Co-creators Ram V, Evan Cagle, and Anand Radhakrishnan (RK) have revealed the first sneak peek and new details about their upcoming graphic novel series Deicidium. The project arrives after the creative team secured a six-figure deal with French publisher Morgen for worldwide publishing rights, along with an agreement with Image Comics to release the series in English-language territories.
Frequent collaborators, Ram V, Cagle, and RK are planning a global rollout for the series, aiming to launch it in multiple territories at the same time to build an international readership. Editor Eric Harburn, known for his work on Exquisite Corpses and The Many Deaths of Laila Starr, will oversee the project. The first volume is scheduled for release in late 2026, with a preview set to debut on Free Comic Book Day this May.
Deicidium blends influences from American comics, European bandes dessinées, and manga traditions. The story imagines a future where the world is controlled by powerful alliances between corporations and religious institutions. In this society, belief has become a commodity and faith functions as a form of power.
Ram V, Evan Cagle, and Anand RK reveal ‹ Deicidium › graphic novel coming to Image in 2026That balance begins to collapse when ancient gods return to Earth, manifesting through ordinary people. Deities tied to fire, wind, volcanoes, jaguars, mischief, love, and war suddenly walk among humanity again. Faced with this threat to their authority, those in power begin hunting these newly awakened gods, setting off a conflict over control, belief, and freedom.
“Deicidium is a story borne out of my obsession with world mythologies and a desire to distinguish between the innocent power of stories and the power exercised by turning them into dogma,” said V. “Since that early thought, Deicidium has grown into an expansive world full of characters and conflicts that I’m having a great time exploring. And it is also a culmination of all of my ever-changing influences over the years. Fantasy, sci-fi, philosophy, mythology, kinetic action and shonen-manga character dynamics—there’s a little bit of everything to be found in here and I cannot wait for readers to discover it.”
Artist Evan Cagle explained that the visual approach reflects the story’s cultural and thematic scope.
“I see every story as a chance to explore new artistic territory, and the world of Deicidium really demands a commitment to that approach to visual storytelling,” said Cagle. “The mix of competing cultures and religious influences, the globe-trotting tours of the ways people live in this future world, the character designs, the tech—all of it serves as a summon to dig deep into style and technique in order to create a unique visual language. My hope is that the art of Deicidium feels somehow both ancient and novel, just like the narrative to which it’s wed.”
Radhakrishnan noted that the series also marks a new creative direction for him.
“Deicidium will be my first foray into science fiction,” said RK. “We are also trying a different format this time around—black and white art with a slower release schedule. This gives Evan and me time to explore media and dive into the image-making process. I also plan to draw larger than usual and I personally look forward to drawing traditionally and spending time engaging with the art.”
Known for genre-blending storytelling and philosophical themes, Ram V has earned critical acclaim for titles such as The Many Deaths of Laila Starr, The One Hand and The Six Fingers, Rare Flavours, and Dawnrunner. His work across DC Comics includes Swamp Thing, The New Gods, and Resurrection Man: Quantum Karma.
Cagle is recognized for his richly detailed illustration style and award-winning cover work on series including Dune: House Atreides, The Witcher, and Stranger Things. His covers for Detective Comics during Ram V’s run were also nominated for an Eisner Award.
Radhakrishnan, an award-winning artist with a background in fine art, has collaborated with V on projects such as Blue in Green, Radio Apocalypse, and Batman: Urban Legends. He has also created cover art for titles including The Department of Truth, The Nice House on the Lake, and Swamp Thing.
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