As summer kicks into full swing, the comic book world is delivering the goods—June 2025 is shaping up to be a powerhouse month for #1 issues. From sprawling sci-fi epics to gritty noir and fresh horror, there’s something here for every type of reader. While Marvel and DC are bringing their usual firepower, it’s the independent publishers who are turning heads with bold, genre-pushing debuts.
Here are our picks for the Top 5 #1 Comics hitting shelves this June—including three must-read indie titles—plus a couple of honorable mentions you won’t want to miss.
1. Lazarus: Fallen #1
Publisher: Image Comics
Writer: Greg Rucka
Artist: Michael Lark
Why It’s Hot:
Greg Rucka and Michael Lark return to their critically acclaimed dystopian saga with Lazarus: Fallen, the beginning of the series’ long-awaited final act. Set in a fractured world ruled by powerful families, Forever Carlyle is once again at the center of a brutal game of loyalty, rebellion, and survival.
Best Selling Point: Prestige storytelling with real political teeth. Perfect for fans of Blade Runner, Children of Men, and The Expanse.
2. Bloodletter #1 (of 5)
Publisher: Image Comics
Writer: Joseph Illidge
Artist: Tim Seeley
Why It’s Hot:
A bloody revenge tale layered with supernatural horror and social commentary, Bloodletter brings together two dynamic voices in modern comics. A woman’s dark past and her transformation into a creature of vengeance drive this narrative, blending horror with noir.
Best Selling Point: A five-issue series with a sharp edge, top-notch creators, and a fierce female lead. Think Kill Bill meets 30 Days of Night.
3. Heat Seeker: Exposed – A Gun Honey Series #1
Publisher: Titan Comics / Hard Case Crime
Writer: Charles Ardai
Artist: Ace Continuado
Why It’s Hot:
The world of Gun Honey continues with Heat Seeker: Exposed, diving deeper into the seductive and deadly life of Joanna Tan. Packed with espionage, gunplay, and grit, this pulp crime saga is back with more bullets, betrayals, and bombshells.
Best Selling Point: Stylish, sexy, and soaked in noir. A modern pulp thriller that feels ripped from the pages of Hard Case Crime paperbacks.
4. Imperial #1 (of 4)
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Artist: Sanford Greene
Why It’s Hot:
Two powerhouse creators—Hickman and Greene—deliver Imperial, a limited series promising to reshape the Marvel cosmic universe. With fractured empires, looming threats, and galaxy-altering stakes, this is cerebral, character-driven sci-fi on a massive scale.
Best Selling Point: Hickman’s return to Marvel cosmic storytelling is reason enough, and Greene’s art injects energy and personality into every panel.
5. Return to Skull Island #1
Publisher: Titan Comics / Legendary Comics
Writer: Simon Furman
Artist: Chris Jones
Why It’s Hot:
A new chapter in the MonsterVerse! Return to Skull Island ties directly into the Netflix animated series, offering fresh lore and cinematic action. Written by Transformers legend Simon Furman, this issue expands on the mysterious island of titans and terror.
Best Selling Point: A must-have for kaiju lovers and fans of Godzilla x Kong. This comic knows what it is and delivers monster action in spades.
Honorable Mentions
Scarlet Witch: Quicksilver #1
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writer: Steve Orlando
Artist: Lorenzo Tammetta
Why It’s Worth Your Time:
Sibling dynamics, magical mayhem, and legacy storytelling come together as Wanda and Pietro team up to face a multiversal threat. A character-focused dive into one of Marvel’s most complex family relationships.
The Power Fantasy #1 (One-Shot)
Publisher: Oni Press
Writer: Kieron Gillen
Artist: Caspar Wijngaard
Why It’s Worth Your Time:
Kieron Gillen (Die, The Wicked + The Divine) and Caspar Wijngaard (Home Sick Pilots) unite for this twisted one-shot that deconstructs toxic masculinity, obsession, and control through the lens of superhero tropes.
Selling Point: A provocative and haunting standalone story that reads like Black Mirror in spandex.
Final Thoughts
June 2025 is bursting with creative energy—from the return of dystopian greats like Lazarus, to bold new horror and crime sagas from indie powerhouses. These comics don’t just entertain—they challenge, provoke, and redefine genres. The Big Two still have their heavy-hitters, but the real creative heat this month? It’s coming from outside the mainstream.
So whether you’re a lifelong collector or just looking for your next obsession, June’s releases offer plenty of reasons to hit your local comic shop. Just make sure to get there early—some of these titles won’t stay on shelves for long.
