WAYWARD #2 has sold out and is being rushed back to press to meet retailer and reader demand! Here’s the new cover by Steve Cummings and Tamra Bonvillain and press release from Image:

WAYWARD Praise Goes Viral

The second issue has sold out and is being rushed to a second printing

The second issue of Jim Zub (SKULLKICKERS, Samurai Jack) and Steve Cummings’ (Legends of the Dark Knight, Deadshot) ongoing supernatural adventure series WAYWARD resonates with readers in search of myth, monsters, and magic. The second issue has sold out completely and is fast-tracked for a second printing to meet demand. Fan praise for WAYWARD has lit up social media and gone viral.

In WAYWARD #2 Rori’s uncanny senses lead her to a classmate with a dark secret… one he’s willing to kill to keep hidden.

“Steve and I are ecstatic about the response so far to Wayward,” said Zub. “This has been a dream project for both of us and knowing that the readership is engaged and growing helps us keep working hard.”

Fan praise for WAYWARD:
“I loooove Wayward, manager at this local comic store recommended it and so I got the first issue and found myself needing more, went back the next day and just had to grab the second issue. Really enjoyed the work gone into this, keep on keepin’ on!” —level9lamewad

“Wayward is one great comic. Two issues in and I’m wanting more and more.” —@JoshuaCoast

“Jim Zub’s Wayward comic is brilliant and beautiful.” —@wordwill

“Wayward is basically Buffy directed by Miyazaki. It’s the best new comic I’ve read in ages. It’s going to be huge.” —@samashurst

“If you’re not already reading it, give the comic Wayward a read. Definitely deserves more attention!” —@couragebatou

“Love this comic.” —@Mer_Ault

“A really cool fusion of Western comics & manga.” —thegamingkoala

WAYWARD #2 has completely sold out at the distributor level, but may still be available in comic stores. It is currently available digitally on the Image Comics website (imagecomics.com) and the official Image Comics iOS app, and on Comixology on the web (comixology.com), iOS, Android, and Google Play.

The second printing of WAYWARD #2 (Diamond Code SEP148170) will release on 11/19.

WAYWARD #3 will hit stores on 10/29 and can be pre-ordered with Diamond Code AUG140692. Cover B by Jorge Molina can be pre-ordered with Diamond Code AUG140693.

If you’re a digital comic reader you’ll definitely want to take advantage of Image Comics’ latest comiXology sale. Try out 20 different new Image #1’s, including Wayward, for only $14.99!

Incredible variety and quality for a killer price, plus you’re helping support creator-owned comics.

Wayward #2 arrived in stores last week and, once again, all of us on the creative team are blown away by the response from retailers and readers alike. Thank you so much for the praise and support. Keep telling others about the series as we continue to crank away making it the best we can.

• Bleeding Cool: “The new high school experience, the language differences, and exploring of a stranger world within a strange world, yeah, definitely the comic of the week.”

---

• 13th Dimension: “There is no question that the slowly unfolding series is brimming with promise and, in the meantime, if Zub can continue to regale us with Rori’s adventures in Tokyo, the series should continue to be an essential read.”

• All-Comic: 5/5 “Wayward is only on its second issue, but has instantly become one of most vibrant and fascinating titles in Image’s stable.”

• Big Glasgow Comic Page: 4/5 “Wayward is still a very, very open book: anything could happen.”

• Black Ship Books: “Rori continues to be a fascinating character and Cummings’ art alone is well worth the cover price. Don’t miss it.”

• Comic Book Bin: 10/10 “Wayward does indeed look to be one of the year’s best new comic book series and one of the best fantasy comic books period.”

• Comics: The Gathering: 9/10 “Wayward continues with an incredibly strong second outing that is vivid and eye-catching. Don’t miss this one.”

• Comix I Read: “Supernatural beings, a deep and confused main character and fantastic art make Wayward issue #2 a must read for this week.”

• Con Freaks & Geeks: 9/10 “As Rori’s story continues on, her powers manifest even more. Wayward’s story is progressing very strongly and is leading to something very big.”

• Emertainment Monthly: “Wayward has an incredibly unique take on both monsters and Japanese culture and Zub does an excellent job of establishing—and quickly fleshing out—his characters.”

• Fangirl Nation: “Anyone who is a fan of the fantasy/supernatural element would be interested in this comic. It is compelling, beautiful, and full of creatures that most people outside of Japan never heard of.”

• Four Color Bullet: “This is fast becoming one of my favorite books, both for content, and a nice price tag.”

• Geeked Out Nation: 8/10 “When everything is said and done you do have to take notice of the attention put into Rori’s relationship with her mom and how there are things about both of their lives that they don’t discuss for the sake of not burdening the other.”

• Iron Violet: 5/5 “I cannot express how much I love the artwork for this series! Its that rare enigma of being the perfect blend of comic book art with manga influences that doesn’t have too much or too little of either.”

• Major Spoilers: 9.5/10 “Wayward #2 is a visually stunning as the narrative is engaging. Cummings, Ruach and Zub are all on their A-game and work together effortlessly.”

• Mind Capsules: 4.5/5 “After two issues, this book has become a keeper and one to definitely pick up if you are not doing so already.”

• OmniJerBear: 10/10 “I really think it’s going to do great.”

• Pop Culture Company: “Image has another huge winner on their hands here”

• Pop Culture Maven: “Zub is not rushing things along. Cummings artwork is one of the key things that is really driving the book.”

• Reading Pictures: “Thus far, Wayward has shown it’s in a real class of its own with its hybrid version of a Japanese coming-of-age tale. Zub, Cummings and the rest of the team have something going strong and this book is just plain fun to read.”

• Reading With A Flight Ring: “I can’t believe I’m such a big fan of this book already it’s that much fun to read.”

• Rhymes With Geek: 9/10 “How nice to be able to say that Wayward is a series that only gets better in the second issue.”

• Shadowhawk’s Shade: 9.5/10 “What can I say, another mindblowing issue from a great team.”

• Talking Comics: “This art is absolutely stunning. It is beautiful, and grounds the story in the real world.”

• Unleash The Fanboy: 9/10 “Two issues in and I can say that this is something that deserves a spot on your pull-list. Highly recommended.”

• We The Nerdy: 87% “Issue 2 is continuing the trend of building and following a character worth reading about. As a reader, I can’t ask for much more than that.”

• What’cha Reading: 4.5/5 “I love Wayward more and more each issue. Rori is identifiable and the right combination of fragile and strong.”

• Word of the Nerd: 8/10 “The art is marvelous and so are the colors.”

Arriving in December… Pre-order now!

WAYWARD #5
story: JIM ZUB
art: STEVE CUMMINGS & JOHN RAUCH
cover A: STEVE CUMMINGS & TAMRA BONVILLAIN
cover B: MARGUERITE SAUVAGE

DECEMBER 17 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $3.50

IMAGE COMICS’S SUPERNATURAL SENSATION!
The first story arc ends. Revelation and sacrifice.

Kalman Andrasofszky now has a high quality art print available of his alt cover piece for Wayward that was used as the Fan Expo variant cover for issue #1.

If you love that illustration, here’s your chance to get a spiffy high quality version of it unmarred by logos/trade dress.

Wonderful and crazy. In just over a week the first printing of Wayward #1 has sold out! Whatever copies remain at your local comic shop are all that’s left. Image wants to make sure new readers can still get on board following the incredibly positive reviews we’ve received and they asked us to whip up a second print cover. Here it is with art by Steve Cummings and Tamra Bonvillain, along with the press release.

Thank you so much for your enthusiastic response to Wayward! All of us on the team are blown away.

WAYWARD LURES IN READERS WITH MAGIC AND ADVENTURE
The first issue has sold out and is being rushed to a second printing

The first issue of Jim Zub (SKULLKICKERS, Samurai Jack) and Steve Cummings (Legends of the Dark Knight, Deadshot) all-new ongoing supernatural adventure series WAYWARD has hit home with readers in search of myth, monster fighting, and magic. The first issue has sold out completely and is rushing to a second printing to meet demand. Critics and comics readers rave about the first issue’s detailed artwork and intriguing mysteries and Comic Book Resources says that WAYWARD is “Bright, vibrant, and alive. Rori Lane’s world will enchant readers with its relatable protagonist, intense action and fascinating mythological allusions”

WAYWARD #1 introduces Rori Lane, an outsider by nature, who is transplanted to Tokyo to live with her single Mom. She’s feeling out of sorts, worried about fitting in and, as if that wasn’t enough, strange things are beginning to happen. Glowing symbols and patterns are starting to appear before her eyes… and she’s the only one who seems to notice.

“I’m overjoyed readers are discovering Wayward and telling their friends about it. We’ve got exciting plans for the series and having this kind of tremendous launch gives us the momentum we need to take our story even further” said Zub.

WAYWARD #1 has completely sold out at the distributor level, but may still be available in comic stores. It is currently available digitally on the Image Comics website (imagecomics.com) and the official Image Comics iOS app, and on Comixology on the web (comixology.com), iOS, Android, and Google Play.

The second printing of WAYWARD #1 (Diamond Code JUL148487) will release on 10/1.

WAYWARD #2 (Diamond Code JUL140588) will hit stores on 9/24. A variant cover by Riley Rossmo is also available with Diamond Code JUL140589.

Um, WOW!

It’s hard for me to express how incredible last week’s whirlwind launch and overall response to Wayward #1 was. We’re still climbing out from underneath a mountain of fan mail, tweets, kind words, and support. Thank you so very much from the bottom of my heart.

Without a doubt, Wayward is also the most reviewed comic I’ve worked on at this point in my comic writing career. Lots of new readers picked up the series and the overwhelming majority of reviewers really enjoyed our first issue. I feel a bit ridiculous trying to introduce this monster list, but here we go…

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

• Comic Book Resources: 4/5 “Bright, vibrant, and alive, Rori Lane’s world will enchant readers with its relatable protagonist, intense action and fascinating mythological allusions.”

• Newsarama: 8/10 “A delightful debut issue that be sure to please fans of Buffy and Manga.”

• Multiversity: 8/10 “Wayward shows signs of being the next runaway Image Comics series.It’s off to a great start.”

• Ain’t It Cool News: “Rori’s journey, the loss of her parents’ love for each other, how crazy Japan is for first timers…all told in masterful and authentic detail.”

---

• 8CN: 8/10 “If writer Jim Zub can continue to strike a such a careful balance between these two tones, I think there’s a lot of entertainment to be had in this series.”

• 13th Dimension: “If the first issue is any indication, the series will be a vibrant coming-of-age story, steeped in monsters, magic and ancient lore that revels in predictable unpredictability.”

• Agustin Guerrero: “Wayward #1 does what any good first issue should do. It sets up the world, gives you the first hint of a story, and makes you want to learn more. “

• All-Comic: 4/5 “Wayward has pulled off a striking first issue that made for an incredibly fun read. A bright supernatural east-meets-west story has a little bit of something for everyone.”

• Alpha Comics: “The first issue of Wayward hooks you with bright, lively characters and Buffy-esque action that leaves you immediately wanting more as the last page puts a stamp on this first chapter in the mystical life of Rori Lane.”

• Biff! Bam! Pop!: “Strange powers, stranger villains and teen angst amidst a backdrop of Japanese mythology (and manga) – Wayward is definitely a series to be caught!”

• Big Glasgow Comic Page: 4/5 “All in all, an entertaining first issue that gives high hopes for what will follow.”

• Bloody Disgusting: 8/10 “Wayward #1 delivers a fun premise with a quirky protagonist. The first issue delivers a lot of promise”

• Broken Frontier: “It’s a strong debut issue in which the mundane and the supernatural reflect and reinforce each other.”

• Comic Bastards: 5/5 “…another fantastic entry in Image’s already staggering amount of knockouts.”

• CC2K: 4/5 “Wayward #1 is off to a good start and is sure to fulfill all your supernatural and fantasy needs.”

• Comic Book Bin: “…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.com: “Wayward is a beautifully told introduction to a brand new world that I cannot wait to explore.”

• Comic Book News: “The story from Zub and Cummings made me love Japan again. Now it’s your turn to be entranced!”

• Comic Book Tasting: “This initial offering was an intriguing one. An extremely fun read.”

• Comic Crusaders: 4/5 “This issue serves as a perfect introduction to Rori’s world and is a great read.”

• Comic Spectrum: “The coloring by John Rauch was impeccable, and captures what the back-up article in this issue calls the ‘shiny neon veneer of modern Japan.'”

• Comic Vine: 4/5 “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.”

• Comicosity: 8/10 “The resounding note to take away from this issue is artist Steve Cummings’ ability to amaze in this issue. “

• Comics Bulletin: “Rori Lane is a strong willed young woman with uncommon and mystifying events in her future. Wayward will hypnotize readers for issues to come.”

• Comics the Gathering: 10/10 “The first issue of Wayward left me craving for more. I’ve barely even scraped the surface in this review.”

• Comicqlee: “Definitely a book worth picking up.”

• Comix I Read: “The story was fast paced and we got a good introduction to what future issues can bring.”

• Con Freaks & Geeks: 9/10 “The Comicfreaks out there need to get this book! I cannot say anything but good things about the story, the art, and the style.”

• Deadshirt: “My favorite part of this comic so far is the vibrant representation of Tokyo; the artwork nails the city’s aesthetic right down to the street grates and the ever-present vending machines.”

• Eat. Geek. Play.: “Something big is about to happen in the streets of Japan, and I can’t wait to see Rori become the hero.”

• Emertainment Monthly: 9/10 “Wayward establishes the main characters and the premise of the series, but still leaves the reader grasping for more. And that desire to know more about the world and the characters is exactly what will keep the readers coming back.”

• exPress News & Reviews: “This comic is creating its own world within a culture and I feel like this is going to be a series that many people will love.”

• Fellowship of the Geeks: “Adventure and humor go hand in hand in his books, and this one is definitely working. Jump on at the beginning.”

• Florida Geek Scene: 8.5/10 “This is one book that I will absolutely be following each month.”

• Front Towards Gamer: “Mind-blowing artwork grabs your attention from the first page and the story by Jim Zub makes Wayward #1 from Image Comics an instant hit.”

• Geek Sushi: “Without a doubt, “Wayward” #1 gets a high recommendation”

• Geeked Out Nation: 8.5/10 “Wayward #1 is great for a new series and Jim Zub shows that he wants to create a story that challenges what you believe to be real.”

• Geeksverse: “Wayward #1 is a first issue done right: It tantalizes with its novelty and promise while still delivering enough content to satisfy. Wayward may just be Image Comics’ next breakout hit if the creative team continues to deliver expert craftsmanship.”

• God of Comics: “The characters are quite engaging, it has a strong sense of humor and the art is phenomenal.”

• Graphic Policy: 8/10 “Wayward #1 is a solid debut, bringing us a new female heroine to cheer for.”

• Hex Dimension: “Nothing feels contrived and stereotyped, it just looks deep and wonderfully intricate.”

• Horror Talk: 5/5 “This is a damn near perfect first issue…writer Jim Zub gets right into the story and pulls you into this world head first to the point where you never want to leave.”

• Kliq Nation: 5/5 “Wayward #1 showed readers just enough to leave them wanting more.”

• Nothing But Comics: “Writer Jim Zub, artist Steve Cummings, and colorist John Raunch craft a great first issue with a compelling protagonist.”

• Okazu: 8/10 “It’ll make a nice change of pace from romance manga.”

• Omnicomic: “Wayward #1 is a pretty fascinating first issue that completely grabs the reader and brings them right into the world.”

• OmniJerBear: “It was a huge gamble, but it pays off. It’s amazing.”

• One Hundred XP: 8/10 “I’m excited to see where this series goes and to explore the fantastical Tokyo with Rori as my guide.”

• Outright Geekery: 4.5/5 “The vivid character emotions, great action scenes, and overall panel diversity in this first issue required a good artist, and Wayward has a great one!”

• Panel Pushing: “The art is really fantastic. Rich in detail and has a softness to it.”

• Panels and Pixels: 5/5 “Wayward is a fantastic comic book from a talented creative team that are doing the best work of their careers. Go get it.”

• Paradox Comics Group: 9/10 “Suffice to say that picking up issue two is no gamble for me; it’s a sure-fire thing!”

• Pop Culture Network: 5/5 “There honestly was not a single thing I could find to gripe about.”

• Readerly Geek: “Wayward‘s one of the most fun comics I’ve ever read. I absolutely loved it. The setting, bright colors, and it’s blue haired girl drew me in. I’m definitely excited to see where this story goes next.”

• Reading Pictures: “Steven Cummings hits every nail on the head. His style is perfect for supernatural Japan, and everything really jumps off the pages.”

• Reading With a Flight Ring: “It is a beautiful start to such an imaginative story of not only one girls journey of self-discovery but of a world people have no idea exists”

• Rhymes With Geek: 9/10 “Wayward #1 is an impressive beginning for a series that I feel is going to be huge. Jim Zub and Steve Cummings have a winner in Wayward.”

• Sequential Tart: 8/10 “Wayward is a terrific read, and the creative team of Jim Zub, Steve Cummings and John Rauch is showing some great flare.”

• Shadowhawk’s Shade: 9.5/10 “Pretty damn fantastic first issue I’ll say!”

• Super Effective: “This is the best first issue I have read in such a long time.”

• Talking Comics: “Check it out! Wayward #1 is a promising start for a new coming-of-age story from Jim Zub and Steve Cummings. “

• Telltale Mind: 5/5 “Wayward is a really, beautiful book that cannot be recommended enough.”

• The Moon Is A Dead World: “Wayward looks like a promising new series, especially because it melds genres together and leaves questions for later issues and arcs.”

• TM Stash: “The artwork is breathtaking, and the story is riveting…do you need to know more? This tale is easily worth a 10/10.”

• Unleash the Fanboy: 9/10 “Wayward #1 is an engaging start to a title that looks to be something different than the norm, which is exactly what Image Comics represents and promotes. Highly recommended.”

• We The Nerdy: 9/10 “Even in this one issue, I feel like I get a strong sense of Rori, and I only want to know more. “

• What ‘Cha Reading?: 4/5 “It’s a set-up issue but all the pieces are put in place for a wonderful series. I’m definitely looking forward to watching Rori discover her new world.”

Hard to believe it’s finally here: Wayward #1 arrives in comic shops today.

For the past 10 months, Steve and I have been developing this creator-owned series and it’s an incredible feeling to finally see it out in the world. We hope you read it, enjoy it, and tell others all about it.

Projects like this are not just one person and although it’s common for me to say “my new creator-owned book” that’s not accurate. Beyond the fact that Steve and I are co-creators on this, there are quite a number of people I need to thank for their involvement and support.

Steve Cummings, thank you for working alongside me to develop this story while drawing your heart out. Your incredible dedication shows on every page.
John Rauch, thank you for enhancing Steve’s pages with incredible color and atmosphere.
Marshall Dillon, thank you for always sticking with me and doing more proofs on this issue than any other project we’ve worked on together. You tirelessly made lettering edits right up until we went to press.
Zack Davisson, thank you for your Japanese mythology consultation and wonderful essay back matter material.

Our variant cover artists: Alina Urusov, Jeff “Chamba” Cruz, Adam Warren, Tamra Bonvillain, Ross A. Campbell, Erik Larsen, Chip Zdarsky, and Kalman Andrasofszky. Thank you for creating eye-popping artwork to help grab attention, near and far.

Eric Stephenson, Ron Richards, Kat Salazar, Meredith Wallace, Addison Duke, Jonathon Chan, Branwyn Bigglestone and everyone else at the Image Comics office. Thank you for your support and your role as a creator-owned publisher that truly empowers creators to make the books they’ve always dreamed of.

Thank you also to:
Charles Soule, for your invaluable advice and support.
Nishi Makoto, for Japanese language/lettering help.
Chris Butcher and the Beguiling, for arranging the Wayward launch party (happening tonight!).
Brandon Seifert, for introducing me to Zack.

Thank you to the many retailers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to support Wayward, including Happy Harbor Comics, Strange Adventures, Third Eye Comics, and the Phantom retail group.

Last but not least, thank you to my family and friends. Thank you for listening, sharing, understanding, and patiently accepting stressful days and neurotic nights as we built momentum to get this out the door. None of this would be possible without your love.

We’ve set up a fan email address where you can let us know what you think of Wayward (and we’re compiling the letters page for issue #2 this week, so please send us messages ASAP). Email
waywardpostage@gmail.com and include “OK To Print” with your message if you’re okay with us possibly including your letter in a future issue.