Image Comics Collection Guide: Key Issues, Series & How to Collect

Image Comics was founded in 1992 by seven of Marvel's most popular artists at the time — Todd McFarlane, Jim Lee, Rob Liefeld, Marc Silvestri, Erik Larsen, Jim Valentino, and Whilce Portacio. Frustrated by the lack of creative control and intellectual property rights at Marvel and DC, they created an independent publisher where each creator owns what they publish. The result: a company that revolutionized the industry and is today the #3 publisher in the United States, behind only Marvel and DC.

Collecting Image Comics means embracing a radically different vision of American comics: self-contained universes not bound by decades of continuity, creator-owned properties, and editorial freedom that has produced some of the most daring works in the medium. This guide explains how to organize and build value in your Image Comics collection.

Must-Have Image Comics Series

Among the hundreds of series published by Image since 1992, here are the essential pillars that every serious collector should know:

Spawn (Todd McFarlane, 1992)

Spawn is Image Comics' founding series and the publisher's longest-running title — still ongoing in 2026 with over 350 issues. Al Simmons, a former government assassin killed and returned from Hell, is one of the most iconic anti-heroes of 1990s comics. A movie was released in 1997, a celebrated HBO animated series followed, and a new film is in development. The early issues of Spawn remain the most collected Image key issues.

Saga (Brian K. Vaughan / Fiona Staples, 2012)

Saga is universally considered one of the masterpieces of modern comics. An epic space opera blending romance, interplanetary war, and parenthood. Published in arcs with hiatuses, the series has won numerous Eisner Awards and is one of the most collected titles of the modern era. An Amazon adaptation is currently in development.

The Walking Dead (Robert Kirkman / Charlie Adlard, 2003–2019)

The Walking Dead is the series that transformed Image Comics into a major market force. Completed in 2019 after 193 issues, it offers collectors the ability to assemble a complete run — always more valued on the market. The AMC television series massively boosted prices for early issues, especially #1.

Invincible (Robert Kirkman, 2003–2018)

Invincible concluded after 144 issues — a boon for collectors who can aim for a complete set. The launch of the Amazon Prime animated series in 2021 spectacularly boosted the value of Invincible #1 (2003), which has become one of the most sought-after Image key issues.

Monstress (Marjorie Liu / Sana Takeda)

Monstress is the most award-winning Image series of the decade — multiple Eisner Awards for both Liu and Takeda. A dark fantasy set in a pseudo-historical Asia, with artwork of rare beauty. A series for collectors who prioritize artistic excellence over speculative value.

Deadly Class (Rick Remender / Wes Craig)

Deadly Class follows a group of teenagers in a school for assassins set in the 1980s. Adapted as a Syfy TV series in 2019, this comic has a devoted fanbase. Issue #1 (2014) is an accessibly priced key issue.

Image Comics Key Issues

Here are the most sought-after and most valuable issues in the Image Comics catalog:

The Major Eras of Image Comics

Image Comics history can be divided into four major periods, each with its defining series:

1992–1997: The Founding Era

The chaotic and explosively creative founding period. The flagship series — Spawn, WildC.A.T.S (Jim Lee), Savage Dragon (Erik Larsen), Youngblood (Rob Liefeld) — define the visual identity of 1990s comics. Hyper-muscled style, spectacular covers, bags & boards as a selling point. Many of these series were never completed, but early issues remain collectible pieces.

1997–2005: Consolidation and Diversification

After the departure of Jim Lee (who sold WildStorm to DC) and some founding members, Image stabilized and diversified its catalog. The company began publishing work from external creators, not just founders. A less spectacular transitional period, but one that set the stage for the coming renaissance.

2005–2012: Kirkman and the Walking Dead Renaissance

The phenomenal success of The Walking Dead — amplified by the AMC TV series starting in 2010 — put Image back on the mainstream map. Robert Kirkman became the publisher's central figure. Invincible confirmed Kirkman's position as the most important Image creator after McFarlane.

2012–Present: The Creative Golden Age

The most creatively rich period in Image history. Saga, Sex Criminals, Paper Girls, Black Science, Monstress, Deadly Class, Southern Bastards… Image became the reference publisher for creators who want to work outside the shared Marvel and DC universes. This period is very favorable for collectors who love complete series.

How to Organize Your Image Comics Collection

An Image Comics collection presents specific challenges compared to Marvel or DC:

• Sort by series in numeric order — Spawn from #1 to present, Walking Dead from #1 to #193, etc.
• Distinguish completed series from ongoing ones — Walking Dead and Invincible are complete (full run achievable), Spawn is still ongoing
• Identify limited print runs and reprints — Image actively reprints its popular series. Always check for "First Printing" notation before buying a back issue presented as original
• Store your Image key issues separately — Walking Dead #1, Spawn #1, and Invincible #1 deserve a dedicated shortbox with enhanced protection

Where to Buy Image Comics

Image Comics are accessible through several channels:

• Local comic book stores (LCS) — the best source for new releases and recent back issues. Many stores carry Image titles in both single issues and trade paperbacks.
• eBay — the best channel for older back issues, key issues, and out-of-print numbers. Always check seller feedback and ask for photos of the copyright page.
• Specialty retailers online — Midtown Comics, TFAW, Comixology Unlimited, and similar. Good for back issues from the 2000s and 2010s.
• Comixology / Amazon Comics — for digital reading, the entire Image catalog is available. Ideal for sampling a series before investing in print copies.

FAQ — Image Comics Collection