Advance Review: Killer Influences #1
From IDW Publishing
A new crime-based series from IDW Publishing with Killer Influences #1 out this week!
Killer Influences follows Melvin, a serial killer who is aspiring to be one of the most infamous to ever do it, a true American nightmare. His problem? He’s so efficient and methodical that he doesn’t have a brand. No one has connected his crimes—except for Kylie, an aspiring true crime influencer who is flailing at a small-town newspaper. When she comes across Melvin’s crimes and reaches out to him…she figures out how she’s going to become a star. She will give Melvin the identity he needs to be the iconic serial killer he wants to be, while she follows his exploits on her channel and becomes famous. Kylie and Melvin make a pact that will make their dreams come true and destroy their lives in the process.
Eisner Award nominee Joey Esposito (The Pedestrian, Batman: Urban Legends) and rising-star artist Valeria Burzo (Castle Full of Blackbirds, EC Comics) deliver a scathing and thrilling true crime serial killer saga with Killer Influences!
Killer Influences #1 from IDW Publishing taps into the current fascination with true crime podcasts and blends it with the atmosphere of a struggling small town mystery, creating a first issue that steadily pulls the reader deeper into its world before delivering a strong final-page hook. Rather than relying purely on shock value, the comic builds tension through atmosphere, character interactions, and the growing feeling that something is deeply wrong beneath the surface of this industrial town.
The writing does an excellent job of immersing the reader in the setting almost immediately. The town itself feels worn down, tired, and filled with secrets, with the industrial backdrop hanging over everything like a constant shadow. There’s a sense that everyone knows more than they are willing to admit, which gives the story an uneasy tension from the start. As the mystery surrounding the disappearances develops, the comic gradually reveals just enough information to keep curiosity high without giving away too much too early.
At the centre of the story is Kylie, who works well as the main point-of-view character because she feels grounded and relatable. She is trying to carve out her own path while also getting drawn into the darker truths surrounding the town. Her determination gives the story momentum, especially as it becomes increasingly clear that the authorities are either unwilling or unable to properly investigate what’s happening. The idea that people are vanishing while the local police appear ineffective — or possibly complicit — creates an underlying paranoia that drives the narrative forward.
The dynamic between Kylie and Melvin is another strong aspect of the issue. Their partnership develops naturally over the course of the story, and the gradual way they come together makes their interactions feel believable rather than forced. There’s an interesting contrast between the two characters, and their growing connection helps anchor the mystery in something more personal. The comic spends a good amount of time setting up its relationship and the wider cast, but it never feels slow because every interaction seems to lay the groundwork for future revelations. By the time the final page arrives, the issue successfully shifts the story into a much larger and more dangerous direction, leaving plenty of questions about where things could go next.
The supporting cast also helps make the town feel lived-in and authentic. Small details involving family members, the deadbeat brother, the police force, and even the local librarian add texture to the story and make the setting feel believable. These characters don’t simply exist to fill space; they each contribute to the atmosphere of suspicion, frustration, or local history that surrounds the mystery. Even with so many moving parts being introduced, the pacing remains confident and controlled throughout.
Visually, the artwork captures the story's tone perfectly. The grimy bars, neglected streets, and shadowy back alleys reinforce the feeling of a town left behind, while the looming industrial structures in the background constantly remind the reader of the environment shaping these characters’ lives. The art leans into the gritty realism of the setting while still maintaining strong visual storytelling and clear character expression. Altogether, the visuals and writing work hand in hand to create a compelling and atmospheric opening chapter.
Overall, this is a very strong and cleverly constructed debut issue. It successfully combines crime-thriller elements, modern true-crime culture, and small-town mystery into something that feels engaging and timely. By the end, the story leaves enough unanswered questions and looming danger to make the next issue feel essential.
Get it at Forbidden Planet:
