Best Indie Comics: Week of May 01, 2024

We’re changing things up a bit for this week! Instead of just focusing on what’s coming out from Image Comics, I’m broadening my horizons and exploring more of the wide world of indie comics. I’ll be taking a look at some select titles from Vault Comics, Massive, Oni Press, and DSTLRY. Like always, this list was curated to feature what I think are comics worth your time and money to check out. The beauty of indie comics is that there are so many different, unique, and strangely fun stories out there to discover. Check out what I have picked out and you might be surprised by what you’ll find.  So, without further ado, let’s get to my picks of the best indie comics this week! 

Best Image Comics of the Week

Crave #6

By Maria Llovet

Image: Image Comics

Series finale time! While David swoops in just in time to stop Charlotte’s dangerous craving from being satisfied, Alexandra, Sofia, and Albert drive Duncan away from his office. But even as the group races against the clock to save their friends, it may be too late for them to put a stop to Crave and its tantalizing influence. 

Kaya #18

By Wes Craig, Jason Wordie, and Andworld

Image: Image Comics

The Temple of Shazir story arc comes to a shocking close in this latest issue of Kaya. The hero gets caught in the middle of an all-out war between the city’s rebels and the King’s ruthless army. With hope slowly slipping away from her mechanized fingers, Kaya must make a fateful decision that changes the course of her and Jin’s perilous journey. You don’t want to miss out on one of the best fantasy comics out now from Image.

Bear Pirate Viking Queen #1

By Sean Lewis and Jonathan Marks Barravecchia

Image: Image Comics

As you can guess from the title of this comic, the story of this mesmerizing new comic involves bears, pirates, Vikings, and queens. In a world that feels dream-like in its presentation, these contrasting beings all fight for power to claim what the world becomes under their vision. Through the beautiful watercolor art by Jonathan Marks Barravecchia, you’ll be hard-pressed to find many comics that look as ethereal as this new captivating series. 

The Whisper Queen: A Blacksand Tale #1

By Chip Zdarsky, Kris Anka, and Matt Wilson

Image: Image Comics

New miniseries alert! It’s time to return to Blacksand, the fantasy world created by acclaimed artists Chip Zdarsky and Kris Anka. This new tale follows directly after the shocking finale of The White Trees, with the kingdom in turmoil after the assassination of the king. The Whisper Queen now follows the exploits of the king’s most notorious group of bounty hunters who are tasked to find the killers before it's too late. If the killers can’t be found, then the kingdom is at risk of being destroyed by The Dark Whisper. This is a must-read series for people who love diving into beautiful fantasy worlds! 

The White Trees #1

By Chip Zdarsky, Kris Anka, and Matt Wilson

Image: Image Comics

To help commemorate the release of The Whisper Queen, Image Comics is also releasing a 2-in-1 issue of the original miniseries that started it all. Following the vengeful tale of Krylos, Scotia, and Dahvlan, this special issue has everything readers will need to get up to speed on the beautiful, violent, and provocative world of Blacksand. 

Best Vault Comic of the Week

Barbaric: Born in Blood #1

By Michael Moreci, Nathan Gooden, and Jim Campbell

Image: Vault Comics

It’s time for a new miniseries in the world of Michael Moreci’s Barbaric! This story follows a new villain to the story, named Orrick. He’s a young barbarian who has gone from being the tortured to the torturer. Because his story is deeply connected to Owen’s past, this new series will reveal secrets about the “hero” that should have stayed buried. 

Best Massive Publishing Comic of the Week

Zorro: Man of the Dead #4

By Sean Gordon Murphy

Image: Massive Publishing

You don’t want to miss out on the finale of this gripping miniseries which is a unique reimagining of the iconic masked vigilante, Zorro. With his friend Diego on the brink of losing everything he holds dear, it’s up to Zorro to fight for the lives and hope of the people in La Vega. Filled with action, charm, and phenomenal art by Sean Gordon Murphy, this series is a ton of fun to follow! 

Best Oni Press Comic of the Week

Cemetery Kids Don't Die #3

By Zac Thompson, Daniel Irizarri, and Brittany Peer

Image: Oni Press

There are few horror comics quite like this one! Created by Zac Thompson and Daniel Irizarri, this series has sci-fi, horror, and fantasy elements that mesh beautifully together for a dark and charming tale. This latest issue has the heroes entering a place called the Nightmare Cemetary, where they must play ghoulish games to advance their strange adventure. The problem is that the games are rife with horrific twists that continue to drive wedges within the group.

Best DSTLRY Comic of the Week

The Blood Brothers Mother #1

By Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso

Image: DSTLRY

The 100 Bullets creative team is back for a new series from DSTLRY! This time, they are taking readers on a ruthless journey through the Wild West. The story follows three brothers embarking on a mission to rescue their mother who was kidnapped by thieving outlaws. Throughout their adventure, they face off against the unforgiving land, bloodthirsty animals, and merciless bounty hunters. But regardless of all the challenges they face, they push forward no matter what to save their family.