I actually really enjoyed this! It was a wild, unhinged ride. The story follows Rennie, who is a fashion designer in school, who may do some murder on the side. At least her kills don’t go to waste! She makes everything she wears!
This is dark but has lighthearted and tender moments too. The friendships Rennie makes through school are heartwarming.
I definitely could have read something longer and more fleshed out. But this was still a great, short, impactful read.

Veronica Mars with a KILLER twist. I'll admit the cover had me hesitant, but this was a fun ride. I definitely plan on continuing with the series!

Good for her! I Was a Fashion School Serial Killer is about a fashion student, Rennie Bethary, who is also a serial killer. She meets Sofie, who is persistent in being friends with her. After warming up to Sofie, they become best friends. When Sofie unexpectantly drops out of school due to not paying her tuition, Rennie goes on the hunt to find out what happened to her new best friend.

I loved the story and graphics! I did think the illustrations were going to look different based on the cover, but I still liked the style. I did not like the typical meal girl trope, it seemed very high school when they're supposed to be in college. I always love a good revenge/vengeance story. The gore was great. Quick and fun read!

Thank you, NetGalley and Image Comics, for the ARC.

** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Copy received through Netgalley

~

I Was A Fashion School Serial Killer
by Doug Wagner


I was immediately drawn to this one by the cover, the concept and the title. I'm so glad I chose it, because this was a really fun read.

There are definite hints of Elizabeth Bathory in the storyline, as well as some satisfying revenge on people who really deserve it. I actually liked all of the characters, who had very clear characterization, right down to their looks. There was a lot of diversity in the characters as well as their crimes – some were well-meaning but selfish, others were downright criminals.

The artwork was really gorgeous. It was very evocative and really laid the groundwork for a lot of unspoken moments, such as when we got a close-up of a piece of jewellery or clothing that proved to be important later.

I would definitely read more of this, if Wagner was ever to make a sequel or spin-off.

A aspiring fashion designer learns to juggle going to a prestigious fashion school with her own blood lust while learning to make friends, deal with college drama... and the bodies she's hiding in her house. This is part thriller part female rage story, and it was completely AMAZING!! I absolutely adored reading this and the story sucked me in immediately. The art is fantastic and the overall story arch just has you so invested!! This was such a fun read and one i'd absolutely recommend!

Release Date: December 16, 2025

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Image Comics for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

This was such a fun little gory horror read. I mean with a title like that it’s expected. I loved the art style. It’s a story you need to just read for fun not for the plot line, though that wasn’t bad, just a little rushed at the end.

Truly the power of a good friendship lmao

Thank you to NetGalley & Image Comics for an eARC! Review & opinions are honest and my own!

Fashion design is cut-throat, and sometimes the best way to beat your peers is to get rid of them, permanently. I very much enjoyed this collection and I hope to see more!

Great read for students of the arts that functions as both a metaphor as well as a literal gory romp.

This was a pleasant surprise. I was afraid it might be too dark and gory for me but it was the right amount of both to make it just slightly creepy without going over the edge. There is some gore but it's tastefully done and not overly emphasized (or drawn out). The artwork was fantastic and brought the story to life. The characters, particularly Rennie and Sofie, were likeable and intriguing. The addition of her skincare issues, which can only be cured using the Elizabeth Bathory method, was interesting and I'd like to see how this develops in future episodes, particularly as the body count is adding up. Overall, a fun read and I look forward to more in the series.

Every time I'm presented with an unhinged female lead, I can't help but develop a "good for you" attitude towards her.

The first pages of I Was A Fashion School Serial Killer were... less than promising; I think it's just extremely difficult to enjoy a protagonist that unironically refers to other people as "normies". That being said, as the comic went on, I really started to enjoy Rennie and I think a large portion of it is due to the fact that she just has an absolute gem of a bestie. I would definitely recommend this for people who enjoy reading about healthy female friendships (of course I wouldn't be upset if they wanted to be more than friends later).

I think the comic does a good job of establishing the basis of the story, who Rennie is, and to a degree, why she's unhinged. I ended up having a lot of fun with this and look forward to reading the next part.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me a copy of this book for review.

#NetGalley #IWasAFashionSchoolSerialKiller

Thank you NetGalley, the author and publisher for the ARC and the chance to read this book in return for an honest review.
I was a Fashion School Serial Killer was a wonderfully dark comic. The art alone is a reason to read this book. Rennie seems to make a lot of progress towards taming her impulses, it becomes less of a need and more of a hobby to protect her new found friendship. She seems to become more human, even though she bathes in the blood of her victims, throughout the story. But the twist ending was just the perfect way to round out the story, 10/10. I need the next part now.
This is why I am rating it 5 stars. Thank you again to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

This was so good! Quick read & despite the blood and gore it had an underlying almost wholesome story. Would definitely read more from this author.

Loved the story and the art. Bloody good time 5/5 stars. Love how we are motivated by more than just blood lust.

Delightful, Deranged, and Dangerously Fashionable!

This graphic novel contains so much for readers! It’s delightful with stories of friendship and belonging that are at times, tender and sweet. It’s also quite deranged. It features acts of shocking violence but they are balanced with horror elements that kept me hooked on the story. Additionally, this story is about a fashion school student, and the fashion was a fun element that felt contemporary. The illustrations brought to life a genuinely fun story that I loved and I know readers of all ages are going to love!

This was so up my alley! This felt like what Cruella could be if she wasn't written for children. This was dark and gory and just a whole lot of fun! I don't know if the author plans to write more volumes of this but I really hope so cause I would love to see .ore of what this character gets up to.

My 1st 5-star read!! I had such fun reading the novel. The characters were funny and quirky. The graphics were unbelievable well done. Adding lyrics from 'Mahogany' AND 'What a wonderful world?' Mahogany got you extra points alone. I looking forward to continue this story. Thank you for the opportunity to read!!

#NETGALLEY
#DOUGWAGNER
#IWASAFASHIONSCHOOLSERIALKILLER

Thank you NetGalley and Image Comics for chance to read I Was A Fashion School Serial Killer by Doug Wagner!
This was so good! Whatttt. Off the bat I was shook and was very invested in the story. As I kept going I couldn’t stop. Especially towards the end. Wow now I have my theories!! I need more!! Completely loved the art style. This was so much fun!!!

This was awesome! I love the illustration and the story! Good laughs and some fun ways to die plus they all had it coming afterall. I'm hooked on this one.

I'm hoping that more of the backstory unfolds in later volumes. The pace is fast and fun and while you don't learn a ton about all the characters you connect quickly and enjoy the friendships of opposites and how it can be to embrace yourself and not be judged.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Image Comics for sending me an early access to I Was a Fashion School Serial Killer, written by Doug Wagner and illustrated by Daniel Hillyard, in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

"I wasn't here to make friends. I was here to become a fashion designer."

Right off the bat, this had me with the America's Next Top Model reference and I need to ask: Did Lady Gaga's meat dress inspire this in any way, shape, or form?

In I Was a Fashion School Serial Killer we follow Rennie, lovely serial killer who only wears what she makes and let's just say all her designs are bold, fun and made of her victims. Rennie has murderous urges every now and again, but finds a friend in bubbly, cheerful, and kind Sofie, her classmate. This first volume sets up pacing, character plot lines and some more deadly stories to come.

I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and their designs, which gives me a chance to try and say how beautiful the art style is. Not just the style, but the coloring is also phenomenal, especially during the killing scenes. The art and text are so well combined they really create this fun horror piece. I will most definitely support the project and continue the story as it comes out. Also, let's just say I am dying to make some Rennie and Sofie fanart. I have no idea if I Was a Fashion School Serial Killer will have a sapphic subplot, but I can say my fingers are crossed.

What a great read. I'll easily recommend this to anyone. Truly.

Thank you to NetGalley & Image Comics for an eARC of I Was A Fashion School Serial Killer. This was a really great read, with a wonderful art style. I highly enjoyed the main characters and how the plot unfolded, especially how the ending managed to wrap up the storylines while offering a promising glimpse of what could happen next. The main character, who is an antihero, was someone who you definitely sympathized with and were intrigued by.

Thank you to netGalley and Image Comics for the eARC.

This was such a fun read! A fashion school serial killer who needed the blood of her victims to keep her from breaking out in a rash, and helping out her sweet friends as well? Great and exciting to flip through. This is a collection of all of the issues of the comics put together, so it was great to read it all at once.

Thank you to netgalley and Image Comics on allowing me to view an ARC of this book!

First off: full compliments to the art style and clarity! Throughout the book, the art is beautiful, detailed, and all characters are clearly shown with their own unique style and personality. I was able to tell all characters apart with no issue and I loved the diversity and inclusivity shown! Kudos!

The story was very fun to read and I enjoyed that the motive behind our MC's actions was stated and well thought out. I didnt feel like I was thrown into a story with no context. While the story was very fast paced, I didnt think it was too fast. I thought the chapters were easy to follow and read.

All in all, I thought that was a fabulous read and I cannot wait to get a copy for my library! Thank you!

Holy smokes, this was so dark and twisted!
With that ending, there had better be a sequel because I do not know what that says about me but I want more of this!
Also, was there something more to the MC's obsession for her "best friend"? I wouldn't mind some queerness to this horror!

Rounded up from 4.5 stars. I received this graphic novel for free from the publisher via NetGalley. I loved the illustrations and felt the characters were pretty well fleshed out and the premise was interesting - a serial killer who simply wants to be a fashion designer... I will definitely continue the series.

I didn’t know what to expect when I went into this but wow does it pack a punch, the main character is so well thought out that even though she is a serial killer, you find yourself understanding her and rooting for her. I cannot wait to see the next chapters.

This is a beautifully macabre graphic novel that collects all five issues of the completed limited series I Was a Fashion School Serial Killer.

New to school fashion student Rennie has a talent for design, along with a thirst for murder. She tries to keep to herself, but the ever-sunny Sophie can’t help but become her BFF. Meanwhile, Rennie has an itch for bloodlust she just can’t quite scratch.

This story is dark, deranged, and disturbed. I absolutely loved it! It’s Dexter meets Wednesday, with stylized art and a sardonic anti-hero. Who wouldn’t love a woman who makes beautiful clothes out of the flesh of her enemies?

I’m new to Doug Wagner and Daniel Hillyard, and this didn’t disappoint. I’m excited to see what their other works are like.

Art:5/5
Plot: 4.5/5
Writing: 4.5/5
My Enjoyment: 5/5

*** I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

I feel like this is the type of story my gore loving 16 year old would love. A lot of gore, a bit of humour and surprisingly a bit of heart. Would be interested in seeing if following books gives us a bit more history.

this was so fun! the art was stunning. i love the designs of her weapons and i was so invested in rennie and sofie's friendship, i cant wait to read more! this was super cool all around.

I received a review copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions are my own.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨️ (4.25/5?)

🩸 High Fashion, Dark Humor, and a Killer Sense of Style 👠🧵

Doug Wagner’s "I Was a Fashion School Serial Killer" is a blood-soaked, high-camp satire that struts down the runway in stilettos made of horror and wit.

Rennie Bethary, the newest student at New York’s top fashion school, dreams of becoming a design icon. Small problem: her fabrics are made of human flesh. Wagner turns this outrageous premise into a razor-sharp commentary on ambition, identity, and the creative world’s obsession with perfection.

There’s a sly nod to Elizabeth Bathory, the “Blood Countess” who sought beauty through brutality - a perfect metaphor for industries that consume their own. The result is gruesome yet dazzling, with bold art, biting humor, and pacing that never lets up.

🙏 Thank you to Doug Wagner, Image Comics, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

A Cruella De Vil fashion student who takes the word cutthroat literally. I Was a Fashion School Serial Killer is a horror comedy that had me laughing out loud. This was a blast. The creative gore was great on the page, and it'll have a gorehound laughing at the over-the-top ridiculous fun of it. The fashion school setting was the perfect choice, and I'm glad that wasn't a minor detail. I enjoyed the story's focus. Instead of concentrating on her becoming a serial killer, it shows her character progression from an aimless white knight to a refined killer who protects the first friends she's ever had ... all while learning to be confident as a fashion designer, of course.

Dark, gory, and unexpectedly hilarious. I Was a Fashion School Serial Killer is a brilliant balancing act. The author manages to deliver the kind of visceral, macabre humour that had me hooked, while still making me care about the characters. Excuse me while I go read everything else this author has written!

I don’t often lean towards graphic novels, and I’m incredibly picky with the comics I do collect.
“I Was a Fashion School Serial Killer” (writer: Doug Wagner / illustrator: Daniel Hillyard) caught my eye, and I couldn’t resist requesting it.

100% will be purchasing this when it comes out. I’m typically not one for horror/comedy, but this fits the bill perfectly for a quick entertaining read.

I know these were already released as single issues, but the one complaint is I wish this was a longer series. I want more backstory for Rennie, and maybe even more backstory for the events of the story - it just kinda jumped into student abduction… Why was there an organisation trafficking students to begin with?! Also, I understand the professor lied, but what led Rennie to her house in the first place? It also wasn’t 100% clear what the guy from the bar and the dean’s assistant did directly. I would have loved some more context for the kills, since it heavily implies that every kill is the result of a misdeed. Unless I just completely missed something while reading?

Overall though Rennie was such a great character: a serial killer with a code of conduct it seems. Every murder had a justification, and those she killed had all wronged others in some way. Also, definite fashionable Bathory vibes to bathe in blood. Great concept and artwork.
5/5

My first horror  manga/ graphic novel and I ate this one up soooooooo much. I did not expect to enjoy this damn comic as much as I did! Y’all know I LOVE me a serial killer BAD, and Rennie morally grey behind was everything I needed and more. I needed a quick fun little read to balance out my long reads and this was so perfect! Rennie is in fashion school but she also has a penchant for murdering bad people, you know scum of the earth that deserves it. She doesn’t do people, until she meets Sophie and she just won’t allow her to not be in her orbit. Over several beautifully illustrated gory and bloody pages we truly get a story of true friendship and love! I will definitely be reading more of these!

Thank you, the author, and Image Comics for the gifted e-book! ❤️ #gifted. My review is comprised of my honest thoughts.

I could not put this down. It was funny. It was intriguing. The art was so well done. Obviously the murder was very great too. I highly recommend it.

Loved everything about this! Not what I normally gravitate towards but I loved everything!! The graphics, the humor, the writing! Very well done

I Was a Fashion School Serial Killer is exactly as wild as the title suggests, and somehow even more fun.

There's a really clever mix of fashion satire, horror, and friendship dynamics that kept me super connect to the story. The main character is an antihero, but still someone who you can sympathize with, and there's definitely an undercurrent of vengeance that feels very satisfying, and I appreciated the diversity in the cast, both in personality and appearance.

I’m really hoping we get a sequel.
Thanks #NetGalley and #ImageComics for the ARC.

When you have high fashion sense and the need to kill, the right university can help you with both. Importance of friendship and honoring relationships. You might find yourself cheering for a serial killer. Enjoyed the story. Want more!

Doug Wagner is an American comic book writer whose Image Comics include PLASTIC (co-created with Daniel Hillyard), THE HARD PLACE (with Nic Rummel), GUN CANDY (with Brian Stelfreeze), and THE RIDE (with too many to list). He’s also written titles such as I.C.E., World of Warcraft: Bloodsworn, Legends of the Dark Knight, and Witchblade/Red Sonja. Doug can be found hiding out in Park City, Utah where he spends his days creating madness, frolicking down the slopes with his lovely wife, and reveling cuddle time with the sweetest kitty in the world. His newest graphic novel is I Was a Fashion School Serial Killer.

Rennie Bethary has just been accepted into New York City’s most prestigious fashion school. Her designs are daring, edgy, and singular, but also made of human flesh and bone. When Rennie gets stressed, the predators of society get hurt, and there’s nothing else to do with their skin but sew. When Rennie gains a new friend at fashion school, Sofie, things begin to turn around for her. Until Sofie goes missing, and Rennie needs new supplies for school.

Doug Wagner has created a gripping anti-hero story. Rennie is similar to Dexter or Hannibal Lector, but her dedication to fashion and fashion design makes her unique amongst fictional serial killers. Wagner taps into these famous fictional monsters, but also adds a healthy dose of Elizabeth Bathory into the mix, creating a new killer all of his own creation. Furthermore, while illustrator Daniel Hillyard knows his anatomy, the violence is hypercolorized and stylized to be almost cartoonish, detracting from the blood and gore and emphasizing the insanity of the killer.

Wagner has created a unique and interesting serial killer. Making his murderer a young fashion school student was unique, and allows him to create a storyline of death and corruption that’s both intriguing and entertaining. Hillyard’s stylistic illustrations, and his vibrant use of color to mirror Rennie’s mental health status, makes for an engaging. Fans of horror graphic novels, especially those featuring serial killers, will absolutely enjoy I Was a Fashion School Serial Killer.

This was honestly ICONIC! I loved the marrying of these two concepts in a graphic novel. It was a super fast read. Thanks for the Arc Netgalley!

Put simply, "I Was a Fashion School Serial Killer" is the chaotic mashup of "Cruella" and "American Psycho" I didn't know I needed in my life. Doug Wagner's writing deftly blends blends gruesome murder and black comedy, perfectly accentuated with Daniel Hillyard expressive art. Hillyard's varied composition between panels and the strong use of space (key events are seen in both extreme foreground and background) really help make this comic beautiful to look at. Wagner's words engage you from the get-go and Hillyard's art leads your eyes to linger on the page. I'd also be remiss to not mention the bold coloring work done by Michelle Madsen which really brings everything together.

Gory, fun, and fuelled by a healthy dose of female rage, I Was a Fashion School Serial Killer was an unexpected joy. I love seeing women succeed in male-dominated spaces, and let’s just say Rennie Bethany carves out her own path in a truly unforgettable way.

This comic is fast-paced, wildly entertaining, and deliciously dark. The concept is as outrageous as it is original (yes, clothes made from human skin and couture-level commentary), and it had me hooked from the first page.

If I had one critique, it’s that I wish there had been a bit more depth or expansion, I’d happily spend more time in this twisted, blood-soaked fashion world. But what’s here is sharp, confident and a total blast to read.

If you’re in the mood for horror with bite, satire, and some seriously unhinged style, this one’s worth picking up.

Really great art style! I was immersed right away and could not put this down. Gorgeous and gory, but fun to read. It can be hard to connect to characters in graphic novels sometimes because the stories are short - but I was rooting for our morally grey MC right away. Can’t wait to read more from these guys!

Every single issue just kept getting better and better. It has a Dexter feel to it, even though it isn't about police work. I love everything about this but most importantly I love that it is about a serial killer trying to make friends. The art is a great fit for the story, it is hilarious and gross all at the same time.

5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this title. The art style was great and the plot was really engaging. I didn't expect the twist, but it was fun. I love seeing a strong female lead. I would have loved to see more detail in some of the clothing she designed. Hopefully the full edition has some extra panels of the human flesh inspired pieces she wore.