The comic book industry is igniting with the launch of Ninth Circle, a new publishing company co-founded by veteran writer Garth Ennis, Marguerite Bennett, Joe Pruett, Ram V, and Adam Glass. Rounding out the rest of the founders include strategic advisor and founder Michael Bogner, and company representative David Stone. Ninth Circle’s lead investor is Kimberly Steward, and her production company K Period Media will partner with Ninth Circle to produce select titles.

Ninth Circle is launching as an imprint at Image Comics.

Taking inspiration from Dante, who created nine circles of Hell in Inferno, Ninth Circle is set to redefine genre storytelling by combining the visionary creativity and expertise of these incredibly talented storytellers. No capes, no tights, and no romance (unless, of course, that romance includes murder, blood, and mayhem).

In the spirit of the horror books, TV, and films we grew up with and loved, from comic books like Eerie and The Vault of Horror, to Bram Stoker’s Dracula and the novels of the legendary Stephen King, through the Hammer films, Alien, and the iconic Universal Monsters, Ninth Circle will bring cutting edge, terrifying stories to the insatiable fans of horror. The new publisher promises to deliver intensely creative books that explore all of the dark avenues of the horror genre, including the paranormal and demonic, slashers, creatures, psychological, and even a dash of comedy, all coming straight to readers from the deepest depths of Hell. 

Ninth Circle’s debut title, Freddie the Fix by Garth Ennis, is a darkly humorous and horrific series that follows Freddie, a fixer who cleans up the messes left behind by the monstrous stars of Hollywood: werewolves, vampires, zombies, aliens, bogeymen, predators, and…things. They all have their vices, they all get in deep trouble. Enter Freddie…to fix it. Illustrated by artist Mike Perkins and featuring Ennis’s signature gritty storytelling, biting wit, and reverence for genre, Freddie the Fix is an unforgettable addition to the world of graphic storytelling. Freddie the Fix will hit shelves December 11 at comic stores nationwide and digitally through major platforms.

Ninth Circle prioritizes quality over quantity. Starting in December with Freddie the Fix, the publisher will deliver beautifully printed double-shot books each month. Each issue contains a stand-alone tale of terror with a beginning, middle, and end. As a company founded by artists for artists, Ninth Circle intends to be a home (or perhaps haunted house) for all artists; a creative hub where established and up-and-coming writers and artists can probe their imagination to deliver new, exciting, and terrifying narratives to audiences.  

Ninth Circle has already planned the release of more terrifying comics including works by Marguerite Bennett, illustrated by 2024 Eisner Hall of Fame inductee Jill Thompson, a tale by Joe Pruett, illustrated by Butch Guice, and a story by Adam Glass, illustrated by Bernard Chang. More titles from Garth Ennis, Ram V, and many others are already slated to drop in 2025, solidifying the publisher’s position as a key player in the horror genre.