Summary
Founded in 1992 by a collection of comics all-stars,Image Comicshas become an icon for creator-owned series through the success of books likeSpawn,Savage DragonandYoungblood. Since then, the publisher has produced some of the hottest indie comics of the last 30 years, famously producingThe Walking Dead,InvincibleandSaga.Despite the iconic status of these series, there are still plenty of books that fly under the radar for many readers, and that’s been especially true in recent years.
Thanks to its mostly hands-off approach to publishing, Image Comics has allowed creators to produce a diverse range of stories of all genres, from old-school superhero action to eerie horror. While some of these stories have received acclaim, others are more underrated. Regardless, some of these series are among the best comics released in recent years, and stand as a testament to the power of independent comic book creators and their vision.
20 Best-Selling Comics of All Time
From Marvel, DC, and Image Comics, these are the 20 highest-selling comics issues with records that speak volumes about their impact on the industry.
10Primordial(2021)
Jeff Lemire and Andrea Sorrentino
Set at the height of the Cold War with a particular focus on the Space Race,Primordialfollows the story of an American and a Russian, Pembrook and Elena. The series follows the pair as they work together to look into the disappearance of a Russian dog, Laika, who was sent into space and never heard from again. Spiraling into a mix of science-fiction and Cold War thriller, the series follows the scientists as they discover proof of extraterrestrial life, just as the authorities close in on them.
Primordialfeels like a mash-up of Stanley Kubrick’s2001andContact, exploring a unique take on alien encounters.Alternating between the lost animals sent into space and their strange hosts and the situation back on Earth, the miniseries offers up a strange, mind-boggling experience for sci-fi readers.
Exclusive: Image’s Primordial Reveals New Variant Cover Art
Screen Rant has the exclusive cover art for the first issue of Primordial: one variant by Yuko Shimizu as well as a Moon Footprint incentive cover.
9Frontiersman(2021)
Patrick Kindlon and Marco Ferrari
Frontiersmantells the tale of a retired environmentalist superhero, the Frontiersman, who has become a reclusive legend, living out his golden years in the wilderness. After being convinced to champion the cause of nature once again, the hero comes out of retirement to protect California’s redwoods. He sets up camp atop one of the trees, but revealing himself to the world means a cavalcade of villains are handed a prime target.
Frontiersmanwears its environmentalist politics on its sleeve, reimagining the standard political formula through an eccentric, sci-fi lens that channels the creativity of Silver Age comics.Featuring some of the most dynamic action sequences of its time, the miniseries is basically an environmentalistDark Knight Returns.
20 Best Image Comics Series Of All Time
Image Comics is the foremost name in independent comics, but these series stand out as the label’s best books of all time.
8Cosmic Detective(2023)
Jeff Lemire, Matt Kindt and David Rubin
Cosmic Detectiverevolves around a tough detective charged with investigating the murder of a god. Determined to solve the murder in order to avoid immense cosmic destruction, the detective’s investigation quickly puts a target on his own back. Attracting the attention of dangerous cosmic beings, the investigator finds himself on the wrong end of a race of Jack Kirby-inspired gods, who experiment on human beings for pleasure and curiosity.
Cosmic Detectiveis a good supernatural noir story elevated into a psychedelic experience by the artwork, which blends elements of H.P. Lovecraft, Jack Kirby-style science fiction and mystery.From its horrifying revelation to the brilliant character designs and phenomenal art, this graphic novel hasn’t received the attention it deserves.
10 Greatest Detective Comic Book Series To Read
Detectives have been among the most intriguing comic book characters since the Golden Age, giving readers a wealth of great mysteries to explore.
7Starhenge(2022)
Liam Sharp
Liam Sharp has earned a reputation as one of the best, most versatile comic book artists of the 21st century, with series likeGreen LanternandWonder Womanshowcasing his talents. In 2021, he createdStarhenge: The Dragon and the Boar, a series that blends the legend of King Arthur with the killer machines and time travel plot ofTerminator. The story revolves around a woman in present-day England, Amber Weaver, as she is pulled into the inter-temporal conflict between machine and man.
Starhengeoffers a blend of epic science fiction and high fantasy, as readers are treated to a surrealist reimagining of the Arthurian myth.Story aside, the visuals of the comic are enough to make it worth the read, with Sharp’s versatility as an artist shining through in his depictions of everything from space battles to fight sequences.A follow-up graphic novella,Ore, is set to be released in 2024.
Starhenge is a Wondrous Blend of Time Travel & Arthurian Magic: Review
Artist Liam Sharp proves his talent as a writer with Starhenge, delivering an epic saga that mixes fantasy and sci-fi, time travel and ancient magic.
6Gunslinger Spawn(2021–Present)
Todd McFarlane, Carlo Barberi and Brett Booth
Althoughthe mainSpawnseriesis one of Image’s oldest and most successful titles in print – and the de facto face of the company – the Western spin-off,Gunslinger Spawn, is where readers can find Todd McFarlane’s best current work. The series begins in the aftermath of Al Simmons' summoning of various Hellspawns from throughout history, with the Gunslinger exploring and clashing with modernity.
Gunslinger Spawnis the perfect series for readers who enjoy Western comics, dark fantasy and supernatural horror, something balanced by a great sense of humor on the book.Of all theSpawntitles McFarlane has produced for Image, this version of the character is the biggest underdog, and is forced to balance his limited powers against the forces of darkness.
After 30 Years, Spawn Finally Reveals the Origin of a Major Main Character
Out of all the hellish, demonic villains who have terrorized the Spawn Universe, one stands above the rest - and their origin is finally being told.
5Junkyard Joe(2022)
Geoff Johns and Gary Frank
Arguably the best title in Geoff Johns' Geiger universe to date,Junkyard Joefollows a retired Vietnam War vet and cartoonist, Muddy Davis. After he and his unit are rescued by the experimental super soldier android, Junkyard Joe, Davis turns the memory into a comic book to cope with the trauma. Years later, the retired vet meets his old friend, who warns him of an impending conflict, as a dangerous conspiracy unfolds to keep everything a secret.
Junkyard Joeoffers readers a heartfelt story aimed squarely at veterans of war and patriotic readers who enjoy the likes ofG.I. Joe, though presented in a more somber tone.The series explores issues of PTSD, and how the experience of war changes a man – or machine – and makes it hard to fit in, despite serving their country.
4That Texas Blood(2020–2022)
Chris Condon and Jacob Phillips
Spanning 20 issues,That Texas Bloodfocuses on a small town sheriff, Joe Bob, as he takes on a variety of dark cases. It all begins with the death of a local and the return of the victim’s brother, whose appearance sparks fury among residents. From there on, readers are presented with cases involving cults, serial killers and kidnappings in one of the best neo-Western comics in print.
That Texas Bloodcovers a lot of ground for comic book readers, appealing to fans of Westerns, crime stories, horror and mystery all in one.With a variety of fresh arcs, the series stands out as one of the best thrillers in print, offering a harrowing look at crime in Ambrose County, with Jacob Phillips' art perfectly complementing the book’s tone.
3G.I. Joe: DukeandCobra Commander(2024)
Joshua Williamson and Tom Reilly (Duke) and Joshua Williamson and Andrea Milana (Cobra Commander)
Since the 1980s,G.I. Joehas stood out as the go-to military comic, especially thanks to the legendary run on the title by Larry Hama. Under Robert Kirkman’s Skybound Entertainment imprint, the franchise returned with a vengeance, combining theG.I. JoeandTransformersfranchises into a shared world known as the Energon Universe. Spinning out key characters like Duke and Cobra Commander into their own books, the various Energon series explore the aftermath of humanity’s encounters with the Transformers.
The stories are a return to form for the Real American Heroes, following the Commander’s quest for power while Duke assembles the G.I. Joe team to combat the villain.Exploring the Energon Universeand how the Joes cross over with the Transformers, these miniseries are key reading as the two franchises collide.G.I. Joehas reclaimed its status as the most patriotic, action-heavy comic in print, reeling in old and new readers alike thanks to its classic ’80s style and franchise clash. The Joes are set for an ongoing return this fall.
Skybound’s New G.I. Joe Continuity Leans Into Cobra Commander’s Horror Potential With 1 Intense Image
The Cobra Commander gets a terrifying new look in the Energon Universe, and the famed G.I. Joe villain’s update is pure nightmare fuel…
2Transformers(2023–Present)
Daniel Warren Johnson
Daniel Warren Johnson’s run onImage’s SkyboundTransformersserieshas reimagined the G1 series from 1984, bringing back Spike and Sparkplug for a fresh story. The series follows the arrival of the Autobots and Decepticons to Earth, with Starscream taking over as the villains' leader while Prime and his friends grow accustomed to organic life.
Part of the Energon Universe, Image’sTransformersis among the best series in print from any publisher, reviving all the classic characters of the ’80s series in perhaps the most faithful, dynamic style of the franchise.Johnson’s writing demonstrates an excellent understanding of characters like Prime, Starscream and Soundwave, offering a fresh entry point to a brand-new continuity of Cybertronians.
Cybertron Comes to Earth In Apocalyptic Moment for Transformers' New Continuity
Transformers #10 sees Cybertron coming to Earth in quite the literal way, as the Energon Universe faces it’s first major apocalyptic event…
1Do A Powerbomb!(2022)
As one of the most successful writer-artists of the 2020s, Daniel Warren Johnson has left his mark on everything fromWonder WomantoTransformers.However,Do A Powerbomb!remains unrivaled, particularly thanks to how well the creator’s art compliments the action-packed, kinetic story. The series follows Lona Steelrose, a professional wrestler living in the shadow of her mother, who accepts an offer from a promoter from another dimension to fight a supernatural match: DeathLyfe.
Do A Powerbomb!is a great series for fans of wrestling culture, one that touches as much on the competitive side as the darker, less discussed risks of the game.As Lona competes in the hopes of getting the necromancer promoter to bring back her mother, she proves herself the best there is when it comes to the ring. Blending the supernatural with a unique story that exudes a genuine love of wrestling,Do A Powerbomb!exemplifies the extraordinary series thatImage Comicscontinues to produce every year.
