As the year wraps up, you’d think Image Comics would take a breather and chill. But no! The publisher is still releasing a slew of new number one issues in December 2023. Also some number twos and number threes and other numbers! But yeah, lots of good new stuff.
With that in mind, here are 11 titles from Image Comics in December you must pick up. You MUST. You are COMPELLED TO DO SO.
1. Our Bones Dust #1
Release Date: December 6, 2023
In our advance review of this book, Justin Tyler said this “is doing post-apocalyptic and alien stuff, high-level alien stuff at the same time. A great combination.” He also called it one of his picks of the week. So what’s it about? In the book, written and drawn by Ben Stenbeck, a post-apocalyptic landscape is filled with cannibals and ravagers — and a young boy is trying to stop them. Meanwhile, an alien artificial intelligence is cataloging the planet. They’re about to come crashing together in a big way.
2. Bloodrik #1
Release Date: December 6, 2023
Another one we advance reviewed, Bloodrik is essentially Conan with even less dialogue and way more snow. And it rules. Pete LePage called it “pretty intense” and added “The art’s really fantastic.” This is another writer/artist joint, too, this time from Andrew Krahnke. Basically if you’re looking for an intense barbarian tale with a unique art style, this is one to check out.
3. Radiant Black #27/Radiant Black #27.5
Release Date: December 13, 2023
Probably the boldest experiment currently happening in comics, Radiant Black has branched off into two different, linked series. Written by Kyle Higgins and Joe Clark, the regularly numbered issues are drawn by Eduardo Ferigato. The .5 issues are penciled by Marcelo Costa. One follows the character Nathan as he fights a giant war in the Radiant Black identity. The other follows Marshall, doing the same. And at least in the first issue, we got to see how their different styles lead to vastly different results in the same situations. It’s like Choose Your Own Adventure on speed, and I for one cannot wait to see how this all pans out.
4. The Bloody Dozen: A Tale Of The Shrouded College #1
Release Date: December 13, 2023
A vampire prison break on the sun: what more do you need to know? Okay, fine, this is written by Charles Soule with art by his frequent collaborator Alberto Jimenez Albuquerque. It ties into the Shrouded College universe. And in our advance review, we called it, “intense and awesome.”
5. The Deviant #2
Release Date: December 20, 2023
The twisted holiday story from writer James Tynion IV and artist Josh Hixson continues with this issue. Not only is Hixson’s design for the central killer pretty terrifying (think Slenderman in a Santa Claus outfit, and you have the idea), but the complex themes intertwining queer identity and the public’s fascination with serial killers make this a complicated and fascinating read.
6. Shift #1
Release Date: December 20, 2023
Another Massive-verse title (like Radiant Black, above), this one-shot focuses on the universe’s most consistent villain. It also collects some previously published material, as well as a new one-shot. The Massive-verse has soared when it comes to the heroes, and struggled a bit when it comes to the bad guys; so it will be interesting to spend more time with the character.
7. Adventureman: Ghost Lights #1
Release Date: December 20, 2023
The modern/throwback adventure story from writer Matt Fraction and artists Terry and Rachel Dodson returns for a new series where the family of adventurers fights ghosts. Guaranteed to be a blast and a half!
8. w0rldtr33 #6
Release Date: December 27, 2023
Another James Tynion IV joint, this time with art by Fernando Blanco, last issue blew the world of the series wide open, revealing — essentially — what was really going on with the malevolent internet underneath our internet. What happens next is anyone’s guess. But that setup definitely makes this next issue a must-read.
9. Local Man #8
Release Date: December 27, 2023
Tim Seeley and Tony Fleecs have crafted the perfect amalgamation of ’90s comics tribute, wildly profane plot points, several seriously good mysteries, and a look at how even early fame and fortune don’t stave off a life filled with depressing twists and turns. If you’re not reading this book, what are you doing with your life?
10. The Holy Roller #2
Release Date: December 27, 2023
The powerhouse team of writers Rick Remender, Andy Samberg, Joe Trohman, and artist Roland Boschi are kicking off a humor/action book pitting the son of a mildly successful Jewish bowler against Nazis in a small town. It’s funny, it’s violent, and after the end of the last issue maybe this guy is gonna put on a costume?
11. Crave #2
Release Date: December 27, 2023
Maria Llovet’s adults-only tale is also one of the most prescient sci-fi stories being published today. Focusing on an app that tells students at a university how achievable their desires are, it (so far) is playing out like the best speculative stories: sexy, grounded, with an air of palpable menace running below the surface. After an exciting debut issue, I can’t wait to see how this all starts to spin out of control.
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