Best Indie Comics: Week of May 15, 2024

It’s looking like an interesting week for indie comics! Both Image Comics and BOOM! Studios lead the charge in releasing many of the most unique comics you can find on the shelves today. Featuring everything from horror classics to anime-inspired romps, this week’s picks might be one of my most diverse selections yet. So, it’s time to check out which titles this week are worth sinking your teeth into! 

Best Image Comics of the Week

Ice Cream Man #39

By W. Maxwell Prince, Martin Morazzo, and Chris O'Halloran

Image: Image Comics

This latest issue is the beginning of a two-part story ominously named “Decompression in a Wreck.” It’s a haunting tale about what happens when slows down to a crawl in the moment of a brutal car crash. The fact that this story will take two issues to tell, we won’t be spared from every tragic detail in the story. Ice Cream Man is still top-tier stuff after all these years. 

Redcoat #2

By Geoff Johns, Bryan Hitch, Brad Anderson, and Rob Leigh

Image: Image Comics

Redcoat’s tale begins in 1892. As the immortal mercenary of the Unnamed, one of Simon Pure’s first adventures involves a mysterious cult that seems to know the origins of magical powers. Simon has no choice but to enlist the help of an unexpected ally: a young Albert Einstein. With its unique blend of the supernatural, historical references, and superhero hijinks, this Ghost Machine series is only getting started!  

Fishflies #6

By Jeff Lemire

Image: Image Comics

With the mystery in Belle River only getting stranger with each new issue, Hellen DuPuis continues to search for answers on what happened to her son. Out of sheer desperation, she seeks guidance from a psychic medium who sends her on a mind-bending journey through the history of her small town. Fans of Jeff Lemire’s writer-artist work will want to watch for this one! 

Dark Ride #12

By Joshua Williamson, Andrei Bressan, and Adriano Lucas

Image: Skybound

Miniseries finale time! It’s the end of the line for Sam in his journey through Devil Land. The story takes it all the back to Arthur Dante’s first creation in the park, a ride called The Devil’s Due. A final sacrifice will need to be made to take control of the haunting creation that spawned from the horrific theme park. Filled with thrills, spills, demons, and blood, you don’t want to miss out on this rollercoaster of a finale.

Something Epic #10

By Szymon Kudranski

Image: Image Comics

Deep within the World of Imagination, private investigator Noa Carpenter is fresh out of luck and out of leads. With little options left on her plate, she sets up a meeting with an unusual Epic whose powers may be the key to cracking the case. This creative mystery continues to be a treat to unravel all its different and strange layers!

Napalm Lullaby #3

By Rick Remender and Bengal

Image: Image Comics

The assassination mission to save the world continues in this latest issue of Napalm Lullaby. Sarah and Sam have successfully snuck into the Glorious Leader’s utopia. But while they think everything is going smoothly, they quickly find out not everything is as it seems, and that the city is kept so “clean” because of an imposing figure known as the Janitor. Don’t miss out on this thrilling story that’s still only scratching the surface of its craziness!

Best BOOM! Studios comics of the week

House of Slaughter #23

By James Tynion IV, Tate Brombal, Werther Dell'Edera, Antonio Fuso, and Miquel Muerto

Image: Boom Studios

The Butcher’s War is in full swing in the latest issue of House of Slaughter. It seems Jace’s actions are quickly catching up to him as the House seeks its revenge. It will be chaos in the shadows of New Orleans as soon as Jace clashes again with the hunters he left behind. The world of Something is Killing the Children continues to be one of the most compelling new stories in comics today.

Briar #5

By Christopher Cantwell, Alex Lins, and Luis NCT

Image: Boom Studios

Briar is back with an all-new story arc with rising star artist Alex Lins! This new tale follows the wake of Briar slaying Deadcrawl. The heroine has made quite a name for herself as a ruthless bounty hunter, and the authorities around the land have taken notice. Don’t miss out on this reimagined dark fantasy as it brings new twists to its fabled adventure.

I Heart Skull Crusher #3

By Josie Campbell, Alessio Zonno, and Angel De Santiago

Image: Boom Studios

The mayhem of this manga-inspired series continues as Trini rounds out her Screaming Pain Ball team with a new goalie who’s more unhinged than expected. It’s up to Coach Blood to keep the team together, even if that means coordinating absurd team-building exercises. In a splash of carnage and colors, this new series is sure to take you on a very fun ride!

Uncanny Valley #2

By Tony Fleecs and Dave Wachter

Image: Boom Studios

The strange adventure of Oliver continues! In his life filled with wacky 90s-inspired cartoon characters, he begins to learn more about his family’s origins and why that makes him different from most kids. It seems everything leads back to his mother and the unexplainable powers she had. This fun comic will surely take you by surprise with its gorgeous art and imaginative story!