The calm before the fall. Or is that the pride? Image is looking to wrap up a whole lot of stories this August, making room on deck for some new titles. Image still has the widest ranging titles you’re likely to find from an American publisher so here are 10 titles that might be worth your time when you mosey to your local comic shop at the end of the summer.
As always, you can find the full solicitations on the Image Comics website.
10. Cold dead guys
Is slowly losing your mind in the cold a genre? If it is, I love it. And “Antarctica” combines all your favorite imagery from <i>The Thing</i> with some multiverse shenanigans. The multiverse is so hot right now. This is a series that will play with scope, sticking you in a claustrophobic situation only to pull back and show you how bad things are one town over. (Or one frozen research station over as the case may be). We’re talking comics that are coming out in the summer, but I am planning on packing my parka to the comic shop.
ANTARCTICA #2
Written by Simon Birks
Illustrated by Wili RobertsDr. Hannah, a version of Hannah from a world where resources are all but exhausted, has mysteriously materialized along with another station. Concerned, Hannah tries to defend her colleagues against threats both outside and in, but when they are viciously attacked, they flee, only to make another chilling discovery.
9. A long way to a small, horny planet
I remember being sort of underwhelmed by the original “Kapatra.” But that was still back when Chip Zdarsky was the funny nonthreatening pervy guy some “Sex Criminals.” Since then, he has written oodles of excellent comics, covering a wide rainbow of genres and tones. My guy not only pulled a Frank Miller, working on both “Daredevil” and “Batman,” he wrote both books at the same time. My point is, as much as I liked Chip in 2015, his powers have only grown. A “Kapatra” book in 2023 seems like an entirely different beast.
KAPTARA: UNIVERSAL TRUTHS #1 (OF 6)
Written by Chip Zdarsky
Illustrated by Kagan McleodBack because YOU demanded it! Yes, you! Don’t you remember? We were having drinks and you said, “Hey. Whatever happened to…was it KAPTANNA?”
CHIP ZDARSKY (PUBLICDOMAIN, Batman) and KAGAN McLEOD (Infinite Kung Fu, Cobra Kai) are BACK with a BRANDNEWSTORY ARC of their “beloved” “science” fiction series! Astronaut KEITH KANGA, trapped on the planet of Kaptara, is trying to find his way home, but first he needs to solve a mystery: who is stealing all the adorable CAT-TANKS? Who would DARE???
8. Long long long delayed
The first issue of “Battle Chasers” came out… in 1998. A little late to the party, “Battle Chasers” was a product of Original Image Comics, along with still-running titles like “Spawn” and “Savage Dragon.” It’s some Joe Mad nonsense. But as I was flipping through my “X-Men” Back issues, I was thinking to myself that we’re past time for Joe Mad to go mad. And here we are, with new issues of his signature book. Maybe this time around, issues will ship when they are supposed to.
BATTLE CHASERS #12
Written and illustrated by Joe MadureiraGarrison’s will is tested as his showdown with the Martial Paladins comes to a fateful conclusion. Gully confronts her criminal half-brother. Contains 32 action-packed pages and no ads!
7. They’re still looking for it!
I never gave up on “Undiscovered Country” but it is a strange series. By design of course, it’s got all sorts of mutants and shattered scenery. But it also came out during a rush of books that were trying to explain away Trump’s America through pulpy sci-fi. The thing is, “Department of Truth” came out right after “Undiscovered Country” and pretty much ate its lunch. But it’s notable that “Undiscovered Country” has been chugging along, building an eye-popping cavalcade of Mad Maxian Americana.
Continued belowUNDISCOVERED COUNTRY #25
Written by Charles Soule and Scott Snyder
Illustrated by Leonardo Marcello Grassi, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Matt WilsonLANDMARK 25TH ISSUE! After the harrowing revelations of the “Disunity” arc, the final leg of the spiraling journey to the center of the new America begins. For the first time since entering the undiscovered country, the group has regained contact with the outside world. But what shocking news will be delivered?
6. I’ve got the power
Nothing fancy to say here, it’s a book about a dude who trains to shoot fireballs and does so. I like it. It’s written and drawn by people who know what they are doing. And I like it.
FIRE POWER BY KIRKMAN & SAMNEE #26
Written by Robert Kirkman
Illustrated by Matthew Wilson and Chris SamneeFirst, Owen Johnson mastered the fire power…then, it was his kids. Does it run in the family, or can Owen impart his knowledge and train others to use the fire power?
5. Enfield dies at the end
You probably have a good idea as to whether or not you care for this whole style of comic, drawn by a guy with the surname of Phillips. They don’t really have characters to root for, just terrible situations unfolding with awful inevitability. I guess this miniseries carries the gimmick that its also about cowboy times. But these crime comics always have a Western feel to them, so here’s one making the subtext into text. It’s gonna be well done!
THE ENFIELD GANG MASSACRE #1 (OF 6)
Written by Chris Condon
Illustrated by Jacob PhillipsThe THAT TEXAS BLOOD duo returns to Ambrose County, Texas with an all-new MINISERIES set 150 years in the past!
Gunslinging action meets dark frontier drama in this original Western thriller, as Montgomery Enfield and his gang of outlaws find themselves in the crosshairs of an aging Texas Ranger and a newborn county that’s hungry for law.
4. Lend me your ears
I’ve been enjoying this little series that let’s us do folk horror and historical fiction. In this economy! Actually, this is a fairly straightforward fable taking place in the black forests of Germany in the early part of the millennium. Despite being made of familiar parts, “Dead Romans” is twisty, well researched, and maybe a little bit sexy? Now’s a good time to check out this concluding miniseries.
DEAD ROMANS #6 (OF 6)
Written by Fred Kennedy
Illustrated by Nick MarinkovichThe battle builds to its climax with the beleaguered Legions facing thousands of Germanic warriors fighting to free their homeland. Honoria races back to Rome, duty in her heart above Arminius. With victory finally within his grasp, Arminius wonders what a throne is worth when you’re left to sit alone
3. A view to a Cull
Kelly Thompson just made a big statement in creator owned comics with her release of “Black Cloak.” They’re pushing it as a kids-on-bikes thing, a genre that’s (like most genres) saturated with dudes. Brian K. Vaughan was good enough to give us a series about girls on bikes, but here’s a bonafide series about gals written by a gal. And thought Thompson is the exciting draw for me, I am very excited to see what Mattia de Luis does without constraints. This book has a good chance to be the next big thing from Image.
THE CULL #1 (OF 5)
Written by Kelly Thompson
Illustrated by Mattia De IulisEisner-winning writer KELLYTHOMPSON (BLACK CLOAK) and superstar artist MATTIA DE IULIS(Captain America) team up for their first creator-owned work together!
Something is Killing the Children horror vibes mix with The Goonies-style adventure as five friends set off to shoot a short film on a forbidden rock near their home the summer before they all go their separate ways. But that’s not really why they’re there. One of them has lied. And that lie will change their lives forever.
2. Masterpiece dot net
But this is the current big thing. Holy crap you guys. This vague premise didn’t make me think James Tynion was about to outdo his tremendous work on “Department of Truth,” but here we are. “W0rldtr33” has been mostly vibes so far, but those vibes are more captivating than any other series I’m reading right now. By the end of the first arc, maybe we’ll have a more solid grasp as to what is actually going on? I wouldn’t hold my breath for that though, it may be vibes all the way down.
Continued belowW0RLDTR33 #5
Written by James Tynion IV
Illustrated by Fernando Blanco and Jordie BellaireWith PH34R ascendant, Gabriel is forced to pull a trigger that will change the shape of the entire world. No sacrifice is too great to stop the spread of the Undernet…The first arc of the acclaimed new horror hit from multiple Eisner Award-winning writer JAMES TYNION IV (THEDEPARTMENT OF TRUTH) and FERNANDO BLANCO(Detective Comics) ends in a way NO ONE will see coming!
1. Your princess is in another issue
I like Jonathan Luna’s entire thing, so a new series from the guy is sure to grab my attention. As time marches on his style, which is still thoroughly 2000s indie comics, gets more vintage and strange. And here he is bringing his very realistic eye to a fantasy world. I am so excited to see what everyone is wearing. I have no idea how Luna is gonna do magic, or if wizards will even be a thing in this world, which is inspired by Southeast Asia. I always jump at the chance to read new fantasy comics, and new Jonathan Luna comics. This is both. I will be eagerly awaiting #1.
QUEST #1
Written and illustrated by Jonathan LunaWriter/artist JONATHAN LUNA(THE SWORD, ALEX + ADA)returns for an ONGOING FANTASYSERIES with writer CRYSTALWOOD (The Black Ballad)!
In a land inspired by Southeast Asia, Princess Anya’s new husband Prince Devyan is violently abducted by three giant demons at their wedding. Anya sets out on an epic journey with a growing band of loyal warriors, crossing deadly landscapes and battling horrifying demons. What will she sacrifice to save the man she loves?
