You already know how excited we were about this series when we first talked about it. My expectations were high. And they were met, they were slashed, stitched, and strut down the runway in style.

I Was a Fashion School Serial Killer #1
Publisher: Image Comics
Writer: Doug Wagner
Cover & Interior Artist: Daniel Hillyard
Colorist: Michelle Madsen
Letterer: Ed Dukeshire
Release date: April 2, 2025

Not to keep repeating myself, but I’m a huge fan of Doug Wagner and Daniel Hillyard (WHAT? You haven’t read Plastic, Plush, or Vinyl yet? WHAT ARE YOU EVEN DOING?) And this book? From the cover alone, it gave me everything I wanted and then some.

I Was a Fashion School Serial Killer introduces us to Rennie Bethary, a girl with a killer sense of style enrolling in fashion school to SLAAAY the competition. First of all: I am obsessed with Rennie. Her energy is unmatched. The way she casually balances being a fashion student and a serial killer, using her victims in her creations like it’s the most natural thing in the world? Iconic.

What I love about Wagner’s writing, though, is that it’s never JUST about the blood and gore. It’s about the characters. Every one of them has little details that breathe life into them. Whether it’s Rennie’s skin condition flaring up when people annoy her (relatable, honestly), Sofie’s pure bubbly sweetness, or the walking red flag that is Constance the bully, these aren’t just characters. These are people.

Wagner makes you care (or despise) each one of them so deeply that you’re completely pulled into the story. And when the character dynamics are that good, you almost forget that… wait… is that hairpiece made of bone? Well. GUESS.

Listen, I’m usually a sucker for a Final Girl. But when the killer is this charismatic, stylish, and good at what she does? I can’t help but root for her. Sorry, not sorry.

Issue #2 drops May 14, which gives you plenty of time to catch up on Issue #1 (and everything Doug Wagner and Daniel Hillyard have ever done together. Trust me.) And if you’re the type who loves peeking behind the scenes of comic creation, good news: the creators have their own newsletter! The latest one gave us a sneak peek into the process from script to lettering. You should totally sign up!