‘Killer Influences’ #1 takes a stab at the true crime craze

May 5, 2026

True crime is a genre that’s all the rage, spawning podcasts and television shows galore. It’s also been the subject of controversy, as questions have been raised about sensationalizing murderers and their victims. Killer Influences #1 takes a look at just how far someone would be willing to go to make it big in true crime, especially if it involves joining forces with an actual killer.

Killer Influences takes place squarely in a small town in the Pacific Northwest and follows two characters: Melvin, a seemingly unassuming man who works at a steelmaking factory, and Kylie, who chafes at working at the local newspaper. It turns out that both of them have bigger dreams in mind, as Kylie wants her true crime podcast to take off while Melvin wants a degree of infamy for the murders he commits. Yes, you read that right: Killer Influences‘ big hook is that it features a true crime creator and their subject actually joining forces.

Joey Esposito has come up with a killer hook, if you’ll pardon the pun, for this series. What makes it work is how Esposito highlights how both protagonists share a similar goal, but differ wildly in their reasons for pulling it off. For Kylie, going big isn’t just about making a name for herself. It’s the chance to escape what she feels is the trap that snared her family, and maybe a chance to pull her brother out with her. Melvin, on the other hand, yearns for recognition even if he won’t admit it. It’s a dangerous mix, made even more dangerous by the pointed back and forth; the duo first encounter each other via online messages, and when they meet in person, Melvin is more offended by Kylie implying that he’s a pedophile than by the fact that she found out where he lives.

In addition to writing barbs as razor-sharp as a knife, Esposito also knows how to build tension. The opening scene is proof of that, as it showcases Melvin going on about his daily routine. That includes going to work, looking after his ailing father, and going to a bar…where he suffocates one of the patrons. A similar jolt happens when Kylie starts tracking Melvin down, as a cup of spilled coffee feels just as tense as someone jumping out of the shadows with a knife in hand.

Valeria Burzo’s art is a large part of what makes Killer Influences #1 a fun read. In addition to establishing the tension of certain sequences, Burzo puts a lot of personality into her character designs. Melvin might look like your run-of-the-mill steelworker, but a closer look reveals the malice lurking in his seemingly blank eyes. Kylie is a jittery, fast-talking ball of energy, matched only by her brother Evan, who’s jittery for rather different reasons. Alex Ray matches the characters’ energy with his lettering, resulting in some truly creepy scenes whenever Melvin starts whispering.

Finally, Killer Influences #1 boasts some stunning color art courtesy of Inaki Azpiazu. Most of the pages carry muted tones of green and brown, reflecting the Pacific Northwest forests. Another scene features torrential rain that turns the sky a grayish blue; as someone who lives in the PNW, I can safely say that Azpiazu captures the atmosphere perfectly.

Killer Influences #1 takes a clever approach to the true crime genre, thanks to a solid premise and some well-crafted artwork. It’s also proof that IDW’s new crime imprint has something to offer for everyone, whether you’re a true crime fan or prefer a standard murder mystery.

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