Arriving in April… Pre-order now!

WAYWARD #7
story: JIM ZUB
art: STEVE CUMMINGS & TAMRA BONVILLAIN
cover A: STEVE CUMMINGS & TAMRA BONVILLAIN
cover B: SIE NANAHARA
APRIL 29 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $3.50

IMAGE’S SUPERNATURAL SENSATION CONTINUES!
Ayane and Nokaido rail against the growing supernatural forces rising up in Tokyo, but are they on the right side of the conflict?

“Wayward is a truly wonderful and beautiful book on every level.” – Mind Capsules

Cover A is part 2 of a 5 part panorama by Steve Cummings and Tamra Bonvillain. Buy all 5 issues of this story arc to fit them together into a massive Wayward illustration.

Cover B is a variant cover by acclaimed Japanese illustrator Sie Nanahara (Shinobigami, Load of Vermillion).

Image Comics has announced a direct subscription mail service for their ongoing comic titles, deliverable anywhere in the continental USA. If you don’t have a comic shop nearby or you just want the convenience of receiving new Image comics delivered right to you then you can sign up for Image Direct. The more titles you subscribe to, the greater discount you’ll receive.

Included in the Image Direct listing is WAYWARD, my new comic series co-created with Steve Cummings. If you’ve been wanting to stay on top of Wayward and don’t have a chance to head to your local comic shop on a regular basis, I hope you’ll consider subscribing.

Image Comics has teamed up with the Humble Bundle team to offer a stunning set of digital comics for a ridiculously low price.

• You’ll get $333 worth of Image digital comics.
• You can pay what you want (but even more comics are available if you pay more than the $15 average).
• The digital comics are DRM free.
• You’re helping to support great charity causes.

Each day there’s also a free single issue you can download even if you don’t buy the bundle, and today’s is WAYWARD #1, so if you haven’t read my new creator-owned series now is the perfect time to give it a shot and enjoy a slew of other comics at the same time. Please help spread the word and share the link!

“If Wayward isn’t the next Saga, it will be a damn criminal shame.” —Bleeding Cool

Writer Jim Zub (SKULLKICKERS, Samurai Jack) and penciler Steven Cummings (Legends of the Dark Knight, Deadshot) spin enchantment and mystery together in a fantasy story about one girl’s battle against the mythological creatures everyday mortals fail to see. Set in Japan, WAYWARD’s depiction of the busy city streets of Tokyo and its rich occult history make it as much a living, breathing character as spunky teen protagonist Rori.

“Wayward is about disaffected youth battling myths of old and, just like being a teenager, it’s intense, funny, emotional, and violent,” said Zub. “’String Theory’ is our first step into this twisted world of modern, mystic mystery and I’m excited to bring readers along for the ride.”

In WAYWARD, VOL.1: STRING THEORY, readers meet Rori, a misfit teen reluctantly transplanted from Ireland to her strange and new home in Japan with her mother. From the get-go there are some cultural adjustments to be made and Rori feels like a fish out of water—but things take a turn for the weird when she begins glimpsing things—creatures—that no one else can see.

“Wayward is a coming of age tale that comes up against monsters set in the very real Japan that everyday people experience,” said Cummings. “Well, except they don’t experience monsters… With every new step in the voyage we get to take our readers along for a guided tour of Tokyo and its Yokai side.”

WAYWARD, VOL. 1: STRING THEORY (ISBN: 978-1-63215-173-5) arrives in comic book stores on March 25 (Diamond Code: JAN150664) and bookstores on April 7 for the low introductory price of $9.99.

Wayward Vol. 1 String Theory (issues #1-5) Rori Lane is trying to start a new life when she reunites with her mother in Japan, but ancient creatures lurking in the shadows of Tokyo sense something hidden deep within her, threatening everything she holds dear. Can she unlock the secrets of her power before it’s too late?

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Further Praise for WAYWARD:

“…the Young Adult novel has finally made it to comics in the form of Wayward, and I think it will be one of the stand-out new titles of the year.”
—Comic Book Bin

“Bright, vibrant, and alive, Rori Lane’s world will enchant readers with its relatable protagonist, intense action and fascinating mythological allusions.”
—Comic Book Resources

“Sure to please fans of Buffy and Manga.”
—Newsarama

“A fun premise with a quirky protagonist.”
—Bloody Disgusting

“Wayward shows signs of being the next runaway Image Comics series.”
—Multiversity Comics

“Another fantastic entry in Image’s already staggering amount of knockouts.”
—Comic Bastards

“It’s age-appropriate for a wide range of readers, and it explores Japan from a supernatural angle that isn’t often seen in Western comics. Zub, Cummings, and team have piqued my interest, and I can’t wait to see how a feisty half-Irish teen handles being swept up in Japanese myth.”
—ComicVine

Wayward #5 arrived in comic shops last week and we pulled out all the stops to deliver an action-packed and emotional finish to our first story arc. Here’s what reviewers had to say…

• 13th Dimension: “The issue manages to combine constant action with some genuinely heart-rending moments, and continues to build on what has been to date a very enjoyable series.”

• All-Comic: 4/5 “Continuing the clever blend of Miyazaki-like wonder with mythological horror, ancient mysticism and even superheroics, this concluding chapter to the series’ opening arc is as delightfully boggling and awe-inspiring as its predecessors.”

• Big Glasgow: 5/5 “A brilliant conclusion to a great story-arc.”

• Cold Beer and Comics: 5/5 “Wayward is the best new comic of the year.”

• Comic Book Bin: 10/10 “Zub and Cummings leave us with a beautifully drawn and exceptionally told series, and while they leave us with many questions, they also leave us caught in the weave. We want to be Wayward. With each new issue, Wayward expands its scope without losing its great sense of mystery.”

• Comics Bulletin: “The first arc of Wayward is complete and is one of the best ongoing series out right now. It’s a story filled with magic and the supernatural perfectly blended with the familiar.”

• Comics Online: 4.5/5 ” Wayward is an epic in the making, and an excellent example of the variety of well-written, drawn, and colored series in the comic book market today.”

• Comics the Gathering: 8/10 “Overall, this issue is a blazer. It’s fiery and explosive. It takes no prisoners, and doesn’t slow down, whether you like it or not. All you can do is go along for the ride.”

• Comicosity: “This story stepped up and became so powerful. So much emotion and amazing art. This is one to read.”

• Con Freaks & Geeks: 9/10 “The art is spectacular and the story is one of the best I’ve read this year. If you’re not reading Wayward, get on it! I promise you that you won’t be sorry.”

• Fandom Post: “This opening arc has been straightforward overall as it teases its own questions and uncertain aspects and the way it’s blended the east/west storytelling and art has definitely been its strength”

• Four Color Bullet: “Jim Zub’s writing has been fantastic. Spooky and fun without losing intelligence. Wayward is easily one of Image’s new best.”

• Game On Comics: 4.5/5 “This wonderful issue reinforces that Wayward is an epic in the making, and an excellent example of the variety of well-written, drawn, and colored series in the comic book market today.”

• Horrror Talk: 5/5 “Wayward is a healthy mix of action, emotion, and damn good storytelling. The comic continues to explore a supernatural area of Japan that is increasingly terrifying.”

• Moar Powah: 4.5/5“Wayward #5 is an amazing instalment to read through.”

• Nothing But Comics: “This was really just a fantastic issue all around. The characters found what they are really capable of both physically and emotionally which is the one two punch when it comes to comic books. I can’t wait for more.”

• Omni Jer Bear: “I stick by my guns. Hands down, this is one of the best storylines I read all year.”

• Outright Geekery: “The story is building momentum now and this issue shows no signs of slowing down.”

• Paradox Comics Group: 8/10 “a dramatic twist that sets things up brilliantly for the instalments to come.”

• Shadowhawk’s Shade: 10/10 “Wayward is one of the best and most consistent of all the new series that have launched this year. Big thumbs-up!”

• Sound On Sight: “There should be high praise for this creative team, respectfully creating a genuinely fun, emotional, and educational book all at the same time.”

• The Telltale Mind: 4.5/5 “Wayward is definitely one of those books that you know is something special when you turn to that first page and it is one that will hopefully stick around for a long time to come.”

• TM Stash: 10/10 “Jim Zub has developed this storyline exceptionally well, with a setting that makes one feel transported to Japan and characters that seem like they could step right out of the page.”

• Unleash the Fanboy: 8.5/10 “Wayward #5 is without a doubt a gem that needs to be unearthed by many curious fanboys and fangirls. “

• We The Nerdy: 10/10 “Steve Cummings nails every aspect of the choreography, creating sequences that are both awesome to look at and easy to follow.”

Arriving in March…Pre-order now!

WAYWARD #6
story: JIM ZUB
art / cover A: STEVE CUMMINGS & TAMRA BONVILLAIN
cover B: TAKESHI MIYAZAWA

MARCH 25 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $3.50

DIAMOND ORDER CODE:
JAN15 0719 (cover A)
JAN15 0720 (cover B)

IMAGE’S SUPERNATURAL SENSATION CONTINUES!
The second story arc begins!

After the traumatizing finale of the previous issue, everything has changed. Who is Ohara and how does she fit into the great pattern of destiny and power?

“It’s not a fluke. Wayward is one of the best new titles of the year.” – Comic Book Bin

Featuring a variant cover by fan favorite TAKESHI MIYAZAWA (Runaways, Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane, Code Monkey Save World).

NOTE: This issue arrives the same day as the value-priced WAYWARD, VOL. 1 TP!

Wayward #4 arrived in comic shops last week and the reviews are really strong once again. If you haven’t gotten on board the series yet, please consider giving it a try. Many shops still have 2nd printing copies of our first issue.

• Big Glasgow: 9/10 “Another brilliant issue for Wayward, definitely worth buying and enjoying.”

• Black Ship Books: “Wayward continues to be one of my favorite series Image is putting out.”

• Cold Beer and Comics: 5/5 “I can’t put this comic down. It reads just like a movie and I bet this is adapted within the next couple of years.”

• Comic Attack: “Steve Cummings has consistently supplied Wayward with some of THE sharpest artwork around. The same amount of detail and great work you get on the cover is what you can expect when you open the issue up.”

• Comic Book Bin: “Wayward offers a mystery that is as unknown as it is alluring. Like Rori following the glowing threads that guide (or lead) her, we don’t know where this mystery will take us, but let’s follow!”

• Comix I Read: 5/5 “I cannot recommend this book enough to everyone.The story is fantastic and the art is some of the best in comics today.”

• Fandom Post: “This issue is heavily focused on the action and it’s warranted as it lets the creative team really show their stuff in a great way – and beautifully colored at that.”

• Major Spoilers: 4/5 “Wayward #4 is an awesome issue and the series is helmed by two creators who know exactly what they are doing and how they want events to play out.”

• Mind Capsules: 9/10 “Wayward is a truly wonderful and beautiful book on every level, one that deserves a place on your pull list.”

• Moar Powah: 4/5 “Though mostly a transitional piece, Wayward certainly makes an impression.”

• OmniJerBear: 10/10 “The best arc of the year. Period.”

• Outright Geekery: 4.5/5 “The issue was an absolute blast to read from beginning to end.”

• Panel Patter: “This is such an amazing creation, one of the best new series of 2014, and pretty much a slam-dunk for my favorites list.”

• Reading With a Flight Ring: “The moment you hit that two page spread you realize what’s going down and it pumps up the adrenaline. This could be the next big thing.”

• Third Eye Spotlight: “Jim Zub takes an incredible tale of supernatural horror and blends it with slice of life drama to make for one heck of an awesome read.”

• TMStash: 10/10 “You cannot read this tale without being drawn in – it is a totally captivating story.”

• What’cha Reading: 8/10 “Good writing, good art, this book is just a solid piece of storytelling all around.”

• What’s On The Table: “If you are interested in a modern day Japan setting with supernatural adventures, go read this comic!”

Arriving March 25th, Wayward Vol. 1: String Theory collects the first five issues of my new creator-owned comic series in a spiffy softcover for a wonderfully value-priced $9.99!

It’s the perfect price to get on board (or buy for a gift) and will be arriving in stores the same day as Wayward #6, so you can binge read 1-5 and 6 to get caught up all at once.

NOTE: The trade paperback does not include Zack Davisson’s special essays on Japanese myth and culture, our alternate covers, or our letters pages, so if you’re enjoying that extra content and/or can’t wait for the collections, please keep collecting our single issues as they arrive each month. We deeply appreciate the support and single issue sales help keep the series rolling.

You can already pre-order from your local comic shop with the Diamond order code above or from several online outlets, including Amazon, linked below:

Wayward Vol. 1 String Theory (issues #1-5) Rori Lane is trying to start a new life when she reunites with her mother in Japan, but ancient creatures lurking in the shadows of Tokyo sense something hidden deep within her, threatening everything she holds dear. Can she unlock the secrets of her power before it’s too late?

PRE-ORDER Amazon.com Barnes & Noble Book Depository Chapters-Indigo comiXology Midtown Comics TFAW

The Ashbury Park Press has a nice article talking about Wayward, getting new readers up to speed. Click on through to give it a read.

“An upbringing that emphasized both cultures tempers Rori’s culture shock just enough, in much the same way that her charismatic narration tempers ours, because Zub and Cummings hit the ground running with the borrowed images and myths that are the backbone of the series driving “Buffy”-esque supernatural narrative, throwing Rori into an unexplained world of mythological phenomena.”

I feel like issue 3 is where we’re finally hitting our stride with Wayward and reviewers seem to agree. Check it out!

• All-Comic: 4/5 “Key moments are dropped within the book to show that the scope is going to be huge. Needless to say, minds will be blown.”

• Big Glasgow Comic Page: 4/5 “Steve Cummings’s art remains fascinating, each and every image is extremely precise, very often worth just looking at in order to admire the detail he put in it.”

• Black Ship Books: “The writing flows and seamlessly weaves character development with the plot, while the art continues to be some of the most gorgeous work currently on the shelves. This is not a series you should be missing out on.”

• Comic Attack: “If you’re a fan of well written characters, Japanese mythology, and great comics then start reading Wayward.”

• Comic Book Bin: 10/10 “Yeah, it’s not fluke. Wayward is one of the best new titles of the year.”

• Comics the Gathering: 10/10 “Wayward shows no signs of slowing down and is making its way towards my favorite book of the year.”

• Comix I Read: 4.5/5 “This series has been stellar since the start… a wonderful world with a wonderful story.”

• Con Freaks and Geeks: 9/10 “…if you are not reading this book, you are missing out on an amazing story with wonderful art.”

• Fandom Post: “Wayward’s doing the right things and it’s looking good and building events and I like that the potential villain side is just now really making its way into things.”

• Fangirl Nation: “The story is pulling me in and I am already frustrated that I have to wait another month for the next issue.”

• Geeked Out Nation: 9/10 “Zub writes teenage interactions and problems realistically while balancing the supernatural elements and world-building. Cummings’ art continues to explore the wonder and horror of Tokyo as well as show the characters in dynamic action.”

• Ghost Volta: 10/10 “This is one of the rare occasions where the creative team as a whole works in total unison to put out a truly stellar product.”

• Iron Violet: 4.5/5 “Wayward is an excellent book that tells a fantastical story in an authentically-written Japan.”

• Multiversity: 8/10 “A well-paced and beautifully drawn journey into the supernatural side of Tokyo.”

• OmniJerBear: “This is definitely the book of the year. Pick it up.”

• Outhousers: “Jim Zub and his crew do a stellar job of creating a Tokyo that feels both real and drenched in mythology.”

• The Read Pile: “If you’re not reading Wayward, I really recommend it.”

• Rhymes With Geek: 10/10 “Great story. Amazing art. Beautiful designs. Wayward is my pick for book of the year!”

• Shadowhawk’s Shade: 10/10 “The art here is pretty damn fantastic…one of the best new comics of the year”

• Sound In The Signals: “This is definitely on my short list of favorite new series right now.”

• The Telltale Mind: 4.5/5 “There is a little humour sprinkled throughout the book which combined with the beautiful colouring, really keeps the feel of the story nice and light. Overall, a fantastic book and probably the best Image launch in the last few months.”

• TMStash: 10/10 “How they manage to keep such a warm feeling in such a strange tale is amazing to me.”

• Unleash The Fanboy: 9.5/10 ” It’s a thriller with a heart of gold, where just enough character development and arc progression adds up to a downright engaging cliffhanger. In other words: this release soundly comes highly recommended.”

• We The Nerdy: 8.9/10 “There’s also a nice little twist at the end that makes me think this comic series will veer into a direction I cannot predict”