We’ve all heard of infamous serial killers throughout history who crafted items from the remains of their victims. But what if one took it a step further and attended fashion school to refine that twisted skill? Enter I Was A Fashion School Serial Killer, a fascinating tale by writer Doug Wagner and artist Daniel Hillyard. The story follows Rennie Bethary, whose deadly designs deliver far more than just runway-ready fashion. This darkly fascinating story proves that in her hands, fashion truly kills in more ways than one.

Rennie Bethary has just been accepted into New York City’s most prestigious fashion school. Her designs are daring, edgy, and singular…and made of human flesh. Did we forget to mention Rennie is a serial killer who simply wants to be a fashion designer instead? Stupid, pesky, murderous urges!

Doug Wagner wonderfully combines his talent for crafting unconventional stories with a unique backdrop in I Was A Fashion School Serial Killer. This serial killer tale set within the walls of the New York Fashion and Design Institute, a setting unlike anything I’ve encountered before in such a story. Wagner’s writing is seamless and perfectly paced. The distinctive location brings a whole another level to this type of story, delivering exactly the kind of gripping tale I crave.

Wagner’s character development in this premiere issue is on point. Not only does Ronnie wrestle with her desire to fit in, but she also grapples with the darker urge to kill. Rennie is someone I can’t wait to explore further—to uncover how she manages to kill while remaining undetected. Wagner also gives us supporting characters we can’t help but find both captivating and frustrating.

Daniel Hillyard’s artwork perfectly complements Wagner’s script. The panels are thoughtfully balanced, offering just enough detail to propel the narrative without overwhelming the page. His character designs, especially Rennie, feel exactly as these characters should look. Personally, if this story were adapted into a film, I could easily imagine Rachel Brosnahan as Rennie due to the striking resemblance in my mind.

I Was A Fashion School Serial Killer delivers exactly what I was looking for at the moment—a fresh setting combined with a chilling tale of a serial killer. Doug Wagner wonderfully pens a captivating script, while Daniel Hillyard’s artwork compliments the story well. Together, they bring a breath of fresh air to an otherwise saturated genre. I Was A Fashion School Serial Killer is a unique serial killer story that is an absolute must-read.

I Was A Fashion School Serial Killer #1 hits local comic shops on April 2, 2025 from 12-Gauge Comics / Image Comics.