7 Underrated Image Comics Nobody Talks About

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When it comes to innovative and compelling comics, independent publishers – and especially Image Comics – consistently deliver. As the biggest indie publisher, Image releases a huge variety of titles, spanning all sorts of genres and tackling diverse stories and characters. From superheroes and science fiction to fantasy and beyond, Image’s creator-owned comics truly cover every imaginable topic.

I’ve been diving into the world of Image Comics lately, and while titles like Saga and Monstress rightfully get all the buzz – they’re huge parts of the cultural conversation – and books like Free Planet are really pushing boundaries, I’ve stumbled upon some real gems that just aren’t getting the attention they deserve. I want to share seven Image Comics that I honestly think deserve to be considered among the best, and I’m confident you’ll feel the same way once you give them a read.

7) A Haunted Girl

Though only four issues long, the 2023 series A Haunted Girl packs a powerful punch. Written by Ethan and Naomi Sacks, it centers on Cleo, a sixteen-year-old battling anxiety and depression, and suicidal thoughts. Fresh out of the hospital, Cleo is trying to rebuild her life, but things quickly become much more complicated when she starts encountering frightening ghosts. She’s left wondering if she’s losing her mind, or if something truly terrifying is happening around her, and the fate of the world may rest on her shoulders.

This book tackles the difficult topics of anxiety and depression through a spooky story, drawing inspiration from the author’s personal experiences. Ethan Sacks collaborated with his daughter to create a narrative intended to offer support to others facing similar challenges. Beyond its meaningful message, it’s simply a well-written story that’s worth reading for anyone.

6) Manifest Destiny

Chris Dingess and Matthew Roberts’ comic, Manifest Destiny, offers a thrilling new take on the Lewis & Clark expedition of 1804, turning it into a monster-hunting adventure. What makes this comic unique is its successful blend of historical fiction, horror, and fantasy, all while offering a critical and darkly satirical look at American history. It’s filled with exciting monsters and mysterious creatures from the frontier, but the story truly shines in its exploration of how being isolated in the wilderness can break down social norms and reveal a darker side of human nature. Despite the serious themes, it’s also surprisingly entertaining.

I’ll admit, the way this book came out originally was a little messy, with issues coming out at different times. But honestly, it’s a real hidden treasure! If you can get your hands on the collected versions and read it all in one go, you absolutely won’t regret it. It’s fantastic!

5) The Weatherman

The Weatherman is a thrilling and imaginative comic book series. Created by Jody LeHeup and Nathan Fox, it centers on Nathan Bright, a well-liked weatherman living on Mars. His life is turned upside down when he’s falsely accused of a devastating terrorist attack that almost destroyed Earth, making him the most hunted person in the galaxy. The catch? Nathan has no recollection of ever being the terrorist, Ian Black.

Throughout the entire series, The Weatherman is a compelling story about the costs of pursuing justice and the true meaning of finding redemption. It can be challenging at times, but it’s a rewarding read that will stay with you long after you finish. This series offers a lot to explore and is absolutely worth experiencing.

4) Crowded

When it first came out in 2018, the comic Crowded quickly gained attention. Created by Ro Stein, Ted Brandt, and Christopher Sebela, it’s set in the near future and follows Charlie Ellison, who is forced to abandon her ordinary life after becoming the target of a million-dollar assassination campaign on the crowdfunding app, Reapr. Now, with all of Los Angeles hunting her, Charlie hires Vita, the lowest-rated bodyguard available on the Dfend app. They have just 30 days to survive the campaign or uncover who wants Charlie eliminated.

As a comic book fan, let me tell you, Crowded is a seriously gripping read. It holds a mirror up to our world, and sometimes it’s a little too accurate, which can be unsettling. It’s packed with smart satire and really gets into how disconnected and divided things are becoming, especially with everyone glued to their phones and social media. Even when the story gets really crazy, it still feels relevant. Honestly, it’s a book more people should be talking about – it’s a gem!

3) The Power Fantasy

Among the books listed, The Power Fantasy is currently still being released – at least for the time being – and is a standout title. Created by Kieron Gillen and Caspar Wijngaard, it offers a fresh perspective on the concept of people with superpowers living among us. While some have drawn comparisons to Watchmen, it’s a very different story. The series focuses on six individuals with superpowers, and the fate of the Earth depends on them avoiding conflict with each other. Naturally, this creates a lot of tension and complex relationships, and the story has now reached a point where that conflict is starting to emerge – but don’t worry, no spoilers here!

When The Power Fantasy first launched, it generated a lot of excitement, but interest has waned recently. In fact, the creators addressed readers in issue #12, hinting that this story arc might be the series’ last if sales don’t improve. Despite this uncertainty, The Power Fantasy is a compelling series, offering a fresh take on superhero stories with its distinctive mythology and intricate plots that go beyond typical genre conventions.

2) Bitch Planet

Fans still occasionally wonder if Bitch Planet will return, but the once-hyped comic series has largely faded from conversation. Created by Kelly Sue DeConnick and Valentine De Landro, it ran for ten issues without being officially cancelled, fueling hope for a revival. The story takes place in a dystopian world where women deemed “non-compliant”—for reasons ranging from body size and skin color to being outspoken or identifying as LGBTQ+—are exiled to an off-world prison. We follow Kam, a former athlete, who’s forced to assemble a team to fight in gladiatorial games for the amusement of wealthy men on Earth. However, these women aren’t willing to submit quietly.

This book explores themes of power imbalances and injustice, focusing on how privilege affects people of different races and genders. It thoughtfully examines not only how societal structures disadvantage women, but also how women can sometimes perpetuate those same systems – and it does so in a remarkably effective way.

1) Gospel

I stumbled upon this incredible miniseries called ‘Gospel’ by Will Morris a while back, and it seriously deserves more attention! It came out in 2022 and is just beautifully done. The art style actually reminds me of Hayao Miyazaki, which is a huge plus for me. It’s set during the time of Henry VIII, but it’s not just a historical story – it really makes you think about the power of stories themselves and what’s really behind the legends. The story follows this character, Matilde, who’s searching for something more in life, but instead of finding opportunity, she gets pulled into this crazy quest with her friend, Pitt, who’s a storyteller. They’re basically trying to figure out some huge mysteries, and at the heart of it all, Matilde is trying to discover who she really is.

Gospel masterfully blends medieval history, classic adventure tropes, explorations of faith, and compelling storytelling into a rich and thought-provoking narrative. It delves into what makes a story meaningful and how different ideas connect within it. Though brief, the series is incredibly impactful and deserves to be read, appreciated, and discussed at length.

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2025-11-11 17:17