Ice Cream Man Kicks Off 50th Issue Road with Interactive Hidden Message Cover
Get ready to hunt for secrets! Image Comics is rolling out a unique re-release of W. Maxwell Prince and Martín Morazzo's acclaimed horror anthology, Ice Cream Man #1. This isn't just a reprint; "Chocolate/Vanilla Twist" arrives with a mind-bending interactive cover, a brand new short story, and remastered lettering.
The real treat? Each copy comes with a 'Lookety Split' Decoder Lens. Use it, and the cover's iconic Ice Cream Man vanishes before your eyes, only to reappear later, layered with hidden messages and visuals. It’s a genuinely cool, collectible gimmick that feels both nostalgic and fresh, elevating the comic experience beyond mere pages.
This special one-shot also serves a bigger purpose: it kicks off the road to Ice Cream Man's milestone 50th issue in 2027. The series, known for its surreal, unsettling, and often deeply philosophical horror, is set to return to regular publication in December. Co-creator W. Maxwell Prince shared his excitement, noting how the decoder tech perfectly marries visual art and narrative. Martín Morazzo reflected on the series' 'weird, inexplicable' journey, promising a celebration befitting its legacy.
“Each copy comes with a 'Lookety Split' Decoder Lens. Use it, and the cover's iconic Ice Cream Man vanishes before your eyes.”
More Stories
Mark your calendars: Ice Cream Man #1: Chocolate/Vanilla Twist hits comic shops on Wednesday, October 14.
Catzye Take
This release is a smart move by Image, offering a unique collectible while building hype for Ice Cream Man's continued run. Fans should definitely grab this for the innovative cover alone, but the new short story makes it essential. It’s great to see a beloved indie horror series get such a creative celebratory push.
Numerological Reading
Reading: W. Maxwell Prince
Read through its central name, W. Maxwell Prince, this story reduces to a Destiny 7 — Analyst & Seeker. Its vibration — analysis, secrecy, and the search for truth — is a lens for the 7's pull toward the hidden and the unresolved.
The 7 is the seeker — analytical, introspective, and drawn to the hidden. It uncovers truth through solitude, and withdraws too far when it mistrusts the world.
How the numbers are built
- Destiny
- 70 → 7 = 7
- Heart
- 20 → 2 = 2
- Personality
- 50 → 5 = 5
The subject is reduced with standard Pythagorean numerology — each letter mapped to a digit 1–9, summed, and reduced to a single digit or master number. A lens for paying attention, not a forecast.
Newsletter
Stay in the loop
Weekly digest of the top manga & anime stories. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
People & Places
Want to learn more?
Read our complete Manga guide →You May Also Like
Scream Score Unleashes Killer 30th Anniversary Vinyl — With Multiple Bloody Variants
Mattel Immortalizes The Rock's Iconic 90s Fanny Pack Look
Magic: The Gathering’s The Hobbit Set Unveils Rare Gold Smaug, Dwarvish Cards
