Pull List of the Month: October 2023

As good of a problem as it is to have so many great comics out there to read, our wallets can only handle so much at the end of the day. In this new series, I pick out some of the best comics that deserve a spot on your monthly pull list. To keep things light, I limited my picks to only two comics for each week of October. These comics are sure to leave you satisfied once you turn their final page. So let’s check out which comics to be excited for this month!

Transformers #1

By Daniel Warren Johnson and Mike Spicer

Releases October 04, 2023

Image: Skybound

Transformers is arguably one of the biggest releases for Image Comics this year. More than just the beloved franchise getting a fresh coat of paint, the series is being made by superstar creator Daniel Warren Johnson. Having read plenty of his creator-owned comics, I can confidently say there are few creators out there who fit the mold as perfectly as DWJ to handle the Transformers going forward. Considering this new series is also heavily influenced by the G1 and movie era, it’s an instant buy for me.

With this being the centerpiece of Skybound’s new Energon Universe, the buzz around this series is immense. Getting to see the Autobots and Decepticons duke it out in DWJ’s brand of high-octane action is going to be a lot of fun.

The Sacrificers #3

By Rick Remender, Max Fiumara, and Dave McCaig

Releases October 04, 2023

Image: Image Comics

Rick Remender and Max Fiumara have a gem in their hands with The Sacrificers. The story takes place in a world ruled by a race of gods who require families to sacrifice one of their children as payment for peace. As twisted as that sounds, it pulls you right into its beautiful world. Everything from the character designs to the environments pop right off each page. While the series is still very early in its story, each issue has been a feast of world-building goodness.

Fishflies #2

By Jeff Lemire

Releases October 11, 2023

Image: Image Comics

If there’s one thing you can rely on in comics, it’s Jeff Lemire killing it in his writer-artist projects. Fishflies joins Lemire’s other stellar titles like Underwater Welder, Essex County, and Royal City in being strange stories set within small towns. In a unique twist this time, each issue of Fishflies boasts an extended page count, giving its engrossing story the room it needs to spread its wings.

The story follows young Franny Fox, a socially awkward girl who finds herself befriending a very unexpected stranger. But little does she know her strange new friend has connections to the crimes that have been causing her small town to spiral into chaos. Now that its latest issue is finally coming out, we get to unravel more of the comic’s deeply human and supernatural story.

Nights #1

By Wyatt Kennedy and Luigi Formisano

Releases October 11, 2023

Image: Image Comics

Nights is easily one of my most anticipated comic releases this month. I was immediately hooked by the comic’s charming cast of characters and eccentric world that blends modern society with supernatural creatures. Its first issue does so much to establish what it’s all about and tease the secrets waiting in the shadows. The comic is also packed with anime, manga, and music influences that make its world so vibrant and unique. I cannot wait to see what more this story has to offer.

Want to find out more about this? Check out my review of Nights and the great interview I got to have with creators Wyatt Kennedy and Luigi Formisano!

Hack / Slash: Back to School #1

By Zoe Thorogood

Releases October 18, 2023

Image: Image Comics

Hack/Slash, the cult-classic Image Comics series, is back! Critically acclaimed creator Zoe Thorogood is at the helm this time around to tell a brand-new story about Cassie Hack’s escapades as a slasher slayer. This time, she faces off against a murderous bunny mascot and a squad of teenage serial killer hunters! All in a day’s work for one of Image’s most beloved heroes.

Time Before Time #28

By Declan Shalvey, Rory McConville, Geoffo, Chris O'Halloran

Releases October 18, 2023

Image: Image Comics

Time is quickly running out for this incredible time-hopping sci-fi series. Time Before Time has been a great series filled with compelling twists and turns. Now that it’s at its penultimate issue, it’s going to be a bitter-sweet farewell to a series that took me by surprise.

Reminiscent of the film Looper, Time Before Time is refreshing in how it tells a time-traveling story without the usual trope of confusing timelines and whatnot. There’s even an in-universe explanation for why changing timelines can’t even happen. So if you’re craving some hard sci-fi with compelling characters, this comic series is one to check out.

Something is Killing the Children #34

By James Tynion IV, Werther Dell'Edera, and Miquel Muerto

Releases October 25, 2023

Image: BOOM! Studios

As much as the pacing of this latest arc has slowed the story down, Something is Killing the Children is still a fantastic series to follow. The great characters and phenomenal art keep me coming back for more.

After two issues of build-up, this latest installment will finally kick the story into high gear. The stage is set for Erica to confront both the rampaging Duplicitype and the murderous Cutter. The clash is going to be bloody, violent, and oh-so-satisfying to see. Now is the perfect time to jump into the popular series if you haven’t already.

Void Rivals #5

By Robert Kirkman, Lorenzo De Felici, and Mat Lopes

Releases October 25, 2023

Image: Skybound

It’s fitting to start and end this list with the biggest titles coming from Skybound’s Energon Universe. Void Rivals has been a treat of a series as creators Robert Kirkman and Lorenzo de Felici weave together a unique sci-fi story of two heroes from opposing worlds. Even without the teases of the Transformers, Void Rivals is a solid romp filled with compelling characters and thrilling sci-fi adventures.

This latest issue takes us deeper into Solila’s planet of Zertonia. With the two Void Rivals stuck in a perilous position, this could be the darkest chapter of the story yet. Each issue of the comic has been a must-buy, and I don’t see that momentum stopping anytime soon.