a comic book made for and by massive comic book fans. Lost Fantasy might still be in its infancy, but even now it’s clear that this comic is something special. If nothing else, no normal comic generates a spinoff before its first arc is even finished. The universe it is building is expanding fast, with issue #5 introducing a new character as Henry is forced into solving the murder of a loved one, as well as teasing the brand new series. 

Lost Fantasy #5 and Lost Fantasy, Volume 1 both go on sale Wednesday, November 19th!

The post Former Disney Channel Star Is Writing a New Comic Book Series at Image Comics appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Image Comics is a company that publishes many different genres of comics, including horror, comedy, fantasy, superhero, and science fiction. The company is well-known for the plethora of creator-owned universes that make up their publication line. Many of these universes focus on extraterrestrials. The physical characteristics of these aliens range from the winged to the finned. As is often the case in science fiction, these races have technology far more advanced than anything humanity has produced. They use this technology to craft starships to travel the cosmos as either explorers or colonists. Some of these civilizations have pacifistic lifestyles, while others seek dominion over the entire galaxy. 

With the many universes Image Comics has published over the years, dozens of unique and eye-catching alien races have been created. These are the extraterrestrial species with the most interesting cultures, abilities, and impact on their respective stories.

7) Catalysts

Radiant Black is the latest hit title of Image Comics and is part of the all-new Massive-Verse series. The story follows the exploits of Nathan Burnett, aka Radiant Black, and other individuals who are granted cosmic powers from extraterrestrial weapons called Radiants. Each Radiant gives its host a suit of armor and a unique power, such as gravity manipulation or teleportation. The Radiants were created by the Catalyst Empire, an alien race ruled by the tyrant known as “Premier.” The Catalysts send Radiants to planets to brainwash a select few members of a native species. As brainwashed puppets, these Radiant-powered individuals pave the way for the Catalyst Empire’s conquest. However, the Radiants sent to Earth were altered by an alien named <001> who wanted to give the people of Earth a fighting chance against the Catalysts. These altered Radiants gave Nathan and other humans powers but didn’t take away their free will. Now the race is on to prepare to defend Earth from the approaching Catalyst Empire, by using its own Radiant technology against it.

6) Geldarians

The Geldarians are some of the most outstanding scientists and engineers in the Invincible Universe. However, they are born frail. To overcome their weakness, the Geldarians invented the Tech Jacket, which is armor that drastically enhances the user’s strength and can turn parts of their body into all manner of weapons and tools. When a dying Geldarian named Kresh crash-landed on Earth, his Tech Jacket permanently latched onto high school student Zack Thompson. Other Geldarians arrived on Earth and trained Zack to use the Tech Jacket to its full potential. Now Zack is one of the strongest superheroes in the universe.

5) Thraxans

In the Invincible Universe, the Thraxans are a peaceful bug-like species from the planet Thraxa. They were introduced in the Invincible comic when Omni-Man fled Earth after having fought his son Mark Grayson, aka Invincible. Omni-Man had tried to conquer the Earth in the name of the Viltrumite Empire, but he couldn’t bring himself to kill his son. He then traveled to Thraxa. There, the bug aliens admired his power and made him their emperor. Omni-Man took a Thraxan wife named Andressa, and the two had a child together named Oliver. Omni-Man’s time on Thraxa helped him to gain respect and appreciation for non-Viltrumite races, which was instrumental in his redemption arc. One thing that makes the Thraxans interesting is their short lifespans of only nine months.  Oliver shared the Thraxan trait of hyper-aging and became a teenager in just a matter of months. However, because Oliver was also of Viltrumite origin, he did not have the Thraxian’s short lifespan. He ultimately travelled to Earth, where he became the superhero Kid Omni-Man and worked alongside his half-brother, Invincible.

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4) Krylans

When the amnesiac hero Savage Dragon first crash-landed in Chicago, no one knew who or what he was. Many people, Dragon included, assumed that he was a mutant like others who were rampant in the city. However, Dragon later discovered his true identity as Emperor Kurr, the former tyrannical ruler of the alien race known as the Krylans. These green-skinned, fin-headed aliens have no home world and instead are nomads who travel the stars in search of a new planet to settle on. The Krylans were a peaceful people, but Kurr wanted to turn them into conquering warlords. To prevent Kurr from exterminating humanity, two Krylan scientists wiped the emperor’s memory and dropped him off on Earth. With no memory of his violent past, Dragon surprisingly became a force for good. Krylans possess incredible super-strength and power to regenerate. These powers helped Dragon become the best cop in the Chicago Police Department.

3) Landfallians

One of Image Comics’ most popular titles, Saga is a space opera that follows the relationship between lovers on different sides of an interplanetary war between the Landfallians and the Wreathers. Landfallians have wings and can fly. They are ruled by the Landfall Coalition, a military government that uses advanced weaponry to combat the Wreathers. However, the Landfallians don’t fight directly, but instead use other alien races to fight their war in a military alliance called the Landfall Coalition. The Landfallian Alana was a guard who fell in love with a Wreather named Marko. They deserted and had a child together named Hazel. Because of the couple’s forbidden romance, the Landfall Coalition has put a great deal of effort into capturing and killing the interspecies family.

2) Wreathers

On the other side of the Landfall-Wreath war are the horned Wreathers. The Wreathers come from the moon Wreath, which orbits the planet of Landfall. The Wreath High Command rules Wreath, and their collective army is dubbed “The Narrative.” Like the Landfallians, the Wreathers outsourced their war to other alien armies. As a result, numerous other planets entered the war fighting on behalf of the Wreathers. One of the defining characteristics of the Wreathers is their ability to use magic. They can heal injuries, bind or incinerate opponents, generate force fields, and project powerful bolts of lightning. The distinct horns and the Wreathers’ amalgamation of science and magic have helped them become one of the most well-known alien races in Image Comics. The Wreath High Command wanted to capture Hazel and hide her existence from the rest of the galaxy so that no one can know that peace between the races is possible. But, the Wreather Marko and his wife Alana try to protect their daughter Hazel from both sides of the war. 

1) Viltrumites

Mark Grayson, aka Invincible, is a human/Viltrumite hybrid who was raised to believe that his alien father, the superhero Omni-Man, came to Earth to be its savior. However, the truth is that Omni-Man didn’t come to save humanity, but to conquer it in the name of the Viltrumite Empire. Hailing from the planet Viltrum, the Viltrumites are a savage and bloodthirsty species of conquerors that seek to spread their empire across the galaxy. To breed the ultimate warrior race, they slaughtered half of their own people in a planet-wide purge. Viltrumites are one of the strongest races in the galaxy and in their frenzy to conquer have murdered trillions of people. They can level cities with ease, travel faster than the speed of light, and live for thousands of years. However, the deadly Scourge Virus dwindled their population to no more than 50 individuals. Even with their small numbers, the Viltrumites rule countless worlds through fear and intimidation. Mark rebelled against the Viltrumites’ imperialistic ideology and is Earth’s primary defense against these galactic tyrants.

The post The 7 Most Iconic Alien Races in Image, Ranked appeared first on ComicBook.com.

A fan-favorite creator-owned comic book series is making its way back to comic book stores this fall. It’s a competitive market for new comics to try and break through all the noise. It helps to have a compelling hook for a story, plus recognizable creators with a huge following can drive sales. When it comes to the creator-owned space, the majority of successful independent comics are from Image Comics. Typically, creators will make a name for themselves at the Big 2 (Marvel, DC) and then leverage their following at Image to tell stories that they own the rights to. Two of the bigger-named creators are Kieron Gillen and Stephanie Hans, and they’re bringing their RPG-inspired comic back with a vengeance.

Image Comics announced the return of the British Fantasy Award-winning, three-time Hugo Award-nominated Die by writer Kieron Gillen and artist Stephanie Hans. A new story arc will begin in November’s Die: Loaded, which picks up with the Die cast as they try to reacclimate themselves to life back on Earth after the events of the original series.

Die Has Been Called a “Goth Jumanji”

“In the nineties, six teenagers disappeared into a fantasy role-playing game. Only five returned. Nearly thirty years later, these broken adults are dragged back to discover the game isn’t finished with them yet,” a description of Die reads. Debuting in 2019, Die is described as “goth Jumanji” and sparked a wave of RPG-inspired storytelling.

A launch for The Die RPG Quickstart Game Guide is also being planned to release simultaneously alongside Die: Loaded for fans interested in trying out the Origin Award-winning Die RPG in a standalone and inexpensive format. All you need to play are dice, friends, and a desire to get sucked into the game.

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“Die was created by us to talk about fantasy and reality, for as long as we have stories to tell. Suffice to say, we do, and Die: Loaded exactly how much else we have to share, to delight, move and horrify you,” said Gillen. “Plus it’s also important for Die that we give other people a chance to tell their stories. It’s why we wrote the RPG, and with the Quickstart, we want to let even more people in on the party.”

Hans added: “As an artist, it is such a unique to come back and expand a universe in which we poured so much love. Die is an ever-extending work of art and I have the privilege to shape it alongside Kieron.”

A year after the hellish game world events of Die #20, the players reunite in Die: Loaded to gather for Chuck’s wake. They’ve finished with the game. But the game isn’t finished with them. Get ready to roll initiative. Who’s going to DIE this time?

Die: Loaded #1 goes on sale Wednesday, November 12th.

The post One of the Most Inventive Creator-Owned Comics Announces Its Return appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Image Comics is the premier independent comic book company in the industry, with hundreds of creator-owned works. Unlike Marvel or DC, Image has no shared universe, and most of its titles exist within their own worlds with little to no overlap. Because of this creative freedom, many beloved superheroes have been published under the company’s banner. Furthermore, many of these heroes exist within their own universes with their own laws and histories. And is often the case within the superhero genre, many of these unique universes have their own superhero teams. These teams are assembled to defeat threats that no hero can defeat alone.

There have been dozens of superhero teams created over Image Comics’ 30+ years of publication history. However, whether because of its specific members or by having a roster with a well-rounded power set, these nine are the strongest teams that Image Comics has created.

9) Dynamo 5

The five members of the Dynamo 5 are illegitimate offspring of the deceased hero Captain Dynamo, who had many affairs with many different women. The team’s members each inherited one of their father’s powers: super-strength, flight, heat-vision, telepathy, and shapeshifting. Assembled by Captain Dynamo’s widow, Maddie Warner, the heroes fight the forces of evil to continue their father’s legacy, while striving to become a family. The members are Super-Vision, Menagerie, Ramjet, Smasher, and Wraith. Even when the half-siblings had their powers switched by an energy ray, they quickly adapted to their new abilities and still operate as a well-rounded group.

8) Cyberforce

The Cyberforce was the ultimate superhero team of Top Cow Productions, an imprint of Image Comics. The team members are mutants whose powers were enhanced by cybernetics. They were kidnapped and experimented on by the evil corporation Cyberdata to become brainwashed cyborg super soldiers. The cybernetic enhancements each member received were designed to drastically increase their pre-existing mutant abilities, including Heatwave’s energy blasts, Ripclaw’s talons, Velocity’s speed, and Cyblade’s energy blades. These mutants managed to escape Cyberdata and joined forces to become the superhero team Cyberforce. They used their combined powers and teamwork to go to war with Cyberdata. Together, this team of anti-heroes has battled numerous deadly cyborgs in their quest to destroy Cyberdata.

7) Freak Force

In the Savage Dragon Universe, all manner of mutants and monsters run rampant in Chicago. The Chicago PD put together a special team capable of fighting the increasing number of super-powered criminals: Freak Force. The team’s roster consists of heroes such as Savage Dragon, Dart, Barbaric, Mighty-Man, Super Patriot, Rapture, among others. These members are extremely powerful. For example, Mighty Man can easily break apart alien warships, and Rapture can fire powerful bolts of electricity. Freak Force has battled threats like the supervillain crime syndicate known as the Vicious Circle and armadas of alien invaders. Even when they were cut off from the Chicago PD as a result of government pressure, the Freak Force still worked together to defend Chicago from some of the planet’s greatest threats.  

6) Youngblood

Introduced in 1992, the team known as Youngblood were some of the very first characters of Image Comics. Youngblood is a team of government-sponsored anti-heroes/celebrities who protect the United States from both domestic and international threats. The team has had a wide variety of rotating roster members over the years, from cyborgs to alien warriors. Youngblood’s strongest members include the stone-skinned Badrock, the alien powerhouse Suprema, and the heavily armored cyborg Die-Hard. They have saved the United States and the world countless times from all manner of supervillains and alien invasions, including the mercenary Bloodhunt and the alien tyrant Darkthorn. Part of what makes Youngblood so effective on the battlefield is their efficient and brutal use of lethal force.

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5) Guardians of the Globe

The primary superhero team of the Invincible Universe, the Guardians of the Globe, is made up of some of the planet’s strongest heroes. However, the original team was destroyed by the powerful Viltrumite, Omni-Man, when he betrayed them shortly after their introduction. Several other incarnations of the team were formed afterwards, with members assembled from across the globe. Some of the team’s strongest members include Robot, who controls an army of androids; the unkillable hero Immortal; and the shapeshifting Monster Girl. However, even with their superpowers, the team can’t compete with truly powerful threats like the Viltrumite galactic empire. In such dire situations, they must rely on other heroes like Invincible and Atom Eve to be able to protect the planet.

4) The Noble Family

The Nobles are a wealthy and world-famous crime-fighting superhero family. When they’re not fighting crime, they’re engaged in super family drama. The family’s matriarch, Doc Noble, is a genius inventor who fights crime with an assortment of weapons. His first wife, Gaia Noble, is the strongest of the entire family, as she wields control over all elements. Their children, along with other members of the family, possess a wide array of superpowers, including super-strength, cryokinesis, super-speed, energy protection, size-alteration, magnetism, and wind manipulation. As of now, there are 12 members, and the Nobles only become stronger with each new addition to their super-powered family tree.   

3) The Ambassadors

The South Korean tech-genius billionaire Choon-He created the superhero team the Ambassadors. When she developed a technology to give anyone superpowers, she offered this gift to six individuals from around the world that she believed would be worthy. In the end, she assembled the Ambassadors, an international team with members from Pakistan, Australia, France, Brazil, India, and Scotland. What makes the team unique is that none of them are limited to just one superpower. Choon-He created a superpower database with 50 powers that members can download and access at any time through special wristbands. The only limits are that a person can only have three powers at a time, and each power can only be used by one member at a time. Aside from that, however, the vast array of powers and combinations available makes the Ambassadors a formidable multinational powerhouse.

2) The Union

Set in the Jupiter’s Legacy universe, the Union were the primary defenders of Earth for decades. God-like aliens gave the six members of the Union their powers after they passed various challenges on a remote island. The team’s leader, Utopian, had powers comparable to Superman. Utopian was strong enough to generate earthquakes with a single punch. The other members, Brain-Wave, Lady Liberty, Skyfox, Flare, and Blue-Bolt, all shared similar levels of power to the Utopian. Some can move faster than light, while others can throw entire buildings with their mind. However, the Union’s god-like powers were not enough to withstand one of its own members. The telepathic Brain-Wave wasn’t content with just saving the world, and instead, he wanted to rule it. By manipulating many of the Union’s offspring, Brain-Wave led a super-powered revolution that claimed the lives of most of his teammates. Chloe Sampson, the Utopian’s daughter, was one of the few superhero children who didn’t turn evil. She led an army of reformed villains against Brain-Wave and defeated the tyrant. Although the Union fell, they showed some of the most incredible feats of power amongst Image Comics’ superheroes while they were alive. 

1) The Scorched

The Scorched is a team of Hellspawn who assembled to protect humanity from the forces of Heaven and Hell. The Scorched is the most powerful superhero team, not just in the Spawn Universe, but in all of Image Comics. The strongest members of the Scorched include Spawn, She-Spawn, Gunslinger Spawn, Medieval Spawn, Haunt, and the third Redeemer. Many of these anti-heroes possess a vast array of mystical powers, including energy projection, matter manipulation, regeneration, telepathy, weapon generation, necromancy, and more. The original Spawn, Al Simmons, is especially notable because he has defeated God and Satan simultaneously while also rewriting all of reality. Although this team of anti-heroes doesn’t get along, they are humanity’s front line against the primordial forces that shaped the cosmos.

The post 9 Image Comics Superhero Teams, Ranked by Power appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Known as the Scourge of Twin Galaxies, the warrior Thokk, aka Battle Beast, certainly lives up to his name. Hailing from the planet Dornn, a world plagued by constant civil wars, Battle Beast was raised to revel in all things destructive and violent. He eventually discovered that his bloodlust made him far stronger and durable than the rest of his species. He also found that he couldn’t die of old age, starvation, or even exposure to the vacuum of space. Driven by his dream to die gloriously and honorably in battle, Battle Beast voyaged across the galaxy in search of worthy challenges. However, that proved to be easier said than done, because far from being able to achieve a glorious death, his savagery and strength often leave his opponents reduced to bits and pieces – so lots of guts, but no glory. Thus, even in a universe with the all-powerful Viltrumite empire, Battle Beast still manages to stand out as one of the greatest warriors in existence.

Battle Beast has been such a massive hit in the Invincible comic and Amazon series that he now has his own comic mini-series presenting more of his brutal exploits. These are the five most savage actions Battle Beast has ever committed for the sake of his endless bloodlust.

5) Nearly Killing Invincible, Bulletproof, and Black Samson

Battle Beast was given a shocking introduction when he first appeared in the comics in 2004. He was hired by the mob boss Machinehead, along with several other super-powered mercenaries, to kill Invincible and Titan because the pair were threatening to have Machinehead arrested. Battle Beast proceeded to easily beat Invincible to a bloody pulp with his mace and brute strength. When the Guardians of the Globe arrived to offer aid to Invincible and Titan, they fared even worse than Invincible. Battle Beast quickly bludgeoned the heroes, Black Samson and Bulletproof, half to death. Underwhelmed by the challenge these adversaries afforded him, Battle Beast expressed his disdain for these opponents and promptly left. In Battle Beast’s eyes, even three of the Earth’s strongest heroes failed to measure up to his skill and power.

4) Destroying an Entire Alien Fleet

When you go around space killing people for sport, you’re bound to make a few enemies seeking revenge. In Battle Beast #3, the Scourge of Twin Galaxies finds himself surrounded by an alien fleet in deep space who want to kill him because Battle Beast had eaten all their warrior fathers. Battle Beast exits his ship to confront the armada, but since he can’t fly, he ends up drifting through space aimlessly, surrounded by enemy ships. However, when one of the ships fires a laser at him, Battle Beast uses the force of the blast to push himself towards one of the nearby ships. Then, jumping from ship to ship, he effortlessly butchers the entire fleet. In a final burst of brutal fury, Battle Beast ends the slaughter by tearing the armada’s leader’s head clean off with his teeth.

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3) His First Viltrumite Kill

The Viltrumites rank among the most formidable warriors in the universe – so powerful that even one of them on their own can conquer an entire planet with ease. Not surprisingly, therefore, this legendary species became a prime target of Battle Beast’s bloodlust. Imprisoned on a Viltrumite ship, he gets freed when the hero Allen the Alien stages a prison break on the ship. Once free, he immediately started hunting down any Viltrumites who were on board the ship. Upon finding a Viltrumite soldier, Battle Beast demands that the soldier face him in battle. The Viltrumite obliged, and the two engage in a gruesome fight that took them into the vacuum of space. Ultimately, Battle Beast was victorious and tore the Viltrumite to shreds, but since he can’t fly, he was stuck frozen in space. When a friendly spaceship picked up the frozen warrior, only one word left his lips: More. Despite a blood-curdling battle to overcome even one Viltrumite, Battle Beast couldn’t wait for his next opportunity to combat other members of the species. 

2) Ending All War on His Planet

When people think of those who bring about world peace, a savage lion-man addicted to violence is probably the last person they would consider to be capable of such a feat. But Battle Beast ended up doing just that. As is often told, Battle Beast was raised on a planet in a constant state of war, where violence and bloodlust were the norm. With his enhanced strength and his unstoppable fury, he became embroiled in the battles and butchered entire armies with ease, and without remorse. Knowing no bounds, he laid waste to countless soldiers across the planet until it seemed there was no one left to challenge him. Ironically, though, the devastation Battle Beast left in his wake inspired the people of his home planet, Dornn, to give up their war-faring ways and build a peaceful utopia. Needless to say, not exactly what Battle Beast might have expected! What stands out from this episode in Battle Beast’s life is that, despite his savagery and endless need for conflict, he chose to leave the peaceful planet he had created rather than destroy it with his uncontrollable thirst for combat and violence.

1) His Final Battle With Thragg

In his last battle, Battle Beast finally got the glorious death he had always dreamed of. After the tyrannical ruler of the Viltrumite Empire, Grand Regent Thragg, is exiled by his people, Allen gives Battle Beast the task of tracking down and killing Thragg. The fight between Battle Beast and Thragg was one of the most gruesome and epic fights ever seen in the Invincible comics (and that’s saying a lot). When a pack of vicious predators called Rognarrs interrupted the vicious duel between Battle Beast and Thragg and slashed open Thragg’s stomach, Battle Beast was so enraged by the interference that he helped Thragg kill all of them. Once the Rognarrs were all killed, Battle Beast saw Thragg’s stomach injury and declared that he refused to have any advantage over his opponent. So, to maintain his honor, the alien warrior proceeded to disembowel himself to make things even! The two then continued to fight for days on end before Thragg finally managed to murder his opponent. Battle Beast may have lost, but he died the way he always wanted: in combat.

The post The 5 Most Savage Battle Beast Moments appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The Catalyst War has come to a close in Image Comics’ Radiant Black, but the heroes are still sorting out the aftermath. One of the biggest questions regarding that aftermath is what happened to the Yellow Radiant, as its previous wielder, Wendell, was separated from it as the timelines started to collapse on each other. In Radiant Black #36, fans not only find out what happened to the Yellow Radiant but also meet its new wielder in what is a truly outstanding issue front to back, but those who read to the end will discover a way that they can make a real-world impact as well (and it includes a video that no fan of the Massive-Verse will want to miss).

Time is not a straight line for the Yellow Radiant, and we learn that five months ago a woman named Nance ends up finding the Radiant and changing her life in the process. Nance absorbs the Yellow Radiant’s ability to experience and witness time in a very different way, though it’s really the impact this has on her present life and how it helps her come full circle in a way that really hits home.

Nance has struggled with drugs and addiction in the past, and these days she is just looking to make ends meet as best she can. The Yellow Radiant allows a unique way to do just that, as she uses her ability to help people find missing things and people, and in the process, she earns enough in rewards to help keep food on the table. A new layer to all this is introduced when we meet her sister, Franky, and the conversations between them reveal new aspects of their history, their family life, and the mistakes of their past.

Sadly, we have to say goodbye to Nance far too quickly, though in just one issue, the team delivers an issue that will stick with me for quite some time. The Yellow Radiant may not be with Nance any longer, but as we wait to find out where it ends up next, the series also revealed a way that you can help feed those in need in real life with a delightful video featuring Radiant Black himself, and you can check it out in the video above.

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Radiant Black says, “Remember back in the 80s when a show would have a very special episode about saying no to drugs, or when Alf told you that bullying was bogus. Well, the war on drugs ended in a pretty big victory for…drugs, and Alf probably died in government custody. That’s canon, look it up.”

Radiant Black continues, saying, “But there’s one fight that’s still as relevant as ever, hunger. Look, there are big social solutions that we could come to, but let’s get real. The best way to move the needle on this one is by helping each other, so here’s a link to the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Throw them a couple of bones and help your neighbors go to bed full tonight. Stay Radiant, and take a bite out of crime.”

Radiant Black #36 is written by Kyle Higgins and Joe Clark, and features artwork by Stefano Simeone and lettering by Becca Carey. Radiant Black #36 is available in comic stores and digital platforms now, and you can donate directly to the Greater Chicago Food Depository right here.

What did you think of the issue and the video? Let us know in the comments, and you can talk all things Radiant Black and the Massive-Verse with me on Bluesky @knightofoa!

The post Radiant Black Just Got a New Radiant (And Is Making Real-World Impact, Too) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Superpowers, almost by their very definition, are impossible. People can’t shoot lasers out of their eyes or grow to be the size of skyscrapers without breaking every rule in the science textbook. Whether they defy the laws of physics, biology, chemistry, or all three, superpowers are conceivable, but not realistic. However, there are some comic book characters with abilities that are at the very least inspired by real-world phenomena. In an industry where most writers don’t offer any logical explanations for their characters’ abilities, there are a handful of writers that attempt to apply (somewhat) logical explanations for characters’ superpowers. And sometimes, powers that were once thought to be impossible have been discovered and/or replicated in real life. Of course, given that these are comic books, even the most scientifically coherent superpowers are pushed past the natural into the supernatural. Still, these are the characters with superpowers with some grounded explanations.

The world of comic books is meant to be a place of fantasy and science fiction. Occasionally though, a character will possess abilities that mirror the natural world (even if they ultimately exaggerate it).

7) Swamp Thing’s Connection to Plant Life

Of course, the idea of a mass of plants that transforms into a humanoid creature with the memories of a dead scientist is far-fetched. But the connection that DC’s Swamp Thing, who is such a creature, has to the Green has some basis on real-world plant behavior. The Green is an elemental and sentient hive mind that connects all plant life on the planet. Plants aren’t sentient – in the sense that a human is sentient – but they display a kind of sentience in their behavior. They can communicate over vast distances through intricate underground systems of roots and fungi. For example, suppose a tree is attacked by caterpillars. In that case, the tree will send messages through pheromones and electrical signals to its neighbors to alert them of the danger of infestation so that they may increase their defenses. Trees also use this system to share resources with others who are malnourished or sick. These systems can stretch for miles and connect numerous plants. In the comics, Swamp Thing’s connection to the Green is treated as magical, but it actually can reflect the kind of connection that plants have with one another.

6) Velocity’s Super Speed

Carin Taylor, aka Velocity, has the power of superspeed and is a member of the Image Comics superhero team CyberForce. While there are plenty of speedsters in comics like Flash and Quicksilver, Velocity is one of the few that directly addresses the complications such a power would bring and doesn’t brush it off with something like DC’s Speed Force. Carin was given cybernetic enhancements by the evil corporation Cyberdata. With these enhancements, she can run at speeds up to 3300 mph. To prevent friction burns from rapid movement, Cyberdata implanted layers of Kevlar on Carin’s skin for protection. Computer chips were also injected into her brain, enabling her to process information faster and to react more quickly, which is crucial for her rapid movements. Although not all the kinds of impediments of achieving such impossibly swift speeds are explained, Velocity’s origin, at least, tries to address many of the issues real-life speedsters would face.

5) Invisible Woman’s Invisibility

While there was a time Sue Storm’s power of invisibility seemed like something only possible in comic books, science has shown that an invisibility power is possible. This may be achieved by using materials that bend light waves around an object so that a viewer will see what is behind the object instead of the object itself. Total invisibility hasn’t yet been achieved, but partial transparency has been made possible and with some special cloaks. Sue’s power works just like these real-life invisibility cloaks, as she can bend light around herself or objects by manipulating photons. This illusion makes them imperceptible to the naked eye. 

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4) Daredevil’s Super-Senses

After being exposed to toxic chemicals, Matt Murdock, aka Daredevil, lost his sight but his other senses were enhanced to a superhuman level. While many blind people learn to enhance their other four senses to make up for their lack of sight, Matt’s abilities are beyond anything a normal human can do. The closest real-life comparisons to his abilities are echolocation and blindsight. Echolocation involves making sounds and listening to the echoes produced when the sound bounces off nearby objects. Blindsight, on the other hand, is a neuropsychological phenomenon where a blind person still can react to visual stimuli, even though they can’t consciously see them. Matt’s abilities are an exaggerated version of these two phenomena. Still, they do show that there is some penumbra of truth in Daredevil’s super-senses.

3) Zeitgeist’s Acidic Vomit

One of the grossest mutants in Marvel also has one of the most realistic superpowers. Alex Cluney, aka Zeitgeist, has the power to vomit an incredibly corrosive and deadly acid. However, this corrosive effect isn’t that far off from the capabilities of actual human stomach acid. To digest your food, the acid in your stomach is so strong that it can break down skin, bones, and even iron. The inner lining of your digestive track protects you from this acid. In real life, the little acid you do vomit up isn’t as dangerous because it’s not concentrated. Also, of course, stomach acid doesn’t work nearly as fast as what is depicted in the comics, which dissolves objects in seconds. Even so, Zeitgeist’s power is just an enhanced version of a very real part of the human body.

2) Forge’s Technological Know-How

The X-Men are mutants born with superpowers ranging from teleportation to rewriting reality itself. However, Forge’s mutant power is just being an “intuitive genius.” Forge is very smart and instinctively knows everything about technology. In a world with people like Iron Man and Hank Pym, can that even be called a superpower? Many people in the real world have demonstrated similar unconscious skills across various fields, from art to mathematics. Through years of training and studying, people can develop the ability to intuitively and instinctively complete complex tasks. Many of history’s most significant figures, like Mozart and Albert Einstein, showed similar expertise and skill in their fields, and they didn’t need an X-gene to do it.

1) Kick-Ass’s Pain Insensitivity

Kick-Ass is an Image Comics series about portraying “realistic” superheroes. The inability to feel pain, the superpower of the titular protagonist, Dave Lizewski, reflects an actual rare medical condition. Kick Ass is a nerd who dreamed of becoming a superhero. He donned a green costume to fight crime and was immediately stabbed and hit by a car. After that disastrous first outing, the doctors had to put metal braces and plates inside his body. This had the side effect of making Dave lose 85% of his body’s pain receptors. With this ability, he can fight harder and stronger without being held back by pain. The inability to feel pain is an actual rare genetic condition known as Congenital Insensitivity to Pain (CIP) or Congenital Analgesia. Thus, Kick Ass’s power represents a very real condition. However, it’s far from a beneficial superpower because it means that any external or internal damage they receive is masked and can go unnoticed and untreated, leading to debilitating injuries.

The post The 7 Most Scientifically Accurate Superpowers in Comics appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The announcement of a new comic book written by Si Spurrier is always cause for attention. A prolific writer who has proven his talent for blending high-concept genre fiction with complex character work in titles like BOOM! Studios’ Coda and his celebrated runs on DC’s John Constantine: Hellblazer and The Dreaming, Spurrier consistently delivers stories that are both intelligent and emotionally resonant. Pairing him with artist Vanesa R. Del Rey, whose expressive work on books like Image’s Redlands and BOOM!’s Hit has made her a sought-after talent known for her command of mood and shadow, creates a high level of expectation. Their new Image Comics miniseries, The Voice Said Kill, not only meets those expectations but harnesses their combined strengths, producing a debut that is both visually stunning and narratively visceral, all delivered with an expert sense of pacing.

The Voice Said Kill #1 introduces us to Sergeant Burgau of the Corbeaumort Wildlife Refuge. Pregnant and just a month from her due date, Burgau is holding down the fort alone after severe food poisoning takes out her entire team. Her solitude is anything but peaceful, as she must contend with alligator poachers, the local moonshine matriarch, Mrs. Watters, and the news that Watters’ dangerously unstable son, Buck, is missing in the swamps after being released from prison.

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Spurrier’s script is phenomenal, immediately immersing the reader in the unique culture of the bayou. For instance, the dialogue is imprinted with the specific tones, accents, and mannerisms of the community. This authenticity makes the world of The Voice Said Kill feel lived-in and real, which in turn makes the encroaching danger feel all the more palpable. Plus, through the subtle interactions between characters, the narrative expertly weaves Burgau’s impending motherhood into the plot, creating a powerful tension between her vulnerability and her duty in a world that is hostile to both. Every decision she makes, every physical exertion, and every risk taken is amplified by the awareness of her pregnancy, painting her in an impossible situation where personal safety and professional obligation are constantly at odds.

The Voice Said Kill‘s script is elevated by Vanesa R. Del Rey’s breathtaking art. Working with an expanded 32-page count for the story alone, Del Rey uses the extra space to draw large environmental panels that help underline the geographical specificity of the Corbeaumort Wildlife Refuge. Her impressionistic style renders the Louisiana swamp as a living entity, an oppressive mass of tangled roots and murky water that envelops the characters with its undeniable presence. As such, wide landscape panels establish the swamp not just as a setting, but as an ever-present antagonist. 

Del Rey’s innovative approach to paneling in The Voice Said Kill is also a standout feature. She often uses elements from within the scene to break up the action, allowing the dark corners of the Louisiana swamps to break up the scenes.  In one specific sequence, the panels are entirely separated by the whit trails of cigarette smoke to deliver something unique. It is a dynamic and sophisticated use of the comic book language that keeps the reader engaged and slightly off-balance, mirroring the story’s tone.

John Starr’s colors largely succeed in complementing this distinct artistic vision of Del Rey, doubling down on the Impressionist ethos of The Voice Said Kill. However, the commitment to a muddy palette does occasionally work against the clarity of the storytelling. In a few panels, the combination of Del Rey’s heavy shading and a low-contrast blend of greens and browns makes some images difficult to parse. It’s a punctual flaw and arguably an intentional byproduct of the art goals, but it does lead to moments of visual confusion. Even so, this is a minor critique in what is an otherwise flawless presentation. In the end, The Voice Said Kill #1 is a superb first issue, a perfect fusion of a character-driven, literary crime script and transcendent artwork. It’s a brutal, sweaty, and unforgettable start to a series that fans of sophisticated thrillers should not miss.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 

What did you think of The Voice Said Kill #1? Are you excited about the ongoing series? Join the discussion in the comments!

The post The Voice Said Kill #1 Delivers a Gritty Bayou Thriller with Haunting Art appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Spawn has always been Image Comics’ most iconic and popular character, and now he’s crossing over with one of their newest and brightest hits, Rogue Sun. Two of the Massive-Verse’s titans are clashing this October, in Rogue Sun #30, which reveals that not only will these two awesome comic book titles be joining together for this single issue, but that the entire adventure will revolve around Spawn. Not only that, but instead of being set in the present day and all of the glorious family drama that the main characters of Rogue Sun are constantly working through, we will look into the far past, where Sir John of York, the Medieval Spawn, will come into conflict with Caleb Hawthorne, the Knight Sun.

For those unaware, Rogue Sun follows the emotionally unstable teenager Dylan Siegel taking up the mantle of Rogue Sun, New Orleans’s premier superhero, after inheriting the title from his dad’s death. Dylan has very, very complicated feelings about his dad, most of them negative, but has to come to terms with all of them and solve his murder if he wants to protect both his home and the world from supernatural threats that only the Rogue Sun can. This story is just as much a family drama as it is a superhero comic, showing us the struggles of complicated familial relationships and classic Massive-Verse monsters in the same issue, and is definitely worth a read if you haven’t already started it.

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Medieval Spawn Vs Rogue Sun Will Be a Fight For the Ages

The creative minds behind Rogue Sun, Ryan Parrott, Nick Cotton, and Abel, aren’t just an incredible team that brings this comic book to life, but also massive fans of Todd McFarlane’s Spawn, so fans of Medieval Spawn can rest assured that the character is in good hands. Parrot said; “There are certain moments in life that simply don’t feel real. I was a teenager when Image Comics was launched and I bought every single issue of every single book, but… Spawn was my favorite. The cape. The chains. The spikes. I even made my mom read it. So the fact that Todd MacFarlane is being so insanely generous and letting Medieval Spawn come play in the world of Rogue Sun for an issue… it’s absolutely surreal. I’d say it’s a dream come true but that would suggest I was arrogant enough to think this could ever happen.”

Fans of the Massive-Verse Fighting Card Game also have plenty to look forward to, with a brand new starter deck hitting comic book store shelves this October just a few weeks after the crossover. This set focuses on Radiant Black’s “Catalyst War” event, with Radiant Black and Premier as the star characters. Anyone who is a fan of these characters or fast-paced card games with simultaneous turns should definitely check it out!

Rogue Sun #30 goes on sale October 8!, and don’t miss the chance to pick up the variant covers by Abel and Stefano Simeone!

Cover A by Stefano Simeone 

Cover B by Abel

Cover C  by Stefano Simeone

The post Medieval Spawn Invading Rogue Sun Wild New Massive-Verse Crossover This Fall appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The comic industry has been through a lot of ups and downs over the decades, but only one decade truly captured the dizzying highs and the cavernous lows like the ’90s. The ’90s are one of the most interesting decades in the history of the comic industry for a variety of reasons. Marvel and DC Comics put out massive selling comic events, Image Comics was formed by the most beloved artists of their generation, and Dark Horse Comics was the home of quality indies from legends like Frank Miller, John Byrne, Mike Mignola, Paul Chadwick, and many more. DC’s Vertigo line was creating comics that would go down as some of the best of all time, and Alan Moore was working everywhere but the Big Two, including bringing some much needed great writing to the artists of Image. The ’90s are a decade of great extremes (which is perfect for the decade that is often called “the decade of extreme”), and nowhere is that more evident than comics.

However, for fans who weren’t there, the ’90s have a reputation as one of the worst decades in the history of modern comics. This is a patently false idea. There are some brilliant ’90s comics. There are also some abysmal ones. Looking back, there were two warring approaches in the ’90s comic industry — style and substance. Honestly, the history of ’90s comics is almost about two different industries and it was one of the most complicated decades in comics.

The ’90s Changed Comics Forever

The ’80s are, in my opinion, the best decade of comics. While the ’60s were the most creative decade, the ’80s were when comics finally started to grow up, thanks to the work of creators like Alan Moore, Frank Miller, Chris Claremont, and many more. Comics became literature in the ’80s and we got some of the best comics of all time. Towards the end of the decade, readers were treated to the rise of the superstar artist, as pencilers like Marc Silvestri, Todd McFarlane, Rob Liefeld, Erik Larsen, and Jim Lee became legitimate forces in the industry. When the ’90s dawned, the industry was changing and that change led to the defining story of ’90s comics, one that would change everything — the rise of Image Comics. McFarlane, Liefeld, Lee, Silvestri, Larsen, Whilce Potracio, and Jim Valentino left Marvel over money and formed their own company. This defection would change the industry in two ways. The first was it would make the indie market hotter than ever. Comics were big business in the ’90s, and Image helped make the independent side of the comic industry flourish. Image was all about style, and this approach would become prevalent in the “Bad Girls” comics of the day — comics starring scantily clad women. Image sold on the back of its artwork, and Marvel decided to chase them in this regard, which is the second major change. The ’80s had some of the best written Marvel comics ever. The ’90s had Force Works, Fantastic Force, and Nomad. Even after the Image founders left the publisher, Marvel concentrated on creating all new superstars artists to replace them, while depending on the same creators writers who had been around since the ’80s. Marvel put out some great looking comics, but for the most part, the writing just wasn’t up to snuff. There were still some great ’90s Marvel comics, but the lack of good writing almost doomed the company.

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The rise of artists in comics led to the collector bubble. When the first issues of the ’60s started to sell for large amounts, collectors started buying multiple number ones and event comics, in the hopes that they would be worth millions one day. However, the collector’s market didn’t want to wait and when X-Men (Vol. 2) #1 or Spawn #1 didn’t sell for a million a year later, the collectors abandoned comics. However, Marvel, and to a lesser extent DC, had grown fat and happy on the collector’s market money, and when the collectors left, the company almost folded. Multiple indie powerhouses, like Valiant, also suffered during this time.

However, DC and Dark Horse were able to survive relatively fine for one reason — they embraced substance over style. DC and Dark Horse had all of the great writers of the ’90s, and were putting brilliant comics. Sin City, Hellboy, Martha Washington, Concrete, Dark Horse Presents, The Sandman, Sandman Mystery Theatre, Animal Man, Swamp Thing, JLA, The Flash, Doom Patrol, The Invisibles, Preacher, Hellblazer, Shade the Changing Man, and many more were put out by creators that were able to tell amazing stories. They might not have been selling as well as Marvel, but they were competitive, with big sellers like the Superman and Batman books (which each had four ongoings) buoying DC. DC had some amazing comics in the ’90s, and while most people think Vertigo was the only place making good DC comics, the company’s entire line was full of great comics — Legion of Superheroes, Legionnaires, JLA, The Flash, Chase, Hourman, JSA, Green Lantern (and more I’m forgetting) — giving readers amazing superhero stories. Alan Moore was out and about in the ’90s as well, mostly working for Image Comics, as well as writing the masterpiece known as From Hell. Moore’s work on books like WildC.A.T.s (Moore’s run on WildC.A.T.s is way better than it had any right to be and he wrote a Mister Majestic one-shot that is amazing) and Supreme (as well as other Rob Liefeld owned characters) showed that there were no bad characters, only bad writers. It’s easy to find a lot of terrible ’90s comics but there are way more amazing comics than anyone could imagine from the ’90s.

A Tale of Two Comic Industries

The ’90s took the war between style and substance to the next level. While there was a good balance of style and substance in the previous decades, with the ’80s being an exemplary mixture of both, the ’90s set these two different ideas against each other, and the comic industry almost imploded. When most people think of the excesses of the ’90s, they think of Marvel and Image books, the gimmick covers, and over ordered first issues. What they don’t think about is how good that the comics of the decade be. Every trip to the comic store in the ’90s (and the sainted spinner racks of yore) was exciting. You could pick up an issue of Youngblood and not see a single foot or background and then pick up an issue of From Hell. You could get Uncanny X-Men, the poster child for ’90s Marvel, and an issue of Preacher. It was a wild dichotomy.

Really, there were two different comic industries in the ’90s — Marvel and Image and the rest of the industry. Marvel and Image were all about style for the vast majority of the decade, with the late ’90s seeing the publisher try to push good writing at a time when it was too little, too late. DC, Dark Horse, and the various smaller indies were the other industry, giving readers some of the best stories imaginable. The ’90s were more than just holographic covers and pretty pictures and the sooner people understand that, the sooner we can learn from its mistakes and move forward.

What do you think about comics in the ’90s? Sound off in the comments below.

The post The ‘90s Were the Most Complicated Decade of Comics appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Comic book adaptations are becoming increasingly common, thanks largely to the success of Marvel and DC Comics adventures. While they may have been the start to something big, they’re far from the only noteworthy inclusions, as Image Comics has created some heavy-hitting shows that fans will never forget about. Two of which are probably already on your mind while reading this introduction. Image Comics is one of the larger comic book publishers out there, but they do things a bit differently than the others, and that has opened the door to some amazing tales, not to mention some memorable shows for fans to dive into.

No matter how we look at it, Image Comics stands out among the rest. They produce creator-owned content, take risks, and have hundreds of series covering a vast array of subjects and genres. It’s no wonder they have such a loyal fan base. Their comics include hits like Saga (which fans are still begging for an adaptation of), Monstress, Radiant Black, and Stray Dogs. As for the content that has already been adapted? Fans love them all, but there are a few clear winners.

10) Jupiter’s Legacy

First on the list is Jupiter’s Legacy, a comic book adaptation about the life of superheroes. Created for Netflix, the story follows Sheldon Sampson, a businessman-turned-superhero. His story has some classic earmarks that fans will recognize, including a tragic backstory and a mysterious transformation, but that’s all part of the fun of good storytelling. After gaining powers, Sheldon and four others create the Union of Justice. Interestingly, this is where the story begins, as the next generation of heroes is rising up and has to carry on the expectations and weight of those who came before. A feat easier said than done.

Jupiter’s Legacy was created by Mark Millar, Frank Quitely, and Peter Doherty and is part of the Millarworld line. The live-action adaptation stars Josh Duhamel, Ben Daniels, Leslie Bibb, Andrew Horton, Elena Kampouris, Mike Wade, and Matt Lanter. It only got one season before being cancelled by Netflix, though an animated series, Supercrooks, is set in the same world.

Jupiter’s Legacy is available to stream on Netflix.

9) The Savage Dragon

Ready for a throwback? The Savage Dragon is an animated series that ran from 1995 to 1996, and it’s based on a comic series of the same name. The story is all about superheroes, especially the titular character, The Savage Dragon. He’s a police officer with green skin and scales, giving him that iconic dragon appearance. The show also brought in a ton of other familiar faces, including She-Dragon, Barbaric, Mako, Overlord, and Horde.

The Savage Dragon is a comic series created by Erik Larsen. In the comics, the legacy of The Savage Dragon is later handed off to his son, allowing the story to carry on. The animated show got two seasons before concluding, and starred Jim Cummings, Danny Mann, Jennifer Hale, Dorian Harewood, and many other voices.

The Savage Dragon is available to stream on Plex, and some episodes are on YouTube.

8) Deadly Class

Those looking for a slightly different take on comic book adventures should make note of Deadly Class. The series blended action and thriller to create something new. Set in the 1980s, the story follows a group of private academy students in the process of becoming elite assassins. Yeah, it’s a lot, and plenty of drama comes along for the ride. The primary protagonist is Marcus Lopez Arguello, who gets recruited into the school to compete against more prestigious students, causing conflict and forcing him to find a balance between ethics and survival.

Deadly Class was created by Rick Remender, Wes Craig, Jason Wordie, and Rus Wooton. While the comics have 56 issues to work with, there are only 10 episodes of the show available to fans. The mixed reception kept the show from continuing, for better or for worse. Deadly Class stars Benedict Wong, Benjamin Wadsworth, Lana Condor, María Gabriela de Faría, Luke Tennie, Liam James, and Michel Duval.

Deadly Class is available to stream on The Roku Channel.

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7) Paper Girls

Most fans are pretty aware of how Amazon Prime Video is trying to compete in the adaptation game, with one of its latest attempts being Paper Girls. Paper Girls was released in 2022 to mixed reviews. The show (and comic) is a sci-fi mindbending adventure, complete with time travel and a bit of horror. It follows four girls, the titular Paper Girls, as they get pulled into a war far beyond their ken, and it all starts in the year 1988.

Paper Girls was created by Brian K. Vaughan and Cliff Chiang. The comic series is now complete, totaling 30 issues. It was an award-winning series that fans couldn’t get enough of, so the lackluster response to the live-action adaptation was a bit of a surprise. The show was canceled by Amazon Prime Video after only one season. It starred Camryn Jones, Riley Lai Nelet, Sofia Rosinsky, Fina Strazza, and Adina Porter.

Paper Girls is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.

6) The Maxx

The Maxx is another throwback, as the TV series aired in 1995. The animated series followed the titular character, The Maxx, as he tried to navigate life and superheroism, with a few extra complications along the way. While The Maxx may be focused on handling serial killers like the infamous Mr. Gone, he also strives to keep civilians alive, especially his social worker and friend. The stakes are real and human, and that’s arguably what made the show (and comic) so compelling.

The Maxx was created by Sam Keith and ran for 35 issues under Image Comics’ flag, before moving to other publishing houses. The show ran for a full season, totaling 13 episodes and starring Michael Haley, Amy Danles, and Glynnis Talken.

The Maxx is available to stream on Apple TV+.

5) Witchblade

There have been a few attempts to bring the story of Witchblade to life, including an animated series, a film, and a live-action show. Today, we’re here to talk about the latter. The show is actually a continuation of the pilot film, so that’s a nice touch. It follows Sara Pezzini, a NYPD homicide detective who finds herself in a bit over her head when she comes into possession of the infamous Witchblade. It comes with a classic gift of powers, not to mention unlocking the door to more supernatural problems. Naturally, this sets Sara on the path to fight supernatural beings.

Witchblade ran for a total of two seasons (24 episodes, including the pilot) before ending. There have been several attempts to bring the story to life since then, including an anime, manga, and even a novel. The television series starred Yancy Butler, David Chokachi, Anthony Cistaro, and several others.

Witchblade is available to stream on The Roku Channel.

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4) Wild C.A.T.S.: Covert Action Teams

Wild C.A.T.S.: Covert Action Teams is another animated series following a superhero team. It ran from 1994 to 1995 and followed the titular Wild C.A.T.S. as they battled the Daemonites. They’re funded by the famous billionaire Jacob Marlowe, which is probably a theme that feels familiar from this era of action shows. Speaking of, Wild C.A.T.S.: Covert Action Teams aired alongside the likes of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Wild C.A.T.S. was created by Jim Lee and Brandon Choi, with their first run (Wild C.A.T.S.: Covert Action Teams) publishing under Image Comics. It would later switch publishers, which wasn’t uncommon at the time. The show starred Rod Wilson, Roscoe Handford, Colin O’Meara, Ruth Marshall, Dean McDermott, and other voices.

Wild C.A.T.S.: Covert Action Teams is available to stream on Tubi and Amazon Prime Video.

3) Spawn

Spawn, also known as Todd McFarlane’s Spawn and Spawn: The Animated Series, is an animated superhero show made for HBO. It ran from 1997 to 1999 and follows Lieutenant Colonel Al Simmons, who was betrayed and killed early in the series. That’s not a spoiler; it’s the foundation of his story, as his soul is sent to Hell and then unleashed, allowing him to complete his vow and get revenge, though maybe not in that order.

Spawn was created by Todd McFarlane for Image Comics, and the character has since gained quite a reputation as an anti-hero. The animated series ran for three seasons and starred Keith David, Richard Dysart, Dominique Jennings, and many other voices.

Spawn is available to stream on HBO Max.

2) The Walking Dead

The Walking Dead is arguably one of the most famous Image Comics adaptations, and with good reason. People love a good zombie adventure, which explains why this live-action show gained a few spin-offs, including Fear the Walking Dead, The Walking Dead: World Beyond, and The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon. The show (and comic) is a post-apocalyptic horror in which zombies (the walking dead) have effectively taken over the world. Those who remain are struggling not just against these walkers, but their fellow humans.

The Walking Dead was created by Robert Kirkman and Tony Moore, and the comic series was a smash hit. There are over 190 total issues in the series. Meanwhile, the show ran for 11 seasons, not counting the spin-off series. The show had countless stars, including Andrew Lincoln, Jon Bernthal, Sarah Wayne Callies, Norman Reedus, and dozens of other talented actors.

The Walking Dead is available to stream on Pluto TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Netflix.

1) Invincible

Invincible is another animated superhero series, but this one has been another smash hit. The story follows Mark Grayson, a young man who always believed he’d be destined to follow in his father’s superhero footsteps. Little did he know what would happen when his powers manifested, as his world was flipped upside down. It’s a heavy-hitting show that isn’t afraid to show the more brutal side of living as a superhero.

Invincible was created by Robert Kirkman, Cory Walker, and Ryan Ottley. The series is complete, with 25 volumes (144 issues) total. The show is currently ongoing, with fans eagerly awaiting the fifth season. It stars Steven Yeun, Sandra Oh, J.K. Simmons, and other voices.

Invincible is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.

The post 10 Best TV Shows Based on Image Comics, Ranked appeared first on ComicBook.com.

With the end of Season 3 of Invincible, an all-new Guardians of the Globe roster has been teased, with the super-soldier hero Brit as its leader. For fans of the comic, we already have a pretty good idea of who will join this new team. The new roster will include characters who had just quit in Season 3, such as Monster Girl and Bulletproof. It will also have all-new heroes join. This new team will put the “Globe” in Guardians of the Globe, as superheroes from various countries, from Mexico to Japan, will become official members. We already got a sneak peek of some of the new members in Season 3, including Best Tiger, Kid Thor, Knockout, Cast Iron, and El Chupacabra. However, some fantastic and unusual international heroes are yet to make an appearance. Hopefully, they will get their chances to shine in Season 4 of the acclaimed show.

From a super-dog to an android, these are the new Guardians of the Globe members that will hopefully be introduced in the upcoming season of Prime Video’s Invincible series. Depending on how Season 4 unfolds, a spoiler warning is necessary, as this list will delve into possible future storylines that occurred in the comics.

1) Yeti

The largest member of the Guardians of the Globe, Yeti is the team’s muscle. Hailing from the mountains of Nepal, Yeti is a strong yet childlike hero who is always ecstatic to meet fellow superheroes. He’s not actually a Yeti, but instead a giant who is only twelve years old. Because he’s just a kid, Yeti was temporarily kicked off the team by Brit. However, he was soon allowed to rejoin (with his parents’ permission) after it became apparent that his strength made him an indispensable asset to the Guardians. While he may not be the smartest superhero, Yeti is still a happy and go-lucky guy who is always ready to pulverize bad guys with a smile on his face.

2) Japandroid

As her name implies, Japandroid is a state-of-the-art android from Japan. With her computer brain, she is one of the smartest members of the new Guardians. While she is petite, parts of her body can transform into guns and armor. She can also repurpose pre-existing machines and turn them into weapons. One time she converted two parking meters into coin shooting machine guns. Japandroid tragically sacrificed her life to stop an alien parasite that had possessed her. To prevent the parasite from killing her friends and infecting others, Japandroid overloaded her core, which incinerated herself and the parasite. Hopefully this sad story will be given the proper attention that it deserves in future seasons of Invincible.

3) Le Bruiser

The strangest superhero in the entire Invincible Universe is Le Bruiser, a female French Bulldog. Le Bruiser possesses super-strength, speed, durability, and above-average intelligence – for a dog. She is strong enough to pull multi-ton statues and can tear off a person’s arm with ease. Perhaps because she is a dog, her primary method of attack is to charge head-first into her enemies like a furry bullet. She single-handedly tracked down and dismantled an entire dog-fighting operation and defeated the villain Magnattack in a matter of seconds by catching one of his explosive projectiles and throwing it right back at him. And as a member of the Globe, she helped fight threats such as the supervillain crime syndicate The Order when they destroyed Paris. Quelle dommage! While she may be tiny, this dog’s bite is much worse than her bark.

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4) Pegasus

A Russian superhero with wings, Pegasus is the Guardian’s eye in the sky. In addition to flight, Pegasus’ wings act as shields to protect her from incoming attacks. She also has a level of super strength. For example, she lifted and carried the enormous Yeti through the air, when one of her wings was severely damaged from an energy blast. Of all the Guardians, Pegasus has the closest relationship with Le Bruiser. They are rarely seen apart, and it seems like she’s the only person who can understand the French Bulldog’s barking. Pegasus may not be the strongest member of the team, but she works well with others and is willing to help in any way she can.

5) Ms. Popper

Cecil Stedman, the director of the Global Defense Agency, finally found a method of teleportation that doesn’t cost the taxpayers millions every time he uses it. He sometimes uses Alphasia, aka Ms. Popper to teleport him to various locations. When Ms. Popper is not Cecil’s personal chauffeur, she is the Guardians of the Globe’s mode of transportation. With her portals, she can teleport dozens of heroes to wherever they’re needed. She is also incredibly helpful during rescue operations, as she can quickly get civilians out of danger. During the “Invincible War,” her powers allowed superheroes to travel across the planet to confront the evil Invincibles. While she may not be a fighter or the flashiest member of the Guardians of the Globe, she is still one of their most valuable members. 

6) Kaboomerang

If the name didn’t make it apparent, Kaboomerang’s primary weapons are explosive boomerangs. Representing Australia (obviously), Daniel is a skilled martial artist who can throw his boomerangs with almost supernatural accuracy. It was eventually revealed that his good aim wasn’t just due to skill, but also because he possessed a low-level telekinetic ability that allowed him to alter the boomerangs’ trajectory as they flew through the air. He can also use his telekinesis to short-circuit and destroy machines, like the Lizard League’s doomsday weapon. He eventually developed a relationship with fellow Guardian member Outrun.

7) Outrun

After the death of Red Rush at the hands of Omni-Man, the Guardians needed a new speedster. Outrun is from South Africa and is so fast that she can travel from New York City to Iowa in just a few seconds, making her the perfect replacement speedster for the Guardians. However, soon after she joined the team, Outrun was possessed by the phantom-like supervillain Embrace, who used her body to infiltrate the team. Outrun would eventually be freed from the villain’s control by the Chinese hero Best Tiger. He deduced from small changes in Outrun’s mannerisms that she was possessed. Now free, Outrun has started dating Kaboomerang – an explosive relationship! Outrun was a valued member of the Guardians for over a decade.  She met Invincible’s son, Kid Invincible, on his first mission as a hero to stop the rampaging monster Vengeance.

The post Guardians of the Globe Members We Want to See in Invincible Season 4 appeared first on ComicBook.com.

If we’ve learned anything over the last 15 years, it’s that comic book movies aren’t going anywhere. But even as Marvel and DC continue to dominate, there’s a treasure trove of lesser-known comics that are still waiting for their big-screen moment. Some of these have flirted with adaptation in the past, others are flying so far under the radar that even seasoned fans might be surprised.

Whether it’s pulp-inspired vigilantes, twisted horror comedy, or dystopian sci-fi epics, the world of comics is filled with untapped goldmines that could anchor entire movie franchises. We’ve rounded up 10 great comic book series that absolutely deserve their own movie franchise.

1) The Goon (Dark Horse Comics)

Created by Eric Powell, The Goon blends supernatural horror, slapstick comedy, and gangster noir in a way no other comic quite does. The title character, a hulking mob enforcer, wages brutal war against zombies, cultists, and monsters under the command of the mysterious Zombie Priest, all while cracking wise and dealing with speakeasy turf wars.

The comic is visually stunning and narratively fearless, shifting tones between grotesque violence and surprisingly heartfelt moments. If you’re not aware of The Goon but are a fan of the Hellboy or Sin City comic styles, you’ll click immediately with its gritty aesthetic and over-the-top mythology.

An animated film is officially in development at Netflix with Tim Miller producing and Patrick Osborne directing. Miller remains hopeful that it will finally get made. And although a production date of November 2025 has been tentatively mentioned, The Goon is still very much in the planning stages. Powell’s pulpy, blood-soaked world still deserves its time on the big screen — and with the right R-rated treatment, it could be the next cult classic in waiting.

2) Savage Dragon (Image Comics)

Long-running and criminally overlooked for adaptation, Erik Larsen’s Savage Dragon is one of Image Comics’ original flagship titles and still delivers superhero thrills with a punk rock edge. Dragon is a green-skinned, mohawked powerhouse with amnesia who joins the Chicago Police Department to help bring down supervillains wreaking havoc across the city.

But Savage Dragon is more than just a monster-smashing police procedural. Over its decades-long run, the series has evolved constantly. Instead of keeping the characters ageless, they in fact get older in real time. Not only that, but the story shifts to match the social and political feel of the moment, and the narrative reflects the world around it. Dragon’s story gives way to his son Malcolm in later arcs, offering a natural progression for future films.

This is a franchise with insane action, hyper-stylized visuals, and deep emotional stakes. It is perfect for anyone who wants The Boys meets RoboCop, with a little bit of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles all rolled into one.

3) Descender (Image Comics)

Written by Jeff Lemire and illustrated by Dustin Nguyen, Descender is a beautifully created science fiction saga. The comic’s universe sees androids outlawed after a mysterious race of planet-sized robots called “Harvesters” decimate entire worlds. The story follows TIM-21, a childlike AI with a connection to the Harvesters, who becomes the galaxy’s most wanted fugitive. As bounty hunters, alien factions, and robots collide, Descender morphs from space opera to survival story to philosophical exploration of what it means to be human.

TIM-21’s innocence provides a sharp contrast to the cold militarism and political tension around him. Paired with Nguyen’s watercolor visuals, the series feels like it could become an animated movie with the aesthetics of War of Rohirrim, wrapped in Blade Runner existentialism. This is a franchise that could easily stretch into a trilogy or beyond, especially with its sequel series, Ascender, already laying the groundwork.

4) Black Science (Image Comics)

Rick Remender and Matteo Scalera’s Black Science is essentially Sliders meets Inception with more madness. The series centers on Grant McKay, a former member of the Anarchist League of Scientists, who builds a device known as the Pillar that allows travel between alternate dimensions. But when it malfunctions, McKay and his team are hurled across the Eververse, a chaotic multiverse where fascist frog-people, psychic fungi, and hostile medieval tech-worlds await.

Grant’s attempts to reunite with his children, fix his mistakes, and find meaning in the chaos, give the narrative a beating heart amidst the psychedelic visuals and mind-bending concepts. Black Science has the potential to be a cinematic fever dream, with equal parts action spectacle and family drama. With multiverse storytelling now in the mainstream of pop culture, Black Science would hit hard, and offer a wilder, darker take than anything we’ve seen so far.

5) Nailbiter (Image Comics)

What if your hometown produced sixteen serial killers? That’s the terrifying premise of Nailbiter, a horror-mystery series from Joshua Williamson and Mike Henderson.
Set in Buckaroo, Oregon, the story centers on a disgraced FBI profiler who returns to the small town to investigate why so many notorious murderers have emerged from it. Nailbiter, aka Edward Charles Warren, is one of Buckaroo’s most infamous killers, but is now a strange ally in unraveling the town’s horrifying secret.

Think Seven meets Twin Peaks, with a splash of Hannibal and Dexter thrown in. This is the kind of mystery-thriller that could stretch across multiple films as the conspiracy deepens, characters double-cross, and the source of Buckaroo’s killer factory is slowly unearthed. The sleeper-hit success of Nailbiter’s comic run, was followed by a sequel, Nailbiter Returns. The mythos is already laid out, and it’s screaming for a moody, atmospheric, slow-burn film treatment.

6) Once & Future (BOOM! Studios)

King Arthur is back… and he’s a zombie. From writer Kieron Gillen and artist Dan Mora, Once & Future reimagines British folklore as a high-octane, monster-hunting thrill ride, blending classic legend with modern horror and adventure.

The story follows Bridgette McGuire, a retired monster hunter reluctantly pulled out of obscurity when King Arthur is resurrected as a terrifying undead conqueror. Together with her grandson Duncan, a mild-mannered academic suddenly thrust into battle, they unravel a conspiracy rooted in myth and blood. As the barriers between legend and reality crumble, they face off against an escalating series of magical threats — including vampiric knights, twisted fae, and a reawakened Merlin with sinister motives. It’s got fast-paced action, dark humor, and a rich, ever-expanding mythology that could easily fuel multiple films.

With the right tone that fits somewhere between The Mummy, Hellboy, and Supernatural, Once & Future could launch a full-blown action-horror franchise that breathes thrilling, blood-soaked new life into the Arthurian legend. It’s smart, scary, and stylish enough to stand apart in a crowded fantasy genre.

7) Lazarus (Image Comics)

Greg Rucka and Michael Lark’s Lazarus imagines a future where the world is no longer governed by nations, but by a handful of wealthy families who control everything. Each family has a genetically engineered protector known as a “Lazarus.” The story follows Forever Carlyle who is the Lazarus of her family. She begins to question her loyalty as secrets and betrayals unravel.

The dystopian setting feels terrifyingly plausible, and the series has all the ingredients of a prestige sci-fi franchise with espionage, class warfare, moral ambiguity, and grounded world-building. Forever is a compelling protagonist as both a lethal warrior and a lost soul. Watching her evolution from loyal weapon to self-aware rebel would give audiences a hero worth rooting for across multiple films.

There was once a TV adaptation in development, but it never left the ground. That’s something that could easily be rectified by a movie studio.

8) Black Hole (Kitchen Sink Press/Fantagraphics)

Charles Burns’ Black Hole is a slow-burn body-horror masterpiece that’s just as psychological as it is grotesque. Set in the 1970s, the comic follows a group of teenagers in Seattle who contract a sexually transmitted disease that causes bizarre physical mutations. The comic uses its horror elements as a metaphor for adolescent alienation, sexual awakening, and emotional trauma. The art is surreal and nightmarish, but always grounded in human experience.

Several directors have flirted with adapting Black Hole, including David Fincher and Alexandre Aja, but it remains untouched. The material is rich, unsettling, and intimate, perfect for a prestige horror film managed by the likes of A24. Handled with the right tone, Black Hole could be the next Hereditary, but with a weirder, more lingering sense of dread that stays with you long after the credits roll.

9) East of West (Image Comics)

Jonathan Hickman and Nick Dragotta’s East of West is a genre-defying masterpiece. Laid out as an apocalyptic Western that blends dystopian sci-fi, Biblical prophecy, East of West provides an alternate American history into something wholly unique.

Set in a fractured version of the U.S. where the Civil War ended differently and the world teeters on the brink of doom, the story follows Death who has gone rogue — away from the rest of the Horsemen of the Apocalypse — to protect his family and prevent a prophecy from coming true.

The world-building has an almost Tolkien-esque expanse to it, with different nations, religions, and factions vying for dominance. The characters are mythic yet deeply human. And the themes such as fate vs. free will, cycles of violence, corrupt power — are deeply resonant.

10) Saga (Image Comics)

If Hollywood is looking for the next great genre-defining franchise, Saga is the obvious answer. Created by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples, Saga is a sweeping, Star Wars-meets-Shakespeare epic. The story follows two soldiers from warring alien races, Alana and Marko  as they try to protect their daughter Hazel in a universe that wants them dead.

It’s violent, funny, heartbreaking, and relentlessly imaginative. From TV-headed robots to ghost babysitters to intergalactic bounty hunters, every issue of Saga expands the galaxy in bold, beautiful ways. But what really makes Saga franchise-worthy is its heart. At its core, it’s about family — the pain, the joy, the impossible sacrifices.

The comic has already built a massive fanbase and critical acclaim, with many hailing it as one of the last decade’s best comic books. All that’s missing is a studio bold enough to take the risk.

The post 10 Great Comic Books That Could Launch a Movie Franchise appeared first on ComicBook.com.

When it comes to the comic book industry, there are several major publishing houses to keep in mind: Marvel, DC Comics, Dark Horse Comics, BOOM! Box Studios and Image Comics are some of the biggest around. Generally, most fans consider Marvel and DC to be big “big two,” and while this isn’t wrong, it doesn’t capture the full breadth of the situation. Marvel and DC Comics may have a physically larger catalog and more buying power, but that doesn’t mean they’ve mastered the best practices around. When it comes to that side of the industry, Image Comics has them beat.

How does Image Comics beat the likes of Marvel and DC at their own game? Well, there are a few ways. Let’s start by addressing the elephant in the room: Image Comics was built on the idea that creators should be allowed to maintain the rights over the comics they create. That’s always been a big point of contention for Marvel and DC Comics, and we don’t really need to break down how it can (and has) caused problems. By allowing creators to maintain ownership, Image Comics encourages fresh ideas and innovation. That’s a huge part of why Image Comics works, and there’s no point in pretending that isn’t the case. But it isn’t the full story, either.

Self-Contained Stories Are More Accessible

If you’re a dedicated fan looking for a massive superhero back catalog, Marvel and DC Comics are the way to go. However, many new comic book readers will express intimidation when seeing long lists and curated reading guides. Even individual characters from these publishers have a lot of content, and that can make it more challenging for new fans to feel welcome. In other words, it’s not unheard of for an aspiring fan to give up before they’ve really begun, scared off by the more complicated nature of long-running comics.

Why does this matter? Image Comics doesn’t have this problem. Even long-running superhero series with a few spin-offs are still not nearly as complicated as their competitors. Invincible is a good example here. This Image Comic series not only provided a fresh take on a superhero story, but it also made it easy to get into the story. Pick up Invincible #1. Done. While Invinicible did get a couple of spin-off series, readers weren’t penalized for skipping them. That’s an important point, as any fan of Marvel or DC can lament about having to follow one event across multiple series. It can be a lot.

Unpredictable Nature and No Limiting Boxes

When people think of Marvel and DC Comics, they naturally think of superhero stories, right? Sure, there are always exceptions to the rule, but that’s just it: superhero content is pretty much the rule of these publishers. The same cannot be said for Image Comics, which has no defining (read: limiting) expectations. A creator publishing under Image Comics’ mantle can write any comic they want, be it a zombie horror (The Walking Dead) or a high fantasy world (Monstress). Now, we love superheroes, but there is something so satisfying about taking a break and diving into different genres.

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Taking Risks and Forging New Paths

We’re not here to claim that there’s no creativity in the “big two.” There’s tons of it, but Image Comics has left the doors wide open to take more creative risks and forge different paths. For example, inside the prime universes for superhero tales, fans largely know that ultimately, their favorite heroes are (probably) going to be okay. And even if they do die, the revolving door of death means they’ll be back; eventually. That can hamper the stakes of even the best-written story.

That brings us to the worlds created by Image Comics. Since these creators are forced to follow a formula or leave the heroes available for future creative teams, they can pretty much do whatever they want. Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples’ Saga is a great example of this. The comic took the world by storm, and it has consistently shocked readers left and right. Every time we think we’ve seen it all, something else happens, and it isn’t just for shock value.

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Less Interference Means More Success

There’s one final factor worth discussing, and that’s oversight and interference. In the cases of Marvel and DC Comics, they have to contend with a lot of corporate oversight (Disney, Warner Bros, high execs, etc.). This can cause a whole lot of problems, starting with limitations in creative risks and culminating with series facing the chopping block if they don’t magically hit the perfect metrics right off the bat.

While Image Comics still has to deal with metrics and budgeting concerns, the very fact that they don’t have to answer to larger corporations gives them more freedom. Since creators are allowed to own and therefore, determine their own content, there’s no higher up to say “nah, you’re not allowed to do that with this character.” It may sound like a simple thing, but just look at what the Comics Code Authority almost did to the industry. It may be a more extreme example, but that makes it easier to see the cause and effect in real time.

At the end of the day, we’re grateful that all of these publishers exist and can give us so many remarkable stories. We’re especially grateful that Image Comics has been unafraid to break the mold, forging new ground from the very moment it was founded.

The post Why Image Comics Beat Marvel and DC at Their Own Game appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Al Simmons, aka Spawn, is one of Image Comics’ very first and most popular characters. He was initially a mercenary who, after being killed by his employers, was sent to Hell. After making a deal with a demon, Al was reborn as an all-powerful Hellspawn. However, Al would go on to betray his demonic master and become caught in the crossfire between Heaven and Hell.  Created by Todd McFarlane in 1992, Spawn has become the longest-running creator-owned superhero comic series in history, with over 365 issues and counting. To be such a popular anti-hero, Spawn needed some equally impressive villains. Ranging from demons to cyborgs, Spawn has no shortage of deadly enemies to make up his rogues’ gallery.

These are the ten villains that made Spawn’s life a living hell.

10) The Curse

Phillip Kahn, aka the Curse, is a man whose obsession with God drove him to madness. Desperate to prove his worth to God, Kahn mutilated his own body as a form of sacrifice. He then transformed himself into a cyborg and began studying the mystic arts to find a way to enter Heaven. Mistaking Spawn for one of Heaven’s Angels, Kahn tried to kill him and take his powers. Spawn managed to defeat the cybernetic lunatic and leave him broken in an alley. Kahn, however, survived and has become one of Spawn’s most recurring enemies. 

9) Overtkill

A cyborg assassin who loves his job, Nicholas Rocca, aka Overtkill, is the mafia’s deadliest hitman. After a rival gang mutilated Rocca, his bosses had him rebuilt as a cyborg killing machine. His new body gave him superhuman strength and durability, as well as enough firepower to annihilate anyone who got in his way. When Spawn began tearing down the New York mafia’s criminal operations, they sent Overtkill to crush the pest. Although Overtkill nearly killed Spawn during their first encounter, when Spawn returned for a rematch, he turned the cyborg into a pile of scrap. Overtkill has since returned several times, having been rebuilt stronger than ever.

8) Sinn

After Spawn abandoned his Hellish masters and was left wandering the alleys of New York alone and confused, a mysterious old man named Cogliostro appeared and became his mentor. Cogliostro helped Al regain his humanity and taught him how to use his powers. However, when Spawn defeated the rulers of Hell, Cogliostro revealed his true identity: Cain, the first murderer and the progenitor of Hellspawn. Cain divulged that he only helped Spawn grow stronger so that, when Al defeated Hell’s rulers, he could take Hell’s throne for himself. Adopting the name of Sinn, he donned a suit that enabled him to make himself stronger by drainingthe power of other Hellspawn. Spawn’s friend and advisor had become one of his most powerful enemies.

7) Mammon

The demon lord of greed, Mammon, is a sly and cunning villain. Mammon presents himself as a well-dressed human to lure his victims into a false sense of security so that he can steal their souls. Like a puppet master, Mammon conducts his plans behind the scenes and manipulates others into doing his bidding. He seeks to turn Spawn’s friends against him, hire the deadliest villains to kill his loved ones, and generally tries to ruin Al’s already miserable life. In later Spawn comics, it is even revealed that, unbeknownst to Al, throughout his life and even before he was born, Mammon had lurked as a sinister force in his life. In one of his most disturbing acts, Mammon had seduced Al’s mother before Al was born, and she had been forced to be the demon lord’s loyal servant for decades. While other villains may have had a more direct role in Spawn’s origin, Mammon always remains there in the shadows.

6) Redeemer

As a creature of Hell, Spawn often finds himself the target of Heaven, who sees him as an abomination. After Spawn slaughters dozens of Heaven’s strongest soldiers, they create a new type of soldier: the Anti-Spawn, aka the Redeemer. Only the purest of humans can become the Redeemer’s host. However, the process has resulted in mixed results. Some retain their humanity and use their newfound powers to help people, while others are transformed into mindless puppets for Heaven. As Al’s heavenly counterpart, the Redeemer is just as mighty as the Hellspawn, wielding a fiery sword to dispense Heaven’s wrath.

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5) God

Sadly, the God of the Spawn Universe isn’t a loving or compassionate deity. This God couldn’t care less about saving humanity. All he cares about is being eternally worshipped and destroying his brother, Satan. That’s right, in this universe, God and Satan are brothers, and the war between Heaven and Hell is just a cosmic sibling feud. God is cruel and sadistic, seeing humans as just bodies to add to his Heavenly army. Some later comics would try to retcon this origin and instead portray God as more benevolent. However, in his most recent appearances, God is once again portrayed as the dominating ruler of Heaven who only desires power.

4) Satan

There is perhaps no entity feared more in the entire universe than Satan, the Ruler of Hell. Satan commands an endless legion of demons and Hellspawn. He is one of the few beings in existence who can match God in power, a fact that has led to an interminable conflict between the pair. Every sin and demon in existence can be traced back to Satan meddling with God’s creation. In the present, Satan has, on many occasions, tried to destroy Spawn and the Earth. He even kidnapped Al’s former wife, Wanda, as a hostage. As the irrefutable root of all evil, Satan is Hell’s true king.

3) Jason Wynn

Like Lex Luthor, Jason Wynn is a man who utilized his wealth and intellect to become one of the most powerful individuals on the planet. He runs the United States Security Group, an agency that controls the CIA. Al worked for Wynn as a mercenary before he became a Hellspawn, but when he wanted to quit, Wynn had other plans. Wynn recognized that Al knew too much about his dirty dealings, so he had him killed and sent to Hell, hoping to silence him for good. Ever since then, Wynn’s actions have established him as a major enemy of Spawn, masterminding various plots and conspiracies that threaten the lives of Spawn and his loved ones. 

2) Malebolgia

Ruler of the Eighth Circle of Hell, Malebolgia is responsible for the creation of Spawn. When Al died and went to Hell, the terrifying demon lord gave or made him an offer: become a Hellspawn, and he would let Al see his wife Wanda again. Al agreed and was transformed into Spawn, the general of Malebolgia’s army. Of course, Malebolgia tricked Al and sent him back to Earth five years after his death, horribly disfigured and with partial amnesia. Even worse, Al discovered that, in the five years since his death, Wanda had remarried and had a child. Al swore vengeance against the demon and dedicated his eternal afterlife to destroying Malebolgia.

1) Violator

Ever since Spawn #1, the demonic Violator has been there to torment Al. When Spawn was sent to Earth after five years in Hell, Violator was assigned to act as Al’s teacher and mold him into the ruthless and loyal general of Malebogia’s army. As a native demon of Hell, Violator felt offended by the idea that a human, and not a demon, would be given such a prominent position in the armies of Hell. While the Violator initially appears to be a short, fat clown, his true form is that of a giant and grotesque monster with razor-sharp teeth and claws, who takes sadistic pleasure in mutilating his victims – with Spawn always as his primary target. 

The post 10 Greatest Spawn Villains appeared first on ComicBook.com.

For years, comic book fans have known David Marquez as a premier artist, an Eisner-nominated and New York Times-bestselling talent who has defined the look of iconic characters in blockbuster titles like Marvel’s Miles Morales: Spider-Man and DC’s Batman/Superman. With The UnChosen, Marquez ventures into new territory, taking full creative control as both writer and artist for his first creator-owned project. The series has a unique history, beginning its life on the digital subscription platform Zestworld before being re-packaged by Image Comics as a four-issue print miniseries. This transition from a serialized webcomic to the traditional Western format leads to a debut that is brimming with fascinating ideas but struggles to give them all room to breathe.

The UnChosen #1 throws readers into a compellingly disorienting narrative split across two distinct timelines, marked simply as “Then” and “Now.” In the “Then” segments, we meet 13-year-old Aida as she awakens alone in the center of a massive crater, a survivor in a post-apocalyptic world with no memory of her past. She is immediately thrust into a conflict beyond her comprehension, hunted by soldiers and caught between two factions of superpowered beings. The “Now” timeline shifts to what is implied to be a later period, with Aida enrolled in a mysterious boarding school for “gifted” children. These students are being trained to master a power called “The Word,” but Aida is an outcast, unable to manifest the same abilities as her peers. Her rebellious and defiant personality quickly puts her at odds with both the school’s hierarchy and the resident bully, Ezra.

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The central mystery of The Unchosen is undeniably compelling. First, we don’t know what exactly “The Word” is and what it can do. Then, we don’t understand what event created the crater and how it’s connected to Aida. Finally, there’s no explanation of who the two superpowered factions are and why they are after the girl. We only know that one of them is led by Aida’s apparent protectors, Alex and Vasha. Marquez skillfully plants these narrative seeds, creating a strong incentive to see how they blossom. Plus, the revelation that the authority figures from Aida’s school are the very same people who rescue her in the apocalyptic wasteland forges a fascinating link between the fractured timelines.

However, for all its narrative hooks, The UnChosen #1 feels overambitious and, at times, convoluted. For starters, the issue juggles the familiar tropes of a magic school story with a dense post-apocalyptic sci-fi mystery, and not knowing how the two are related leads to a disjointed feeling. In addition, since the first issue doesn’t explain the state of this post-apocalyptic world, we get no idea of what the major threats of The Unchoosen are. Furthermore, while the fighting scenes take a fair number of pages and are visually spectacular, the powers of each combatant remain frustratingly vague. Characters unleash brilliant blasts of energy, but without a clear understanding of the rules of their abilities, the stakes of these conflicts are diminished. If we can’t tell who can do what, there’s no sense of real danger.  This clunky pace may be a casualty of adapting a story from a serialized webcomic into a condensed print format, as what might have worked in digestible online chapters feels overwhelming in a single issue. Still, it is an issue worth noting.

Where The Unchosen unequivocally shines is in its artwork. Marquez’s illustration, heavily influenced by the dynamism of manga, is on full display and is the book’s greatest strength. The action sequences are a whirlwind of motion, with fluid choreography and explosive energy effects that leap off the page. This is perfectly complemented by Marissa Louise’s color work, which brilliantly defines the tone of each timeline. The “Then” sequences are rendered in dusty, washed-out ochres and grays, emphasizing the desolation of the world, while the “Now” school scenes, though still tense, are given a richer palette filled with lush green that sets them apart. 

Ultimately, The Unchosen #1 is a visually stunning debut that offers a wealth of intriguing concepts. While it may buckle slightly under the weight of its own ambition, its central mystery and breathtaking artwork make it a compelling, if flawed, start to a promising miniseries.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

What did you think of The Unchosen #1? Will you be picking up the rest of the miniseries? Join the discussion in the comments!

The post The UnChosen #1 is Overambitious, But Intriguing (Review) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Beginning in the 1990s, Image Comics quickly became the largest independent comic book company in the entire industry. Although it doesn’t have the same type of shared universe as DC or Marvel, Image Comics has still created many beloved and iconic superheroes, such as Spawn and Invincible. However, not every Image superhero stood the test of time. For over 30 years, Image Comics made numerous superheroes, but most were left behind to collect dust on the shelf. Many of these heroes almost had their chance to shine in Invincible Season 3, Episode 7, as they were featured in the “Invincible War” story arc the episode was based on. Unfortunately, most of them couldn’t be used due to legal issues. Others did not sell well or were discarded when their creators moved on to other projects.  

These forgotten Image Comics superheroes, from vicious anti-heroes to comedic crime fighters, helped shape the company and deserve to be remembered.

1) Cyberforce

Introduced in 1992, the Cyberforce was a cyberpunk version of the X-Men. The team consisted of mutants who were all forced to undergo torturous cybernetic enhancement procedures by an evil corporation called Cyberdata. They managed to escape Cyberdata and banded together to become the superhero team Cyberforce. The team’s members included Ripclaw, Cyblade, Heatwave, Velocity, and more. While there were several attempts to revitalize the franchise after the 90s, they never lasted long, and the team of cyborg mutants was mostly forgotten.

2) Firebreather

Duncan, aka Firebreather, was a half-human, half-dragon hybrid. His father was a 300-foot-tall dragon, also the king of monsters —a title Duncan didn’t want to inherit. As a dragon/human hybrid, he had orange skin, claws, and a pair of small wings on his back that let him fly. Duncan was an outcast in both human and monster societies due to his mixed heritage, yet he still protected the innocent as a hero. In 2010, Cartoon Network made a direct-to-TV movie about the character, but sadly, he hasn’t been used since.

3) Glory

Glory was the daughter of an Amazonian goddess and the king of the Underworld. As an Amazon/Demon hybrid, Glory was incredibly strong, proficient in all manner of weaponry, and could even take on a more monstrous form to get stronger. She battled all manner of monsters and even teamed up with other Image heroes like Supreme and Youngblood. While Glory underwent a reboot in 2012 that was incredibly popular, she has not reappeared in comics in over a decade since.

4) Shadowhawk

A darker and edgier knockoff of Batman, Shadowhawk was an immensely popular character during the 90s for his cool costume and violent tendencies. The Shadowhawk mantle is a spirit of justice that looks to latch onto worthy hosts. There have been hundreds of Shadowhawks dating back to Ancient Egypt, each fighting crime under the cover of night. The Shadowhawk line, however, eventually faded when the character was put on an indefinite hiatus.

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5) Dynamo 5

Despite their story being all about legacy, the Dynamo 5 have mostly been forgotten by Image Comics. The team consisted of the five illegitimate children of the deceased hero, Captain Dynamo. Each member inherited one of their father’s five powers: flight, shapeshifting, super-strength, and telepathy. The teens would come together as the Dynamo 5 and continue their father’s legacy as heroes. Their members included Supervision, Smasher, Ramjet, Wraith, and Menagerie. Unfortunately, they haven’t been seen or heard from since 2009, with no indication that they will ever return.

6) Fortress

Fortress was doomed as a character from the beginning, as he was introduced as part of an Image Comics shared universe that fell apart after only three issues. Debuting in Image United #1, Fortress possessed a suit that gave him super strength and the ability to fire energy beams. He had horrible visions of a world destroyed by a corrupted Spawn, where only he and a few other heroes could stop this dreadful future. While the character and story had a lot of potential, the comic run was cut short without a resolution, and there are no plans to revisit it in the future.

7) Jack Staff

A more comedic superhero, Jack Staff, aka John Smith, was Britain’s greatest superhero. While his exact origin is unknown, he had been alive since Victorian times and began to fight the Nazis as a masked hero during World War II. In the modern day, Jack Staff continues to fight crime with the help of his trusty stick. Unlike other heroes on this list, Jack Staff wasn’t the most successful crime fighter, but he still did his best to protect the people of Castletown. Due to low sales, Britain’s greatest hero was left on the cutting room floor and hasn’t been used since 2010.

8) Pitt

Pitt is what happens when you mix the Hulk with pure nightmare fuel. A massive and ferocious anti-hero, Pitt was a human-alien hybrid created through alien experimentation. After breaking free, he would become Earth’s defender against alien invasions. On top of his incredible strength and razor-sharp claws, Pitt could establish telepathic links with his enemies, so even if they ran, he could still track them down and tear them to pieces. He would make many appearances in comics for a little over a decade before fading into obscurity.

9) Supreme

When he was introduced, Supreme was a more violent and arrogant version of Superman. After being exposed to a radioactive material called Superium, Ethan Crane would become one of the world’s most powerful superheroes. He possessed all the powers of Superman but had no qualms about killing villains. While his original writers portrayed him as an unethical protector with a god-complex, comic book legend Alan Moore would later retool the character into a more loving tribute to the Silver Age Superman. Moore’s run was incredibly popular, but unfortunately, Supreme hasn’t been seen in many years.

10) Youngblood

In 1992, Image Comics made its debut in the comic book world with the publication of Youngblood #1. Featuring a wide array of members, including Shaft, Die-Hard, Vogue, and Badrock, the government-sponsored superhero team was considered a staple of the 1990s. This was in part due to how the characters helped codify many 90s anti-hero tropes, including dark and edgy names, overly muscular builds, and morally gray heroes. While it was initially a huge hit, the clichés eventually grew old. Despite multiple attempts to reboot the franchise, Image eventually gave up on the team that had started it all.

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Soon, Image Comics will be introducing readers to the world of Si Spurrier and Vanesa Del Rey’s The Voice Said Kill, a new series that feels like a collision of Fargo and Deliverance. Taking place in the Louisiana bayou, a pregnant park ranger, a criminal matriarch, and a shrooms-loaded hunter will find themselves all in each other’s immediate orbit, and it’s going to be absolute chaos. ComicBook has your exclusive first look at the anticipated new series thanks to a new preview, but it gets even better, as we’ve also got special commentary on each part of that preview from Spurrier and Del Rey, and you can check out the full preview and breakdown of The Voice Said Kill #1 below.

Let’s start with The Voice Said Kill #1 page 13, which depicts a key conversation between two mothers who would go to any lengths to protect their children. Neither one likes the other, and things will spiral between them later on, but at this point, things haven’t flown off the handle just yet.

“A conversational moment during issue 1. I love the way the smoke leads the eye across the page, dividing these two women from each other. In this scene we’re beginning to understand the stakes our leading ladies share. They couldn’t be more different, and yet they’re both mothers. They would do anything – anything – to protect their children, and although they despise each other they find a perilous common ground in that simple, savage maternal determination,” Spurrier said.

“This is one of the moments when Vanesa’s art becomes almost impressionistic, dreamlike, breaking down into cleverly arranged lines that imply the idea of an expression, the sensation of a person, rather than slavishly rendering everything in tedious realism. When things get nasty a couple pages after this, you better believe the detail ramps up and the room gets real claustrophobic real fast,” Spurrier said.

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Next, let’s take a look at page 28, which carries you effortlessly into the city and makes you feel as if you’re staring at the skyline from a nearby window. The immersiveness on display is impressive, and while the page is silent, it still says a lot for those paying attention.

“And here’s a silent page. So still and sultry. You can feel the stickiness of the air. The crickets tzz-tzz-ing in the long grass. This sleepy bayou town, crumbling and defeated, still bearing the signs of Katrina’s violence. So much of our story is about the human (specifically white American) arrogance of that old mythology: we can tame the wild. Spend any time in the bayou and you know what a load of shit that is. You can trick yourself, you can make your mark on the borders of the wilderness, but you know – deep down: the tide will rise. The moss will grow. The storms will come. A week, a month, a year: you were never here. Our heroine Marie understands this better than anyone. So when we crash-cut to her, puking her guts out, the only thing that feels alive and vibrant and painful in this tired old town, we know: this is big,” Spurrier said.

We also have the new Cover B variant for The Voice Said Kill #4, which was created by the talented Emma Price. “One final treat. Attached is the variant cover for issue #4 – as yet unseen. This is by our series designer, the multi-talented Emma Price, who has an uncanny knack for arresting images that make you stop, double-take and investigate. (Her work puts me in mind of Mike Del Mundo, which is no small compliment.) Designers are rightly becoming more visible as key elements of the collaborative team, and when one of them turns out to be a damn fine illustrator too, it’s nice to be able to give her a platform,” Spurrier said.

Vanesa Del Rey said, “The story involves psychedelics. I was inspired by actually taking psychedelics myself. The things I’ve seen in the sessions… The abstraction of the hanging trees, the moss, the patterns on the leaves and flowers remind me of fractals I’ve seen when I’ve taken psychedelics. The fact that it is set in an estuary ecosystem was part of that too. It makes the swamps kind of like an in-between place…and psychedelics take you outside of your body to sort of an in-between state. And in a way being pregnant does that too!”

The Voice Said Kill #1 will hit comic stores on July 23rd, and you can check out the official description below.

“Fargo meets Deliverance in a sweaty swamp-thriller from VANESA DEL REY (Black Widow, The Creeping Below) and SI SPURRIER (Coda, X-Men). The wet heat of the Louisiana bayou. Alligator poachers prowl the mudbug mire. A park ranger, heavily pregnant, raises a hateful mug of moonshine with a criminal matriarch. And one deadly sonuvabitch, out of his mind on shrooms and retribution, loads his rifle for the Human Hunt and screams down the stars. Presenting 4 extra-length issues of fever-dream cajun crime.”

Are you excited for the new series? Let us know in the comments, and you can talk all things comics with me on Bluesky @knightofoa!

The post Image Comics All-Star Team Breaks Down The Voice Said Kill Preview (Exclusive) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Exquisite Corpses is a new horror series from Image Comicsby Michael Walsh and James Tynion IV. With an amazing concept and following a Battle Royale situation, Exquisite Corpses released with in bang in it’s giant-sized debut. To sum it up, 12 killers are dropped into a town that is closed off from help on Halloween night with one goal: be the last killer standing and your employer wins. What do their employers win? The ultimate prize of becoming the shadow leaders of the United States for the next four years. 12 different families from different states hire the best serial killers in the state with the promise of wiping their record. Closed off from the internet, phone signals, and help from the outside world, the killers make their moves until one remains.

Now after the release of the second issue, we’ve decided to rank all of the killers on their likeliness of survival. Most of this is speculative, though some of the selections on the list have already been killed. With our first two players down, they will naturally be the first two to make this ranking near the bottom. In addition to the theories, we will go over the weapon they were given, who the were killed by, and what states they reside from. With all of the rules out of the way, we begin our list.

Warning: Spoilers ahead for Exquisite Corpses.

12) Leopold Strong

Leopold Strong is the hammer-based killer from North Carolina and is the first one out of the game. Upon finding his first would-be victim, Strong was shot at point blank range by Massachusetts’s The Lone Gunman. Strong was not given anytime to shine as someone had to be the first to go. He may have drawn the shortest straw in the luck department but he’ll be remembered most as first blood.

While Strong was killed first some of his stats include being the most physically imposing as well as having 23 confirmed kills. We do not know much of anything about Strong but we could always learn more during flashbacks. Alternatively the book has announced a tie in trading-card game, and while ot much is known at the moment but we could learn more on him there.

11) The Congregation

The most recent kill on the list is The Congregation. Perhaps the grossest looking killer on our list, New Hampshire’s The Congregation is armed with a knife and a confirmed kill list of 39 kills. In addition to looking gross he has his victims faces stitched onto his body as a way to remember his victims, hence the name as a sort of collective memory of the dead. He was murdered by the hands of Pretty Boy, who did not use his weapon of choice, the axe.

With his time not being as short as Strong’s, before his death we did get a closer look into what he was like as a character. The Congregation was far and away a very disturbed individual hearing voices telling him to kill. It’s not known at the time if he’s just imagining the voices or if he can actually hear them, the latter of which would suggest something supernatural at play.

10) Nurse Pete

Nurse Pete is our prediction for the next one to die. With poison as his weapon and an unknown kill count, Virginia’s Nurse Pete may be one of the more deadly killers on the list but not a practical one. Pete may be the most realistic as well but I doubt his ability to poison people will work as well as it would be as a nurse blending in at a hospital. It appears he will try to infiltrate the hospital in Oak Valley where this year’s games take place but it appears the EMTs are onto his ulterior motives.

9) G4m3r_Kid + Calvin

Another in our list of very likely to be killed soon is G4MER_KID and his drone Calvin. Mainly the Kid, but you get the idea. Due to how young the Kid is, I don’t think he’s going to last that long compared to some of the other creeps lurking around and he will be an easy target for the other killers. The Connecticut native wields electricity as his weapon through his app-controlled killing drone, Calvin. Even with the drone, I don’t think Calvin or his drone are meant to last that long.

While he most likely is not surviving, I could honestly see whoever kills the Kid will use the drone as a trophy, bonus weapon. Be it from flying around spying on other targets and just getting a quick kill in a tight spot, that feels like a stronger possibility as opposed to G4MER_KID surviving the night. Even more strong is the possibility of whoever gets the drone after would rack up more kills than the Kid’s measly nine kills.

8) Layla Blaze

Delaware’s Layla Blaze is a pyromaniac hellbent on burning any victim that gets in her way and that is where I believe her downfall will happen. With the nature of fire being unpredictable as it usually is, I could see it taking her life as opposed to any other killer getting to her. That being said she holds an impressive 335 kills.

If her own weapon isn’t what would take her out, I believe it could be an entry a few spots ahead on our list which I will explain in a moment. Either way that could be the case or she could always take out another killer with her flame and take as many people down with her. While we’ve seen very little of her, she’s bound to have more than a few screws loose.

7) Recluse

Recluse hails from Rhode Island and wields the rope as her weapon. She’s one of the few killers we’ve actually seen a bit of, albeit mainly just lurking around in the trees. Recluse appears to wait patiently and trap her victims in razor wire traps as the final means of death. It may seem impractical but 64 kills do add up after a while in her favor it would seem.

Most of my predictions have not guessed who would take out who, but I can easily see Recluse trapping and killing G4MER_KID and stealing his weapon to look for new trap spots. Recluse appears to have an impressive ability to hide super well and I can imagine that would help but I’m not sure razor wire would be the one to win the game.

6) Slater

Explosives and Maryland go hand in hand if you’re Slater. With another high kill count of 124, Slater may have another unique opportunity on his hands. Similar to Recluse, Slater could have plenty of places that he can plant explosives and could potentially take out others killer at any moment.

Going back to what I mentioned in Layla’s case, I feel Slater could set up a trap near Layla and with the unpredictability of her fire she could accidentally set off one of Slater’s explosives killing both of them with a two in one combo. Slater has a strong capacity for taking out more than a few killers but I could also see him strapping a bomb to his body and blowing up another just as easily if he were caught, especially if he were to get caught in a razor wire net.

5) Rascal Randy

New Jersey strangler Rascal Randy is perhaps the wild card of the list. With 19 kills, Rascal Randy is a nobody running around in a mascot costume armed with just his hands as a means to kill. But due to some of the marketing and with the look alone, Randy has the makings of a poster boy of the series and for that alone I could see him surviving a little bit longer than the others.

With his only weapon being his hands, I can see that also being his downfall to the picks that precede him. Hands are a perfect natural weapon, but compared to swords and a gun? He’s not gonna make it far.

4) Pretty Boy

Born in Georgia, Pretty Boy is the charismatic axe murderer of the game. He is one of two to actually kill another killer on the list, in his case The Congregation. Pretty Boy seems to be open and personable which is just as deadly as his axe. What makes him this high on our list? His personality will take him far in the game, giving him the opportunity to take out more killers as he goes.

As much as his personality is his secondary weapon, and is almost definitely which gets him to this spot on the list it’s also what will be his downfall. He’ll think of himself more than everyone else and from there is exactly when he will get killed when he least expects it. But not without seriously injuring and killing some of the other players.

3) Lady Carolina

Directly from the family in power in South Carolina and training herself to use arrows for the past year or so, Lady Carolina takes our number three spot. With the lowest kill count of seven, Carolina seem the most different than everyone else. Fighting for her family to win the game rather than being a cold blooded serial killer, she may be one of the only sympathetic killers of the list. While almost certainly showing a different level of insanity than the others she might also see the game as cleansing the world and taking out the other killers as a noble duty, in a twisted sense.

Her downfall goes back to her very low kill count and, frankly, hubris. With what we’ve learned of her, she will believe herself to be the winner and rejoin her family in the seats of power for the next four years, that will sadly most likely not be the case. Similar to Pretty Boy but with at the time of writing more sympathy points, it will be her undoing at the end of the game.

2) The Fox Mask Killer

Our pick for the last to die is The Fox Mask Killer, hailing from New York and armed with the sword. Fox has a lot of the same attributes mentioned with Randy at spot five, but I think she may last a bit longer for a few reasons. For starters she has already been on a lot of the covers for the first issue, making her something of a “face”for the series. Add to that being armed with one of the arguably better weapons in the game, she could honestly make it pretty far taking out a lot of people before she would get close to the end.

1) The Lone Gunman

Never bring a sword to a gunfight and that’s one of the reasons I’m picking The Lone Gunman from Massachusetts as the winner of the first game. Whether it’s his military experience or the fact that he’s the man with the gun if you’ve read the first issue it’s destined to be him. He’s the surrogate for the audience on where we learn the plot of the story and has history of his own as well as carrying on the legacy of the gold mask on top of everything. Not only is he fighting for Massachusetts to win, but also for his own freedom as well.

What do you think? Let us know in the comments!

The post All the Killers in Exquisite Corpses, Ranked by Likeliness of Survival appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The comic book industry is a wonderful place full of magical adventures, with enough stories to satisfy any reader out there. The best part about comics, aside from their vibrant art and stories, is how there’s something for everyone out there. This is especially true for fans of supernatural and paranormal tales, as there are plenty of series that dive head-first into these often haunting realms. Supernatural stories have limitless potential, as the human imagination knows no bounds. From creatures that go bump in the night to pure cosmic horror, it’s hard to turn away from this genre once you’ve fallen in love with it.

There’s something so captivating about tales revolving around the supernatural or paranormal. Maybe it’s because we’ve been trained, through generations, to fear the unknown. Whatever the reason, these tales of witches, magic, monsters, and mayhem will certainly capture your attention. And if you’re looking for something a bit darker or mysterious, don’t worry, there’s a series for that too.

1) Nameless

Readers looking for a haunting and complex horror tale should consider reading Nameless. Written by Grant Morrison, there are classic hints to his usual style of work. It all begins with a death and a cryptic warning. Enter the occult hustler who goes only by “Nameless,” as they’ve been summoned to save the world. A feat easier said than done, but the billionaires have the money to try, right? The problem is that an asteroid aptly named Xibalbal is heading directly to Earth, and the magical symbol carved onto its surface makes it clear that this is not a threat science and technology can circumvent. Readers looking for a tale full of Morrison’s commentary, aliens, and gods will want to see what happens in this horror tale.

Nameless is published by Image Comics and created by Grant Morrison and Chris Burnham. Nathan Fairbairn also lent his hand to the artwork.

2) Fatale

Fatale is a hard-hitting supernatural comic with a noir theme. This limited series follows Josephine, a seemingly immortal woman with the uncanny ability to hypnotize men. There’s just one problem, as she doesn’t seem to willingly kickstart the process. She’s spent decades trying to gain control over her ability, a task made much more difficult by the determined cult at her heels. Everywhere she goes, new men fall under her spell, throwing themselves into the complicated mess. Her supernatural quest, combined with more noir elements, creates a compelling tale, complete with complex relationships and characters of all types.

Fatale was published by Image Comics and created by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips. David Stewart was the colorist for this noir-styled series.

3) Homesick Pilots

Homesick Pilots is a must-read for paranormal fans, especially those who want to read all about ghosts and haunted houses. It all begins, as one might expect, with a haunted house. Ami is your average teenage girl, except that she’s also in a punk band and, more importantly, she’s been missing for weeks. She’s found herself trapped in a house full of ghosts, and she doesn’t understand how she got here. The series brings action to the realm of horror, creating a unique and haunting tale. The nostalgic vibe of the ’90s will be appealing to some, while others will love the House of Leaves style tale and Power Rangers-style action.

Homesick Pilots is published by Image Comics and created by Dan Watters and Caspar Wijngaard.

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4) Black Magic

Is there anything more compelling than a paranormal mystery? Black Magic revolves around Detective Rowan Black, who specializes in robbery and homicide. How does that bring us to a paranormal tale? That has to do with the good detective’s history, which she has never fully understood herself. Readers learn alongside Rowan as she digs into her memories and learns what makes her tick, with magical repercussions. Much like Fatale, Black Magic has a noir style, but the two are otherwise quite different. Black Magic leans into legacy, memories, and similar themes, providing a more introspective adventure into the world of the paranormal.

Black Magic was published by Image Comics and created by Nicola Scott and Greg Rucka.

5) The Silver Coin

Those looking for a horror anthology all tied to the same theme should seriously consider checking out The Silver Coin. As the title implies, each tale is about a horribly evil coin and the havoc it wreaks across the world. The stories are spread across time, as poor unfortunate souls stumble across a seemingly lucky coin, only to learn the price of what they wish for, in pure bloody fashion. Examples of this coin’s adventures include getting its hands on a 1978 rock band, luring in a bullied camper, and the fateful origin of the curse itself. The variety of tales will be satisfying to any horror fan, experimenting with different tropes and expectations.

The Silver Coin is published by Image Comics and was created by Michael Walsh and has brought in many creatives to tell different tales, including Chip Zdarsky, Ram V, Kelly Thompson, Jeff Lemire, and Ed Brisson.

6) The Magic Order

If you’re looking for a world of rogue magicians, The Magic Order might be more up your alley. In this world, five families work to keep the monsters away, far from the sight of prying eyes (read: the public). It’s a generation-long battle, and while the families technically work together, that doesn’t make them friends. Thus, when members of each family begin to fall, suspicions rise. Will they understand the source of what’s happening before it’s too late? The stakes are more than the loss of five families, for if they tumble, the world will soon follow.

The Magic Order is published by Image Comics. It’s written by Mark Miller and illustrated by Olivier Coipel, Start Immonen, Gigi Cavenago, and Dike Ruan. If the name sounds familiar to you, it’s probably because Netflix opted for the rights for an animated adaptation, but has since dropped the process.

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7) The Red Mother

The story begins with a mugging gone wrong. A horrible thing, but not the thing of nightmares, or so we’re trained to think. Daisy McDonough lost her eye and her boyfriend in the attack, and nothing has been the same since. Months later, she’s trying to rebuild her life, but it feels like there’s something lurking in the corner. Her world is slowly turned upside down, as nothing is what it seems. The Red Mother is full of body horror, creeping monsters, and deeply unsettling feelings. The creative use of red tells its own kind of story, as the slow-burn horror slowly takes over Daisy’s life.

The Red Mother is published by BOOM! Studios, written by Jeremy Haun and illustrated by Danny Luckert.

8) Something Is Killing the Children

Something Is Killing the Children is probably the most famous series on this list. It’s an ongoing horror series that has spawned at least one spinoff, as creators and readers alike are unwilling to let this terrifying world go. This first series follows Erica Slaughter, a trained monster hunter. Naturally, the beasts she hunts are not the monsters of men, but instead the things that go bump in the night. In other words, the kinds of horror that only children can see. This forces Erika to go to extreme lengths to see and hunt her prey. Pure horror fans will enjoy diving into Erika’s world of monsters and surprising politics. The visuals alone are enough to create new nightmares, making it a must-read for all horror and paranormal fans.

Something Is Killing the Children is published by BOOM! Studios. It’s written by James Tynion IV, and illustrated by Werther Dell’Edera, Miquel Muerto, and Giovanna Niro (covers). Something Is Killing the Children has been nominated for several awards, just to set the scene.

9) The Marked

Society has long been fascinated by the idea of secret societies and magic. Naturally, there have been many takes on magical secret societies, but The Marked adds a few extra layers to that concept. The Marked is about an organization of magic users, reliant on the tattoos carved into their skin. They’ve grown complacent over the years, thanks to the lack of occult threats rising up. We all know how that story will end, as a new society enters the scene, creating havoc and unimaginable dangers. The Marked plays around with a few paranormal elements readers will enjoy, though it is somewhat of a slow-burn fantasy at the start.

The Marked is published by Image Comics and created by David Hine and Brian Haberlin.

10) We Don’t Kill Spiders

Last, but not least, We Don’t Kill Spiders is a unique blend of genres, mixing together a murder mystery with historical fiction and supernatural themes. Set during the Viking Age, the story follows a Norseman detective as he tracks a series of murders across the land. It may seem like a simple but horrible case of an early serial killer, but the reveal is much darker than that. We Don’t Kill Spiders is perfect for paranormal readers who enjoy a fusion of elements, plus the overarching theme of humans coming across something much larger than themselves.

We Don’t Kill Spiders is published by Scout Comics and created by Joseph Schmalke.

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The first episodes of Syfy’s new supernatural horror series Revival is available to watch for free on the network’s YouTube channel, its streaming app, and its website, making it easy for new fans to dive in and get hooked. The show is an adaptation of the Image Comics series by the same name, written by Tim Seeley with art by Mike Norton. The noir-style story is about a small town in Wisconsin where all the deceased people in the area are spontaneously reanimated. In the midst of this, a murder takes place and the investigation is all the more difficult with new suspects to account for. Fans have a chance to try the show out for themselves for free, whether they have a cable subscription or not.

Revival just premiered last Thursday on Syfy, and it immediately became available to stream for free. This is an increasingly popular strategy for new shows, as streamers and cable outlets cast wide nets in the hopes of finding their audiences. In this case, comic book fans will definitely want to get onboard from the start. Many have already been anticipating this adaptation, but whether you’ve read the comics or not, this will be a wild ride.

The 47-minute pilot episode introduces our main cast, Dana Cypress (Melanie Scrofano), Martha “Em” Cypress (Romy Weltman), Wayne Cypress (David James Elliott), and Ibrahim Ramin (Andy McQueen), along with the premise that will drive this story forward. Dana is the local police officer investigating the murder of her sister, Em, as the rest of their community grapples with the implications of “revival day.”

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Seeley and Norton’s comic debuted in July of 2012, and ran for 47 issues before concluding in February of 2017. The series was praised for making the zombie genre feel fresh in a time when it was often overcrowded, and for maintaining flexibility in a story with a set end point. Plans to adapt the series to the screen began as early as 2012, so this series has been in the making for a long time.

Those hoping to keep up with the series from here won’t have too much trouble, even if future episodes aren’t added to YouTube for free. In the U.S., the show will stream week-to-week on Peacock, according to Image Comics. There will be ten episodes in this season, airing every Thursday night.

While the show hasn’t reached a wide audience yet, those that have seen it have generally liked Revival. It has a 93% Fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes, with only one out of 14 reviews counted as “rotten.” User-submitted reviews are positive as well, with many commenters saying they hope the show finds enough viewers to last. That should be easy with the first episode streaming for free. Revival continues on Thursday, June 19th on Syfy and Peacock.

The post First Episode of SYFY’s New Image Comics Adaptation Is Streaming Free (& You Should Watch) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The word dream team isn’t one that should be used lightly, but it certainly seems like an appropriate description for the team behind Image Comics and Skybound’s new series Skinbreaker. Skinbreaker is a brand new series from the dream team of Robert Kirkman (Invincible, The Walking Dead), artist David Finch (Batman, New Avengers), colorist Annalisa Leoni (Invincible Universe: Battle Beast), and letterer Rus Wooton (Transformers), and as one might surmise from the book’s title, it looks absolutely crazy, though in the absolute best way.

Skinbreaker centers around a tribe Chieftain named Enor, whose time as a Chieftain is soon ending. In this role, Enor wields the mighty Skinbreaker, but now that he’s much older, he is barely able to lift it. While Enor has an heir in Anok, Anok isn’t exactly leaping at the chance to take over, and this all leads to a violent (and bloody) power struggle as an even deadlier threat looms just outside their village.

“I have wanted to work with David Finch for the entirety of my career,” said Robert Kirkman. “We’ve gotten close many times over the years, but we wanted our collaboration to be something truly special. Skinbreaker is that series. I feel like this book is a high-water mark for both our careers. An action epic that is unrelentingly brutal but also contains a ton of emotion and heart. It’ll shock you and make you cry.”

“Skinbreaker is a labour of love. It’s a story that resonated very deeply for me, and it’s been the privilege of my career to help bring it to life,” said David Finch. “Everyone involved has put every last ounce of effort into this book and I couldn’t be more excited and proud to finally share it with you.”

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“This is the finest work of David Finch’s already masterful career,” says Sean Mackiewicz, SVP, Publisher, Skybound. “Together Robert Kirkman and David have created a savage, new world full of wonders and creatures that have to be seen to be believed. Only two absolute comic book legends working at the top of their game could create Skinbreaker.”

“I’ll give two quotes,” said Kirkman, again, unprompted. “David Finch is one of the greatest comic artists to ever live. This is the artist who made Moon Knight outsell Batman. Even a casual glance at any of his work in Skinbreaker will prove to you that this is historic material. His work on this series has to be seen to be believed. It would be impossible to overhype it.”

The main cover was created by Finch, and the big rollout for Skinbreaker #1 will also feature an open-to-order portrait variant cover by Finch as well as incentive variant covers by Ryan Ottley, Lorenzo De Felici, Eric Canete, and Tony Moore. There will also be a 1:1000 incentive CGC signed/graded foil version of Finch’s main cover, which will be signed by Finch and Kirkman, as well as a die-cut foil mask cover, and a 1:2500 Finch Original Art Sketch Cover.

Those who want to see Finch’s art featured in an even bigger way can pick up the Skinbreaker #1 Treasury Edition, which will present the series in 10″ x 14″ format, and it will be presented on deluxe newsprint. Skinbreaker #1 (of 8) will be available at comic stores and digital platforms on September 24th. You can find the official description for Skinbreaker #1 below.

“Enor has led his tribe for many seasons, but his time as Chieftan is coming to an end. He wields the mighty SKINBREAKER, but at his age, he can barely lift it. Will Enor’s reluctant heir, Anok, take over before their world falls to ruin? As a bloody power struggle begins, an even bigger threat lurks in the darkness beyond their village.”

Are you excited for the new series? Let us know in the comments, and you can talk all things comics with me on Bluesky @knightofoa!

The post Invincible & Walking Dead Creator Just Launched a New Comic Series (& It Looks Crazy) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

SYFY’s new Image Comics adaptation, Revival, has premiered to a strong critical reception. The series, which debuted on June 12, adapts the acclaimed comic book of the same name, plunging viewers into the eerie reality of a small rural Wisconsin town where the dead have inexplicably returned to life. These “revived” individuals are not monstrous zombies but appear and behave as they did before their demise, creating a unique and unsettling supernatural mystery. The narrative follows Officer Dana Cypress (Melanie Scrofano) as she attempts to maintain order and investigate a murder in a community where the lines between the living and the dead have become terrifyingly blurred.

The horror noir show, which will run for 10 episodes, currently boasts an 88% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This positive initial critical consensus indicates SYFY has successfully translated the compelling premise of the source material for television audiences.

The series quickly establishes a world irrevocably altered by “Revival Day,” an event that saw the recently deceased of Wausau, Wisconsin, return to life with their memories and personalities intact. The premiere episode sets a tense atmosphere, moving from the initial shock and quarantine period to a new normal where the community grapples with the presence of the “revivers.” Officer Dana Cypress navigates this unsettling landscape, balancing her duties with personal conflicts, including a strained relationship with her father, Sheriff Wayne Cypress (David James Elliott), and concerns for her sister, Em (Romy Weltman), one of the revivers now roaming the town. The first episode firmly grounds the series in a compelling central mystery surrounding the nature and purpose of the revivals, all while hinting at darker secrets within the community and even Dana’s own family, laying the groundwork for future reveals.

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Scrofano’s performance as Dana Cypress is being highlighted by critics as a standout, with many reviewers appreciating her ability to portray a tough, flawed, yet relatable protagonist. In addition, the show is also being commended for its unique blend of genres, successfully weaving elements of supernatural horror, small-town mystery, and dark character drama. Reviewers have also noted that while the premise is inherently dark, the series manages to inject moments of humor and avoids taking itself too seriously, which distinguishes it from other entries in the undead genre.

Revival Comic Book Origins Means the Show Can Air for Years

Image Comics’ Revival, created by writer Tim Seeley and artist Mike Norton, ran for a substantial 47 issues, published between 2012 and 2017, concluding its acclaimed run as a complete, self-contained story. During its publication, Revival garnered significant critical praise and was nominated for multiple Eisner Awards, including Best New Series in 2013. The comic’s consistent quality and its ability to sustain a multi-layered narrative over nearly five years provided a rich world for the television adaptation to draw from for multiple seasons. 

The comic delves much deeper into the societal breakdown within the quarantined Wausau, exploring the rise of extremist cults, the government’s increasingly desperate and ethically compromised attempts to understand and control the reviver phenomenon, and the long-term psychological toll on both the living and the returned. The comic also introduces a wider array of reviver types and explores the unsettling idea that the returned are not always who they once were, sometimes exhibiting disturbing changes or abilities over time. Furthermore, the overarching mystery of why Revival Day happened and its connection to ancient forces is a central plotline that unfolds gradually throughout the 47 issues. This suggests the television show could explore themes of prejudice, the weaponization of the revivers, and the unraveling of Dana and her family’s deepest secrets as it progresses, mirroring the comic’s trajectory from a localized mystery to a story with more terrifying implications.

Revival airs Thursdays on SYFY.

What are your thoughts on Revival based on its premiere? Let us know in the comments!

The post SYFY’s New Image Comics Adaptation Premieres With Strong RT Score appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Image Comics was founded in 1992 when artists Rob Liefeld, Todd McFarlane, Jim Lee, Erik Larsen, Marc Silvestri, Whilce Potracio, and Jim Valentine left Marvel over money and creators rights, starting their own company. The early years of Image were full of growing pains, many of them Rob Liefeld related to the surprise of no one, and it got pigeonholed as the company with the tremendous art, so-so stories until they started paying big name writers to help out, and delays. So many delays. However, the goal of Image was always first and foremost — let creators create what they want, own it, and make the money. Image became a launch pad for the greatest indie comics in the industry, and has become the gold standard for creators to tell the stories they want to tell, the way they want to tell them.

Image truly came into its own in the 21st century, producing comics that have changed the way many fans look at the medium. The best Image Comics are things of beauty, and some of them have become extremely popular, taking over the world outside of comics and making their creators very wealthy. These ten Image Comics series are the best of the best, amazing stories by brilliant writers and artists.

10) Spawn

Spawn is the longest running Image Comics series, having been created by Todd McFarlane in 1992. I’m not going to lie to you — Spawn is not some amazing series, even the original issues that McFarlane created. There are some cool issues in the early days of the book, basically anything that wasn’t written by McFarlane, and Greg Capullo’s art is sensational once McFarlane stops drawing the book, but Spawn is rarely anything more than a standard superhero book. However, what makes it one of the best Image series is simple — it’s 33 years old. There have been 365 issues of Spawn. It’s never been cancelled and restarted with a new number one. It’s gone on, telling the story of Al Simmons and a veritable army of characters, for decades and has become an important part of the ecosystem of the comic book industry. Spawn is a legendary comic, and it deserves its place in the pantheon of great Image titles.

9) The Savage Dragon

The Savage Dragon, by writer/artist Erik Larsen for 276 issues, is the only other original Image book still standing. It’s been continuously published since 1992, and has told the story of the Dragon, a Chicago cop, and the various superheroes of his world. It’s become its own legacy book, as Dragon has long since stopped being the main character, with his son Malcolm Dragon taking over the book. Whether you like The Savage Dragon is in the eye of the beholder, but it has been one man’s vision for over three decades, and will always be published as long as Larsen can still do it. The Savage Dragon is an entire superhero universe created by one man from the beginning and that alone is a massive accomplishment. There have been some wild moments over the years (God saying the f-word will always be a favorite of mine), and it’s definitely worth checking out if you want superhero action that is off the beaten path.

8) Invincible

Invincible, by Robert Kirkman, Cory Walker, and Ryan Ottley, is sort of like The Savage Dragon, in that it is the vision of one creative team creating their own superhero universe. By now, we all know the story of Invincible — a young hero, his secretly evil father, a whole mess of superheroes and aliens, and the bloodiest superhero fights you can imagine — and that’s the main reason it’s on this list. Invincible was Kirkman’s first book at Image, a mature readers superhero book that he couldn’t write at Marvel, and it made a huge splash. It was the little book that could, impressing everyone who picked it up and making them into fans. Invincible isn’t some deep meditation on superheroes, but it’s definitely a cool look at them. The Amazon series has made it into a cultural phenomena, and a whole new generation of fans are getting to see Walker and Ottley’s amazing fight scenes, some of the best in the entire history of comics.

7) Deadly Class

Deadly Class, by Rick Remender and Wes Craig, is a punk rock crime comic that kicks off in the ’80s and ends in the 21st century, following a group of students from Kings Dominion, a private school for assassins and criminals. Marcus’s parents are killed by a mental patient, released from a mental institution because of Reagan era budget cuts to mental health services, and he is accepted into the school and has to navigate its byzantine power structure. Sex, drugs, music, and comics abound, and readers get some amazing scenes. Deadly Class is a love letter to a certain part of Generation X — much like his Black Science, Remender uses the book to work out his generational trauma — and it’s one of the coolest crime comics ever. I’m going to level with you — when Marcus and Maria return to the school the book goes a little down hill, but the last two story arcs are amazing and redeem the whole thing, taking readers to a place they never thought they would have got to in the beginning of the book. Remender and Craig give readers a stylish crime book that is unlike anything they’ve ever experienced.

6) East of West

East of West, by Jonathan Hickman and Nick Dragotta, is a sci-fi alternate history apocalyptic Civil War story. It takes place in a United States where the Civil War became a seven way war, created fractured nations all vying for power. After a truce is enforced on them, the countdown to the Apocalypse begins, and the Four Horsemen ride again. The book focuses on Death, who killed his fellows to start a family that is taken from him, but also shows the war heating up again, as the return of the Horsemen mean that things are about to come to an end. Hickman and Dragotta put out all of their skill to create an amazingly compelling story full of amazing characters, insane ideas, and wild action. It’s an amazing work, and now that it’s finished is the perfect time to read it (by the end, like four issues a year were coming out; the wait was terrible). East of West is a work of extreme brilliance, and anyone who doesn’t like this comic is probably actually dead.

RELATED: Eisner Award Nominated Ice Cream Man Reveals Details on Summer Return (Exclusive)

5) The Walking Dead

The Walking Dead, by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, and Charlie Adlard, is a legend. While everyone knows it now as the worldwide TV phenomena that basically singlehandedly resurrected the zombie horror drama in the mainstream, most of its newest fans don’t understand that it was always something of a marvel. It was a comic that brought fans into the comic store, and basically everyone that picked up a new issue loved it. The story of Rick Grimes, Carl, and various survivors of the zombie apocalypse grabbed readers and never let go. If you like horror, you’ll like it. If you like drama, you’ll like it. If you like deep meditations about humanity at their worst, you’ll like it. It has a little something for everyone, and it’s one of those comics where even if you don’t like all of it, there is a still a lot of it you do like. Much like the show, it starts to repeat its plot structure, as the survivors find new places, make them safe, meet new human enemies, lose everything, and have to move on, but the characters and situations are so good that it’s okay. The Walking Dead has the goods.

4) Saga

Saga has seen better days, but what days they were. The book by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples is the story of Hazel, telling the story of her life with her parents Marko and Alana. Marko and Alana were on different sides of a war, meeting in a military prison, and their affair spurs both sides to hunt them and Hazel down. What follows is one of the most amazing journeys ever, as readers are dropped into this family’s life as they run from everyone, the highs and lows of love and parenthood contrasting with the insanity of their life. There’s an amazing cast of characters, big moments, emotional highs that are dizzying, and lows that will break you. It’s the kind of comic that you can hand to anyone and they will love it. Saga has been lackluster lately — it’s not finished yet and long hiatuses have hurt it a lot — but the characters are so great that it’s still fun to read. Staples’ art is amazing, and she creates an entire universe, populating it anthropomorphic animal aliens, robots, and sights that you’ve imagined. Saga is the perfect title for a book like this, as its long, twisting narrative that will be a legend when it’s finished.

3) Phonogram

Phonogram, by Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie, follows “phonomancers”, British runic magicians who use music as the basis of their magic. There are three volumes of Phonogram — Phonogram: Rue Britannia, Phonogram: The Singles Club, and Phonogram: Immaterial Girl — with the first volume following David Kohl as he deals with his sins from the Britpop era, the second dealing with seven people at the same club on the same night, and the third following David’s friend Emily Aster as she deals with her magical chickens coming home to roost. Phonogram is a work of brilliance that feels so very real. These are people who you’ve hung out, and while some of the things they’re doing are wild, we’ve all had nights like the ones in this series. It’s a gateway to great music — each volume has a list of the songs you need to listen to in order to understand everything — and amazing characters. Gillen and McKelvie were electric together, and this book is basically perfect in every way.

2) The Nightly News

The Nightly New, by Jonathan Hickman, is amazing. There’s really no other way to talk about it. Hickman wrote and drew the six issues series, which revolved around the Voice, a terrorist organization whose target is the news media. What follows is a twisting narrative that’s as educational as it is entertaining, teaching readers about the media sphere and talking about the way it has controlled information for decades while giving them a compelling and violent conspiracy yarn. The Nightly New is something else, a prescient tale about societal control and indoctrination. Most people know Hickman as an amazing writer, but he’s actually just as great an artist; his unconventional page layouts are a thing of beauty and his style is amazing. This is peak Hickman and the fact that it’s almost twenty years old and still potent really says it all about just how perfect of a comic this is. If you like this, also check out Pax Romana, another Hickman written and drawn story that will blow your mind. However, regardless of whether you read that, you need to read The Nightly News. Everyone does.

1) The Wicked + The Divine

The Wicked + The Divine, by Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie, is a masterpiece. The story follows Laura and Cassandra as they’re caught up in the Recurrence. Every 90 years, 12 people are made into gods. They are loved. They hated. And in two years, they are all dead. The Pantheon, as they are called, has become pop stars in the 2013 form, a group of young people doing the insane things that kids given any kind of power and fame will do. The Wicked + The Divine is something special. There’s excellent character drama, deep lore, visuals so amazing your eyes will bleed, fights that are out of the world, and so much more. It’s a deep meditation on art and artists, but it’s also just a great story about what happens when a bunch of kids are given power, enmeshed in something that they just don’t understand. This is a stylish, cool comic, but it’s also heartfelt, funny, and poignant. The ending is beautiful and perfect and heartbreaking and life-affirming all at the same time. It’s truly an experience you need to have. The Wicked + The Divine takes everything that made Phonogram great, and takes it to the next level.

What do you think the best Image Comics series are? Sound off in the comments below.

The post 10 Best Image Comics Series of all Time, Ranked appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Perhaps more than any other genre, sci-fi is full of stories of revolution. It’s the basis of some of our biggest and most beloved franchises — think Star Wars and Dune, even The Hunger Games though it is a bit less sci-fi, for example — where we find ourselves following the story of a group or groups coming together in an act of revolution against a massive, powerful empire figure, a narrative that takes its energy from the idea of the oppressed fighting the oppressor. It’s a story that works but Image Comics’ Free Planet, from Aubrey Sitterson and Jed Dougherty it’s also a story that gets a new angle. The stunning first issue of the series flipped the concept on its head by giving readers not the story of revolution but dropping readers into a tale of “well, now what” with the revolution having already taken place and the ultimate goal reached. Now, with Free Planet #2, not only is the story itself starting to come together but it’s becoming pretty clear that this is a story that has the potential to redefine what we expect from sci-fi revolutions, reminding us in a direct and fascinating way that the revolution isn’t the end and the victors may not always be truly victorious.

The first issue of Free Planet did a lot to establish its world. We were introduced to the various characters in the Freedom Guard that is now here to keep the wheels of total freedom for everyone on the first-ever completely free planet moving. But it also sows the seeds of something greater and it doesn’t take long for the first issue to show the disconnect between the idealized concept of total freedom and the execution of it. Freedom for one looks like oppression for another. How do you balance that? How do you make things equitable? What does it even look like? This is the challenge that the Freedom Guard is thrown into from the jump, not to mention the repercussions of what total liberation means for the world beyond Lutheria. There are economic impacts on the rest of the universe in which Lutheria exists — again, the idea of freedom for one isn’t necessarily good for everyone else. By the end of the first issue, the idea of freedom, that tenuous flip from suppression to protection, starts to feel messy and challenging. It’s a damn good hook.

Free Planet #2 Presents a Hard Reality: Freedom Has an Ongoing Cost

Going into the second issue, the mess and the challenge intensifies when the people decide to add to the Freedom Guard, bringing on a controversial choice. “This is what happens when civilians make military decisions,” one character says of the decision. It’s a notable observation, and one that feels like a snapshot of the situation Lutheria is in: the ideal colliding with reality. Issue #2 sees the Freedom Guard facing the reality that freedom comes with cost — but so does defending it. The question is, is that cost too high and who will ultimately be willing to pay it.

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This is the genius of Free Planet as a title and, more broadly, as a concept. While it is on the surface it’s a story of a world embarking on its total freedom and as such, fits into the comfortable revolution sci-fi trope, Sitterson’s writing and Dougherty’s art go well beyond the surface. Like Free Planet #1, issue #2 is incredibly dense with what I can only call narrative elements that deeply explain the world we’re observing. We are given facts and information that may feel mundane, but actually really matter — there are economic details, for example, in addition to current events on other worlds that all inform the pulse of the story and what our characters are dealing with. We also get glimpses of the pasts of various members of the Freedom Guard, humanizing them as characters but also helping readers understand the choices they are making in the present and what their place in this unsteady, infant liberty may really be. There is no corner here unexplored, but also simultaneously not too much is revealed. The mystery remains intact even as the bigger picture comes into focus. In Free Planet #2, that means the issue leaves us with more questions than answers, but also more of a desire than ever to find out what those answers really are.

Free Planet Challenges the Status Quo of Sci-Fi Stories (And Elevates the Comics Format)

Overall, Free Planet is doing something unexpected, especially with this second issue. By taking readers into the story not of a revolution as its happening but the impact of what “successful” revolution looks like – complete with the idea that victory may itself be a form of losing, Free Planet is challenging what stories in the vein of Star Wars tell. Readers are used to having a team of “good guys” to root for as the fight against the “bad guy” empire with the end goal of the nebulous concept of liberty. By taking the fight out of the equation, Sitterson and company have largely eliminated the good/evil dichotomy and instead are embracing a story that is very much gray. It’s a far more interesting approach and the mechanics of how they’re doing it, with detailed world-building that offers up plenty of details without giving away too much makes this a story that goes beyond the comic book format that holds it. Comics are always art, but Free Planet has a weight to it that puts it in the same conversation of other heavies that redefined the format and their genres before them – things like Watchmen and Saga and others.

Free Planet #2: 5 out of 5

The post Free Planet May Just Be Comics’ Great Sci-Fi Masterpiece (& It’s Changing the Genre) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Ice Cream Man is looking to serve up some yummy new tales of horror this summer. The last issue of the Image Comics anthology series was released at the end of January, meaning there’s been a super-sized wait for the next installment. The anthology comes from creators W. Maxwell Prince, Martín Morazzo, Chris O’Halloran, and Good Old Neon, and has been nominated for a 2025 Eisner Award in the category of Best Single Issue/One-Shot. Ice Cream Man is also being adapted into a feature film by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar (Wednesday) and Sony’s Screen Gems. But the latest news is good news for comic fans.

ComicBook can exclusively announce details on upcoming issues of Ice Cream Man, which include Ice Cream Man #47. July will see the release of Ice Cream Man #44, which is centered around a job performance review gone wrong. Additional upcoming issues of the anthology will feature a twisted Hitchcockian Rear Window homage, a completely not creepy tale of cryogenic anti-aging chambers, and a series of vintage medical ads that lead to the shocking side effects. Ice Cream Man Vol. 11 will also hit stores in September.

“Golly. I can’t believe we’ve been putting this book out for 7.5 years,” said Prince. “In comic time, I think that makes us officially geriatric. And so, speaking as a veritable sequential grandpa, I’ll tell you this: I still don’t quite understand how and why we have made it this far. I mean, I am so proud of the corpus of tales we’ve assembled; Ice Cream Man is the defining artistic project of my life. (And I think I can probably say the same for my co-creators).”

Ice Cream Man #39: “Decompression in a Wreck, Part One,” has been nominated for Best Single Issue/One-Shot for the 2025 Eisner Awards. The issue is the first in a two-parter story that shows how time slows down and life flashes by during a deadly heart-and-bone-breaking car accident, resulting in the death of a family. The comic details how decompression works in comics storytelling, and how a mere five seconds of a tragedy can be stretched into a 28-page deep dive. “Each moment sacred, each millisecond housing a loving memory, or a painful reminder, or an enticing glimpse into a future that will never, ever happen…” writes Prince in the comic.

Ice Cream Man #40 continues the story, showing the tragic accident from the perspective of the truck drivers who collided with the family. Both issues have been collected into Ice Cream Man: Decompression In A Wreck Deluxe Special Edition #1, and are included in Ice Cream Man TP, Vol. 10, which collects issues #37-40.

2025 also marked the critically acclaimed release of the all-star edition, Ice Cream Man #43, which featured one-page contributions not just from Ice Cream Man creators, but also short stories written by the likes of Grant Morrison, Patton Oswalt, Kelly Sue DeConnick, Matt Fraction, Jeff Lemire, Geoff Johns, Zoe Thorogood (who also illustrated her own story), Deniz Camp, and Frank Barbiere, with art by Morazzo and O’Halloran.

In the Ice Cream Man anthology series, mysterious horror host, Rick, delivers morsels of delicious terror in every flavor. The genre-defying comic book series features short tales of sorrow, wonder, and redemption, with each installment featuring its own cast of strange characters, dealing with their own special sundae of suffering. And on the periphery of all of them, like the twinkly music of his colorful truck, is the Ice Cream Man—a weaver of stories, a purveyor of sweet treats. Friend. Foe. God. Demon. The man who, with a snap of his fingers—lickety split!—can change the course of your life forever.

Prince added: “It’s an absolute privilege to spin yarns about Rick the Ice Cream Man, his jingly-jangly truck, and, most importantly, everyday people fighting their way through the morass of adult life: grief, regret, addiction, divorce, overdue bills, sick family, sick self, the fall of democracy…it’s never-ending, that list. But I can still see that sliver of light breaking through…We somehow managed to make a ‘horror’ book that is, in fact, about human suffering, with slivers of light and hope streaked through the center of everything. Plus, we’ve gotten to perform some very wild comic-specific formal experiments: a silent, 3-reality, and 3-color issue; a story that’s an actual palindrome; a crossword puzzle; an instruction manual; a dark recreation of beloved children’s books; an advent calendar; a telethon; an issue that is one continuous image when read in landscape orientation.” 

“Ice Cream Man is the fulfilling, creative, challenging, cool, and ultimately fun series one can only dream of being a part of when having a comics career,” said O’Halloran. “Having a front row seat to the inventiveness of my collaborators’ hard work for almost 50 issues manages to keep me motivated and inspired with this art form, and just feel very lucky to have my name on this book and be its colorist.”

“Not sure what I can add to what Will and Chris already said, ’cause I feel exactly the same way they do, but I wanted to thank our readers, our fans!” said Morazzo. “It wouldn’t have been possible without you guys, and I’m sure I can speak for the rest of the team now, we’re forever grateful!”

“THANK YOU to everyone who has stuck with us for so long,” added Prince. “We’ve still got a lot of surprises in store for issues #44 and beyond, including the Ice Cream Man, Vol. 11 trade paperback! Eleven volumes to sadden your shelves, stack high as a doorstop, or if you’re in the mood, read entirely in one sitting. And this is to say nothing of our Ice Cream Man movie in development over at horror central, Sony Green Gems, headed by Wednesday and Smallville creators Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, alongside our amazing producer Aaron Schmidt. Feel free to start your dreamcasting for the Ice Cream Man RIGHT NOW.”

DC recently announced that the Ice Cream Man creators are tackling the Man of Steel in a Black Label series titled Superman: The Kryptonite Spectrum. The five-issue limited series looks to reimagine Superman through a genre-defying lens, and each issue of the series will explore different facets of Superman’s character, mythos, and moral core. The series picks up when four new Kryptonites have been discovered in deep space, and Superman sets out to learn what effect these new Kryptonites have on him. To figure out those effects, Superman calls upon his longtime friend Batman, who seeks to find out what Kryptonite colors like purple and cobalt have in store for Superman.

What do you think about all of the big Ice Cream Man news? Let us know in the comments below!

The post Eisner Award Nominated Ice Cream Man Reveals Details on Summer Return (Exclusive) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

In 2013, writer Greg Rucka and artist Michael Lark brought what has since become one of Image Comics’ landmark series to life: Lazarus. Set in a near-future dystopia, the world of Lazarus is one in which society has settled into feudalism, ruled by sixteen extremely powerful Families. The story follows Forever Carlyle, the genetically enhanced super-soldier military type enforcer for the powerful Carlyle Family who is controlled by her father Malcolm Carlyle. However, a dozen years later, Lazarus is entering a new — and final — chapter, one that changes everything and could see the end of not just the Carlyle Family but the social order as the world knows it. That chapter is Lazarus: Fallen, the first issue of which will hit stores on June 25^th. ComicBook had the opportunity to do an early review and, without getting into spoilers, the final chapter of the Lazarus story is one that fans of the series won’t want to miss and one that newcomers to the story will quickly find themselves engrossed in as well.

When Lazarus: Fallen #1 picks up, the Carlyle Family is on the hunt, specifically for Forever Carlyle. She’s finally broken free from her family’s control and has a new mission: burn it all down, even if that means burning her own Family down as well. It is an exciting premise and issue #1 pays off on it, wasting no time dropping readers into the situation as it sets up the early hours after Forever is declared rogue by the Carlyle Family. This is not a spoiler; first looks at Lazarus: Fallen reveal a strike team infiltrating the Hock Wellness and Preservation Facility 074 on the hunt for Forever only to find that she’s not there, having been aided by her own mother in escape. From there, the story moves forward to reveal time passing with Forever still rogue and the brutal lengths Malcolm is willing to go to get her back, lengths that include manipulation and control of his own family.

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I can’t get into more details about what those lengths entail — or about the twist in the final pages of issue #1; we’re doing this spoiler free. What I can get into is how seamless the story is. It’s been three years since the last issue of Lazarus (Lazarus: Risen #7 arrived in 2022,) but Rucka hasn’t missed a beat with the storytelling. For those already familiar with Lazarus, this latest installment fits in perfectly with everything readers already know and one can nicely hit the ground running. For readers coming to the world of Lazarus with Fallen #1 as their starting point, while going back to the beginning is an absolute must so as to get the full story, you still get an intriguing hook and the turn on the final page will have you quite literally trying to turn the page to get more (don’t worry, a second issue will follow in July, you’ll get more and what Rucka is doing here is already very much worth the wait.)

But while Rucka’s writing is impeccable — The Old Guard creator is highly regarded for a reason — it’s not the only element of Lazarus: Fallen #1 that stands out. Lark’s art here is superb. The book has a look and feel that is both realistic — there are moments when Lark’s work almost looks like a photograph, it’s so crisp and clean — and beautifully textured. It’s the balance between these two elements that give the book a cinematic feel, reminding readers that this is a big story told on a big scale even within the more intimate parameters of the comic book format. That, interestingly, is particularly noticeable when you get into the details: freckles smattered across a character’s nose, the way a body crumples on the floor, the look of resignation in the eyes of one character and the sort of conspiratorial gleam in another’s. Lazarus has always been good, with both Rucka and Lark delivering fantastic work, but Fallen is not only the story at its peak, but both creators doing some of their absolute career-best work. The result is something that is gritty and elevated in equal measure.

To put a finer point on things, Lazarus changed what is possible with sci-fi dystopian stories in comics and created something really special when it arrived in 2013 and now, the final chapter Lazarus: Fallen is not only starting off as a very worthy next part but is poised to perhaps be even better than the original. With excellent writing and art that may be some of the best of both creators to date, Lazarus: Fallen #1 may see Forever Carlyle on a mission to burn everything down, but it looks like this story is going to go out in a blaze of glory.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Lazarus: Fallen #1 goes on sale June 25th from Image Comics.

The post Lazarus: Fallen #1 Is an Epic Beginning of the End appeared first on ComicBook.com.

In both reality and fiction there may be one thing that is more dangerous than power and its secrets. On their face, the idea of secrets — information withheld or concealed, usually to avoid a consequence — doesn’t seem like such a terrible thing. People keep relatively harmless secrets every day in the name of basic privacy. But not all secrets are benign and when you combine secrets with the volatility of a world containing superpowered beings it’s not just feelings that could be in the balance but the fate of the entire world. This is where The Power Fantasy from Kieron Gillen and Caspar Wijngaard brings us in issue #9 and it’s the revelation of a couple of secrets in particular that could save the world or be its entire undoing.

The Power Fantasy sees the Superpowers in a strange and strained situation. Jacky Magus has previously entered into an alliance with the U.S. government after Etienne killed the president, it’s discovered that Heavy has a secret Superpower son who could end up being a dangerous player in the mix, and Masumi is already hanging by a very delicate emotional thread. All of that threatens to blow up in everyone’s faces in the issue (potentially literally). We start to realize that Heavy may not have the biggest handle on things when it comes to his secret son and that he’s not necessarily entirely confident about his own stance. We also finally see Isabella be honest with Masumi, revealing their own bitter feelings about how the Atomics (and particularly Masumi) survive over and over while humans die in droves when things go wrong. It’s a huge risk, but opening up that secret both unburdens Isabella and seems to do some good for Masumi as well.

[RELATED: No, The Power Fantasy Isn’t Watchmen (But It Might Be Better)]

But it’s the big secret that gets revealed in The Power Fantasy #9 that may be the most dangerous thing the story has faced to date, something that is poised to be more of an issue for how it could upset the balance of power and what it means for the already delicate dance the Atomics are doing. Jacky Magus has been doing some sneaky stuff for a while and everyone’s been trying to get Eliza on their side, but as it turns out, what’s really going on with Jacky goes back to the catastrophic Second Summer of Love in 1989. It also turns out to have major, major connection to Eliza and how she’s ended up the way she is. The issue hits Eliza — and the reader — with the gut punch that Jacky isn’t exactly who he seems to be.

I’m not going to spoil the reveal — that should be read for itself — but it’s one that changes everything and not only does Gillen set it up brilliantly with the writing but Wijngaard’s art, particularly as Eliza realizes what she’s being told, is absolutely phenomenal. Gillen tees things up perfectly, with Etienne commenting on the random nature of how big revelations of truth really are. He’s speaking about Matsumi when he talks about luck and stakes, but he may as well be speaking about what Jacky reveals to Eliza except while we see how Matsumi’s luck plays out the reader is left to wonder what will come with Eliza. Wijngaard’s art gives nothing away, but somehow simultaneously captures every nuance of relief and horror in Eliza’s face as so many pieces start to fall into place for her. She’s very much our window into this moment and it in a way that feels like screaming without a sound. To put it another way, it’s a cliffhanger that hits as though you’ve already fallen right into the ground at top speed. You know something has broken, but you’re also in no position just yet to take stock of just what.

That is perhaps what makes The Power Fantasy as a title work so well generally, but this issue specifically excel. The things you expect to be catastrophic — powers, Matsumi having to deal with emotional distress, Heavy’s secret son — are somehow less dangerous than the thing you didn’t really see coming, the secret so well-kept that it’s really more of a bomb, one that no one might survive. The Power Fantasy has always been a story of layers and complicated relationships, but issue #9 takes things to a completely different level — and it may be the best of the series to date.

Rating: 5 out of 5

The Power Fantasy #9 is on sale now from Image Comics.

The post I Don’t Know How The Power Fantasy is Gonna Top That Latest Gut Punch Reveal appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The comic book industry has given readers many beloved characters, from the iconic superheroes we all know and love to relatable characters with memorable backstories. Then there are the animal companions in comics, providing endearing moments of peace and happiness every time they arrive. One of the best parts about comics is the sheer number of cats that grace these vibrant pages. Every major publisher has a solid list of cats to remember, including Marvel, DC Comics, BOOM!, and beyond. In other words, there’s a plethora of feline friends for readers to fall in love with, and we are here for it.

These days, it isn’t hard to spot cats in comics. DC has long been introducing feline friends for the likes of Catwoman. Likewise, Marvel has introduced plenty of friends for their counterpart, Black Cat. More recently, Marvel really embraced this cat-loving trend, going so far as to create an Infinity Comic series titled Marvel Meow. Truthfully, every cat in every comic deserves all the love, but there just isn’t time to list them all.

An honorable mention to all the adopted cats of superheroes. We love that these heroes have taken saving the day to a whole new level, opening their homes and hearts to these faithful pets: Alpine (Bucky Barnes), Lupin, Raffles, Simon, Irene (Black Cat), Alfred (Damian Wayne), Isis (Catwoman), and countless others.

10) Zabu

Zabu will never be mistaken for a housecat, but he still fits within the category. Zabu is the last living saber-toothed tiger, hailing from Earth-616. He lives in the Savage Land and has made many superhero friends, including Ka-Zar and the X-Men. He’s also a superhero in his own right, as he is a member of the Pet Avengers (they’re adorable and they save the day, what more could a person ask for?). Zabu is a loyal ally but a dangerous enemy, as his heightened sense of smell and hearing make him an excellent tracker – there will be no escaping his wrath.

Thankfully, Zabu has a life pretty common to heroes in comic books, and as such, he’s gone through many experiences and adventures. For example, he was exposed to some strange gases in the Place of Mists, which granted him slowed aging and near-human intelligence. In other words, this bright cat is going to be around for quite some time, or so we can hope.

Zabu’s adventures can be found in Marvel Comics.

9) Tinker

Tinker, aka 2, is a modified cat hailing from the We3 program, and as such, she was designed to be a dangerous killing machine, complete with shockingly large armor and cybernetic implants. In other words, this is not the housecat to mess with! Tinker is famous for her battles against a group of biorgs (it’s complicated), though arguably she should probably be better known for her somewhat salty attitude.

Tinker is one half of a pair, with her counterpart being Bandit. They’re the classic cat/dog pairing, meaning that Tinker is everything Bandit is not, and vice versa. The dynamics may feel a bit strange in a sci-fi battle scenario, but the duo makes it work. However, there’s no denying that Tinker’s ‘tude steals the show on more than one occasion.

Tinker’s story can be found in We3.

8) Elsie, Lord Fluffy Britches & Patch

Elsie, Lord Fluffy Britches, and Patch are three housecats thrown into a situation they were never prepared for. Think Homeward Bound, but with the equivalent of zombies thrown into the mix. These anthropomorphic cats are smart enough to understand the danger they’re in, and okay, yeah, that’s pretty terrifying for readers! Their story is by the creators of Stray Dogs, so it’s a heavy-hitting adventure right from the start.

Elsie, Lord Fluffy Britches & Patch are up against seemingly impossible odds, which alone makes them worthy of rooting for. The fact that they’re adorable cats simply gives readers more reason to hope for their success, as they dodge rabid beasts while they try to find their way home.

Elsie, Lord Fluffy Britches & Patch’s story can be found in Feral by Image Comics.

7) Lou

It isn’t every day that cat lovers get a whole series dedicated to their favorite critters, but it does happen occasionally. Little Lou is the leading protagonist of Strayed, a sci-fi dystopian tale. Lou is an astral projecting cat who adores his owner, Kiara, with all his little heart. He was born into a world (universe) that wanted to use and abuse him for his abilities. However, Kiara loved him too much to stand by and let it happen, and thus a revolution began.

Lou’s tale only lasted five issues, but it’ll tug at the heartstrings of any cat-lover. It’s easy to see how one human and her cat may feel inclined to change the entire intergalactic system, if that’s what it takes.

Lou’s story can be found in Strayed by Dark Horse Comics.

6) Master Ren Mormorian

There are complicated characters, and then there’s Master Ren, a nekomancer with many faces. Even Ren’s name is complicated, as his full name and title are Commander Ren Mormorian, Apprentice Nekomancer to Two-faced Zorian of Whiteclaw.

Ren is famous for his two tails – but it’s perhaps his two faces he should be better known for. Originally tasked with betrayal, readers watch as Ren grows a stronger and heavier conscious as the series continues. Ren has gone through a lot since his introduction, including a changing of sides, an experience with torture, and more. On the bright side, he’s also made friends. Little Kippa is probably the best at bringing his sweet, hidden side to the surface, making it easy for readers to love this cat.

Master Ren’s story can be found in Monstress by Image Comics.

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5) Streaky the Supercat

The Superman family is pretty famous for adding new members, ranging from children from a different timeline to loyal pets, and everything in between. One such hero on the team is Streaky the Supercat. Streaky has been around for ages, and as such, his/her story has changed quite a bit over the years. For example, Streaky was once a male cat, but lately, DC Comics has been portraying the cat as a female feline. Likewise, her origin story has had a few changes over the years.

Streaky the Supercat is Kara Zor-El’s cat and best friend. She is the natural counterpart to Krypto, not to mention a superpowered member of the family. She has many familiar powers, including flight, heat vision, invulnerability, and superspeed. There’s no doubt about her ability to keep up with the rest of her family!

Streaky’s story can be found in DC Comics.

4) Chester, Marigold & The Rest of the Lumberjanes Kitties

Throughout Lumberjanes, the Roanoke cabin has made many allies, including many feline friends. Early in the series, Ripley wished everyone had a cat, and she got that wish ten times over. The cats that popped into existence aren’t normal cats. For example, Marigold is a stunning cat who is just as sweet as she looks. However, she can also drastically change her size. While she can be as small as an ordinary housecat, she can also become large enough to ride. Readers don’t actually know if there’s a size limit for this fuzzy feline. Barney was quick to adopt this cutie!

Other feline friends introduced during this wish include Chester (a white cat with wings), Jessica (an electric kitty), Mr. Chips (laser eyes), Peanut (can become very heavy – seriously), and Plops Town (telekinesis). Each cat has an adorable ability to go with their personality, and yes, we want to collect them all.

Chester and Marigold’s stories can be found in Lumberjanes by BOOM! Studios.

[RELATED: We’re Still Waiting for This Promised Adaptation of a Beloved Comic Series]

3) Chewie (Chewbacca Sassy Danvers)

Chewie is arguably one of the best-known cats from Marvel Comics, though technically, she’s a Flerken. Flerkens are an alien race that pass for human cats, so that’s a good enough reason to let her stay on this list! Chewie is Carol Danvers’ cat (Captain Marvel). She’s a sassy pet who first met Carol in 2006, and for the longest time, Carol believed she had accidentally adopted a cat from another universe. Then they learned the truth of Chewie’s biology, just in time to welcome a massive litter of Flerken-kittens. Yes, it’s as cute (and chaotic) as it sounds, and fans wouldn’t have it any other way.

Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) know Chewie by another name, as she goes by Goose in the movies. On the bright side, she maintained her Flerken status and even added to the franchise’s lore, leaving a permanent mark on the likes of Nick Fury. Chewie is easily one of the most dependable pets out there, even if she does tend to scare off all of her cat-sitters.

Chewie’s adventures can be found in Marvel Comics, within Captain Marvel’s story.

2) Dex Starr

There’s no denying that Dex Starr wins the award for the most tragic backstory, possibly of all time. Once upon a time, Dex Starr was an adorable and abandoned little housecat. He was fortunate enough to be rescued by a kind woman, who showed him what it was like to be loved and adored. Unfortunately, Dex Starr’s owner was brutally murdered in front of his eyes. Alone once again, Dex Starr couldn’t get over the burning rage in his heart, making him the perfect candidate for a Red Lantern Ring.

With this new power, Dex Starr swore he would one day track down the person who killed his owner and exact his revenge. Until then, he has been working hard to earn a reputation for himself, and boy, has he succeeded there. Dex Starr is not a being anybody wants to cross, that’s for sure.

Dex Starr’s story can be seen in DC Comics’ Green Lantern & Red Lantern Corps Series.

1) Lying Cat

Lying Cat is possibly the most iconic cat in comics, at least in modern times. She is a massive cat with blue/green/teal skin and vibrant yellow eyes. She’s been around since the first issue of Saga, though she’s not always present for every adventure (which has certainly helped her survival). Lying Cat is famous (and named) for her iconic phrase – “lying.” She can tell when a person is lying, and thus will happily growl out “lying” when appropriate.

Lying Cat first appeared at the side of The Will, a bounty hunter responsible for tracking down the leading couple of the series. Since then, she’s worked with a few different characters in the series, and it’s safe to say she’s always been a fan-favorite (we will riot if anything ever happens to her).

Lying Cat’s story can be found in Saga by Image Comics.

The post 10 Best Comic Book Cats, Ranked appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Image Comics is leading fans on a journey through Spawn’s secret history in a brand new series, and we’ve got an exclusive first look preview to give you a taste of what’s in store. The new series is titled Bloodletter, and will introduce the world to a new anti-hero named Tasha Thornwall and her connection to Al Simmons and Spawn. Crafting this new adventure is the dynamite team of Joseph P. Illidge (Batman, Milestone Universe: The Shadow Cabinet), Tim Seeley (Revival, Hack/Slash), Christian Rosado (Vampirella, Skull and Bones: Savage Storm), DC Alonso (Avengers), and AndWorld Design, and Illidge took the time to break down several scenes from the anticipated series in our first look preview below.

The first page features a bloody throwdown that ends rather brutally for Bloodletter’s enemies, and despite the numbers advantage, she makes quick work of them and more than lives up to her name. There’s also a slick homage to the universe’s other well-known hero who happens to wear a red cape to boot.

“This is the first time we see Tasha Thornwall taking people down, and she’s both smooth and brutal,” Illidge said. “A mix of her spy history from past days in the CIA and her memorable methods of murder, which helped make Tasha an urban legend throughout the world as ‘The Bloodletter’. I just love how Christian has her trench coat flapping outward like a cape. Does anyone else we know in this universe sport a red cape? ;)”.

On the second page, we see Bloodletter’s back and arms, which tie into her mystical powers, but she’s not alone. You can also see her all,y Casper, and Illidge teases some big reveals in regards to who she is and what she means to the book.

[RELATED: HBO’s Spawn Needs a Resurrection]

“The Bloodletter sports quite a number of tattoos and scars on her body, which connects directly to her mystical power…and her capacity for surviving fights with both angels and demons. As for who Tasha’s sidekick is on this page, her name is Casper, and she’s much more than most people realize,” Illidge said.

The final page gives us a look at the calm right before the storm, though I wouldn’t describe the world Bloodletter operates in as necessarily calm. “Bloodletter’s world isn’t one of James Bond-type villains in Stanley Kubrick-clean locales and shaken martinis. She operates in all the shadowy places in between, where the real engines of crime and magic exist. Tasha doesn’t realize the direction of her life is about to change in this grimy, smelly place…but that’s going to change in the next two minutes,” Illidge said.

“At its core, this story is all about synthesis,” Seeley said. “For our lead, Tasha, it’s that combination of espionage and street magic that makes her an unkillable survivor in a world where guys like Spawn, Overtkill, and Violator walk. And the comic itself is a synthesis too, of Joe, Christian, and me, something totally new none of us would have concocted on our own.”

“It’s blood, magic, it’s evil questioning itself, it’s also love and redemption,” Rosado said. “Tasha took on a life of her own, and what we do as a team is narrate it, chapter after chapter. In this transgressive and dark world, there’s a new character who is a privilege to draw. Joe, Tim, and I have that mission—to make her struggle known and what she has to tell us.”

The Bloodletter will hit comic stores on June 18th and is available for pre-order, and Bloodletter #2 will hit stores on July 23rd. You can find the official description below.

“Tasha Thornwall is THE BLOODLETTER, mystical mercenary of the world’s secret underground. A former CIA operative forced to live in the shadows after being outed by Al Simmons 10 years ago, Tasha is now out for revenge when she learns Al Simmons is alive as Spawn. The mission to hunt down and kill Spawn begins in this debut miniseries.”

Are you excited for The Bloodletter and learning more about Spawn’s history? Let us know in the comments, and you can talk all things comics with me on Bluesky @knightofoa!

The post Image Comics Shakes Up the Spawn Universe in Bloodletter First Look Preview (Exclusive) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

DC and Image Comics are planning a crossover that brings Jim Lee back to the publisher that he helped found in 1992. Jim Lee is the current President, Publisher and Chief Creative Officer of DC, but before those lofty titles, he was one of six individuals who founded the creator-owned company Image Comics. One of the bigger hits at Image is Geoff Johns and Gary Frank’s Geiger, a cornerstone of Ghost Machine. Lee is back drawing interiors for the Batman story arc “H2SH” alongside Jeph Loeb. In a first for each publisher, Lee and Frank are teaming up to provide covers for each other’s titles.

Jim Lee’s cover of October’s Geiger #19 will be his first cover for Image since 2011’s Spawn #200. Lee helped found Image Comics alongside trailblazing creators Todd McFarlane, Erik Larsen, Whilce Portacio, Jim Valentino, and Rob Liefeld. Gary Frank’s cover for Batman #163 is set to hit stores in August. This is also a return to DC for Frank, who drew Batman: Earth One and Doomsday Clock for DC before founding Ghost Machine in October 2023 with Johns, Brad Anderson, Jason Fabok, Bryan Hitch, Rob Leigh, Lamont Magee, Francis Manapul, Brad Meltzer, Ivan Reis, Peter Snejbjerg, Peter J. Tomasi and Maytal Zchut.

[RELATED: Warner Bros. Will Rent Out Batman & Other Iconic Characters In Shocking New Initiative]

“Jim’s a great friend and inspirational artist,” said Frank. “When we first began talking about doing covers for each other’s projects, it instantly became a moment where you realize why you got into comics. The community, the friendships, the love of the medium and the appreciation of each other’s work is something unique to comics and its creators.”

“When Jim delivered his Geiger cover featuring The Glowing Woman, Ashley Arden, it was a special moment for all of us at Ghost Machine,” continued Frank. “It was also fun for me to dip back into the world of DC with a Batman image featuring the Dark Knight and some of his greatest villains.”

“I’m thrilled to be able to collaborate with the massively talented Gary Frank who I’ve had the good fortune to call a true friend since the early 1990s,” said Lee. “Gary is a consummate professional, a Bonafide artist’s artist, a master of capturing light and form, and he’s drawn some of my favorite comics ever.”

“We hatched this idea to do a ‘crossover’ even if it is truly only compositionally, and I’m so honored to have a Gray Frank Batman Hush piece grace our ‘who’s who’ list of variant virtuoso cover artists!”

Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee’s successor to Batman: Hush began in March’s Batman #158. This new run, collectively called “H2SH,” is running monthly for six issues through August’s Batman #163 and will conclude with six more issues in 2026. Geoff Johns, Gary Frank, Brad Anderson and Rob Leigh launched the ongoing Geiger series in April 2024. It continues the story of Tariq Geiger, a man transformed into a powerful hero during the first strike of a nuclear war, and other unnamed heroes from throughout American history. October’s Geiger #19 features the return of Ashley Arden as her ongoing story of hunting human traffickers across a nuclear-war-ravaged America takes center stage and The Glowing Woman’s motivations and future become more clear.

What do you think about this unique crossover between DC and Image Comics for Batman #163 and Geiger #19? Let us know in the comments below!

The post New Batman Image Crossover Marks A Major Comics First 33 Years In The Making appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The team of James Tynion IV (The Department of Truth, The Deviant) and Michael Walsh (Universal Monsters: Frankenstein, The Silver Coin) is set to introduce the world to their new Image Comics and Tiny Onion series Exquisite Corpses, which will unleash 12 highly lethal killers on an unsuspecting small town. That lineup includes some truly oddball characters, but to this point we’ve only met 11 of the 12…until now. We’ve got all the exclusive details on the 12th and final killer that will be going head to head in a battle Royale for control of the country, and he is The Lone Gunman.

The Lone Gunman is Massachusetts’ choice for the tournament, and as you can see in the image below, he’s a force to be reckoned with just based on appearance alone. A gold mask hides his identity from the other hired killers, and he has a number of weapons and ammo at his disposal across his armor. You can find all of the details on the Lone Gunman from his official bio below.

“Highly trained and highly dangerous, Lone Gunman puts years of combat training to use as he efficiently dispatches his opponents, or any collateral damage who get in the way. Dishonorably discharged for battlefield atrocities now sealed in government records, Lone Gunman’s penchant for excessive violence has become a benefit, not a hindrance, to his performance in this tournament.”

That full roster for the tournament now includes Rascal Randy, Fox Mask Killer, G4M3R K1D and Calvin, Slater, Recluse, Leopold Strong, Lady Carolina, Nurse Pete, Layla Blaze, Pretty Boy, The Congregation, and Lone Gunman, and each one specializes in some sort of lethal skillset. Some of them are crazy, while others are highly trained, and others are more mysterious as how they came about and what their motivations are. You can check out the complete lineup and the official description for Exquisite Corpses below.

[RELATED: 2025 Comic Preview – All the Biggest Storylines & New Series to Know About]

“In Exquisite Corpses, every five years on Halloween, the wealthiest families in America play a game. 12 of the deadliest people in the world are dropped into a small town with just one goal: last killer standing wins. For the citizens of Oak Valley, Maine—this year’s unlucky arena—the goal is much simpler. They must survive the night.

The series will not only feature the work of Tynion IV and Walsh, but also comics superstars Adam Gorham (Hellhunters), Becca Carey (Absolute Wonder Woman), Che Grayson (Dark Spaces: Good Deeds), Claire Roe (Dark Spaces: The Hollywood Special), Gavin Fullerton (The Closet), Jordie Bellaire (Redlands), Marianna Ignazzi (Catwoman), Pornsak Pichetshote (The Good Asian), Tyler Boss (You’ll Do Bad Things), and Valentine De Landro (Bitch Planet). Each issue will build upon the last in a true ‘exquisite corpse’ game style, with a passing of the baton from creator to creator to unfold the story in a collaborative and competitive fashion.”

What intrigues you most about Exquisite Corpses #1? Let us know in the comments, and you can talk all things comics with me on Bluesky @knightofoa!

The post Image Comics and Tiny Onion Reveal Exquisite Corpses’ Lethal Final Killer (Exclusive) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

In a sea of amazing comics, a new series has to find a way to immediately stand out from the crowd and showcase what makes it special. Image Comics and Skybound look to do just that with its new series Blood & Thunder, pairing the core elements of a buddy cop movie with the lovely insanity that is the world of Metro 1. Oh, did we mention that the buddy cop of it all is actually a cop and her sentient gun? Yeah, that’s right, and it’s where the series not only gets its name but also where it gets its sense of charm, humor, and history, making for one of the most delightful debuts of 2025 so far.

Before we get to the two protagonists, we need to first highlight the insanely cool world that the team of Benito Cereno, E.J. Su, Msassyk, and Rus Wooton have brought to life. Metro 1 is a tiered city where life gets progressively more difficult and challenging as you continue to go through each tier, and there’s also another city on the other side of the planet that seemingly has its own tiers, though we don’t get to see much of that yet.

If that sounds like an idea rife with possibilities, it absolutely is, and the first few pages set about introducing you to the various structures and way of life on various tiers. Meanwhile, Su and Msassyk make a grand first impression with a two-page spread that is just absolutely stunning, instantly giving you a sense of this mysterious place without even setting foot on it. Their work continues to impress throughout the issue, with each tier conveying its own distinct personality even in the briefest of appearances.

Their work is also impressive in the characters that populate this world. While there are humanoid-looking characters and actual humans living in the city, there are a host of other aliens that call this place home, and their character designs don’t just feel like human offshoots with a different coat of paint. Some of the designs are really creative, and it bodes well for what we’ll see from the series as it progresses.

[RELATED: 2025 Comic Preview – All the Biggest Storylines & New Series to Know About]

While the world is fantastic, it doesn’t matter if you aren’t compelled by the book’s main heroes, and that’s where Blood and Thunder come in. Blood is a bounty hunter who excels at operating in the lower levels, and she uses a gun named Thunder. The thing is, Thunder is a full sentient gun who talks to Blood, and this forms the buddy cop dynamic throughout the series. The opening fight sequence is fun to watch from an action perspective, but the dynamic between the two is what really makes these sequences shine, as Thunder continues to want to use non-lethal measures whenever possible, and Blood is a bit more on the aggressive side.

That ties into a key point of history with Blood, as Thunder was her father’s old weapon before he died, and he was also a part of the IPPF (the police force on Metro 1). That promises to be rich with complex issues for Blood, as she holds her father in high esteem, and while her mother is hinted at here, there’s a lot said in what is unsaid if that makes sense. That’s even before we get to bigger mysteries revealed towards the end of the issue, so the future is quite bright.

There are a few odd moments in regards to facial expressions, but that’s a relatively minor nitpick. One thing I would have loved to see is more time with Blood and Thunder after the big action sequence. All that amazing world-building at the beginning has to trade off somewhere after all, but I’m sure we’ll get plenty of time with them as we continue the series.

It’s not easy for a new series to truly showcase who it is and who it wants to be in just one issue, but Blood & Thunder did that exceptionally well, and it’s created an adventure full of action, charm, and mystery that already has its hooks in. If you give it a try, I think it just might hook you, too.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Published by Skybound and Image Comics

Released on May 7, 2025

Written by Benito Cereno

Art by E.J. Su

Colors by Msassyk

Letters by Rus Wooton

What did you think of Blood & Thunder #1? Let us know in the comments, and you can talk all things comics with me on Bluesky @knightofoa!

The post Blood & Thunder #1 Is the Buddy Cop Adventure I Didn’t Know I Needed (Review) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

A world of wonder, mystery, danger, and magic makes its debut in Image Comics’ new series Lost Fantasy, and after just one issue, I am completely hooked. Lost Fantasy is a brand new series from the minds of Curt Pires, Luca Casalanguida, Mark Dale, and Micah Myers, and the unique mix of old magic, monstrous creatures, backstabbing, and epic fantasy is immensely compelling. The world Lost Fantasy has already created in just one issue is beyond impressive as well, and while you can certainly see elements of Final Fantasy in its DNA, Lost Fantasy still has its own identity and becomes something altogether unique. The series already has my attention, and it has the potential to be something incredibly special.

Lost Fantasy puts you in the shoes of Henry Blackheart, who is a special consultant for the FBI, though that’s only scratching the surface of who he actually is. Henry’s last name is of particular importance, and that’s where the team really starts to go to work. After a first impression is made, Pires sets about introducing you to an alternate history that’s as vast as it is intricate and complex, and it didn’t take long for that world to sink its hooks in.

As that history is quickly established, I truthfully could have spent even more time exploring the evolving relationship between these two worlds, especially as they become more intertwined with each other, but that trip to the past doesn’t outstay its welcome, and soon you’re back in the thick of it with Henry, though with a much better and more contextual understanding of who he is and why he matters.

One of my favorite aspects of the issue is the artwork and overall approach to the bigger fantasy elements. In the first few pages, you might assume you’re in for a trip through pure dark fantasy, and yet a few pages later that’s heaved out the window in favor os something more classic, colorful, and fantastical. As the issue continues, Luca Casalanguida, Mark Dale, and Micah Myers blend all of those various sensibilities together with a bit of horror to create a look and tone that feels familiar and even perhaps nostalgic, and yet altogether distinct.

[RELATED: Jonathan Bowen’s The Comic Shop Tackles the Joys and Realities of Running a Comic Store]

Lost Fantasy keeps you guessing as well, with one particular reveal being one of my absolute favorites of the issue and coming out of nowhere. I don’t want to spoil it, but what I will say is that Henry’s magical abilities are responsible for some of my favorite interactions in the issue.

It doesn’t hurt that there’s a lot of Cloud Strife in Henry Blackheart, and being that I’m a massive Final Fantasy fan, that’s not an issue for me at all. That said, this never feels like it’s trying to be something it’s not, as those elements are just small aspects of a much bigger world and set of ideas.

Lost Fantasy isn’t afraid to take risks and shake things up, but it’s also a love letter to the genre, and that unique contrast makes for a truly special debut.

Lost Fantasy #1 hits comic stores on April 30th.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Published By: Image Comics
Written By: Curt Pires
Art By: Luca Casalanguida
Colored By: Mark Dale
Lettered By: Micah Myers

Are you excited for Lost Fantasy #1? Let us know in the comments, and you can talk all things comics with me on Bluesky @knightofoa!

The post Lost Fantasy Delivers Love Letter to the Genre With a Little Final Fantasy Magic (Review) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Kieron Gillen is one of the foremost voices in the comic industry. His work at Marvel made him popular, but his best works have been his indie books, like Phonogram, The Wicked + The Divine, and Once and Future. Gillen is an amazing artist, and when The Power Fantasy was announced, fans were very happy. After WicDiv‘s ending, Gillen had returned to Marvel, but fans were ready for something like The Power Fantasy, with Gillen unleashed to work in his own way on his own characters. The Power Fantasy #1 was a massive hit, and the book has been hitting ever since. The Power Fantasy #8 is yet another brilliant installment of this amazing comic.

So, right off the bat, we’re drawn into Eliza and her story from the first page, when she talks about God. It’s an interesting summation of Thomas Aquinas and tells you everything you need to know about her — she believes in God’s love more than anything else. Gillen kicks off the book with this because it sets the stage for the rest of the issue’s events. We have to see this side of Eliza to understand her actions throughout the issue. Gillen moves us forward from there, taking us to the moment of the Queen’s attack in 1989, and to witness the fate of Eliza in 1999. Gillen does a fantastic job of setting out everything a reader would need to know about the general plot of the story so far. Even if you don’t really know anything about the characters as a new reader, you get who each of them are in relation to this story. This is some seriously impressive writing, because this is a rather complicated plot. However, the writing here makes things very clear.

RELATED: The Power Fantasy #1 by Kieron Gillen & Caspar Wijngaard Sells Out, Image Comics Rushes Second Printing

Caspar Wijngaard’s art is sensational. The first four pages of the book jump to three different eras, and each one has its own visual identity — the halcyon past, the fearful future, and the golden age before the fall — and that’s completely on Wijngaard. His color choices and the palettes he uses for each scene gives each one just the right feel. You know just by looking at the art how you’re supposed to feel about the scene. Color choice can make a break a scene in a comic, and Wijngaard understands that.

The character acting and design are all stellar. There are a lot of emotions at play in each scene, and Wijngaard is able to bring that out of every character. Getting to see how Eliza has changed — from her youth in the ’70s and ’80s to what years of torment have done to her by 1999 — really allows us to understand the stakes of the events in the flashbacks. Wijngaard really knocks it out of the park when Eliza saves the day in 1989, his page layout of her ritual and what came next really capturing the horror and fear of those moments. Each page has three long panels, the claustrophobia caused by this choice really making the moments sing.

I walked into The Power Fantasy #8 completely blind. I’m a huge fan of Gillen’s work, so I knew I’d like it, but I wasn’t ready for just how good this issue was. I honestly expected to be a lot more lost than I was, but Gillen does a tremendous job of laying out everything we need to know. There’s a wonderful emotional core to the issue that is apparent from the beginning, and I was able to find and tap into it quickly. Wijngaard’s art is gorgeous. His pencils are beautifully skilled with a unique style, but his color choice is especially good. The colors in this book are outstanding. However, what makes The Power Fantasy #8 a great work and is a testament to the quality of this series overall is that this issue is one you can pick up completely cold and still enjoy immensely and still understand where the story has been even as it lays the groundwork for where it’s going to go.

Rating: 4.6 out of 5

Published by Image Comics

Released on April 23, 2025

Written by Kieron Gillen

Art by Caspar Wijngaard

Letters by Clayton Cowles

The Power Fantasy #8 is on sale now.

The post The Power Fantasy #8 Brilliantly Advances a Phenomenal Story (Review) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

There’s nothing better than tucking into a good graphic novel on a chilly evening. Or any evening, really. Graphic novels come in many forms: fantasy, thrillers, and one of our favorites – horror. Even the horror genre has lots of variety, and today, we’re here to talk about some of the best eco-horror graphic novels to dive into. These are terrifying tales depicting the natural world gone wrong. Sometimes, it’s plant life turning on humanity, while other times, it’s pure ecological destruction, which may hit too close to home for some readers. One thing is certain: these eco-horror adventures will make you look at the world in a whole new light – for better or for worse.

Eco-horror is a unique genre that often incorporates critical commentary about human nature and our environmental impact. While this is a common theme in many tales, it isn’t technically required. Finding a terrifying tale that doesn’t delve too deeply into commentary is possible. Likewise, the odds are good that you’ve seen or read eco-horror without reading it. For example, The Last of Us (both the game and the HBO series) fit the bill. Other examples include Annihilation, Frogs, Wilder Girls, and Cholorphobia. Mind you, this is far from an exhaustive list of examples – there are so many fantastic tales out there waiting to be found.

Farmhand

Created by Rob Guillory, Farmhand combines eco-horror with family drama with terrifying results. It all begins with Jedidiah Jenkins, a farm owner with a unique business plan. Instead of growing stereotypical plants, he grows additional limbs and organs for those who need them. Unsurprisingly, growing spare human parts comes with a price, which Jenkins, his family, and the entire town will quickly learn as the miracle farm turns into a monster of apocalyptic proportions.

Farmhand is written and illustrated by Rob Guillory and is published by Image Comics. It is perfect for horror fans seeking an agriculture-themed apocalyptic event, complete with botanical contamination and a dash of Cronenberg horror for good measure.

Family Tree

Can one family survive impossible odds? Maybe, if they rally quickly enough. Family Tree begins with a transformation, as Meg inexplicably starts turning into a tree. Thus begins a mad dash for a cure—and for survival. Meg’s family, which includes her mother, brother, and estranged grandfather, are not just racing against time but a mysterious organization and worse. They will soon learn that Meg’s transformation isn’t the first, and it all comes down to the family tree.

Family Tree is written by Jeff Lemire (Sweet Tooth, The Nobody), illustrated by Phil Hester, and published by Image Comics. It’s the perfect blend of Cronenberg and eco-horror. It incorporates elements of family drama, time jumping, and potential dystopian futures. The end result is as complex as it is fascinating.

Swamp Thing by Alan Moore

Alan Moore took over writing for Swamp Thing in the 1980s, revolutionizing and revitalizing the story. The first arc is “The Anatomy Lesson,” which essentially rebooted the mythos, introducing new horrors and implications along the way. Delving into the Green, the story raises questions about life vs death, the meaning of the self, and more. It also tackles complex concerns, including environmentalism, marginalization, the effects of trauma, and more.

Let’s be real: even non-comic fans have heard of Swamp Thing, especially Alan Moore’s Swamp Thing. All Swamp Thing comics likely fit into the eco-horror genre. However, Alan Moore’s take is a shining example, especially as it portrays humanity’s threat to the environment through a clear (yet sometimes terrifying) lens. Alan Moore’s Swamp Thing run included artwork by Dan Day, John Totleben, Stephen Bissette, Tom Yeates, and Rich Veith and was published by Vertigo/DC Comics.

Into the Unbeing

Somewhere hidden in the Australian wilderness is something humanity has never seen before. Fortunately, a group of climate scientists were the ones to uncover this landform – one can only imagine what would have happened to any fool who dared mess around with it. The closer the scientists look at what they’ve found, the less believable it is. A hostile alien environment may seem like the dream discovery for any intrepid team, but anyone who’s spent enough time within the realm of science fiction knows where this path will lead.

Into the Unbeing was written by Zac Thompson (Relay, Nature’s Labyrinth), illustrated by Hayden Sherman and Jim Campbell, and published by Dark Horse Comics. The series combines eco-horror with scientific discovery and the need to explore and break new ground, opening the door to several thought-provoking conversations.

[RELATED: 7 Image Comics Perfect for a Horror Adaptation]

Dark Fang

Vampires may not seem like the ideal showrunner to an eco-horror comic, but Dark Fang defies those expectations. As a vampire, Valla has spent much of her time at the bottom of the ocean. It’s peaceful there; she doesn’t have to deal with people. That is, until signs of humanity began to poison the waters she called home. Now, Valla will ascend from the depths to understand the cause of this plague and, ideally, put a stop to it, no matter the price.

Dark Fang is a unique eco-horror with a vampiric lead written by Miles Gunter, illustrated by Kelsey Shannon, and published by Image Comics. It is full of social commentary, especially regarding environmentalism and the use of fossil fuels.

Mother Nature

Tales of corrupt corporations are not uncommon, particularly not in the eco-horror genre (it’s a solid foundation for everything to follow). Nova Terrell’s life was thrown upside down following the death of her father. Worse, Nova was there to see it happen, so she knew the role Cobalt Corporation had to play in this, and thus, she’d begin a campaign to bring the company down. While sabotaging the company from the outside, Nova accidentally stumbles across something that refines her understanding of “Mother Nature.”

Jamie Lee Curtis and Russel Goldman co-wrote Mother Nature, illustrated by Karl Stevens and published by Titan Comics. It was originally written as a screenplay, so readers can hope to see it on the big screen someday (Comet Pictures). Mother Nature is a blend of eco-horror and motherhood, telling a story of loss, environmentalism, and the need for company oversight.

Slow Death Zero

If anthologies are more your speed, there’s always Slow Death Zero: The Comix Anthology of Ecological Horror. The title pretty much says it all, as it brings 33 writers and artists together for a total of 28 stories about global warming, ecological disasters, and environmental horrors. These stories don’t shy away from the real-life implications of melting ice caps, so it’s probably not the best collection to read right before bed – unless you enjoy nightmares.

Slow Death Zero: The Comix Anthology of Ecological Horror was edited by Jon B. Cooke and Ronald E. Turner and had 33 creatives working on the project. Published by Last Gasp (terrifying name, by the way), it is a republication of classic eco-horror tales from Earth Day 1970, showing how long this subgenre has been alive.

The Autumnal

Autumn is the perfect setting for eco-horror, as the changing seasons tease at darker times to come. Enter The Autumnal, a story about Kat Somerville and her daughter Sybil. They’ve fled to a quieter life in New Hampshire, but things aren’t going the way they expected. It’s a familiar beginning, as many a tale has begun with a troubled family returning to their roots. However, this take may be a bit more literal than some. There are horrors best left slumbering, as Kat and Sybil are about to discover – the hard way.

The Autumnal was written by Daniel Kraus (The Shape of Water, Trollhunters), illustrated by Chris Shehan and Jason Wordie, and published by Vault Comics. The Autumnal blends eco-horror with family drama and the supernatural to divine effect.

[RELATED: 4 Horror Comic Adaptations We’re Eagerly Awaiting (And One We Wish Would Return]

Deep Roots

Humanity has long been afraid of what we cannot see or understand. We’re fascinated with alternate dimensions and worlds that lie just out of reach. But what if one of these worlds was close enough to touch? Enter Deep Roots, a tale of two worlds: ours and a realm of plants and monsters. When the latter makes its way into a human-dominated world, things quickly go south as roots and plants take up arms against the species that has been steadily destroying the planet.

Deep Roots is written by Dan Watters (Home Sick Pilots, Lucifer, Limbo), illustrated by Val Rodrigues (Unnatural Order, Mezo), and published by Vault Comics. It’s a true eco-horror with a slightly more literal take on the war between the environment and humanity.

Poison Ivy by G. Willow Wilson

Poison Ivy has been around for decades, so it feels safe to say that even a casual DC fan knows Ivy and her motivations well. Ivy has always stood to defend the environment (plants) against the selfish nature of humanity. She has often been portrayed dancing the lines between activist and eco-terrorist. Yet her story was brought to new heights when G. Willow Wilson took control. Starting with “The Virtuous Cycle,” Ivy will once again step up to save the planet from its biggest threat – the humans. She knows that nothing she says will ever get through to them, so now is the time to take drastic measures. What follows is a strange yet horrifying series of events as Ivy grapples with humanity and beyond.

G. Willow Wilson’s run on Poison Ivy includes dozens of different artists, including Marcio Takara, Brian Level, Stefano Guardiano, Jay Leisten, Arif Prianto, Atagun Ilhan, and others. Published by DC Comics, this take on Poison Ivy fully embraces her eco-horror roots, letting the activist off the leash.

The post 10 Eco Horror Graphic Novels to Send Chills Down Your Spines appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Imagine going outside of your house to find that not only are you cut off from the rest of the world, but there is a war over control of America happening right outside your door, and you very well may die as a result. Well, let me introduce you to the world of Exquisite Corpses, a new Image Comics series from the talented minds of James Tynion IV, Michael Walsh, Jordie Bellaire, and Becca Carey. The new series hits later this year, but we had the chance to check out Exquisite Corpses #1 ahead of time, discovering a rather perfect mix of horror, The Hunger Games, and The Purge. By the time the final page arrived, I was completely hooked, and I don’t think you’ll be able to turn away from the thrilling chaos either.

Exquisite Corpses introduces readers to the small town of Oak Valley, an unassuming place full of people just living their lives the best they can. What these people don’t know is that there’s a war for control of America happening behind the scenes, and unfortunately for them, they will now find themselves as the battleground for thirteen families vying for that very control.

The elements of government control and power of both those in and outside the system are all rather topical at the moment, and Tynion explores these themes both from those at the wheel and those who are in the path of those in power’s decisions. That’s truly why the debut issue works so well, as you are getting the macro and micro views of this evolving situation simultaneously, giving you instant perspective on what’s happening from either side.

There’s a level of investment that comes with spending time with the people who call this town home and seeing their everyday issues and challenges as the freight train is making its way towards the station, so to speak, and that sense of tension really starts to take hold in the book’s final few pages. Walsh and Bellaire really send that into overdrive as the sunlight leaves the city and the bloodletting begins, sending the people in the city and the reader into a full-blown panic.

[RELATED: 7 Image Comics Perfect for a Horror Adaptation]

Where Walsh, Bellaire, and Carey really shine though is in the killer introductions. Each family is represented by one person, and that person will head into the town and attempt to be the last one standing, giving control of America to their specific family. Throughout the book, we are introduced to all 13 representatives, who range from pyromaniacs and nut jobs to strongmen and self-taught champions, and every single one is captivating in some form or fashion.

Some of these sequences are disturbing, while others are more lighthearted. Others are simply brutal, and then there are still others that will have you questioning how effective they will be in the battle to come. Each one specializes in something different, and the lettering and coloring in these sequences are out of this world, allowing these various killers and psychopaths to leap off the page in all their creepy glory.

The issue doesn’t work, however, if the human element is missing, and thankfully, that’s here in spades. While there’s one chosen champion that is clearly the lead, there’s a whole town of characters that I’m now genuinely invested in and rather attached to, giving the brutal battles to come meaningful stakes. Now, this book is pretty long (over 60 pages), but that was actually necessary, as the world feels pretty fully developed for just one issue in, and those stakes feel earned with the extra time spent in the town. Exquisite Corpses has already set the stage for a thrilling battle for survival with any number of motivations at play, and issue #2 can’t get here soon enough.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Published By: Image Comics
Written By: James Tynion IV
Art By: Michael Walsh
Colors By: Jordie Bellaire
Letters By: Becca Carey

Exquisite Corpses #1 hits comic stores on May 14th.

Are you excited for Exquisite Corpses? Let us know in the comments, and you can talk all things comics with me on Bluesky @knightofoa!

The post The Fight for America Begins in Image’s Thrilling and Brutal Exquisite Corpses (Review) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Writer Daniel Henriques and artist Jonathan Glapion tackle a very unsettling question in their new Spawn spinoff series — what if Spawn missed a chance to save a 7-year-old girl? The antihero has often prioritized punishing villains over helping victims, and Henriques has been holding onto an idea on this topic for over three decades now. He is finally exploring it in The Curse of Sherlee Johnson, which his shelves and digital stores next month from Image Comics. In an interview with ComicBook ahead of the release, Henriques and series creator Todd McFarlane discussed how this throwback series will impact the Spawn Universe.

The Curse of Sherlee Johnson picks up from the events of Spawn #5 — an iconic issue first published in 1992 where Spawn tracks down child serial killer Billy Kincaid. He finds Billy in the middle of a disturbing scene, playing with Sherlee’s hair and severed fingers and she is strung up inside of his deep freezer. Spawn kills Kincaid and leaves his corpse at the police station, rebuking the cops who failed to stop him.

Since the first time he read this issue, Henriques said he has always wondered why Spawn didn’t check on Sherlee before leaving.

“We don’t actually know that she’s dead,” he pointed out. “What if she’s not? What has Spawn just done — or what he has NOT done, which is actually save the victim that got him there in the first place.”

[RELATED: Robert Kirkman Explains Why Spawn and Other Image Characters Didn’t Appear in Invincible TV Show (Exclusive)]

The idea has always been compelling to Henriques because of its potential for more melodrama, and a different perspective on Spawn’s early days. He noted that if Sherlee was alive and conscious during Spawn’s confrontation with Kincaid, she would have seen “him beating he crap out of Kincaid, maybe this giant flash of him teleporting away, and that’s it, and she’s left to die alone. I was always like, ‘This has to go somewhere, what happens next?”

Henriques felt that since Kincaid had come back into the story so often over the years, it just seemed right to flesh out one of his victims as a character as well — especially as the mechanics of the afterlife were explained in subsequent story arcs. McFarlane agreed that this was the perfect way to explore Spawn’s flaws and perhaps the flaws of the superhero archetype in general.

“The problem with the hero playing judge, jury, and executioner is, there’s ramifications for it, right?” he said. “So, we’ve tried to turn over those rocks on the Spawn character. You have to assume most heroes think they’re doing good, but at times you can ask, ‘Did this actually make things worse?’ Because there was no vetting, it was like, ‘Oh, he killed kids, I’m going to kill him,’ and he walks away. He didn’t really dig any deeper than that, he was just being very simplistic in his actions, that now are going to cause complications here.”

The Curse of Sherlee Johnson kicks off on Wednesday, May 2nd with a special 48-page issue to start. It is available for pre-order now via your local comic book shop, or digital platforms including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, and Google Play. Image Comics is also issuing a reprint of Spawn #5 to mark the occasion.

The post What If Spawn Failed? Todd McFarlane and Daniel Henriques Discuss Untold Trauma in New Book appeared first on ComicBook.com.

It’s been more than 30 years since Sherlee Johnson went missing in the pages of 1992’s Spawn #5. The issue — written, penciled and inked by series creator Todd McFarlane — saw the 7-year-old girl become the 28th victim of ice cream man and “Kiddie Killer” Billy Kincaid, who would lure children to his ice cream truck to commit his chilling crimes. The mercenary Al Simmons, resurrected as a vengeful Hellspawn, tortured and killed Kincaid, leaving his corpse for police detectives Sam Burke and Twitch Williams with a message: “Boys screamed and girls screamed so I made him scream and scream and scream…”

Mister Chill-ee was outfitted with his own parasitic suit by the demonic Vindicator when he was sent to the Eighth Sphere of Hell, where the murdering pedophile was slain by Spawn a second time in 1996’s Spawn #53. The blood-chilling serial killer would return as a ghost serial killer in 1999’s Spawn #80-85, and died a fourth and seemingly final time in 2005’s Spawn #152.

But 20 years later, the ghosts of the past will return in The Curse of Sherlee Johnson, a new bi-monthly Spawn spinoff series written by Gunslinger Spawn cover artist Daniel Henriques in his writing debut with interior art by Spawn cover artist Jonathan Glapion.

Spawn: The Curse of Sherlee Johnson #1 (on sale May 21) hits stands alongside a reprint of Spawn #5, the first appearance of Sherlee Johnson and her killer Billy Kincaid.

“We’re going back to 1992, the infancy of Image Comics. I wanted [Spawn] issue five to basically be my message that said: ‘He is not Batman,'” Image co-founder McFarlane, who continues to script what is the longest-running independent series in comic book history in the ongoing Spawn, told ComicBook. “And so when you see that last page [of issue five], of the brutality of what he did to Billy Kincaid, hopefully people got it, one way or the other, whether they liked it or not.”

“That was just to say, ‘Get ready for this new character called Spawn. He’s not going to be like the other corporate-owned characters,'” McFarlane continued. “We fast forward, and Daniel and Jonathan took one thread out of that thing and said, ‘We’ve got an idea. How about this?’ And so here we are 30 years later with a followup.”

In circling back to one of the earliest issues of Spawn three decades later, McFarlane noted that it speaks to the longevity of the creator-owned publisher’s longest-running character as he prepares to head back to screens in the Spawn reboot that has long been in the works at Blumhouse.

“[Hollywood producers] ask what to me is one of the oddest questions: ‘So, how does it end? What happens to the character in the end?'” McFarlane said. “I’m not trying to tell a story that’s got a beginning, middle, and end in the truest sense … and they’re going, ‘But how does it end?’ And my answer is always the same: ‘How does Batman or Superman end? Why do you want it to end?’ Your question should be, ‘How can I keep it going for 30 years,’ not what’s the end [of the story].”

“What happened to Sherlee Johnson, the seven-year-old victim of the infamous serial killer Billy Kinkaid?” the official synopsis asks. The new chapter in McFarlane’s Spawn Universe “explores the fate of the innocent young girl. Her harrowing adventures with the Stranger are laid bare as her story and the world she now inhabits is revealed.”

“The Stranger, we begin not knowing a lot about what he is. One of the things we know is that in [2019’s] Spawn #301, we had the big necroplasmic explosion that opened a lot of things — from time travel, dimension travel everything,” Henriques teased, referring to what McFarlane calls the Time Rip. “The Time Rip allows us to play with a lot of things, and that is what enables the Stranger to meet Sherlee. But it has a meaning behind it that we eventually will discover: Why does Spawn’s necroplasmic Time Rip bomb have this connection? Why does it go towards Sherlee? Why does it impact their past? There is a reason that they’re connected, and part of what they’ll do next, it has its own ramifications in the universe.”

“Even though we’re telling our own story, it is within the Spawn Universe,” he continued. “And even Sherlee’s actions, or even the Stranger’s actions, be it more compassionate or more revenge-driven, it’s going to have different ramifications in the universe.”

The 48-page The Curse of Sherlee Johnson #1 goes on sale May 21 from Image Comics with covers by Glapion and variant covers by McFarlane.

The post Todd McFarlane Talks New Spawn Spinoff, Long-Form Storytelling: “Don’t Ask How It Ends – Ask How It Lasts 30 Years” appeared first on ComicBook.com.

One of the more well-received series at Image Comics is getting adapted into a feature film. In 2022, writer Tom King and artist Elsa Charretier launched Love Everlasting, a series that takes inspiration from Quantum Leap and Groundhog Day to tell the story of a woman named Joan Peterson, who is trapped in an endless cycle of romance. King is a multiple Eisner, Ringo, and Harvey award winner for his works on Batman, Mister Miracle, and The Vision, and his work on Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow is the template for DC’s upcoming feature film starring Milly Alcock. Love Everlasting is King’s next comics work that will be heading to the big screen.

Sony Pictures Entertainment is working on an adaptation of Love Everlasting with Lenny Abrahamson (Room) directing and Jane Goldman writing the script. Producers are Emma Watts and Element’s Ed Guiney. Love Everlasting follows Joan Peterson, who discovers that she is trapped in an endless, terrifying cycle of “romance” — a problem to be solved, a man to marry — and every time she falls in love, she’s torn from her world and thrust into another teary saga. At some point, Joan starts to question this cycle of broken love, deciding that she needs to focus on herself and doesn’t need the love of a man to make her complete.

Abrahamson’s resume includes Room starring Brie Larson, who won a Best Actress Oscar for her performance as a young woman who was held captive for seven years, and makes. her escape with her five-year-old son, played by Jacob Tremblay. Abrahamson was also the director and showrunner on Hulu’s Normal People starring Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones.

[RELATED: The Best Superhero Series in Comics Is About To End (and You Shouldn’t Miss It)]

The horror romance series Love Everlasting began as a Substack exclusive before moving to Image Comics. King and Charretier launched Love Everlasting on their Substack, back when the Substack signed deals with a host of comic book creators to make exclusive content for the digital platform.

“Love Everlasting is my dream project. It is a chance to create another Vision or Mister Miracle, to explore the themes of conformity and rebellion through the tale of one woman’s journey through the fantastic and horrifying world of Romance,” Tom King told ComicBook when the Love Everlasting announcement with Image was made in 2022. “After a decade in comics, this is my first creator-owned and the most ambitious project I’ve ever worked on. Elsa and I are trying to create another Sandman, an epic exploration of the entire history of storytelling, of how myths and tales of love haunt us, enthrall us, imprison us, and perhaps, occasionally, free us.”

“Never before in my career have I had the opportunity to dig so deeply into all aspects of storytelling,” Elsa Charretier said. “Love Everlasting pushes me to explore world-building, to extrapolate designs from all eras and places and adapt them to comics, to come up with gestures and compositions that delight readers and terrify them all the same. We’re really firing on all cylinders here.”

Tom King is a co-writer on the HBO original series Lanterns alongside showrunner Chris Mundy (Ozark, True Detective: Night Country) and Damon Lindelof (Watchmen, The Leftovers). The series, based on DC’s Green Lantern comic, is executive produced by Mundy, Lindelof, James Gunn, Peter Safran, King, Ron Schmidt, and Hawes.

Are you a fan of Love Everlasting? Let us know your thoughts on it being adapted into a movie in the comments below!

The post Tom King’s Hit Image Comics Series Is Getting a Movie (and We’re Excited) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The superhero comics genre are about to lose one of its greatest ongoing series from any publisher — COPRA, by Michel Fiffe. Image Comics just announced that the series will end with COPRA #50, hitting shelves on June 18th, 2025. Not only will this end the 1980s-inspired revenge saga, it will end an inspiring behind-the-scenes story of a small press comic finding its audience, and earning the support of the industry along the way. The Death of COPRA miniseries will publish its fourth and final issue on April 30th, ensuring that COPRA #50 will be the true finale to the whole story.

Image’s solicits for June of 2025 highlight the grand send-off for COPRA, with the story and art by Fiffe as well as a wrap-around cover. There will be two variant covers — one by Fiffe and Luke McDonnell, and one by David Lafuente. This will be a 32-page issue, and Image left little doubt that the story will truly be over. “Flipping the revenge genre on its head, COPRA proves its creative dominance once again as it rides off into the sunset for its 50th and landmark final issue,” the company teased.

Fiffe himself shared some commentary on this news on his website this week. “COPRA 50 is coming! What a privilege this is for me, a surreal honor to arrive at the place I had my sights set on,” he wrote. “COPRA 50 is its own thing, story-wise, a standalone epilogue that catches up with those who weren’t a part of the Death of Copra arc. In all other regards, this closes the book.”

[RELATED: 5 X-Men Stories the MCU Should Adapt]

Fiffe began self-publishing COPRA in 2012, and quickly gained a following that ballooned online. The throwback revenge story drew a lot of praise from critics, with comparisons to older Suicide Squad stories, among other 80s comics. Fiffe confirmed that these were some of his biggest inspirations, and the book eventually helped him get work with some of those bigger publishers.

Image took over publication of COPRA in 2019, but it retained Fiffe’s COPRA Press imprint. In the meantime, Fiffe landed a job at Marvel Comics in 2014, writing twelve issues of All-New Ultimates, and providing the script and art for a story in Secret Wars: Secret Love #1 shortly after that run was over. He worked on Captain Victory and the Glactic Rangers for Dynamite Entertainment and Bloodshot for Valiant Comics during this time as well.

Fiffe has worked on more titles at Image than any other publisher. He was the writer and artist on Savage Dragon No. 160 in 2010, and went on to edit backup features in that book for some time. He also wrote and illustrated three issues of Bloodstrike in 2018, in addition to COPRA. Most recently, Fiffe got his first DC Comics credit with a story in Superman Red & Blue #3 in 2021.

With Fiffe’s acclaimed original series coming to an end, there’s no telling what comes next, but it will clearly be a bittersweet farewell. COPRA #50 is available for pre-order now, and it hits shelves on Wednesday, June 18th. Previous issues are available in various collected editions, and on some digital platforms.

The post The Best Superhero Series in Comics Is About To End (and You Shouldn’t Miss It) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Garth Ennis has made a name for himself by pushing the limits of the comic book medium as a mature storytelling device. Ennis is arguably the best writer of classic superhero publications such as Marvel’s Punisher and DC’s Hellblazer. He has also crafted multiple original series that proved critical and commercial successes, like The Boys and Preacher.  Still, regardless of the setting, Ennis’ name on any cover sets expectations high for how the writer will unveil the darkest corners of humanity through his penchant for brutality, sex, and all sorts of nightmarish imagery. Unfortunately, The Kids is one of Ennis’ rare misfires, as the one-shot special published by Image Comics doesn’t know what to do about its intriguing core concept.

The Kids imagines what would happen to the world if, one fateful night, all the children younger than one year experienced a growth surge that transformed them into adults. The sudden body transformation is not accompanied by a similar increase in cognitive functioning, meaning that thousands of families in the United States must manage five-foot-tall beings who lack the coordination to keep themselves (and those around them) safe from harm. Plus, since babies are creatures of pure desire, these transmuted monsters express their need for food or comfort with actions that can be deadly.

To explore the apocalyptic scenario of a society crumbling under the weight of its children, The Kids follows a specific family who discovers an angry and violent adult male in the bedroom where their youngest son previously slept. From that moment on, the parents must wrap their heads around the odd event that just happened seemingly everywhere and decide how to deal with it. Meanwhile, the widespread transformation allows Ennis to discuss how humans are born as selfish pricks, a truth we don’t always consider due to the inherent fragility of kids. Still, there’s a reason why there’s an entire horror subgenre dedicated to creepy children, as the idea of tool-wielding primates without a refined sense of empathy is indeed scary.

[RELATED: Crossed: Adaptation of The Boys’ Creator’s Even Darker Comic Finds a Director]

The main issue with The Kids is that it doesn’t tell a credible story. After a strong beginning where things go south fast and hard, The Kids takes some puzzling turns as the main characters decide to actively ignore the matter to the point where the whole narrative becomes increasingly implausible. The characters react to the news in the most unbelievable way, just because Ennis needs these poor parents to be somewhere else for the sake of the message.

As for the allegory, The Kids‘ heavy-hands speeches about compulsory paternity and the forced ostracism of those who chose not to have children. Unfortunately, it never finds a way to deal with these complex ideas with the depth they deserve. Maybe The Kids‘ premise is too ambitious to treat it as a one-shot. Nevertheless, it’s part of a writer’s job to know how much of a story you can fit in a limited number of pages. For The Kids, it feels like there’s too much that was supposed to happen for the whole story to make sense, but there was so much chopped down for the sake of a smaller format that what we get is barely enough.

On the art front, Stjepan Bartolic makes some inspired color choices, including using a monochromatic palette for night scenes in opposition to fully colored diurnal panels. Dalibor Talajic’s art also manages to convey the idea of fully grown adults who don’t have control over their own bodies by drawing the titular kids in bizarre and grotesque positions that feel unnervingly realistic. Maybe with more space to spare and some more time to polish the story flow, this same team could have created a more engaging story.

Rating: 2 out of 5

Published by: Image Comics

On: March 26, 2025

Written by: Garth Ennis

Art by: Dalibor Talajic

Colors by: Stjepan Bartolic

Letters by: Rob Steen

What did you think of The Kids? How would you compare it to previous works by Ennis? Join the discussion in the comments!

The post The Kids Is a Deranged One Shot From the Twisted Mind of Garth Ennis (Review) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

I didn’t know what to expect from We’re Taking Everyone Down With Us #1, and that’s probably for the best. Going in with a fresh mind allowed me to be fully surprised by its story, and boy was I surprised. From its opening of a girl being chased by a terrorizing robot to the final page reveals, We’re Taking Everyone Down With Us #1 is a rollercoaster of surprises. But they’re not just surprises for shock value. They truly add to the story and open up mysteries for the reader to discover as they read through the book, and broader mysteries to be explored in future issues.

The creative team really seems to be clicking in this debut issue. From the lettering choices for the different robots to the text used in the narration boxes, it all adds to the aesthetic of the book. There are some evil scientist vibes on display from Dr. Dante Alderman, aka the Vitruvian. We never learn why he calls himself that, but it can’t be good. Plus, it probably has something to do with his scientific craft. After all, he’s developed a small army of robots that obey his every command. Plus, we see the Vitruvian at work later in the back half of the issue.

But our main character is the Doctor’s daughter, Annalise. Right away, we can see how she’s full of fight and spunk. While she appears tough and disrespectful on the outside, what she’s really yearning for is attention from her father. Dr. Alderman is your typical workaholic, only concerned with his work and the task at hand. Too busy to play silly games like hide and seek. But he does show his tender side with Annalise, proving he may not be a total monster.

There appears to be two stories at play that will no doubt intersect in the future. It all has to do with this shadowy organization called V.E.I.L. Dr. Alderman was possibly working to stop V.E.I.L., which is the cause of all this drama in the first place. It’s not entirely clear at this time, but definitely a possibility. The introduction of an Agent Rook opens up several scenarios. Speaking of which, the pages dedicated to Agent Rook feature the crafty humor that can be found throughout We’re Taking Everyone Down With Us #1. The humor comes through in the writing and dialogue, and perfectly drawn character acting.

The best pages come from the interactions between Annalise and her father. Dr. Alderman is a self-professed genius, and he works to shoot it straight with Annalise while having to remind himself that she’s just a girl and isn’t mature enough to fully comprehend the work that he’s doing. It’s a delicate tug-of-war that is pulled off in the comic.

So what we have in We’re Taking Everyone Down With Us #1 is an interesting premise all wrapped in a double-sized issue. There is a lot to like, and it should leave readers wanting more. What happened to Annalise’s father? Who killed her mother? What was her father secretly working on that put their entire family in danger? These are the questions we can’t wait to learn the answers to.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Published by Image Comics

On March 26, 2025

Written by Matthew Rosenberg

Art by Stefano Landini

Colors by Roman Titov and Jason Wordie

Letters by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou

The post We’re Taking Everyone Down With Us #1 Flips Father-Daughter Dynamics on Their Head (Review) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Image Comics is the home of the best indie books on the market. Image publishes a little bit of everything, from pitch perfect sci-fi to some of the greatest horror comics of all time. The best creators in the comic industry work at Image, and every month there’s something new for fans to sink their teeth into. Writer/artist Tyler Boss is most known for his work with writer Matthew Rosenberg, the two of them teaming up for sci-fi/horror comic What’s the Furthest Place from Here. Boss’s work as writer has always had a certain flavor to it, and his next major Image series from him a classic Boss book. Boss teams with Italian artist Adriano Turtulici for You’ll Do Bad Things, a horror comic with a great premise. You’ll Do Bad Things #1 is another example of an intriguing comic that has the potential to draw readers into it.

The issue beings with a man and a woman ending a date. The woman tries to take the man up to her place, but he refuses, leading her to think about the fact that they had been dating for so long, yet she’s never gotten a kiss as she undresses and goes to bed. Meanwhile, in the car outside, the man sits there, looking at a picture of himself and a child. The next panel reveals someone in his back seat, who stabs the man over again. The attacker walks away, and as he does so, pay phones ring as he walks by.

The story then shifts to a man talking to his cat as his phone rings. This is Seth, the man who wrote the previous scene. He doesn’t want to answer the phone, but does so anyway and it’s his agent. Readers are let in on who Seth is — a true crime writer who’s trying to write something else but can’t. It seem like every story he writes turns into a crime story, and he lies to his agent about having writer’s block. He erases the scene he just wrote before the phone call. The next scene takes him to a magic show with his sister and son, and the two adults discuss his problems on the train home, while his son does a magic trick. Later at home, he begins to write again, telling the story of two men who meet at a bar, a customer and a bartender at closing. They tentatively make plans to leave together after the bartender is done closing the bar, but that ends in another murder from the same person as the one from the first scene. Seth apparently fell asleep while writing and his cat wakes him. The two of them walk to bed, leaving the written scene on the monitor. The issue ends at the bar that he wrote into existence, as two police discuss the grisly murder of the bartender.

RELATED: Stephen King Meets The Twilight Zone in Image Comics’ New Series News from the Fallout (Exclusive)

You’ll Do Bad Things #1 is a book that constantly leaves the reader guessing what comes next. Boss does a brilliant job of engrossing the reader every time he presents a new scene change, each one pulling us in. That’s what makes the first murder so shocking; going into this book without any expectations make the book hit that much harder. We don’t know if the woman is our main character or anything like that. A great thing about the first issue of an indie book like this is trying to figure out what’s going on, and this book keeps you guessing in the best possible way until the end. Seth being an unfulfilled writer who wants to do something new is a cliche thing for a creative to write about, but Boss does a good job of building him through the issue. At first, You’ll Do Bad Things seems like it’s going to be true crime book, but the ending changes all of that. As readers, we see Seth write the murder that happens at the end, but then going back to it raises the questions that readers will want answered. Do the things that Seth is writing about actually happen? Did erasing the first story keep it from happening? What’s going on? This is a great way to kick off a new book.

Adriano Tutulici’s art is perfect for this book. Turtulici is drawing the book like it’s a crime book — not exactly realistic but not overly fantastic — which definitely helps keep readers guessing what exactly is going on. The coloring is also very cool, using a lot of neons to light scenes. There’s an old school vibe to the art; the art feels like an old Marvel comic from the 1970s, which is definitely a plus.

You’ll Do Bad Things #1 keeps you guessing from start to finish. There’s a mystery at the center of this book, and it’s one that is impossible unravel on the first read through. Boss knows how to hook readers. I want to know what happens next in this book and anyone else who reads it will, too. Turtulici’s art works brilliantly for the book, its old school vibe never tipping the book’s hand on what kind of story this will be. While it falls into some cliches — writer’s block, pushy agent, unfulfilled artist — it’s presents an intriguing enough mystery that will draw readers in.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Published by Image Comics

On March 26, 2025

Written by Tyler Boss

Art by Adriano Turtulici

Letters by Hassan Otsame-Elhaou

The post Fiction Leads to Chilling Reality in Intriguing You’ll Do Bad Things (Review) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Image Comics is already having a pretty stellar 2025, and that trend looks to continue with their Sci-fi horror series News from the Fallout. The new series features the talented team of writer Chris Condon (That Texas Blood, Ultimate Wolverine), artist Jeffrey Alan Love (The Last Battle At The End Of The World, The Thousand Demon Tree), and letterer Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou, and is perfect for fans of Stephen King, The Twilight Zone, and The Outer Limits. We’ve got your exclusive first look at the new series as well, which you can find in the images below.

News from the Fallout is set in Nevada in 1962, where a nuclear bomb test has gone awry and subsequently caused a dangerous contaminant to be released into the atmosphere. As you can see in the preview, the artwork of the series leans into that already weighty premise, featuring an ashy black-and-white aesthetic that pulls you into the unsettling state of things.

There’s even an almost Silent Hill-style static to certain pages, with Image comparing it to watching a staticky science fiction film from the 60s. In the series, fans will meet a cast of colorful characters at the nearby diner (Atomic Alley) as they are attacked by any number of horrors that were unleashed by the atomic blast from the secret military facility.

They will even meet a defector from the secret army base named Private Otis Fallows, and as he deals with some hostility from the group, he is also helping them make their way to what is supposed to be a safe haven in Las Vegas. Whether or not that’s the case remains to be seen, but you can check out the full preview of the new series above and below.

[RELATED: Robert Kirkman Explains Why Spawn and Other Image Characters Didn’t Appear in Invincible TV Show (Exclusive)]

“News from the Fallout is a long-gestating project that I’ve been chipping away at for years,” said Condon. “To know that it’s finally coming to life thanks to the incredible Jeffrey Alan Love, who has brought his profoundly unique style of art to this project, is nothing short of amazing. I’m thrilled to work with both Jeff and letterer Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou on this book and I hope that readers are ready for a thrill-packed ride that is unlike any other book you’re likely to find on the shelves of your local comic shop.”

Added Love: “Working with Chris has been wonderful, as he has such a unique personal voice in his writing. Sometimes as an artist working with others I feel like I’m in a cover band, singing someone else’s song, but this collaboration with Chris has been different. It has felt like both our voices have been amplified by the other.”

News from the Fallout #1 will feature covers by Love and Jacob Phillips, and the first issue will hit comic stores on June 25th.

Are you excited for News from the Fallout? Let us know in the comments, and you can talk all things comics with me on Bluesky @knightofoa!

The post Stephen King Meets The Twilight Zone in Image Comics’ New Series News from the Fallout (Exclusive) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Saga has been in our lives, with some breaks, for thirteen years and the weight of that time can be felt now more than ever. The series has evolved from the days of two young parents on the run, and has now reached a point where the narrative itself is really living up to the name of the series. This always has been a “saga” in grand terms, but Saga #72 brings us a check-in point for so many specific characters, places, and points in the plot that it feels like the creative team of Fiona Staples and Brian K. Vaughan are reminding us of the scope that their world has. Not to mention, the pair deliver a story where they show that they can change everything without killing anyone (for once) and with just a single piece of shattering dialogue.

Saga #72 not only concludes the latest arc of the series, but puts the entire series on a path toward what will be the final batch of stories (Vaughan notes in the letters section the series is now “two thirds complete”). The framing device for Saga #72 is a proclamation by King Robot, it’s a simple one, with major ramifications for not only all the characters that we know but some brand new ones that have just arrived in the series (and some that got lost along the way). Vaughan is able to take this simple message and frame it around every little nook and cranny of the galaxy, not to mention the varying perspectives that come with that and how they all react. It’s par for the course to denote “Brian K. Vaughan is a good writer,” but he wields an effective pen in this issue.

Some sequences with characters last a few pages as they breakdown and try to dissect this major change in the series, while others are just one panel (the reactions here given depth by the always on point Staples, of course). Vaughan manages to find ways to look at this change (a shifting in allegiances that shocks everyone) through the lens of all manner of people that it will effect, leaving the reader to really sit and wonder about what comes next. To bring it all home of course, Staples and Vaughan remind us at the end of the issue what this story is really about and who our main throughline is; and they do it by making us laugh.

Staples’ eccentric ideas across Saga continue to be a defining attribute in this issue. From a small radio that screams at the listeners with a tiny mouth to a spaceship made of bones, each new page brings a delightful surprise and something you’ve quite literally never seen before. Even when Hazel was just a kid, Staples had an uncanny knack for making her expression a specific focal point of the entire narrative. Now that she’s a teen, with even more personality than readers could have predicted, it’s a unique facet of Saga‘s visual motifs that are its bedrock.

Saga #72 has positioned itself as a unique turning point for the series, not only in how it has concluded this specific arc (one could argue it didn’t fully gel at times) but in how it frames the final 36 issues of the series (Vaughan’s letter column says they’re still aiming for 108 total). The series has always lived up to the hype that it had behind it, but with this specific tale Saga has cemented its place as fully embodying its name. Now all we have is the wait once again, and the questions about what comes next will keep us afloat while we wait for what comes next.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Published by Image Comics

On March 19, 2025

Written by Brian K. Vaughan

Art by Fiona Staples

Letters by Fonografiks

The post Saga #72 Lights the Fuse for the End (Review) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Hollywood has been relying on comics for some of its most iconic and beloved blockbusters, as seen with the dozens of films from Marvel and DC. However, film and television adaptations of comics go well beyond just those two publishers, with Image Comics finding successful adaptations with The Walking Dead and Invincible on television. There are also plenty of plans for upcoming horror adaptations from Image specifically, with fans eagerly awaiting the horror adaptations of titles like Bitter Root and Wytches. Image Comics has plenty of other horror comics to adapt to the big screen as well, and most of them cover a wide range of subgenres.

Whether it is vampires, serial killers, an obsessive fan, or the unknown, Image Comics has no shortage of horrors awaiting comic readers. These stories will also appeal to die-hard scary movie fans, and they can check them out now at their local comic shop. However, one can also hope that these frightening tales will be brought to the big screen one day as well.

Dark Ride by Joshua Williamson and Andrei Bressan

Dark Ride is made for fans of Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights, haunted attractions, and Five Nights at Freddy’s. Imagine if Walt Disney made a deal with the devil to create his iconic characters and the parks they inspired? That is exactly how Devil Land came to be in Dark Ride, but the horrors are more than just for show. This year-round horror theme park has a devilish, deadly secret to it, one that impacts the guests, as well as the family behind this evil park.

RELATED: Oscar Isaac Is Frankenstein in First-Look From Guillermo del Toro’s Horror Remake

Parasocial by Alex de Campi and Erica Henderson

In the age of social media, the lines between fans and celebrities have gotten more and more blurred, leading to parasocial relationships that can give the illusion that there is a chance that something real may actually develop. Add to that fan events, like meet-and-greets and conventions, and it’s a perfect storm for a fan to truly misread their relationship with their favorite celebrity. At least, that is the case for one obsessive fan in Parasocial, as she sets her sights on her favorite, washed up actor, leading to a comic that will please fans of Stephen King’s Misery.

I Hate This Place by Kyle Starks and Artyom Topilin

From the Evil Dead franchise to Cabin Fever, cabin-in-the-woods horror movies are pretty popular and commonplace. For fans of these films, look no further than I Hate This Place, which is the ultimate love letter to horror. A couple moves into a farmhouse in the middle of nowhere after inheriting it, but they soon discover this is a place of nightmares. Whatever horrors one can think of, they’ll mostly find it in I Hate This Place, from the supernatural to the extraterrestrial. This is a comic that could go big on the big screen, just like Cabin in the Woods did years ago.

The Deviant by James Tynion IV and Josh Hisxon

Fans of David Fincher’s Zodiac or Seven do not need to look far for the perfect comic for them, as well as one we’d like to see him adapt some day. James Tynion IV is one of the biggest and brightest names in horror comics, but he often deals with the supernatural or extraterrestrial. The Deviant, on the other hand, is his most grounded comic so far. This is a straightforward thriller about an author interviewing a man convicted of being a killer Santa, but as their discussions unfold, a new Santa killer emerges, leaving readers to wonder if the man in prison is truly guilty or if this is a copycat.

Killadelphia by Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander

While the popularity of vampires comes in waves in pop culture, one cannot deny that vampires have been a long staple for the horror genre. In the past few years, they have also become the go-to monster again, as seen in shows like Interview with the Vampire, the upcoming film Sinners, and the recently announced Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot. Same can be said for comics, with Killadelphia being a must-read for vampire fans. Blending horror and noir elements, this is a detective story unlike any other, as a detective and his undead father uncover a vampire conspiracy right in Philadelphia.

[RELATED: Sinners: First Trailer Released for Ryan Coogler & Michael B. Jordan Vampire Movie]

Lovesick by Luana Vecchio

Lovesick is a comic not for the faint of heart, as it pushes the boundaries in terms of sex, violence, and consent. Somehow, though, it keeps readers hooked and wanting to know more about the lead character, Domino, despite all the terrible things she’s done herself. Domino is a dominatrix on the dark web, who, for the right price, will torture and kill her clients, but there are plenty of men who would love to do the same to her. This is one of the best horror comics from Image Comics and is a must-read for any horror fan. It would be a hard-R adaptation, but one that would be well worth it to see Domino brought to the big screen in all her bloody glory.

Feral by Tony Fleecs, Tone Rodriguez, and Trish Forstner

Feral has one of the easiest elevator pitches around. It’s Night of the Living Dead but with cats. In it, a group of house cats are stranded outside during a rabies epidemic, so from their perspective, this is practically a zombie apocalypse. While the cats are adorable and feel pulled straight from a Disney film, there are plenty of horrors that await them. For those who have a soft spot for animals, this may not be for them, but it is a must-read for zombie fans. It would also make for an animated horror film unlike any other.

What Image Comics series would you like to see get adaptations? Let us know in the comments!

The post 7 Image Comics Perfect for a Horror Adaptation appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Image Comics’ Syzygy Publishing is launching a brand new series that dives into the underworld of a city in lockdown, and the team behind Netflix’s acclaimed film Trust is part of the all-star creative team. Today we can exclusively reveal your first look at Dark Honor, a new crime thriller set in New York City during the early days of the pandemic, and the series is written by Ethan Sacks (Star Wars: Bounty Hunters, Old Man Hawkeye) and Trust filmmakers Brian DeCubellis and K.S. Bruce. Dark Honor will also feature a stellar lineup of artists creating the interiors and covers, which you can get a preview of below.

That top-tier art team includes Fico Ossio (Black Lightning, No One Left To Fight), David Messina (Ultimate Spiderman, 3 Keys), Gabriel Guzman (Lady Earth, Predator), Jamal Igle (Molly Danger, The Wrong Earth), colorist Raciel Avila, and letterer JAME, and you can check out some of the initial launch covers below.

The new five-issue series will be Bruce and DeCubellis’ first comics project, and the series started to take shape back in 2020. The story was initially going to be adapted into a film, but a comic series ended up being the perfect medium.

“Dark Honor was born in the earliest days of COVID-19 in New York. As we wrapped filming Trust in March 2020, the city was shutting down, and we wanted to capture that surreal moment. Inspired by neo-noir crime films, we created Rain, a street-savvy hero, and the Hundred Warriors, with Grigor embodying COVID—a relentless, unexpected killer,” DeCubellis said.

[RELATED: Fan-Favorite Image Comics Horror Series Getting Adaptation]

“Dark Honor may be fiction, but its backdrop is real—the empty streets, released prisoners, and desperate scrambles for survival, as an unknown disaster hits New York. Initially written as a screenplay, it felt too raw for film. But with Ethan Sacks’ adaptation, Chris Ryall’s expertise, and an incredible creative team, we’re honored to bring this story to comics,” Bruce said.

“Once I heard K.S. and Brian’s incredible pitch, I knew I wanted to be a part of bringing Dark Honor to comics readers,” Sacks said. “They had me at ‘Hello’—or more accurately, at a modern crime story set in New York City during the earliest and deadliest weeks of the COVID-19 epidemic. Having covered the damage COVID-19 did to my city in 2020 as a journalist for NBC News, it’s been a creative boon to now tackle that place and time as a comic book writer. And with a murderers’ row of talented artists—Fico Ossio, Dave Messina, Jamal Igle, and Gabriel Guzman—it’s only fitting for a book about a row between murderers.”

The official description reads, “For nearly a century, the Hundred have been the strong arm of New York’s underworld. But as COVID-19 paralyzes the city in early 2020, a new force emerges—one that doesn’t fear the disease, only power. A criminal mastermind is mounting his takeover, and unless Rain, daughter of the Hundred’s leader, can unite the last remnants of the fading crime syndicates, the city will fall to a far deadlier plague.”

Dark Honor will hit comic stores on May 28th and is available for pre-order now.

What do you think of Dark Honor? Let us know in the comments, and you can talk all things comics with me on Bluesky @knightofoa!

The post Netflix’s Trust Team Reveals Dark Honor Series for Image Comics (Exclusive) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Amazon Prime’s Invincible has had about as rough a road to travel as its protagonist Mark Grayson (Steven Yeun). The show came out of the gate red-hot in 2021, punctuated by a finale that was an emotional gut-punch to the soul, as Mark finally discovered and had to come into brutal conflict with the fact that his father, Omni-Man (J.K. Simmons), was actually an evil conqueror from an alien empire. The impact of that seasonal story and its deeply cathartic finale faded in a big way during Invincible Season 2 (with its near-fatal midseason delay), and Season 3 has had a lot to prove in terms of getting back the magic of the first season.

Well, now the Invincible Season 3 Finale is here. And it looks like fans of the show are once again crowning it the GOAT, after witnessing a brutal showdown that makes the first season’s climatic battle look like child’s play.

WARNING: SPOILERS FOLLOW!

Invincible Season 3 Episode 8 Explained

In Invincible Season 3 Episode 8, “I Thought You’d Never Shut Up”, Mark is still reeling from the “Invincible War” against Angstrom Levy and his gang of Mark’s evil variants, when a new Viltrumite commander, Conquest (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), shows up for a “progress report” on how Mark is preparing Earth for conquer. As it turns out, Conquest is less interested in instruction and discipline as he is brutality and sadism, so the fists almost immediately start flying, with human casualties and infrastructure damage growing by the minute.

[RELATED: Latest Update From Invincible Creator on Season 4]

Mark and Conquest’s battle sweeps across the globe, eventually attracting Mark’s loved ones like his little half-brother Oliver and beloved partner Atom Eve (Gillian Jacobs); when Oliver and Eve are both seriously injured by Conquest, Mark finally lets loose and brutally beats the powerful elder Viltrumite into a bloody stump. The episode (and season) ends with Mark reaching a hardline resolution to kill any new threat to his family and friends – while it’s revealed that Cecil and the Global Defense Agency are keeping Conquest (barely) alive to interrogate him about the Viltrumite Empire.

Invincible Fans React to Season 3 Finale

Reactions pouring in from social media range from calling Invincible Season 3 Episode 8 the best of the entire series, to the more faithful fans sipping their tea long and hard, knowing that the storyline, voice cast, and even the animation style would rise to the occasion when truly necessary.

Then there is the wonderful sign of Invincible‘s world and lore truly keeping viewers immersed. There’s currently a lot of character-specific debates about everything from the Season 3 finale’s game-changing reveal of Eve’s true power levels, to fans getting to know what a demented (and also tragically sad!) sociopath Conquest is – even among Viltrumites. JDM is also getting his due credit, after many fans doubted his casting as Conquest, initially.

For the comic book heads, there are already some wonderful side-by-side panels of the comic source material and animated version of the Conquest fight that are being held up in appreciation – as well as general appreciation of how the show’s last few episodes have adapted some beloved comic story arcs.

Finally, there’s the obvious angst as fans now turn from the massive hype of Season 3’s latter half, to wondering when Invincible Season 4 will arrive. For now, Seasons 1-3 are streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

The post Invincible Fans Are GOATing the Show After Epically Brutal Season 3 Finale appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Rogue Sun is one of the most enthralling family dramas around, and all the superpowers thrown into the mix only make those family dynamics even more wonderfully complex. Such is the case once again with Rogue Sun #25, which returns after a few months away with a perfect jumping-on point for new readers and does a pretty solid job of getting readers up to speed on everything that’s happened up until now. Dylan and Marcus are as dysfunctional as ever, though honestly, every segment of the family is experiencing their own changing dynamic, and that’s not even getting into Aurie’s new role either. The inter-family politics are just as intense as the bigger-than-life superhero action, so if you haven’t given Rogue Sun a try, you owe it to yourself to jump on board.

Ryan Parrott and Nick Cotton pick up where they left off with Dylan and Marcus, whose relationship hasn’t gotten any better in the time since, and that’s before more complications arise thanks to Marcus’ previous questionable decisions. Truth be told, as someone who has their own parental baggage with fathers, Dylan is pretty easy to relate to, and it’s actually nice to see him somewhat gaining confidence in himself despite external factors calling that into question.

One of the key draws of the series has always been that Dylan wasn’t exactly a shining knight in the lead hero department, but those flaws have also become tether points for many, and it’s helped Dylan become a far more relatable character as the series has continued. Rogue Sun takes that and runs with it, as not only does Dylan still have to navigate his relationship with Marcus, but now he has the emotional minefield of his mother Gwen to deal with as she is imprisoned for the death of his father.

That’s no small thing, but Parrott and Cotton deftly maneuver through Dylan’s ever-changing view of both being a hero and trying to prove something to his father. Marcus’ actions also continue to have an impact on how Dylan views his mother and what she did, and it doesn’t always go the way you expect.

[RELATED: Will Friedle and Rider Strong Recruited For Upcoming Radiant Black: The Audiobook, Volume One From Image Comics]

The most welcome shakeup though is Aurie, who steps into a new role as a Rogue Sun that is already immensely different from Dylan thanks to her unplanned partnership with Caleb. Caleb is an immediate spark to any situation he’s in, and paired with Aurie’s evolving motivations and view on Dylan and her family, the new duo offers a rich change of pace from what’s happening with Dylan at any given time, and the collisions that happen are as chaotic and exciting as you would imagine.

That collision by the way is also stunning thanks to the gorgeous work of Abel, Natalia Marques, and Becca Carey. While Dylan and Aurie are still learning on the job, there’s an effortless style and suaveness to how they move in a battle, and the flames of the suit and smooth style lines just make these confrontations pop.

The team also brings to life a brand new villain, and though manipulating poisonous green clouds might not sound like the deadliest powerset, it certainly makes an impact in their ever-capable hands and creates some vivid imagery as the flames of Rogue Sun slice through the green fog. That said, some of my favorite moments of the issue are conversations between Dylan and Doty, and these moments are just as immersive and compelling as any grand combat sequence.

Rogue Sun makes its grand return and absolutely shines, and as the Massive-Verse continues to grow by leaps and bounds, Rogue Sun is still one of its biggest stars.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Published by Image Comics

On March 12, 2025

Written by Ryan Parrott and Nick Cotton

Art by Abel

Colors by Natalia Marques

Letters by Becca Carey

What did you think of Rogue Sun #25? Let me know in the comments, and you can talk all things comics with me on Bluesky @knightofoa!

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