New Comics Imprint, Ninth Circle, Launched by Star Creators at Image Comics
By August Tales
In a bold new move, the comic industry has welcomed a formidable contender: Ninth Circle. The excitement around this new imprint shows no signs of slowing down. Despite the challenges, the thrill of diving into this fresh world of comics is undeniable.
Powerhouse Creators Unite
Ninth Circle has assembled a lineup of legendary comic creators. Names like Garth Ennis, Ram V, Marguerite Bennett, Joe Pruett, and Adam Glass have come together to launch this horror-focused imprint under Image Comics. This collective aims to deliver stories that leave readers on edge, leaning into horror with no compromises.
Unlike traditional comic formats, Ninth Circle promises self-contained stories, similar to creator-led initiatives like Ghost Machine. Each release is double-sized, with a beginning, middle, and end, ensuring a complete reading experience in every issue. Additionally, each book will feature a high-quality cardstock cover, setting a standard for premium storytelling.
Strategic Collaborations
Behind the scenes, Ninth Circle has secured key partnerships that strengthen its industry presence. Michael Bogner, Senior Vice President of Legal Affairs at ABGO, plays an advisory role. Meanwhile, David Stone of TFC Management provides strategic counsel. Adding to the excitement, Kimberly Steward of K Period Media, known for producing Manchester by the Sea, serves as the lead investor. Steward’s involvement signals the potential for cross-media expansions in the future, solidifying Ninth Circle’s foothold in the entertainment landscape.
A Dark and Humorous Launch
Ninth Circle kicks off with Freddie the Fix, a darkly humorous horror tale that sets the tone for the entire line. Written by Garth Ennis and illustrated by Mike Perkins, the story follows Freddie, a fixer who caters to Hollywood’s most monstrous clientele—werewolves, vampires, zombies, and other creatures lurking in the city of angels. The debut issue is slated to hit stores on December 11.
“I’ve always been a big horror fan,” Ennis reveals. “Freddie the Fix aims to shock, thrill, and entertain fans, hopefully with a couple of chuckles in the mix.”
With Ennis leading the charge, Freddie the Fix promises to capture the essence of horror with a touch of dark comedy, introducing readers to the unique flavor Ninth Circle intends to offer.
Channeling the Depths of Horror
Inspired by Dante’s Inferno, Ninth Circle dives deep into the horror genre. The imprint’s mission is clear: redefine horror storytelling with gruesome, genre-pushing tales. Adam Glass, one of the imprint’s lead creators, explains the imprint’s vision: “We’re here to explore the full spectrum of horror. We want to push boundaries, delivering unforgettable stories packed with blood, murder, and chaos.”
The stories won’t rely on capes or romance. Instead, Ninth Circle is committed to creating immersive worlds filled with spine-chilling narratives, memorable characters, and striking visuals. With a team of award-winning artists like Jill Thompson, Butch Guice, and Bernard Chang on board, the visuals will match the intensity of the storytelling.
Exciting Lineup for 2025
In addition to Freddie the Fix, readers can expect more horror-filled offerings from Ninth Circle in 2025. Marguerite Bennett, Joe Pruett, and Ram V are all set to contribute, expanding the universe of terrifying tales. Their upcoming projects, paired with stellar artwork from some of the industry’s best, ensure a memorable reading experience.
To heighten fan anticipation, Image Comics has also unveiled exclusive artwork for Freddie the Fix. With cover art by Mike Perkins and a variant by Marcelo Frusin, the comic promises an eye-catching debut. The buzz surrounding these releases has the comics community eagerly awaiting what’s next.
Ninth Circle is poised to inject fresh energy into the comic scene. With a fearless approach to storytelling and a top-tier creative team, this new imprint could be exactly what the industry needs. As fans await these upcoming releases, Ninth Circle’s dive into the dark world of horror is set to make a splash.
Read this article and more at August Tales Comics. Your go-to site for trade paperback exchanges and comic book news! Trade. Read. Repeat.
#comics #comicbooks #graphicnovel #graphicnovels #augusttales
Image credit: www.comicsbeat.com
