Image Comics books provide something that Marvel and DC can’t. They give writers and artists the ability to create something with their voices without a lot of restrictions. Sure, sometimes, it’s a story with licensed characters like Transformers and G.I. Joe that connect to something bigger. In their case, it's the Energon Universe. When that happens, the heroes and villains must stay close to the personalities they're known for. However, the new stories are deeper and more adult than comic book fans are used to seeing.
The other kind of Image comics come in the form of original stories. The Deviant by James Tynion IV and Saga by Fiano Staples and Brian K. Vaughan are prime examples. This week, a new miniseries called I Was A Fashion School Serial Killer was published. It was the best new comic book of the week, and it has the potential to be something bigger than a miniseries.
I Was A Fashion School Serial Killer No. 1 creative team
- Writer: Doug Wagner
- Artist: Daniel Hillyard
- Colorist: Michelle Madsen
I Was A Fashion School Serial Killer was promoted for months with amazing cover art like the one above that paid homage to Janet Jackson’s iconic album cover, Janet. At times, too much promotion can be a bad thing. It makes you think that something is being compensated for. That isn’t the case here. I will go as far as to say that the result was better than the previews. The outstanding story hits readers in the first few pages, and the greatness doesn't stop.
The issue starts with the lead character, Rennie Bethary, saying, “ Let’s be clear. I never set out to be a fashion school serial killer. Sometimes, things just happen to go your way.” Then, readers are hit with a flashback where Rennie stops an assault by killing the criminal. What does she do with the body? She turns their skin into clothes.
That’s a hell of a way to start, but that moment does more than shock you. It proves that this will not be an all-ages series (as if the title wasn't enough) and explains who Rennie is. She may not be a good person, but she’s bad with a purpose. You learn that more as issue No. 1 continues, and writer Doug Wagner shows that, try as Rennie might, she isn’t vulnerable to the persistence of good people.
This is only the first issue, but you can see the potential. It’s kind of like Mean Girls if it was an A24 movie. That’s not a bad thing. That movie is a classic, and I’m certain that viewers wanted to do what Rennie does to a few of the characters in that flick. If A24 did do the movie, someone would kill a person and use their skin to make a jacket (yes, that happened in this issue).
While the violence is what brought people in, it won't be the only thing that keeps readers interested. In one issue, there was a lot of character development, leading to an attachment to them. You can already tell who you will love, hate, and be annoyed by. However, if I had to guess, there will be twists, turns, and suspense that will change your mind about everyone.
Don't be shocked when the I Was A Fashion School Serial Killer five-issue miniseries grabs the attention of production studios. It's so good that you can already see the unlimited possibilities. Stay tuned to Bam Smack Pow to see if that happens.
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