Vermillion is a bold and surreal sci-fi comic series written by acclaimed speculative fiction author Lucius Shepard, with striking artwork by Al Davison. Originally published by Helix, a short-lived DC Comics imprint, the series ran for 12 issues between October 1996 and September 1997.
The story follows Jonathan Cave, a man mysteriously transported into the bizarre and chaotic realm of Vermillion, a world where advanced technology and mystical forces collide. As he struggles to survive and understand the rules of this new dimension, Cave is drawn into strange power struggles and spiritual journeys that challenge his identity and purpose.
With a mix of cyberpunk aesthetics, philosophical undertones, and intricate world-building, Vermillion stood out as one of the most daring and experimental titles of its time. The artwork is dense, symbolic, and often psychedelic — perfectly matching the book’s tone.
Unfortunately, like most titles under the Helix banner, Vermillion suffered from poor sales and was canceled after just 12 issues. It was never collected in trade paperback or digital form, making it a true cult classic for comic book collectors and sci-fi fans.
If you’re into forgotten comic treasures with deep ideas and unique visuals, Vermillion is worth seeking out — even if only for the experience of reading something truly different.
