If you were around comic shops in the early 1990s, you remember the day Image Comics changed the business. Now the company that began in February 1992 is planning a year-long party for its 35th birthday, and it is bringing back a famous piece of its past. Image Comics announced on November 5, 2026, that celebrations begin in February 2027.

The centerpiece is a familiar sight. Image will revive its original “i” logo, which was designed by Rob Liefeld.

Rob Liefeld’s Original “i” Logo Is Coming Back On Comics And Branding

A 35th anniversary version of the logo will appear on comics and company branding throughout the year. For longtime readers, the old mark is a shortcut straight back to the spinner racks of the early 90s.

Image has shared early examples of the treatment. Radioactive Revolution #1 shows a cover by Gary Frank with the anniversary logo, and The Myth of 8-Opus #1 carries a cover by Erik Larsen with the same look.

A Monthly Team-Up Variant Cover Campaign Will Pair Old And New Characters

The big promotion is a monthly variant cover campaign that runs the entire year. Each month will pair old and new characters in team-up covers, a fun way to put the publisher’s early stars next to its newest creations.

It starts in February 2027 with D’orc team-up covers, marking the first anniversary of Brett Bean’s character. After that, the pairings roll out month by month, so collectors will have a reason to visit the shop all year.

Image will also work with comic shop retailers on anniversary-branded promotional items, including a wall calendar.

“There Was No Shortage Of Detractors,” Says Image’s Publisher

Eric Stephenson, Image’s Chief Creative Officer and Publisher, looked back on the company’s launch in a statement. “When Image launched in 1992, there was no shortage of detractors and the general consensus was that it wouldn’t last,” he said.

The company has since become one of the largest comics publishers, still focused on creator-owned projects and its independent roots. Stephenson credited that commitment to creator-owned work and said Image will celebrate its talent over the next year.

Seven Founders Who Walked Away To Keep Their Own Work

Image was started so creators could keep ownership and control of their work. The founding artists named in the announcement are Erik Larsen, Rob Liefeld, Jim Lee, Todd McFarlane, Whilce Portacio, Marc Silvestri and Jim Valentino.

That idea was radical in 1992. At the time, big publishers typically owned the characters their artists drew. The Image founders, several of them among the most popular artists in the business, chose to publish their own creations instead. Their success helped change how creators think about rights and ownership.

The Early 90s Boom That Made Image A Name Collectors Remember

Image’s first books landed in comic shops in 1992, with titles such as Youngblood, Spawn and WildC.A.T.s among the early launches. Lines formed at shops, and issues with bold, glossy covers flew off the shelves. Many readers who grew up then still talk about that era with a grin.

That nostalgia is a big part of what makes the logo revival work. The old “i” mark is tied to a moment when comics felt brand new and a little rebellious, and seeing it return on fresh covers links those memories to today’s readers.

The anniversary also gives lapsed fans a reason to stop by a comic shop again, flip through a few new releases and see how far the publisher has come.

More Surprises Are Planned, Including Some Fan Requests

Kat Salazar, Image’s Vice President of PR and Marketing, said the year will celebrate long-running series and the new creators joining the publisher. She also teased new initiatives, some years in the making and some responding to long-standing fan requests. “We can’t wait to share more with you in the coming months!” she said.

Image says additional anniversary announcements will follow in the coming months.

How To Enjoy The Anniversary Without Overspending

A year of special covers is great for fans, but it can also tempt your wallet. A few easy habits keep the fun going without the regret.

• Pick your favorites. If one team-up pairing speaks to you, ask your local shop to hold it, rather than chasing every month.
• Talk to your retailer. Variant covers are usually ordered in limited numbers, so a quick conversation helps you get the issue you want.
• Protect what you buy. Bags, boards and a cool, dry shelf keep covers sharp.
• Enjoy the stories. The covers are a bonus, but the comics inside are what made Image a household name in the first place.

Whether you were reading Spawn, WildC.A.T.s and Youngblood when they were new or you picked up your first Image book last year, the 35th anniversary is a chance to look back at a publisher that bet on its creators. And if you still have a box of early 90s comics in the closet, this is a good time to take it down and flip through the pages.

The anniversary starts in February, and the company has said there is much more to come. For a publisher that was told it would not last, 35 years is a pretty good answer.

More Stories You May Like

• 10 Old Fashioned Living Room Trends That Boomers Loved And Younger Homeowners Are Bringing Back In Unexpected Ways
• Pink Floyd Is Giving Animals A 50th Anniversary Box With An Unheard Roger Waters Track, Plus A 1977 Oakland Show Taped By A 19-Year-Old Bootlegger
• What Happened To 8 Candy Bars Every Kid Bought With Pocket Change