COMICS WARLOCKS

Killer Influences feels like the kind of comic that takes a very bad idea and pushes it as far as possible. In short, totally our thing.

Killer Influences #1
Publisher: IDW Publishing (IDW Crime)
Writer: Joey Esposito
Artist: Valeria Burzo
Colorist: Iñaki Azpiazu
Cover Artist: David Baldeón
Release date: July 1, 2026

This book is written by Joey Esposito with art by Valeria Burzo. Joey Esposito is also set to write the new Power Rangers Unlimited series launching in July 2026, so it looks like we are going to be reading a lot more from him in the coming months. On art, Valeria Burzo is someone we have noticed through several horror anthology books like Catacomb of Torment, Epitaphs from the Abyss, and Shiver SuspenStories, so we’re happy to see her on this series.

In Killer Influences, we follow Melvin, a serial killer who wants to become infamous but has one problem: nobody realizes his crimes are connected. He is efficient, careful, and completely lacking a recognizable identity. Enter Kylie, a struggling true crime influencer working for a small town newspaper who discovers the pattern behind the murders. Instead of exposing him, she decides to help build his image and turn him into the kind of killer people obsess over online, while using the story to grow her own fame at the same time.

The whole setup sounds extremely entertaining. Serial killer stories and true crime inspired media always have a way of pulling people in, and this feels like a sharp modern take on that obsession. There is also something about the killer and influencer dynamic that gives us a bit of Slasher’s Apprentice energy, another comic we really enjoyed, in a different tone. And also a bit of the TV series Based on a True Story that we totally loved.

What makes the premise work so well is how believable it feels in the current online landscape. The idea of someone trying to brand a serial killer like a social media personality is ridiculous, disturbing, and somehow not impossible at the same time. That mix of satire, horror, and crime drama could make this a very memorable read.

Killer Influences already sounds twisted in all the right ways, and this is definitely one we will be keeping an eye on.