Sometimes you want something that breaks away from the usual capes and cowls. That’s where Image Comics shines. Known for giving creators the freedom to tell the stories they want, Image has been a home for some of the most original, thought-provoking, and flat-out fun comics out there. Whether you’re into horror, sci-fi, slice-of-life, or crime noir, there’s probably a series under the Image label that fits your style.
Image doesn’t just offer alternatives—it offers some of the most compelling titles in comics today. With new voices, bold storytelling, and a wide range of artistic styles, it’s a place where ideas take the front seat. For fans of independent stories or readers looking to try something outside of the big two, this list is a great place to start.
What to Expect from This Guide to Image Comics
This article looks at some of the most well-known and highly recommended Image Comics titles—from fan favorites to hidden gems—and what makes them worth your time.
You’ll find stories that take big swings, characters who stick with you, and series that challenge what comics can be. Whether you’re catching up or trying something new, these picks show what Image does best: letting creators tell unforgettable stories.
Saga
Written by Brian K. Vaughan and illustrated by Fiona Staples, Saga is often the first recommendation for good reason. It’s a wild mix of fantasy and science fiction, all grounded by the story of a family trying to survive in the middle of an intergalactic war. The worldbuilding is huge, the characters feel real, and the series has a way of making the bizarre feel personal.
The art is bold and expressive, with Fiona Staples pulling off everything from space battles to quiet emotional beats. It’s a story that swings between heartbreak and humor, with moments that stay with you long after you put the book down.
Invincible
If you’ve watched the animated series, you already know Invincible isn’t your average superhero comic. Created by Robert Kirkman, Cory Walker, and later drawn by Ryan Ottley, this book starts off like a classic teen hero origin story—but it quickly turns into something much bigger and more intense.
Over its 144-issue run, Invincible covers everything from brutal betrayals to family loyalty, galactic politics to grounded personal drama. It’s a full ride, and one that rewards long-term reading. The violence is intense, but it’s never without emotional weight. This is a superhero story that asks what happens when powers don’t come with easy answers.
The Department of Truth
For readers who love a bit of paranoia and mystery, The Department of Truth is a standout. Written by James Tynion IV with art by Martin Simmonds, this book plays with conspiracy theories in a chilling and creative way. The idea is simple but brilliant: what if belief could shape reality?
The storytelling is sharp, with twists that pull you deeper every issue. The artwork feels like a mix of collage and chaos—perfect for the tone. It’s one of those books that sticks in your brain and makes you think twice about the headlines you scroll past every day.
Monstress
If you’re looking for something rich, complex, and gorgeously illustrated, Monstress by Marjorie Liu and Sana Takeda delivers. Set in a world filled with magic, monsters, and political intrigue, the story follows Maika Halfwolf, a young woman with a dark secret that could change everything.
The art alone is worth the read—Takeda’s work is lush, detailed, and stunning. But the story holds its own too. It’s layered with history, war, and the kind of worldbuilding you usually find in epic fantasy novels. This is a series that demands your attention and pays it back in spades.
Chew
Not every comic has to be serious. Chew, by John Layman and Rob Guillory, is one of the strangest and funniest series you’ll ever read. It’s about a detective who gets psychic impressions from whatever he eats. Yes, that includes crime scenes. Yes, it gets weird.
But Chew isn’t just gross-out humor. It’s smart, fast-paced, and full of twists. The characters are likable, the world is totally unique, and the art has a cartoonish style that fits the tone perfectly. If you like your comics with a healthy dose of absurdity, this one’s worth checking out.
Radiant Black
For fans of modern superhero stories with a fresh perspective, Radiant Black by Kyle Higgins is a great entry point. It blends classic superhero beats with real-world struggles—unemployment, debt, uncertainty—and still delivers action and heart.
It’s part of a growing shared universe (the “Massive-Verse”), but you can enjoy it as a standalone. The pacing is tight, the writing is grounded, and the visuals pop with energy. If you’re looking for something that feels familiar but new, this is a good place to start.
Kill or Be Killed
Created by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips, this psychological thriller dives into the life of a man who becomes a vigilante after being visited by a mysterious figure claiming he must kill to survive. Or maybe he’s just losing it. That’s part of the tension.
The book deals with justice, mental health, and moral gray areas without ever feeling forced. The art is moody and cinematic, and the story keeps you questioning what’s real and what’s imagined. Like most of Brubaker’s work, it’s dark, layered, and totally gripping.
Image Comics has built a space where creators can take risks, and readers benefit from the results. These titles are just a handful of what’s out there, but they show the range and depth the publisher brings to the table. Whether you want sci-fi, horror, comedy, or something that breaks the mold entirely, Image has something that’ll stick with you.