Exciting Times Ahead: Image Comics' 'Criminal' Leaps to the Screen in a Must-Watch TV Adaptation

In the world of graphic novels, few series have captured the gritty essence of crime noir quite like Criminal, the masterful creation from writer Ed Brubaker and artist Sean Phillips. Originally debuting under Marvel's Icon imprint in 2006 before finding its permanent home at Image Comics, Criminal has earned its status as a multi-Eisner Award-winning powerhouse, blending razor-sharp storytelling with atmospheric artwork that pulls readers into a shadowy underworld of heists, betrayals, and moral ambiguity. This beloved series, known for its interconnected tales of flawed anti-heroes navigating a treacherous criminal landscape, is now set to thrill audiences on a grander scale with an upcoming television adaptation on Amazon Prime Video. What could be more exhilarating than seeing this modern classic brought to life with a star-studded cast and visionary production team? It's a match made in prestige TV heaven, promising to deliver edge-of-your-seat drama that honors the source material while expanding its reach to new fans.

Criminal Comic Cover

The announcement of the Criminal TV series sent waves of excitement through the comic and entertainment communities when Amazon Prime Video officially greenlit the project in January 2024. Co-showrun by Brubaker himself—ensuring the adaptation stays true to the comic's spirit—and acclaimed writer Jordan Harper, the series is produced under the banner of Legendary Television and Amazon MGM Studios. The first season draws directly from the early arcs "Coward" and "Lawless," weaving an intergenerational saga of crime families bound by shared histories of violence and redemption. With executive producers including Brubaker, Phillips, Harper, and others, this isn't just an adaptation—it's a loving evolution of a genre-defining work that's already inspired countless stories in comics and beyond.

What truly elevates this project to must-watch status is its impeccable casting, featuring a roster of talented performers who bring depth and charisma to these complex characters. Leading the charge is Charlie Hunnam as Leo Patterson (aka Coward), a brilliant criminal mastermind who orchestrates heists with precision and zero violence, a stark contrast to his father's brutal ways. Hunnam, known for his magnetic intensity in Sons of Anarchy, is perfectly suited to embody Leo's calculated coolness. Joining him is Emilia Clarke as Mallory, a fierce armed robber entangled in dangerous relationships—Clarke's proven range from Game of Thrones will undoubtedly add layers of vulnerability and strength to the role.

Emilia Clarke in Criminal

The ensemble shines even brighter with veterans like Richard Jenkins as Ivan, a dementia-stricken former robber and paternal figure to Leo; Adria Arjona as Greta, a widowed car thief struggling to escape the life; and Luke Evans as Tracy Lawless, a military-hardened ex-criminal seeking justice. Supporting standouts include John Hawkes as the ruthless crime boss Sebastian Hyde, Kadeem Hardison as the loyal ex-boxer Gnarly, and a host of recurring talents like Pat Healy, Taylor Selé, and Michael Mando, each adding their unique flair to this web of intrigue. This cast isn't just impressive—it's a dream team assembled to capture the nuanced humanity that makes Criminal so compelling.

Behind the camera, the series boasts top-tier direction from Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck (known for Captain Marvel) for the first four episodes, with Dee Rees handling the latter half. Filmed in Portland, Oregon, from June to October 2024, the production promises a visually stunning take on the comic's noir aesthetic, complete with moody urban backdrops that echo Phillips' evocative illustrations. And with Image Comics rolling out fresh printings and new stories—like the upcoming Giant Size Criminal and volumes timed to coincide with the show's buzz—the timing couldn't be better for fans to dive back into the source material.

Another Criminal Cover

Why is this adaptation such a triumph? Criminal has always stood out for its innovative spin on crime tropes, turning heist narratives into profound explorations of family, loyalty, and consequence. Brubaker's razor-sharp scripts and Phillips' haunting visuals have influenced everything from prestige dramas to modern comics, and now, with Amazon's resources, it has the potential to become a landmark series like The Wire or Breaking Bad. The involvement of the creators ensures authenticity, while the stellar cast and directors guarantee emotional depth and thrilling pacing. In a sea of superhero spectacles, Criminal offers something refreshingly grounded and sophisticated—a crime saga that's as intellectually engaging as it is viscerally exciting.

Set for a 2026 release on Prime Video, Criminal is poised to be one of the year's standout hits, bridging the gap between comic book brilliance and television excellence. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer, this series is bound to captivate with its unflinching portrayal of the criminal underbelly. Mark your calendars— the heist of the decade is about to unfold on your screen.

For more details, check out the official announcements and updates from sources like IMDb, Wikipedia, and Image Comics.