Lost Fantasy #1
Review
Writer: Curt Pires
Artist: Luca Casalanguida
Publisher: Image Comics
Release Date: April 30, 2025
Page Count: 48
Format: Single-issue
Lost Fantasy #1 delivers an exciting start to a new fantasy series, introducing readers to a hidden world of monsters, hunters, and magic. With its extended page count, gorgeous artwork, and compelling characters, this debut issue sets the stage for what could be Image Comics' next big hit.
Lost Fantasy #1
ReviewWriter: Curt Pires
Artist: Luca Casalanguida
Publisher: Image Comics
Release Date: April 30, 2025
Page Count: 48
Format: Single-issue
Lost Fantasy #1 delivers an exciting start to a new fantasy series, introducing readers to a hidden world of monsters, hunters, and magic. With its extended page count, gorgeous artwork, and compelling characters, this debut issue sets the stage for what could be Image Comics' next big hit.
What I always love about indie and creator-owned comics is the sheer creativity you’ll find across the board. And the best part? You don’t have to look far to stumble across something fresh and exciting. So, when I discovered Lost Fantasy by Curt Pires and Luca Casalanguida for Image Comics, it immediately caught my attention. An urban fantasy comic about a secret lineage of monster hunters? That short premise alone sounds right up my alley.
But after reading its solid first issue, I was happily surprised to find out it offers so much more than I expected. With its gripping story and incredible artwork, I was eager to dive into it once I got my hands on an advanced copy.
Curious to know more about this intriguing new fantasy comic? Let’s get into my full review of Lost Fantasy #1.
Image: Image ComicsOverview of Lost Fantasy
There’s a world of magic, monsters, and secrets buried just beneath ours. The only thing keeping it from spilling into our side is a secret group known as The Great Hunters—an order sworn to protect the world from the horrors below. But after a hundred years, some monsters begin slipping through the cracks. Now, it’s up to a young hunter named Henry Blackheart to live up to his legendary family name and stop the world from being consumed by the nightmares lurking beneath.
Review
This debut issue hits the ground running with a hefty 48-page count, giving readers a meaty introduction to its world and characters. With so many new comics dropping every week, I really appreciate books that go big with their first issue. Lost Fantasy #1 uses its extended page count to strike a perfect balance in its storytelling—laying out the central mystery, fleshing out its hidden magical world, and introducing us to an intriguing lead in Henry Blackheart.
The comic wastes no time throwing readers into its dark world, opening with a brutal sequence that sets the tone for the whole issue. Artist Luca Casalanguida shows off his knack for dynamic, cinematic layouts right from the jump. But it’s not all spectacle, as those faster scenes are balanced with more character-driven moments that offer a look into Henry’s unique personality. By the end of the issue, I felt like I got everything I needed to know to keep me hooked.
Image: Image ComicsWith that said, Henry Blackheart makes for a compelling protagonist. Although, I couldn’t shake the thought of how much he resembles Gojo from Jujutsu Kaisen—with the white hair, black outfit, and the whole vibe. But that manga-inspired look actually adds a fun and unexpected charm to what’s otherwise a very Western-style fantasy comic. And honestly, I’m just a sucker for any character who wields a massive sword as their main weapon. That alone gives the book a kind of Berserk or Absolute Wonder Woman visual appeal. Going back to Henry, though—he’s the kind of character I want to know more about, and that’s part of what leaves me curious to see where things go from here.
The world-building is another standout. A big chunk of the issue is dedicated to establishing the lore behind The Great Hunters and the terrifying realm they keep at bay. You really get a sense of the weight behind Henry’s family legacy. Pires gives just enough backstory and context to make the world feel large, mysterious, and full of storytelling potential—without overwhelming the reader with exposition.
Finally, the issue wraps with a killer cliffhanger that will keep you wanting to see where the story goes next. Without spoiling anything, its final page sends a clear message that Pires and Casalanguida are unafraid of throwing curveballs at readers to further build on the world and characters. I can picture this series playing the long game, and this debut does a fantastic job setting the stage.
Image: Image ComicsFinal Thoughts
Lost Fantasy #1 delivers a strong start to what could be another great fantasy series from Image Comics. With its fascinating concept, flashy visuals, and solid storytelling, this first issue sets a high bar for what’s to come.
If you love diving into imaginative new fantasy worlds, this issue gives you just enough of a taste of the epic journey ahead. I’m looking forward to seeing how the world expands even more from here and how Henry’s intriguing character evolves. Based on this stellar debut, Lost Fantasy has already earned a spot on my monthly pull list—and if you’re a fan of fantasy comics, it should be on yours, too.
Why You Should Read Lost Fantasy:
- The extended page count gives you a satisfying and in-depth introduction to the comic’s unique world and characters.
- Luca Casalanguida’s artwork is stunning—equal parts beautiful and horrifying.
- The concept of a hidden fantasy realm beneath our own offers endless storytelling potential.
- It perfectly balances action, mystery, and rich world-building.
- The cliffhanger ending will absolutely leave you wanting more.