This October, the award-nominated creative team behind Ice Cream Man is set to completely redefine sequential storytelling with their new one-shot, Ice Cream Man: The Mortal Coil Shuffle. From the brilliant minds of writer W. Maxwell Prince, artist Martín Morazzo, and colorist Chris O’Halloran, this groundbreaking project from Image Comics won’t be a traditional comic book. Instead, the narrative will unfold across a custom-designed deck of 55 playing cards, promising a unique and haunting experience for readers and collectors alike.
The series Ice Cream Man has always pushed the boundaries of the horror genre, delivering surreal, unsettling, and deeply human standalone stories. It has built a reputation for its experimental approach to narrative, but this new project takes that spirit to a whole new level. The entire comic book community is buzzing about what this format means for the future of storytelling. This isn’t just a comic; it’s an interactive artifact that invites you to literally hold the story in your hands.
What to Expect in Ice Cream Man: The Mortal Coil Shuffle
So, how does a comic book work as a deck of cards? The team has meticulously designed Ice Cream Man: The Mortal Coil Shuffle to be a complete narrative experience. The deck will arrive in a custom box, and each of the 55 cards will feature new art from Morazzo and O’Halloran, with lettering and design by Good Old Neon.
Some cards will function as traditional comic panels, telling a piece of the story. Meanwhile, other cards will cast “inscrutable spells” on the characters, adding a layer of unpredictable magic to the plot. In addition, some cards must be placed together to form a larger piece of art, creating the deck’s version of a two-page spread. It’s an ambitious and fascinating concept that challenges the very definition of a comic. As Morazzo stated, “it’s awesome we’re still trying crazy, never-done-before, stuff!” This innovative format ensures that both longtime readers and newcomers will find something to marvel at.
A New Deal in Storytelling
Experimental comics are nothing new, but a project of this nature from such a high-profile team is a rare event. W. Maxwell Prince has a knack for finding horror in the mundane, and his touching dedication of the project to his childhood neighbor, Inge, who taught him Gin Rummy, adds a layer of personal history to the endeavor. “Let’s see if we can’t bring some cards to life one more time!” he said.
This format also carries significant weight for collectors. The publisher, Image Comics, has announced that The Mortal Coil Shuffle will be printed only once. There will be no second printings, and it will never be collected into a trade paperback. Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever. This limited availability transforms the deck from a simple comic into an instant collector’s item, creating a sense of urgency for the series’ dedicated fans. The beautiful, custom box and card backs will surely stand out among other amazing Comic Book Covers on the shelf.
This release is one of the most anticipated of all the upcoming new comics scheduled for the fall.
Creative Team:
- Writer: W. Maxwell Prince
- Artist: Martín Morazzo
- Colorist: Chris O’Halloran
- Design/Lettering: Good Old Neon
- Publisher: Image Comics
In conclusion, Ice Cream Man: The Mortal Coil Shuffle is more than just another issue; it’s a bold experiment in form and function. By blending the tactile nature of playing cards with the sequential art of comics, the creative team is offering a one-of-a-kind narrative that is sure to be discussed for years to come. Don’t miss your chance to own this piece of comic book history when it releases on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.
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