Seven Wives Creator and Editor Tease a Dark Whodunit for IDW Crime’s Debut (Exclusive)

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IDW Publishing, known for its excellent genre comics – particularly its scary horror titles under the IDW Dark imprint – is expanding with a new line called IDW Crime. This new line will feature compelling and intricate stories that delve into the world of crime and examine the factors that can lead even good people down a dark path. Several titles are already planned for release this summer and beyond, with Seven Wives launching the imprint in May.

Zoe Tunnell, along with artists V Gagnon and Tesslyn Bergin, created Seven Wives, a new comic about two detectives investigating a death within a remote Arizona compound of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The investigation quickly leads them into a disturbing mystery involving brainwashing, and the comic promises a thrilling whodunit with plenty of unexpected twists. ComicBook recently spoke with Tunnell and editor Riley Farmer about the launch of this exciting new crime comic series and what readers can anticipate.

Seven Wives is a Compelling Whodunit With a Victim Who Totally Deserved It


So, as a big fan of crime stories, I was really excited to hear about IDW launching a new line dedicated to the genre – IDW Crime. Getting to read ‘Seven Wives’ as the first book under that imprint was a cool experience. It’s always interesting to see what creators bring to a brand new venture like this, and I was eager to dive in and see what ‘Seven Wives’ had to offer as the kickoff title.

As a fan, I’m so excited for Zoe Tunnell’s work! She’s been writing comics for a while, but ‘Seven Wives’ is her first miniseries, and it’s amazing she’s launching the new IDW Crime line with it, especially considering how talented the other creators involved are. She says it’s a bit daunting, but she’s really given it her all, and I can’t wait to read it!

I’m really hooked by the idea behind ‘Seven Wives’! I’m so curious – what sparked the author’s imagination for this story?

The story was first described to me as a blend of mystery and suspense similar to Knives Out, but set within a cult. While it’s significantly more intense than that film, that initial idea always stuck with me. The biggest challenge was creating a compelling murder mystery when the victim – Matthew Dunn – was a truly awful person who arguably had it coming. It forced me to consider what justice even looks like for someone like him. It was a fascinating balancing act, and I hope readers find it enjoyable!

What are you most excited about when it comes to Seven Wives — and IDW Crime more broadly?

I’m really eager to see what readers think! It’s a gritty, complicated mystery with flawed characters – everyone has something to hide. Unlike a typical procedural crime show, this story doesn’t offer easy answers or a clean resolution. It’s a unique take on the crime genre, and I’m thrilled that IDW Crime is publishing such diverse stories – the future looks very promising for the line!

Who would you say Seven Wives would most appeal to (or why you think everyone should read it?)

We’re hoping everyone enjoys the comic, and of course, please don’t pirate it! If you like crime stories, beautiful artwork, and a complex mystery with a strong female cast, you’ll probably love this. Just be warned, it gets intense – you might need a break and a cup of tea sometimes!

IDW Crime Invites Readers To Be Part of the Story


As a comics critic, I’m often asked about genre distinctions, and it’s a good question how IDW’s Crime line stands apart. While crime frequently pops up in horror comics, IDW Crime feels different. It’s less about the scares and more focused on the gritty realities, investigations, and psychological aspects of criminal activity itself. It’s crime as a central theme, not just a plot device to build tension or deliver jump scares. Think less supernatural thrills and more hardboiled detective stories.

Riley Farmer explains that crime stories, unlike other genres, are built around solving a mystery – determining who committed a crime, how, and their motivation. While horror focuses on the acts themselves and dramas might include wrongdoing, crime fiction actively involves the reader in the process of discovery. IDW Crime offers this immersive experience, presenting readers with clues and challenging them to solve the puzzle, much like a detective.

We’re curious to hear what Zoe Tunnell finds compelling about ‘Seven Wives.’ But from your perspective as an editor, what makes this story so captivating, and why did you choose it to launch the IDW Crime line?

At first glance, Seven Wives seems like a standard murder mystery, following detectives as they investigate a crime. However, the story’s unique setting – a polygamous family’s compound – and the victim, the family’s leader and a religious figure, create a complex and compelling narrative. Author Zoe skillfully unravels this intricate world over three issues, crafting a story designed to provoke strong reactions. Everyone at IDW recognized the power of this story during the pitch process; it’s a truly remarkable tale, deeply researched and deserving to be told.

What most excites you about IDW Crime — and what do you think fans are going to most enjoy?

Beyond the fantastic stories IDW Crime is bringing us this year, I’m truly thrilled for audiences to discover the incredible talent behind them. Writers Zoe, Joey Esposito, and Amy Chase are crafting scripts that are both devastating and incredibly authentic – honestly, it makes me wonder what their lives are really like! And the artists – V Gagnon, Tesslyn Bergin-Dicoi, Valeria Burzo, and Savanna Mayer – are relative newcomers, but they’re capturing the raw emotion and brutality of these stories with a remarkable honesty and power. They’re ones to watch, absolutely.

The new comic series kicks off in May with Seven Wives #1. Following that, Killer Influences #1 will be released in July, and Fixation #1 arrives in September – completing the first three titles in IDW Crime’s lineup.

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2026-03-27 18:14