IDW Publishing has announced IDW Crime, a new comic book imprint focused on crime-driven storytelling. The new line follows the publisher’s horror-focused IDW Dark imprint and aims to spotlight character-focused stories exploring morality, obsession, and the darker sides of human behavior. For more on IDW Dark, don’t miss our deep dive.
The imprint launches with a slate of creator-driven limited series scheduled throughout 2026.
“Crime has a deep, often under-celebrated history in comics, from hard-boiled noir to social thrillers that pushed the medium to be bolder, sharper, and more adult,” said Senior Group Editor Heather Antos. “With the IDW Crime imprint, we’re honoring that legacy while giving it a modern spotlight — elevating creator-driven stories that feel urgent, character-forward, and unapologetically human. These are stories about obsession, consequence, and the ability to hold a mirror up to society, and we couldn’t be more excited to help bring them back to the forefront of mainstream comics.”
Seven Wives launches the imprint in May
The first title under the IDW Crime banner will be Seven Wives #1, arriving in May from writer Zoe Tunnell (Sink Your Teeth In) and artists V Gagnon and Tesslyn Bergin-Dicoi.
The series centers on the mysterious death of a man connected to a Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints compound in rural Arizona. The investigation unfolds through the perspectives of forty-nine witnesses and seven wives, as two detectives work to uncover the truth behind the killing. The story examines themes of manipulation, religious control, and hidden violence while building toward a whodunit mystery.
Killer Influences explores fame and obsession in July
July brings Killer Influences #1, written by Eisner Award-nominated writer Joey Esposito (The Pedestrian) with art by Valeria Burzo (EC Comics: Epitaphs from the Abyss).
The story follows Melvin, a serial killer frustrated by his lack of recognition. His crimes remain unsolved due to his efficiency, leaving him without notoriety. His life changes when Kylie, an aspiring true crime influencer, contacts him, hoping to build her online following through his story. The pair form a partnership aimed at achieving their goals, though their alliance quickly spirals into dangerous territory.
Fixation arrives in September with fandom-driven horror
The imprint’s third launch title, Fixation #1, arrives in September from writer Amy Chase (Newburn) and artist Savanna Mayer (Return to Sleepy Hollow).
The story follows Taylor Van Owens, a devoted fan who wins a contest to stay at the famous home featured in a popular vampire film franchise. What begins as a dream trip quickly turns deadly when a murder occurs inside the house. As cast members reunite and fans gather to celebrate the film’s anniversary, suspicion spreads throughout the town. The series blends murder mystery elements with commentary on fandom culture and unhealthy obsession.
Senior Group Editor Jake Thomas spoke about the genre’s lasting appeal and creative potential:
“The titillation of being transgressive, of breaking laws and norms, of acting out and letting our more dangerous and wild selves take over is probably something everyone has felt at some point in their lives, so we all in some way can understand the allure of the outlaw,” Thomas said. “But we are also hardwired to want order and justice, so we root for the hero to take down the villain. That’s why all my very sweet and sensible wife’s favorite TV shows involve murder, that’s part of why we named our kid after the great crime writer Dashiell Hammett, and that’s why I’m excited to be developing this new crime line at IDW. No other genre explores the warring impulses of humanity like crime, but it’s also a genre built on tension, pacing, character work, and crackerjack storytelling, all elements that are elemental to comics and build truly rip-roaring yarns.”
All three launch titles under the IDW Crime imprint will be three-issue limited series. Each issue will contain more than 40 pages and retail for $4.99. Preorders for Seven Wives, Killer Influences, and Fixation are available through local comic shops.
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