New “Criminal” Deluxe Edition from Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips

By John Freeman on January 6, 2021

The creator-owned series Criminal started out as Marvel’s Icon imprint title, but is now published by Image Comics. A third deluxe edition was released just last month, and rounded off a successful and highly productive year for the series co-creators, writer Ed Brubaker and Cumbria-based artist Sean Phillips.

The first such collection since 2012, Criminal Deluxe Edition Volume 3 collects Savage Sword Of Criminal and Deadly Hands Of Criminal, My Heroes Have Always Been Junkies and Bad Weekend, and issues 1 and 4 of the recent Criminal monthly series.

The delay on releasing the Criminal Deluxe Edition Volume 3 is understandable. Both its creators have been busy on several other projects in recent years, including Fatale, The Fade Out, Kill Or Be Killed, and Pulp.

“It was worth the wait,” enthuses unapologetic fan J.C. Vaughn over on Scoop. “Criminal has maintained an overall non-linear approach to storytelling since it began, but each arc is accessible, easy to follow, and welcoming of readers new and old alike.

“Readers who enjoy this volume should also pick up the Cruel Summer hardcover collection,” he suggests, “which is comprised of a good bit of the recent series run as well.”

For those of you who simply cannot get enough of Sean’s work, then you may be interested to know he’s working on a collection of his Life Model Drawings, a 700-page book spanning 40 years of drawing.

“The book will include every surviving life drawing I’ve ever done, even the failures,” says Sean.

An upcoming Hellblazer cover by Sean Phillips - another commission completed during some of the artist’s busiest months — An upcoming Hellblazer cover by Sean Phillips – another commission completed during some of the artist’s busiest months

Despite the pandemic, Sean recently revealed 2020 was his most productive year in comics ever, undoubtedly helped by “not going out for nine months.”

“Pencilled, inked and lettered 308 pages, plus 13 covers and 14 painted commissions. Thanks to everyone who reads my books, much appreciated!”

• Criminal Deluxe Edition Volume 3 is available now from all good comic shops, many offering online sales | UK and Ireland Comic Shop Map | Buy Criminal Deluxe Edition Volume 3 from AmazonUK (Affiliate Link)

• Sean Phillips is online at: www.seanphillips.co.uk | Twitter: @seanpphillips | Instagram | Tumblr

• If you’re curious to learn more about Sean’s creative process, then you may be interested in watching his “Studio Sessions” that were part of the LICAFLIVE sessions last October featuring other creators, too, run by the Lakes International Comic Art Festival

Which artist’s studio would you most like to have a virtual tour of during a future Lakes International Comic Art Festival?Let us know your favourite below!

• Check out #LICAFLIVE on the Lakes International Comic Art Festival site: comicartfestival.com

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.