Battle & Bloodlust: Mythic High-Octane I, Tyrant Launches from Image Comics This July!
Prepare for something different, something intense. Image Comics has just unveiled a brand new ongoing series poised to blend myth, action, and potent commentary. Get ready for I, Tyrant Image Comics, launching this July from the rising star creative team of writer ee zann and artist Godfarr. Described as a “myth-making high octane” collision of battle and blood-lust, this new series promises a unique reading experience. Here at Comic Book Addicts, we’re always excited by bold new creator-owned ventures, so let’s dive into what makes I, Tyrant stand out.
Unpacking the Myth of I, Tyrant Image Comics
The official description for I, Tyrant Image Comics is intriguing and layered. It suggests a fusion of disparate elements: the “no-holds-barred action of 300” meeting the “magical realism of Birdman.” That alone signals a story operating on multiple levels. The core seems to involve Zahhak, a figure from Persian mythology known for his stark depiction as a tyrant (often depicted with serpents growing from his shoulders), proposing a change to the conclusion of another character’s, Hafez’s, unpromising myth. Hafez must apparently retell this myth, giving Zahhak a “Kirby exodus” and his tale a “Miller reboot” within the comics industry itself. The synopsis concludes cryptically: “Creation myth needs a Devil.”
Deconstructing the Legend and the Commentary
This premise is dense with meaning. Referencing Zahhak immediately grounds the story in ancient legend and themes of tyranny, power, and potentially monstrous transformation. However, the explicit mentions of comic book legends Jack Kirby (“Kirby exodus”) and Frank Miller (“Miller reboot”), along with the comics industry setting, suggest a meta-narrative at play. It sounds like I, Tyrant might use the framework of myth-making to explore the very nature of storytelling, adaptation, and perhaps the cyclical creation and recreation of archetypes within comics.
Writer ee zann’s quote sheds further light: “1979 Iran banned comics—and never looked twice. This might be a nonsense song where I come from, but I, Tyrant is a no-nonsense self-portrait of an expat and his ode to Miller, Kirby, and all comics Americana.” This adds layers of cultural commentary, personal experience, and a deep reverence for American comics history, filtered through an expatriate lens. It positions the series as both deeply personal and fiercely engaged with the medium itself.
Meet the Visionaries: ee zann and Godfarr
The creative team consists of rising star writer ee zann and artist Godfarr. While perhaps new names to some readers, their passion bleeds through their words about the project. Godfarr noted the immense effort involved: “We tried to summon the spirit of Kirby. zann summoned a thousand notes instead. Fourteen years of Miller moods and midnight redraws of Zahhak.” This hints at a long gestation period, meticulous world-building, and a dedication to capturing specific artistic moods influenced by masters like Kirby and Miller. Godfarr’s closing warning, “While we two make whoopee, you be careful when you open I, Tyrant,” suggests readers should brace for an intense, perhaps even unsettling, experience. Adding to the artistic firepower, the main cover (Cover A) is provided by renowned Spawn artist Jason Shawn Alexander, known for his dark, expressive style.
Variant Covers and the Image Comics Advantage
Reflecting the excitement and collector interest surrounding new Image Comics launches, I, Tyrant #1 arrives with an extensive array of variant covers. Beyond Alexander’s main cover and a connecting cover by series artist Godfarr (Cover B), there’s a blank sketch cover (C) and tiered incentive covers by Ricardo Federici (1:10), Stevan Subic (1:25), Ryan Gajda (1:50), and Hans Woody (1:100). This impressive lineup of covers is sure to catch the eye of fellow collectors in our community.
Publishing through Image Comics is significant. As the premier destination for creator-owned comics, Image provides a platform for unique visions like I, Tyrant to flourish without corporate mandates. This is the publisher that brought us groundbreaking series like Spawn, Saga, The Walking Dead, Monstress, and countless others across every conceivable genre. Their commitment to artistic freedom allows creators like ee zann and Godfarr to tell their stories, no matter how unconventional or challenging, exactly as they envision them.
Conclusion: Dare to Open I, Tyrant?
I, Tyrant Image Comics shapes up to be one of the most intriguing debuts of the summer. Launching July 30, 2025, this ongoing series from ee zann, Godfarr, and Image Comics promises a potent blend of ancient myth, high-octane action, magical realism, and deeply personal commentary on comics history and cultural identity. With comparisons to 300 and Birdman, explicit nods to Kirby and Miller, and warnings from the creators themselves, this sounds like a challenging, rewarding, and utterly unique reading experience. Be sure to check with your local comic shop about pre-ordering using the provided Lunar Codes, or look for it on digital platforms.
What do you think about the premise of I, Tyrant? Are you intrigued by the blend of myth and comics commentary? Let us know your first impressions over on our Twitter page!
