10 Image Comics That Belong on Every Fan’s Shelf

Image Comics revitalized independent comics in the 1990s. Founded by seven popular artists, the company became a serious competitor to industry giants Marvel and DC, even challenging their sales numbers. While initially known more for its striking artwork than deep storytelling, Image evolved throughout the decade. They began focusing more on strong writing, which ultimately led to significant successes in the 2000s, 2010s, and continues today. Image Comics empowers top creators with creative freedom, resulting in some of the most acclaimed and innovative comics of the 21st century.

Image Comics publishes books in all sorts of genres. Many use science fiction, fantasy, or horror to create truly memorable stories. Here are ten Image Comics series that every fan should have – they’re guaranteed to amaze you.

10) Criminal

Many consider *Criminal*, created by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips, to be the best crime comic series being published today. The series follows the lives of various criminals, leaning into familiar crime tropes while delivering stories that feel incredibly real. Brubaker and Phillips work exceptionally well together, consistently crafting dark and compelling narratives. Now nearly two decades old, *Criminal* has maintained a remarkably high level of quality throughout its entire run. It’s been picked up for a TV adaptation on Amazon Prime, and new issues are always met with critical acclaim. A great thing about *Criminal* is that you can jump in at almost any point and find a fantastic crime story.

9) Royal City

Jeff Lemire is a remarkably talented comic creator, known for his ability to tackle any genre, and his distinctive watercolor art style. While he’s done great work across the board, his best title, in my opinion, is *Royal City*. This comic beautifully portrays the everyday lives of the Pike family in a town undergoing change. The recent death of their youngest son, Tommy, has deeply affected everyone, and his memory continues to haunt them as they struggle to rebuild their lives. *Royal City* is a truly moving series that will both break your heart and lift your spirits. It’s a book I revisit whenever I need a good emotional release – there’s something incredibly healing about its story.

8) Paper Girls

I’m a sucker for anything ’80s, and it’s weird how few comics really tap into that nostalgia. But *Paper Girls* by Brian K. Vaughan and Cliff Chiang? It’s honestly one of the best. It starts with these four paper girls – Erin, MacKenzie, KJ, and Tiffany – just being normal teenagers doing their job. But then they get caught up in this crazy time travel adventure! It’s a really gripping mystery as they try to survive, get back home, and figure out what their lives are going to become. I know there was a TV show that didn’t quite work out, but seriously, don’t let that stop you. *Paper Girls* is fantastic, and I raced through it just to see how everything ended up!

7) Pax Romana

Jonathan Hickman is a highly acclaimed comic book writer, especially known for his impressive work at Marvel. However, some of his most memorable stories were created at Image Comics, including the classic *Pax Romana*. This story starts in the future, with a young leader known as the Genetic Pope learning how the Roman Empire continued to thrive for centuries after the Dark Ages. The story reveals that after the invention of time travel, the Catholic Church sent soldiers back in time to ensure Constantine’s success after converting to Christianity, making the Roman Empire unstoppable. *Pax Romana* is a compelling narrative that follows these soldiers as they attempt to complete their mission, facing both external challenges and personal conflicts. It’s one of my favorite works by Hickman, showcasing his distinctive art style and remarkable ability to pack so much detail into a single book. Truly, *Pax Romana* is a sci-fi masterpiece.

6) Prophet

The original *Prophet* comic from Image was known for its striking artwork, but wasn’t particularly famous for its storytelling. Few expected it to return, but in 2021, Brandon Graham, along with artists Simon Roy, Farel Dalrymple, and Giannis Milogiannis, revitalized the series, continuing the original issue numbering with #21. This new *Prophet* completely reimagines the character’s origins, setting the story in a distant future. The comic immerses readers in a complex universe, revealing its history as the story unfolds. It introduces Old Man Prophet, the Earth Empire, and updated versions of classic Extreme Studios characters like Diehard, Badrock, Glory, Troll, and Youngblood. It’s a truly epic space opera that will appeal to both longtime fans of the original *Prophet* and new readers alike.

5) The Nightly News

Jonathan Hickman’s *The Nightly News* is a compelling story about the Hand, a group aiming to dismantle the news media. The narrative centers on the Voice of the Hand, who leads individuals harmed by the news industry, but he soon uncovers hidden truths within the organization that will challenge everything he believes. Beyond its thrilling plot, the book critiques the growing corporate control over the media and how a handful of companies shape public information. Though published before the widespread use of the internet, *The Nightly News* powerfully illustrates the connection between news, politics, and the potential for widespread harm – to individuals and society as a whole.

4) Tokyo Ghost

Rick Remender and Sean Murphy’s *Tokyo Ghost* is a visually stunning and immersive story. It follows Led Ded and Debbie Decay, a couple of bounty hunters navigating a futuristic, corporate-controlled world where technology has everyone hooked. They journey to Japan, the last place untouched by these powerful companies, hoping Debbie can help Led overcome his own tech addiction. It’s a powerful and moving story that explores the downsides of unchecked capitalism, the strength of young love, and the struggle with addiction. Sean Murphy’s artwork is breathtaking, bringing a dynamic energy to the action and beautifully capturing the emotions of Rick Remender’s writing. Though it may not be as well-known as other Image Comics titles, *Tokyo Ghost* is truly exceptional.

3) Saga

Created by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples, *Saga* is a highly acclaimed comic from Image Comics, considered one of the best of the last two decades. Though its popularity has dipped due to publishing delays, it remains incredibly popular. The story centers on Marko and Alana, a couple from warring sides of a galactic conflict, and their daughter. As both their races pursue them, the family travels the galaxy, and readers meet a truly memorable cast of characters. *Saga* masterfully blends fantasy, science fiction, and everyday life, offering moments of both joy and heartbreak. With exceptional writing and stunning artwork, it’s a phenomenal series. I recommend reading it in collected volumes rather than individual issues, as the unpredictable publishing schedule can be frustrating.

2) DIE

Kieron Gillen and Stephanie Han’s *DIE* is a truly captivating comic. It begins in the early ’90s with a group of friends playing a unique tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) created by one of them. Suddenly, they find themselves transported into the game world. After years of adventure, only the gamemaster returns home. Years later, as disillusioned adults, they’re pulled back into this world to search for their friend and uncover the origins of this mysterious place – and its connection to the fate of Earth. *DIE* not only crafts a compelling fantasy world but also explores the powerful impact TTRPGs can have on personal growth and relationships. It’s a fantastic read, with rich characters and an immersive setting that feels just like playing the best TTRPGs (and it actually *is* one – Gillen even created sourcebooks for it!). With a sequel, *DIE Loaded*, on the horizon, there’s no better time to dive into the world of *DIE*.

1) Phonogram

As a critic, I rarely encounter comics that resonate quite like *Phonogram*. This three-volume series – *Rue Britannia, The Singles Club,* and *The Immaterial Girl* – introduces you to phonomancers, essentially magicians who draw their power from music. It’s a fascinating concept, but what truly sets it apart is how relatable it is. *Rue Britannia* centers on David Kohl grappling with his past amidst the Britpop scene of the 90s, while *The Singles Club* cleverly weaves together the stories of seven phonomancers all crossing paths at the same club. Then there’s *The Immaterial Girl*, which follows Emily Aster as she confronts the consequences of her pursuit of power. What writer Kieron Gillen and artist Jamie McKelvie have created isn’t just a story; it’s an experience. The characters feel incredibly real, largely because they embody our own passions and obsessions – especially when it comes to music. And speaking of music, each volume includes a playlist to enhance your reading, filled with fantastic tracks. Honestly, *Phonogram* is a must-read. You don’t just read it; you *feel* it, and that’s why it’s so special.

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2025-09-27 23:14