Ice Cream Man #43
Review
Writer: W. Maxwell Prince, Grant Morrison, Patton Oswalt, Zoe Thorogood, Geoff Johns, Jeff Lemire, Kelly Sue Deconnick, Matt Fraction, Good Old Neon, Deniz Camp, and Frank Barbiere
Artist: Martin Morazzo, Zoe Thorogood, Good Old Neon, Ashley Walker
Publisher: Image Comics
Release Date: January 29, 2025
Page Count: 32
Format: Single-issue
Ice Cream Man #43 delivers a unique and unforgettable reading experience with its collection of bite-sized horror stories from an all-star lineup of comic creators. This special issue encapsulates everything that makes the series great while offering something fresh and exciting.
Ice Cream Man #43
ReviewWriter: W. Maxwell Prince, Grant Morrison, Patton Oswalt, Zoe Thorogood, Geoff Johns, Jeff Lemire, Kelly Sue Deconnick, Matt Fraction, Good Old Neon, Deniz Camp, and Frank Barbiere
Artist: Martin Morazzo, Zoe Thorogood, Good Old Neon, Ashley Walker
Publisher: Image Comics
Release Date: January 29, 2025
Page Count: 32
Format: Single-issue
Ice Cream Man #43 delivers a unique and unforgettable reading experience with its collection of bite-sized horror stories from an all-star lineup of comic creators. This special issue encapsulates everything that makes the series great while offering something fresh and exciting.
What better way to kick off 2025 than with some horror stories brought to you by the Ice Cream Man? In the spirit of two-sentence horror stories, series creators W. Maxwell Prince and Martin Morazzo have assembled a who's who of comic talent to create a collection of one-page horror tales. The result is a fascinating and innovative comic book experience, one that’s already a standout for the year. Keep on reading for my full review of Ice Cream Man #43!
Overview of Ice Cream Man #43
For those unfamiliar with the series, Ice Cream Man typically follows an anthology format, with each issue telling a self-contained story linked by Rick, the mysterious Ice Cream Man. This special issue takes that concept to the extreme, packing 22 one-page horror stories into one comic. With contributions from Grant Morrison, Patton Oswalt, Zoe Thorogood, Geoff Johns, Jeff Lemire, Kelly Sue DeConnick, Matt Fraction, and more, the issue delivers a rapid-fire burst of horror that ranges from the macabre to the heartbreaking.
Image: Image ComicsReview
As simple as it may sound on paper, Ice Cream Man #43 perfectly demonstrates how creative and complex a one-page story can be. Considering horror is already a tough genre to crack, it is incredible to see what magic can be made within the confines of a single page. But when you’ve got names like Grant Morrison, Jeff Lemire, Zoe Thorogood, and more working on the collaboration, it’s no surprise that each story is as impactful as it is concise. Ultimately, this issue is a testament to just how fantastic these creators are as storytellers.
The variety on display is one of the issue's greatest strengths. There’s no unifying theme or format, apart from the single-page constraint, which results in a diverse collection of horror tales. From psychological horror to fantastical and even historical chills, this issue keeps readers on their toes, constantly shifting tones and styles. Each turn of the page delivers a new emotional jolt, from shock and laughter to sorrow and introspection. Just be ready to keep having to mentally and emotionally readjust yourself as you go through these haunting tales in rapid succession.
As an overall reading experience, this issue is truly something unique. The first few pages feature a table of contents listing each story's title and creator. It will be something you’ll go back a lot because there’s simply not enough time or visual real estate to have credits on every page. But once introductions are out of the way, the comic thrusts you straight into a haunting story that sets the tone for things to come. Even though this comic is only 32 pages, the 22 short stories that are packed into this make it feel much bigger than it is.
There’s also a bit of fun to be had while reading through the comic. As I was reading the issue, I couldn’t help but take guesses of who wrote each story without looking at the table of contents. Personally, I was able to pick out the ones by Grant Morrison because they had their very distinct storytelling flair that I love about their work. It became an interesting game to see just how well creators could let their unique voices shine through with the limited time they had to tell a story. See for yourself which ones you can pick out without using the first pages as a guide.
Then, even if you’re not a regular reader of Ice Cream Man, this issue serves as a fantastic jumping-on point. While there are subtle nods to the series’ overarching lore, including appearances by Rick, prior knowledge isn’t required to enjoy these standalone stories. For longtime fans, the issue offers a celebration of the series’ unique approach to horror, while newcomers can dive in without hesitation.
Image: Image ComicsFinal Thoughts
Ice Cream Man #43 is more than just a collection of horror stories; it’s a celebration of the art of comics and the creativity of its storytellers. This special issue showcases the versatility of the medium, proving that even a single page can deliver a narrative punch. Whether you’re a fan of psychological terror, body horror, or something in between, this issue has a story for you. It’s a must-read for horror enthusiasts and anyone looking to explore the boundaries of comic book storytelling.
Why You Should Read Ice Cream Man
- This special issue offers 22 unique horror stories from some of the biggest names in comics.
- It's accessible to new readers while still rewarding longtime fans of the series.
- The variety of horror styles means there's something for every taste, from psychological terror to body horror.
- It's a showcase of comic storytelling at its most innovative and experimental, pushing the boundaries of the medium.