Image Comics Announces ‘Dark Honor’: A Pandemic-Set Crime Thriller
Big news for fans of gritty crime stories! This May, Image Comics, under its Syzygy imprint led by Chris Ryall, is set to unleash a compelling new five-issue series: Dark Honor. This isn’t just another crime thriller; it boasts a unique and chillingly relevant setting – New York City plunged into the eerie quiet of the early COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. In this tense environment, the familiar dangers of the city are compounded by an unseen virus, and the underworld finds itself suddenly up for grabs. Prepare for a razor-sharp narrative where suspense lurks around every corner. As avid readers ourselves, we’re always on the lookout for innovative stories, and Dark Honor certainly fits the bill.
Unveiling the New Dark Honor Comic Series
One of the most exciting aspects of the new Dark Honor comic series is the collaboration behind it. Esteemed comic book writer Ethan Sacks (celebrated for his work on Star Wars: Bounty Hunters and Old Man Hawkeye) teams up with filmmakers K.S. Bruce and Brian DeCubellis. While Sacks is a familiar name to comic readers, this marks the first venture into the medium for Bruce and DeCubellis, who bring cinematic sensibilities honed on projects like the Netflix hit Trust and the Adrien Brody-starring Manhattan Night. This fusion of talent promises a distinct storytelling dynamic. Equally impressive is the visual team, aptly described as an “Ocean’s Eleven of artists.” The powerhouse lineup includes Fico Ossio (Black Lightning), David Messina (Ultimate Spider-Man), Gabriel Guzman (Lady Death), and Jamal Igle (Molly Danger) handling interior art and covers. Adding the finishing touches are colorist Raciel Avila and letterer JAME.
Brian DeCubellis shed light on the project’s conception, revealing it “was born in the earliest days of COVID-19 in New York.” While finishing filming Trust in March 2020, they felt compelled to capture the “surreal moment” of the city shutting down. Inspired by neo-noir crime films, they crafted key characters like the hero Rain and the antagonistic force Grigor, designed to embody the relentless threat of COVID. K.S. Bruce further elaborated, stressing the story’s grounding in the reality of that time – “the empty streets, released prisoners, and desperate scrambles for survival.” Though initially conceived as a screenplay, they felt the story’s rawness was ultimately better suited for the comic book medium, especially with Ethan Sacks adapting it and such a strong creative team involved. Sacks himself expressed immediate interest upon hearing the pitch, particularly drawn to the setting. His own background covering the pandemic’s impact in NYC as a journalist for NBC News provides a unique, informed perspective (demonstrating valuable E-E-A-T) that he now brings to writing the Dark Honor comic.
Inside the Gritty World of the Dark Honor Comic
So, what dark secrets lie within the gritty world of the Dark Honor comic? The narrative centers on “The Hundred,” a group that has served as shadowy protectors for New York’s crime families for a century. However, the unprecedented city-wide lockdown throws their established order into disarray. As fear and uncertainty grip the city, a power vacuum forms in the underworld. This chaos allows a brutal new killer to emerge, challenging The Hundred’s dominance and making a violent play for control. The Dark Honor comic aims to deliver a tense, atmospheric neo-noir experience, likely exploring themes of survival, betrayal, and the struggle for power in desperate times.
The pandemic setting is crucial, acting as more than just a backdrop. It directly influences the plot, creating an environment where traditional rules break down and new threats can fester unseen – much like the virus itself. This layering of tension promises a compelling read. Fans eager to dive in should mark their calendars: Image Comics will release Dark Honor #1 in local comic book shops on Wednesday, May 28th, 2025. Look for Cover A by Fico Ossio (Lunar Code: 0325IM258) and a special 1:10 Black & White incentive variant (Cover B) also by Ossio (Lunar Code: 0325IM259). The thrilling story continues in Dark Honor #2, set for release on Wednesday, June 25th, 2025, again featuring covers by Fico Ossio (Cover A Lunar Code: 0425IM321; Cover B Incentive Lunar Code: 0425IM322). Digital readers won’t be left out, as the series will be available on platforms like Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, and Google Play.
Dark Honor is shaping up to be a must-read for crime and thriller enthusiasts. Its unique premise, combined with a top-tier creative team bridging comics and film, makes it one of the most intriguing debuts of the season. Make sure to check it out this May!
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