Comic Book Resources just posted up a new interview with me all about Wayward. We talk about Japanese culture, anime influences, Buffy, and creator-owned sales. Click on through to give it a read.

Wayward Vol. 1: String Theory, our first trade paperback, and Wayward #6, the first issue of our second story arc, both arrive in stores on March 25th. Pre-order now to make sure you get a copy!

Over on ComicPow, writer Eric Mesa writes up an editorial/review all about Wayward and compares it to Buffy the Vampire Slayer (like we did in our initial marketing for the series). Click on through and give it a read.

“…this is one comic I’m going to be making sure I make time to read. And for someone without a lot of free time, I can’t think of better praise.”

Arriving in April… Pre-order now!

WAYWARD #7
story: JIM ZUB
art: STEVE CUMMINGS & TAMRA BONVILLAIN
cover A: STEVE CUMMINGS & TAMRA BONVILLAIN
cover B: SIE NANAHARA
APRIL 29 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $3.50

IMAGE’S SUPERNATURAL SENSATION CONTINUES!
Ayane and Nokaido rail against the growing supernatural forces rising up in Tokyo, but are they on the right side of the conflict?

“Wayward is a truly wonderful and beautiful book on every level.” – Mind Capsules

Cover A is part 2 of a 5 part panorama by Steve Cummings and Tamra Bonvillain. Buy all 5 issues of this story arc to fit them together into a massive Wayward illustration.

Cover B is a variant cover by acclaimed Japanese illustrator Sie Nanahara (Shinobigami, Load of Vermillion).

Image Comics has announced a direct subscription mail service for their ongoing comic titles, deliverable anywhere in the continental USA. If you don’t have a comic shop nearby or you just want the convenience of receiving new Image comics delivered right to you then you can sign up for Image Direct. The more titles you subscribe to, the greater discount you’ll receive.

Included in the Image Direct listing is WAYWARD, my new comic series co-created with Steve Cummings. If you’ve been wanting to stay on top of Wayward and don’t have a chance to head to your local comic shop on a regular basis, I hope you’ll consider subscribing.

Image Comics has teamed up with the Humble Bundle team to offer a stunning set of digital comics for a ridiculously low price.

• You’ll get $333 worth of Image digital comics.
• You can pay what you want (but even more comics are available if you pay more than the $15 average).
• The digital comics are DRM free.
• You’re helping to support great charity causes.

Each day there’s also a free single issue you can download even if you don’t buy the bundle, and today’s is WAYWARD #1, so if you haven’t read my new creator-owned series now is the perfect time to give it a shot and enjoy a slew of other comics at the same time. Please help spread the word and share the link!

“If Wayward isn’t the next Saga, it will be a damn criminal shame.” —Bleeding Cool

Writer Jim Zub (SKULLKICKERS, Samurai Jack) and penciler Steven Cummings (Legends of the Dark Knight, Deadshot) spin enchantment and mystery together in a fantasy story about one girl’s battle against the mythological creatures everyday mortals fail to see. Set in Japan, WAYWARD’s depiction of the busy city streets of Tokyo and its rich occult history make it as much a living, breathing character as spunky teen protagonist Rori.

“Wayward is about disaffected youth battling myths of old and, just like being a teenager, it’s intense, funny, emotional, and violent,” said Zub. “’String Theory’ is our first step into this twisted world of modern, mystic mystery and I’m excited to bring readers along for the ride.”

In WAYWARD, VOL.1: STRING THEORY, readers meet Rori, a misfit teen reluctantly transplanted from Ireland to her strange and new home in Japan with her mother. From the get-go there are some cultural adjustments to be made and Rori feels like a fish out of water—but things take a turn for the weird when she begins glimpsing things—creatures—that no one else can see.

“Wayward is a coming of age tale that comes up against monsters set in the very real Japan that everyday people experience,” said Cummings. “Well, except they don’t experience monsters… With every new step in the voyage we get to take our readers along for a guided tour of Tokyo and its Yokai side.”

WAYWARD, VOL. 1: STRING THEORY (ISBN: 978-1-63215-173-5) arrives in comic book stores on March 25 (Diamond Code: JAN150664) and bookstores on April 7 for the low introductory price of $9.99.

Wayward Vol. 1 String Theory (issues #1-5) Rori Lane is trying to start a new life when she reunites with her mother in Japan, but ancient creatures lurking in the shadows of Tokyo sense something hidden deep within her, threatening everything she holds dear. Can she unlock the secrets of her power before it’s too late?

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Further Praise for WAYWARD:

“…the Young Adult novel has finally made it to comics in the form of Wayward, and I think it will be one of the stand-out new titles of the year.”
—Comic Book Bin

“Bright, vibrant, and alive, Rori Lane’s world will enchant readers with its relatable protagonist, intense action and fascinating mythological allusions.”
—Comic Book Resources

“Sure to please fans of Buffy and Manga.”
—Newsarama

“A fun premise with a quirky protagonist.”
—Bloody Disgusting

“Wayward shows signs of being the next runaway Image Comics series.”
—Multiversity Comics

“Another fantastic entry in Image’s already staggering amount of knockouts.”
—Comic Bastards

“It’s age-appropriate for a wide range of readers, and it explores Japan from a supernatural angle that isn’t often seen in Western comics. Zub, Cummings, and team have piqued my interest, and I can’t wait to see how a feisty half-Irish teen handles being swept up in Japanese myth.”
—ComicVine

Wayward #5 arrived in comic shops last week and we pulled out all the stops to deliver an action-packed and emotional finish to our first story arc. Here’s what reviewers had to say…

• 13th Dimension: “The issue manages to combine constant action with some genuinely heart-rending moments, and continues to build on what has been to date a very enjoyable series.”

• All-Comic: 4/5 “Continuing the clever blend of Miyazaki-like wonder with mythological horror, ancient mysticism and even superheroics, this concluding chapter to the series’ opening arc is as delightfully boggling and awe-inspiring as its predecessors.”

• Big Glasgow: 5/5 “A brilliant conclusion to a great story-arc.”

• Cold Beer and Comics: 5/5 “Wayward is the best new comic of the year.”

• Comic Book Bin: 10/10 “Zub and Cummings leave us with a beautifully drawn and exceptionally told series, and while they leave us with many questions, they also leave us caught in the weave. We want to be Wayward. With each new issue, Wayward expands its scope without losing its great sense of mystery.”

• Comics Bulletin: “The first arc of Wayward is complete and is one of the best ongoing series out right now. It’s a story filled with magic and the supernatural perfectly blended with the familiar.”

• Comics Online: 4.5/5 ” Wayward is an epic in the making, and an excellent example of the variety of well-written, drawn, and colored series in the comic book market today.”

• Comics the Gathering: 8/10 “Overall, this issue is a blazer. It’s fiery and explosive. It takes no prisoners, and doesn’t slow down, whether you like it or not. All you can do is go along for the ride.”

• Comicosity: “This story stepped up and became so powerful. So much emotion and amazing art. This is one to read.”

• Con Freaks & Geeks: 9/10 “The art is spectacular and the story is one of the best I’ve read this year. If you’re not reading Wayward, get on it! I promise you that you won’t be sorry.”

• Fandom Post: “This opening arc has been straightforward overall as it teases its own questions and uncertain aspects and the way it’s blended the east/west storytelling and art has definitely been its strength”

• Four Color Bullet: “Jim Zub’s writing has been fantastic. Spooky and fun without losing intelligence. Wayward is easily one of Image’s new best.”

• Game On Comics: 4.5/5 “This wonderful issue reinforces that Wayward is an epic in the making, and an excellent example of the variety of well-written, drawn, and colored series in the comic book market today.”

• Horrror Talk: 5/5 “Wayward is a healthy mix of action, emotion, and damn good storytelling. The comic continues to explore a supernatural area of Japan that is increasingly terrifying.”

• Moar Powah: 4.5/5“Wayward #5 is an amazing instalment to read through.”

• Nothing But Comics: “This was really just a fantastic issue all around. The characters found what they are really capable of both physically and emotionally which is the one two punch when it comes to comic books. I can’t wait for more.”

• Omni Jer Bear: “I stick by my guns. Hands down, this is one of the best storylines I read all year.”

• Outright Geekery: “The story is building momentum now and this issue shows no signs of slowing down.”

• Paradox Comics Group: 8/10 “a dramatic twist that sets things up brilliantly for the instalments to come.”

• Shadowhawk’s Shade: 10/10 “Wayward is one of the best and most consistent of all the new series that have launched this year. Big thumbs-up!”

• Sound On Sight: “There should be high praise for this creative team, respectfully creating a genuinely fun, emotional, and educational book all at the same time.”

• The Telltale Mind: 4.5/5 “Wayward is definitely one of those books that you know is something special when you turn to that first page and it is one that will hopefully stick around for a long time to come.”

• TM Stash: 10/10 “Jim Zub has developed this storyline exceptionally well, with a setting that makes one feel transported to Japan and characters that seem like they could step right out of the page.”

• Unleash the Fanboy: 8.5/10 “Wayward #5 is without a doubt a gem that needs to be unearthed by many curious fanboys and fangirls. “

• We The Nerdy: 10/10 “Steve Cummings nails every aspect of the choreography, creating sequences that are both awesome to look at and easy to follow.”

Arriving in March…Pre-order now!

WAYWARD #6
story: JIM ZUB
art / cover A: STEVE CUMMINGS & TAMRA BONVILLAIN
cover B: TAKESHI MIYAZAWA

MARCH 25 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $3.50

DIAMOND ORDER CODE:
JAN15 0719 (cover A)
JAN15 0720 (cover B)

IMAGE’S SUPERNATURAL SENSATION CONTINUES!
The second story arc begins!

After the traumatizing finale of the previous issue, everything has changed. Who is Ohara and how does she fit into the great pattern of destiny and power?

“It’s not a fluke. Wayward is one of the best new titles of the year.” – Comic Book Bin

Featuring a variant cover by fan favorite TAKESHI MIYAZAWA (Runaways, Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane, Code Monkey Save World).

NOTE: This issue arrives the same day as the value-priced WAYWARD, VOL. 1 TP!