Originally published at: https://geektherapy.org/jrpg-inspired-lost-fantasy-debut-issue-immediately-sells-out-rushed-back-to-print-this-week/
Author: Newsroom
PORTLAND, Ore. 05/01/2025— The highly-praised debut issue of the new JRPG-inspired ongoing fantasy-horror series Lost Fantasy—by bestselling writer Curt Pires (Indigo Children) and star artist Luca Casalanguida (Money)—has sold out completely at the distributor level and is leveling up with a second printing. Image Comics is rushing the first issue back to print this week—unlocking a new version of the Final Fantasy VII homage cover by artist Alex Diotto—in order to keep up with the heightened demand.
“I’m thrilled and grateful for the amazing response to Lost Fantasy as we head back for a second printing only hours into the release of issue #1,” said Pires. “With Lost Fantasy, I’m committed to creating the ultimate ongoing Image Comics series—one that can sit alongside classics like Saga, Invincible, and East Of West. And thanks to the support of our amazing readers and retailer partners, we’re well on our way. This is just the first of the new wave of top-tier projects that my collaborators and I are cooking up with Image. The future is bright.”
In Lost Fantasy, there’s a magical world that lies beneath ours, and first contact was made over a hundred years ago between the two worlds due to a natural disaster, resulting in a schism that allowed monsters to break through. Since then, secret monster slayers, known as The Great Hunters, have been working with global leaders to police the border and to keep our world safe from the creatures that lurk in the shadows. But last night, something broke through, resulting in a mysterious mass killing in Montana, and causing things to shift in a way that will ripple through both worlds. Now it’s up to rookie monster hunter Henry Blackheart to stop it…
The giant-sized comics also feature a serialized backup story, Indigo Children: Exodus, that continues Pires’ hit sci-fi series Indigo Children. The series features an homage variant cover series (Cover B of each issue) that is illustrated by Diotto, which pays tribute to iconic video games, manga, and stories that have influenced the series, including not only Final Fantasy VII, but also Berserk, Devil May Cry, and more to be revealed soon.
Fans who seek to step further into this fantastical new world can check out a behind-the-scenes look at the thrilling opening sequence of the first issue, as well as the character designs.
Lost Fantasy #1 second printing (Lunar Code 0225IM949) will be available at comic book shops on Wednesday, May 28 (Final Order Cutoff deadline for retailers is May 5).
Lost Fantasy #2 will be available at comic book shops on Wednesday, June 4 (Final Order Cutoff deadline for retailers is May 12):
- Cover A by Luca Casalanguida – Lunar Code 0425IM372
- Cover B (Berserk homage) by Alex Diotto – Lunar Code 0425IM373
- Cover C (1:15 B&W incentive) by Luca Casalanguida – Lunar Code 0425IM374
- Cover D (1:25 incentive) by Tyler Boss – Lunar Code 0425IM375
Lost Fantasy #3 will be available at comic book shops on Wednesday, July 23 (Final Order Cutoff deadline for retailers is June 30):
- Cover A by Luca Casalanguida – Lunar Code 0525IM404
- Cover B (Devil May Cry homage) by Alex Diotto – Lunar Code 0525IM405
- Cover C (1:15 B&W incentive) by Luca Casalanguida – Lunar Code 0525IM406
- Cover D (1:25 incentive) by Dalton James Rose (to be revealed) – Lunar Code 0525IM407
Lost Fantasy will also be available across many digital platforms, including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, and Google Play.
Select praise for Lost Fantasy:
“Lost Fantasy has chosen a hellishly difficult quarry to pursue: to be goth high-action genre, and obviously smart. It’s inspiring to watch this slide its blade home.”—Kieron Gillen (The Power Fantasy, We Called Them Giants)
“A world of wonder, mystery, danger, and magic makes its debut in Image Comics’ new series Lost Fantasy, and after just one issue, I am completely hooked. Lost Fantasy is a brand new series from the minds of Curt Pires, Luca Casalanguida, Mark Dale, and Micah Myers, and the unique mix of old magic, monstrous creatures, backstabbing, and epic fantasy is immensely compelling. The world Lost Fantasy has already created in just one issue is beyond impressive as well, and while you can certainly see elements of Final Fantasy in its DNA, Lost Fantasy still has its own identity and becomes something altogether unique. The series already has my attention, and it has the potential to be something incredibly special.”
—ComicBook (5/5 stars)
“A unique take on high fantasy…It will also feature a very large sword.”
—Comics Beat
“Lost Fantasy #1 delivers an exciting start to a new fantasy series, introducing readers to a hidden world of monsters, hunters, and magic. With its extended page count, gorgeous artwork, and compelling characters, this debut issue sets the stage for what could be Image Comics’ next big hit.”—Gonkbonk
“Magic and mystery are secretly a part of our history in Lost Fantasy, and the world-building feels incredibly unique. Its story and various design elements include undertones reminiscent of Final Fantasy and Legend of Zelda (a winning combination), and the cliffhanger ending will leave you clamoring for more. The character designs and settings feel fantastic yet grounded, and the engaging visualization of magic in the book will surely grab your attention.”—ComicsOnline
“Lost Fantasy is a classic in the making. This first issue is striking in its execution, blending tones and genres together in a way that is both familiar and endlessly refreshing.”—Get Your Comic On
“The debut issue is chock full of intrigue and mystery, all wrapped up in page-turning action sequences with monsters and magic galore. The comic shines in its pulsating action sequences; it’s bloody and fast-paced. In terms of story, the world building is superb, presenting a fascinating narrative where monsters—trolls, werewolves, and the like—all exist in a magical world beneath our own.”—Comics Bulletin
“Yes, Henry smashes monsters with a massive sword, but Lost Fantasy is meant to be both celebratory of and subversive of popular fiction. It’s Pires and company leaning into and bucking certain elements to tell a story that matters—if only because it’s how they want to pen a fantasy story.”—AIPT
“I believe that comics are the only medium in which you can judge a book by its cover because they are one of the most visual, and this book’s cover sold it for me. Casalanguida’s art and Dale’s colors on this book had me on the line like a fish in a barrel. What I found was a really exciting take on the fantasy genre that seemed to be more inspired by role-playing games than classic fantasy lore.”—Gatecrashers
“An imaginative gauntlet is thrown down that is sure to captivate fans from the opening pages.”—ODPH Podcast