New ‘Criminal’ Prints Coming Before TV Adaptation

Criminal: Iconic Comic Series Revamps for 2025 TV Launch

In a move bound to thrill fans, Image Comics has announced new print editions of the celebrated series, Criminal. As anticipation for the TV adaptation grows, this cult favorite—crafted by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips—is staging a grand comeback. Indeed, fresh cover art and design by Phillips will mark a significant turning point for the series, coalescing perfectly with the upcoming Amazon Prime launch in 2025.

Ed Brubaker, in his signature style, expressed his excitement: "We wanted 2025 to be a big celebration of Criminal." Moreover, he hinted at more surprises: "Our next step in the celebration is still a surprise… but expect to see it announced soon." The process of bringing Criminal to the screen left Brubaker appreciative of the comic’s intricate layers. He eagerly awaits new audiences entering this universe of crime and intrigue they’ve meticulously built.

Volume One Resurgence

Criminal’s initial story arcs, Volume One: Coward and Volume Two: Lawless, will guide the show’s first season. Charlie Hunnam, Luke Evans, and Emilia Clarke lead this much-anticipated series. Initially published in 2007, these volumes delve into complex tales of crime, integrity, and betrayal. The first installment introduces Leo, a master pickpocket entangled in a police heist. When things spiral out of control, Leo must disappear, testing his wits and skills to survive.

The sequel, Volume Two: Lawless, weaves a compelling narrative of brotherly love and revenge. Tracy Lawless’s quest to uncover his brother’s murderer plunges him deeper into a world shadowed by familial curses. It’s here that Brubaker and Phillips truly expand genre horizons, demonstrating what crime comics could become.

The comic book series unfolds a network of interconnected characters, all tethered by shared histories in crime. With this revival, fans and new readers alike will have ample reason to dive into these darkly thrilling tales.

Fresh Editions Hit Shelves

Eager fans can rejoice, as Criminal’s reprints are rolling out in comic shops worldwide. The Volume One: Coward new edition arrives on January 22, 2025, perfectly timed for the new year. This marks just the beginning of a year-long release schedule for each volume. Online retail giants like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and more will have them available by February 4.

Volume Three: The Dead and The Dying and Volume Four: Bad Night will follow in February and March. The subsequent volumes continue monthly, building up to the summer’s fierce climax with Volume Eight: My Heroes Have Always Been Junkies.

Criminal’s availability spans multiple digital platforms, ensuring that Brubaker and Phillips’s gritty tales can reach an even wider audience. So, with 2025 on the horizon, Image Comics is poised to reignite passion for these unforgettable stories once more.

In the vein of noir classics, the revamped Criminal series promises to create waves, reminding readers and viewers alike why these tales endure. As the series reinvents itself, it’s clear that this criminal world plans on captivating imaginations once again.