There’s a lot to love coming from Image Comics in May 2024. So much, in fact, that we couldn’t constrain this list of picks to 11 — it goes all the way up to 13! Hashtag Spinal Tap, but not at all, actually.
Anyway, the Energon Universe continues to go strong with multiple issues this month. But if you haven’t tried it out, there’s a Free Comic Book Day issue you can check out… And it will go on sale this month, as well, in case you prefer to spend money, I guess? Plus, the largest Spawn you’ve ever seen in your life, a new Rick Remender/Brian Posehn joint, and a few graphic novels you can’t miss.
Read on for our 13 picks of the must-have Image Comics books in May!
1. Bear Pirate Viking Queen #1
Release Date: May 1, 2024
Out today, Sean Lewis and Jonathan Marks Barravecchia’s massively surreal book is like reading a lost ode to the sea. Complimentary!
2. Ain’t No Grave #1
Release Date: May 8, 2024
Skottie Young and Jorge Corona tackle a supernatural Western that’s like Unforgiven goes to Hell.
3. The Deviant #5
Release Date: May 8, 2024
James Tynion IV and Joshua Hixson’s psychological horror book returns with an issue that starts to unravel the twisted obsession our comic book writing “hero” has with the serial killer he’s interviewing.
4. The Singularity
Release Date: May 8, 2024
Bear McCreary, who you might know from his work on TV and movie scores, teams up with Mat Groom and a bunch of all-star artists for an adaptation of his sci-fi rock opera.
5. The Last Mermaid #3
Release Date: May 8, 2024
Quickly becoming a favorite title here, the last issue of Derk Kirk Kim’s book ended with a harrowing moment with our favorite axolotl character. Fingers crossed things pick up this issue.
6. Energon Universe 2024 Special #1
Release Date: May 8, 2024
You can actually pick this one up free on Free Comic Book Day on May 4. But if you miss it, you can purchase it a few days later. The book contains three new stories focusing on Transformers, G.I. Joe and Void Rivals.
7. Ice Cream Man #39
Release Date: May 15, 2024
A two-part Ice Cream Man story? One that will horrify readers, and then make you wait a month to find out what happens next?? My heart isn’t ready.
8. Monolith #1
Release Date: May 15, 2024
Chonky Spawn Alert! This series from Sean Lewis and Valerio Giangiordano shows the origin of the largest Spawn you’ve ever seen.
9. Lore Remastered #1
Release Date: May 22, 2024
Ashley Wood and T.P. Louise remaster and reletter their series Lore in a new deluxe format, over three issues. It looks stunning, as usual for Wood’s art.
10. Local Man #10
Release Date: May 22, 2024
The most subversive superhero comic on the stands kicks off a new story arc that takes the action worldwide. Jump on board now! But also go back and read the previous issues.
11. Blood Squad Seven #1
Release Date: May 22, 2024
Speaking of subversive superhero series, Joe Casey and Paul Fry deliver their own take on ’90s superheroes. It’ll be interesting to see how this measures up to Local Man! Not that it’s a contest.
12. Deep Cuts TP
Release Date: May 22, 2024
In case you missed Kyle Higgins and Joe Clark’s excellent, six-issue jazz anthology, definitely pick this up in trade. Over the course of the in-depth stories, we see nuanced, beautifully told — and drawn — tales throughout music history.
13. Grommets #1
Release Date: May 29, 2024
Yes, there’s violence and humor here. But this slice-of-life tale from Rick Remender, Brian Posehn, and Brett Parson is more heartfelt and reminiscent than over-the-top. If you’ve been missing the skating scene of the ’80s, this is the book to check out. I also don’t know what other book you would check out. Is there a Gleaming the Cube comic? Probably not.
Comic Book Club Live Info:
Want to watch Comic Book Club live? We stream every Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET to YouTube, Facebook, Twitch, and Twitter/X. Come hang out, and ask questions of our guests (and us!). And you could potentially win a $25 gift card to Midtown Comics, or Long John Silvers. You can check out a current list of upcoming guests and other live appearances on our Shows page.
