Alternative comics or independent comics cover a range of

American comics American comics may refer to: * History of American comics *American comic book An American comic book is a thin periodical literature originating in the United States, commonly between 24 and 64 pages, containing comics. While the form ori ...

that have appeared since the 1980s, following the

underground comix Underground comix are small press or self-published comic books that are often socially relevant or satirical in nature. They differ from mainstream comics in depicting content forbidden to mainstream publications by the Comics Code Authority, ...

movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Alternative comics present an alternative to mainstream

superhero A superhero or superheroine is a fictional character who typically possesses ''superpowers'' or abilities beyond those of ordinary people, is frequently costumed concealing their identity, and fits the role of the hero, typically using their ...

comics which in the past have dominated the American comic book industry. They span across a wide range of

genre Genre () is any style or form of communication in any mode (written, spoken, digital, artistic, etc.) with socially agreed-upon conventions developed over time. In popular usage, it normally describes a category of literature, music, or other fo ...

s, artistic styles, and subjects. Alternative comics are often published in small numbers with less regard for regular distribution schedules. Many alternative comics have variously been labelled as post-underground comics, independent comics, indie comics,

auteur An (; , ) is an artist with a distinctive approach, usually a film director whose filmmaking control is so unbounded and personal that the director is likened to the "author" of the film, thus manifesting the director's unique style or thematic ...

comics,

small press A small press is a publisher with annual sales below a certain level or below a certain number of titles published. The terms "indie publisher" and "independent press" and others are sometimes used interchangeably. However, when a distinction ...

comics, new wave comics, creator-owned comics, art comics, or literary comics. Many

self-published Self-publishing is an author-driven publication of any media without the involvement of a third-party publisher. Since the advent of the internet, self-published usually depends upon digital platforms and print-on-demand technology, ranging fr ...

minicomic A minicomic is a creator-published comic book, often photocopied and stapled or with a handmade binding. In the United Kingdom and Europe the term small press comic is equivalent with minicomic, reserved for those publications measuring A6 (105& ...

s" also fall under the "alternative" umbrella.

From underground to alternative

By the mid-1970s, artists within the

scene felt that it had become less creative than it had been in the past. According to

Art Spiegelman Itzhak Avraham ben Zeev Spiegelman ( ; born February 15, 1948), professionally known as Art Spiegelman, is an American cartoonist, editor, and comics advocate best known for his graphic novel ''Maus''. His work as co-editor on the comics magazin ...

, "What had seemed like a revolution simply deflated into a lifestyle. Underground comics were stereotyped as dealing only with sex, dope and cheap thrills. They got stuffed back into the closet, along with bong pipes and

love beads Love beads are one of the traditional accessories of hippies. They consist of one or more long strings of beads, frequently handmade, worn around the neck by both sexes. The love bead trend probably evolved from the hippie fascination with non-W ...

, as things started to get uglier." In an attempt to address this, underground cartoonists moved to start magazines that anthologized new, artistically ambitious comics in the 1980s. '' RAW'', a lavishly produced, large format anthology that was clearly intended to be seen as a work of art was founded by Spiegelman and his wife

Françoise Mouly Françoise Mouly (; born 24 October 1955) is a French-born American designer, editor and publisher. She is best known as co-founder, co-editor, and publisher of the comics and graphics magazine ''Raw (comics magazine), Raw'' (1980–1991), as t ...

in 1980. Another magazine, '' Weirdo'', was started by the leading figure in underground comix,

Robert Crumb Robert Dennis Crumb (; born August 30, 1943) is an American artist who often signs his work R. Crumb. His work displays a nostalgia for American folk culture of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and satire of contemporary American c ...

, in 1981. These magazines reflected changes from the days of the underground comix. They had different formats from the old comix, and the selection of artists differed, too. ''RAW'' featured many European artists, ''Weirdo'' included photo-funnies and strange

outsider art Outsider art is Fine art, art made by Autodidacticism, self-taught individuals who are untrained and untutored in the traditional arts with typically little or no contact with the Convention (norm), conventions of the art worlds. The term ''ou ...

-type documents. ''

Elfquest ''Elfquest'' (or ''ElfQuest'') is a comic book property created by Wendy and Richard Pini in 1978, and still owned by them. It is a fantasy story about a community of Elves (Elfquest), elves and other fictional species who struggle to survive and ...

'' was based on a science fiction/fantasy theme with powerful female and male characters of varied races and cultures, and done in a bright and colourful

manga are comics or graphic novels originating from Japan. Most manga conform to a style developed in Japan in the late 19th century, and the form has a long history in earlier Japanese art. The term is used in Japan to refer to both comics ...

-like style. The underground staples of sex, drugs and revolution were much less in evidence. More emphasis was placed on developing the craft of comics drawing and storytelling, with many artists aiming for work that was both subtler and more complex than was typical in the underground. This was true of much of the new work done by the established comix artists as well as the newcomers: Art Spiegelman's ''

Maus ''Maus'', often published as ''Maus: A Survivor's Tale'', is a graphic novel by American cartoonist Art Spiegelman, serialized from 1980 to 1991. It depicts Spiegelman interviewing his father about his experiences as a History of the Jews in P ...

'', much celebrated for bringing a new seriousness to comics, was serialized in ''RAW.'' While fans debate the origins of self-publishing in the comics industry, many consider

Dave Sim Dave Sim (born 17 May 1956) is a Canadian cartoonist and publisher, known for his comic book ''Cerebus the Aardvark, Cerebus'', his artistic experimentation, his advocacy of self-publishing and creators' rights, and his controversial political an ...

an early leader in this area. Starting in 1977, he primarily wrote, drew and published ''

Cerebus the Aardvark ''Cerebus'' (; also ''Cerebus the Aardvark'') is a comic book series, created by Canadian cartoonist Dave Sim, which ran from December 1977 until March 2004. The title character of the 300-issue series is an anthropomorphic aardvark who takes ...

,'' on his own under the "Aardvark-Vanaheim Inc." imprint and announcing he would publish 300 issues of the series consecutively, something unheard of at the time for a self-published book. Sim is known for his activism in favor of creators' rights and his outspoken nature in regards to the industry. He often used the back of his comic to deliver "messages from the President", which were sometimes editorials concerning the comics industry and

self-publishing Self-publishing is an author-driven publication of any media without the involvement of a third-party publisher. Since the advent of the internet, self-published usually depends upon digital platforms and print-on-demand technology, ranging fro ...

Wendy Wendy is a given name generally given to girls in English-speaking countries. In Britain during the English Civil War in the mid-1600s, a male Captain Wendy Oxford was identified by the Leveller John Lilburne as a spy reporting on his activit ...

and

Richard Pini Wendy Pini ( Fletcher; born June 4, 1951) and Richard Pini (born July 19, 1950) are the husband-and-wife team responsible for creating the well-known ''Elfquest'' series of comics, graphic novels and prose works. They are also known as WaRP (as ...

founded

WaRP Graphics WaRP Graphics, later Warp Graphics, is an alternative comics publisher best known for creating and being the original publisher of the ''Elfquest'' comic book series. It was created and incorporated in 1977 by Wendy and Richard Pini. The compan ...

, one of the early American independent comics publishers, in 1977 and released the first issues of their long-running series, ''Elfquest'', in February 1978. They followed with titles such as ''

MythAdventures ''MythAdventures'' or ''Myth Adventures'' is a fantasy series created by Robert Lynn Asprin. After twelve novels by Asprin, published 1978 to 2002, he and Jody Lynn Nye continued the series with seven more books that they wrote together. After h ...

'' and related titles by

Robert Asprin Robert Lynn Asprin (June 28, 1946 – May 22, 2008) was an American science fiction and fantasy authors, fantasy author and science fiction fandom, active fan, known best for his humorous series ''MythAdventures'' and ''Phule's Company (series), ...

; and ''

Thunder Bunny Thunderbunny is a comic book character who transforms from a boy into a superhero resembling a large pink humanoid rabbit. The character was created by Martin L. Greim. Publication history Thunderbunny's first appearance published by a major comp ...

'', created by

Martin Greim Thunderbunny is a comic book character who transforms from a boy into a superhero resembling a large pink humanoid rabbit. The character was created by Martin L. Greim. Publication history Thunderbunny's first appearance published by a major comp ...

WaRP Warp, warped or warping may refer to: Arts and entertainment Books and comics * WaRP Graphics, an alternative comics publisher * ''Warp'' (First Comics), comic book series published by First Comics based on the play ''Warp!'' * Warp (comics), a D ...

was also the original publisher of ''

A Distant Soil ''A Distant Soil'' is an epic space opera comic book series published by American company Image Comics, combining science fiction and fantasy with Arthurian themes. It is written and illustrated by Colleen Doran. "A forerunner of queer-friendly c ...

'' by

Colleen Doran Colleen Doran (born July 24, 1964) is an American comic book creator, writer-artist and cartoonist. She illustrated hundreds of comics, graphic novels, books and magazines, including the autobiographical graphic novel of Marvel Comics editor and ...

. As an alternative to most of the masculine-themed comics of its time – and even to this day – ''Elfquest'' became enormously popular among female comic book fans around the world, while also drawing a solid male fan base. WaRP Graphics paved the way for many independent and alternative comic book creators who came after them. At its peak in the mid-1980s, ''Elfquest'' was selling 100,000 copies per issue in the initial print run, attracting one of the largest followings of any direct-sale comic. Most issues up to No. 9 saw multiple printings. It was the visible success of ''Elfquest'' that inspired many other writers and artists to try their own hand at self-publishing.

Kevin Eastman Kevin Brooks Eastman (born May 30, 1962) is an American comic book writer and artist best known for co-creating the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles with Peter Laird. Eastman was also formerly the editor and publisher of the magazine ''Heavy Metal ...

and

Peter Laird Peter Alan Laird (born January 27, 1954) is an American comic book writer and artist. He is best known for co-creating the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles with writer and artist Kevin Eastman. Early life and career Laird was born on January 27, 1 ...

's ''

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles ''Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles'' (''TMNT'') is an American media franchise created by comic book artists Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. It follows Leonardo (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), Leonardo, Donatello (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), D ...

'', a series by

Mirage Studios Mirage Studios was an American comic book company founded in 1983 by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird in Dover, New Hampshire. The company was best known for the ''Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles'' (''TMNT'') comic book series and the subsequent fra ...

, was very influential on a new generation of creators and became a huge success story of self publishing. Jeff Smith, a friend of Dave Sim, was also very influential in self-published comics, creating the highly popular and long-lived ''

Bone A bone is a rigid organ that constitutes part of the skeleton in most vertebrate animals. Bones protect the various other organs of the body, produce red and white blood cells, store minerals, provide structure and support for the body, ...

''. As with Sim with ''Cerebus'' and unlike mainstream comic books stories with their spontaneously generated and rambling narratives, Smith produced ''Bone'' as a story with a planned end. The publishing house

Fantagraphics Fantagraphics (previously Fantagraphics Books) is an American publisher of alternative comics, classic comic strip anthologies, manga, magazines, graphic novels, and (formerly) the Erotic comics, erotic Eros Comix imprint. They have managed sev ...

published the work of a new generation of artists, notably '' Love and Rockets'' by the brothers

Jaime Jaime is a common Spanish and Portuguese male given name for Jacob (name), James (name), Jamie, or Jacques. In Occitania Jacobus became ''Jacome'' and later ''Jacme''. In east Spain, ''Jacme'' became ''Jaime'', in Aragon it became ''Chaime'', and i ...

, Gilbert and Mario Hernandez.

Dan DeBono Daniel DeBono (born November 13, 1964, in Detroit, Michigan) is an American writer and novelist. Early life Daniel DeBono grew up in Chesterfield, Michigan. He graduated from L'anse Creuse High School North and attended Wayne State University in ...

published ''Indy – The Independent Comic Guide'', a magazine covering only independent comics starting in 1994. It ran for 18 issues and featured covers by

Daniel Clowes Daniel Gillespie Clowes (; born April 14, 1961) is an American cartoonist, graphic novelist, illustrator, and screenwriter. Most of Clowes's work first appeared in ''Eightball (comic book), Eightball'', a solo anthology comic book series. An ''E ...

Tim Vigil Timothy B. Vigil () is an American Comic book creator, comic book artist known for horror comics, horror works, including the series ''Faust (comics), Faust'', which Vigil co-created with writer David Quinn (writer), David Quinn. The book's main ...

, Drew Hayes,

William Tucci William Tucci () is an American comics creator. He is best known for his creator-owned title and character '' Shi''. Career Tucci founded Crusade Comics in Bayport, New York Its flagship title, '' Shi'', debuted in March 1994. Publisher Top Cow ...

, Jeff Smith and Wendy and Richard Pini. Alternative comics have increasingly established themselves within the larger culture, as evidenced by the success of the feature film '' Ghost World'' based on one of the best selling alternative titles, '' Eightball'', by Daniel Clowes and the cross-genre success of the book ''

Jimmy Corrigan, the Smartest Kid on Earth ''Jimmy Corrigan: The Smartest Kid on Earth'' is a graphic novel by American cartoonist Chris Ware. Pantheon Books released the book in 2000 following its serialization in the newspaper ''Newcity'' and Ware's ''Acme Novelty Library'' series. ...

'', by

Chris Ware Franklin Christenson "Chris" Ware (born December 28, 1967) is an American cartoonist known for his ''Acme Novelty Library'' series (begun 1994) and the graphic novels ''Jimmy Corrigan, the Smartest Kid on Earth'' (2000), ''Building Stories'' (2012 ...

, a story that was serialized in Ware's comic,

Acme Novelty Library ''Acme Novelty Library'' is a comic book series created by Chicago cartoonist Chris Ware. Its first issue appeared in 1993. Published from 1994 by Fantagraphics Books and later self-published, it is considered a significant work in alternative co ...

Image Comics Image Comics is an independent American American comic book, comic book publisher and is the third largest direct market comic book and graphic novel publisher in the industry by market share. Its best-known publications include ''Spawn (comics) ...

and

Dark Horse Comics Dark Horse Comics is an American comic book, graphic novel, manga and Artist's book, art book publisher founded in Milwaukie, Oregon, by Mike Richardson in 1986. The company was created using funds earned from Richardson's chain of Portland, O ...

publish many alternative comics. Notable examples include

Stan Sakai is a Japanese Americans, Japanese-born American cartoonist and comic book creator. He is best known as the creator of the comic series ''Usagi Yojimbo''. Early life Sakai was born Masahiko Sakai (坂井雅彦) in Kyoto, Japan, to Akio and Ter ...

's ''

Usagi Yojimbo is a comic book series created by Stan Sakai. It is set primarily at the beginning of the Edo period of Japanese history and features anthropomorphic animals replacing humans. The main character is a rabbit '' rōnin'', Miyamoto Usagi, whom ...

'',

Sergio Aragonés Sergio Aragonés Domenech ( , ; born 6 September 1937 in Sant Mateu, Castellón, Spain) is a Spanish-Mexican-American cartoonist and writer best known for his contributions to ''Mad (magazine), Mad'' magazine and creating the comic book ''Groo t ...

's ''

Groo the Wanderer Groo the Wanderer is a fantasy/comedy comic book character created by Sergio Aragonés. His stories are written and drawn by Aragonés, dialogued and edited by Mark Evanier, lettered by Stan Sakai and colored by Tom Luth. Over the years, Groo has ...

'', and

James O'Barr James O'Barr (born January 1, 1960) is an American comics artist, writer and graphic artist. He created the comic book series ''The Crow''. Early life O'Barr, an orphan, was raised in the foster care system. Career At 18, O'Barr enlisted in the ...

's ''

The Crow ''The Crow'' is a supernatural superhero comic book series created by James O'Barr revolving around the titular character of the same name. The series, which was originally created by O'Barr as a means of dealing with the death of his fianc� ...

''.

Oni Press Oni Press is an American independent comic book and graphic novel publisher based in Portland, Oregon, best known for publishing such series as '' Scott Pilgrim'' and ''Rick and Morty''. In 2019, it became an imprint label following the company's ...

used the term "real mainstream," coined by

Stephen L. Holland Stephen L. Holland is a figure in British comics, British comic books. A writer about comics, he is also the co-owner and curator of Page 45, a comic book shop in Nottingham. He is to be distinguished from Steve Holland, also a British historian, bi ...

of the UK comic shop Page 45, to describe its output. Traditional American comic books regard

titles as "mainstream" and all other genres as "non-mainstream", a reversal of the perception in other countries. Oni Press, therefore, adopted the "real mainstream" term to suggest that it publishes comic books and graphic novels whose subject matter is more in line with the popular genres of other media:

thriller Thriller may refer to: * Thriller (genre), a broad genre of literature, film and television ** Thriller film, a film genre under the general thriller genre Comics * ''Thriller'' (DC Comics), a comic book series published 1983–84 by DC Comics i ...

s, romances, realistic drama and so on. Oni Press avoids publishing superhero, fantasy and science fiction titles, unless interesting creators approach these concepts from an unusual angle.

Top Shelf Productions Top Shelf Productions is an American publishing company founded in 1997, originally owned and operated by Chris Staros and Brett Warnock with a small staff. Currently an imprint of IDW Publishing, Top Shelf is based in Marietta, Georgia. Top Sh ...

has published many notable alternative comics such as Craig Thompson's ''

Blankets A blanket is a swath of soft cloth large enough either to cover or to enfold most of the user's body and thick enough to keep the body warm by trapping radiant body heat that otherwise would be lost through conduction. Etymology The term ...

'' and

Alex Robinson Alex Robinson (born August 8, 1969) is an American comic book writer and artist. Early life Alex Robinson grew up in Yorktown Heights, New York, and graduated from Yorktown High School in 1987. After a year spent at SUNY Brockport, he went to t ...

's '' Box Office Poison''. In 2010 they branched out into unusual Japanese manga, with the release of ''AX:alternative manga'' (edited by Sean Michael Wilson). This 400-page collection received a high level of critical praise.

List of publishers

:''Though categories might overlap, this list makes a division between more strictly "alternative" comics and independent publishers operating primarily in the action-adventure, crime, horror and movie/TV-tie in genres.''

Alternative comics

Alternative Comics Alternative comics or independent comics cover a range of American comic book, American comics that have appeared since the 1980s, following the underground comix movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Alternative comics present an alterna ...

(1993–present) *

L'Association L'Association is a French publishing house located in Paris which publishes comic books. It was founded in May 1990 by Jean-Christophe Menu, Lewis Trondheim, David B., Mattt Konture, Patrice Killoffer, Stanislas, and Mokeït. L'Associatio ...

(France) (1990–present) *

Black Eye Productions Black Eye Books (formerly called Black Eye Productions) is a small but influential Canadian comic book publishing company founded by Michel Vrana. Under the auspices of Vrana, Black Eye was known as a publisher of artfully designed alternative com ...

(1992–1998) *

Buenaventura Press Buenaventura Press was a publisher and distributor for comics, prints, anthologies and graphic novels based in Oakland, California, run by Alvin Buenaventura. Publishing history Buenaventura Press originally specialized in handcrafted fine press ...

/Pigeon Press (2004–2010; 2010–2016) * Callworks Inc. (2009–present) *

Cat-Head Comics Cat-Head Comics was an American alternative/ underground comics publisher that operated from 1980 to 1998. Founded by cartoonist Steve Lafler as a vehicle for his own work, Cat-Head was later joined by writer/poet/editor Stephen Beaupre. Cat-Head' ...

(1980–1998) *

Conundrum Press (Canada) Conundrum Press is a book publishing company located in Wolfville, Canada. It was founded in 1996 by Andy Brown. Affiliated authors Conundrum publishes fiction, cultural history, graphic novels, spoken word and artist projects. Conundrum auth ...

(1995–present) *

Drawn & Quarterly Drawn & Quarterly (D+Q) is a publishing company based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, specializing in comics. It publishes primarily comic books, graphic novels and comic strip collections. The books it publishes are noted for their artistic con ...

(Canada) (1991–present) *

Fantagraphics Books Fantagraphics (previously Fantagraphics Books) is an American publisher of alternative comics, classic comic strip anthologies, manga, magazines, graphic novels, and (formerly) the Erotic comics, erotic Eros Comix imprint. They have managed sev ...

(1976–present) *

First Second Books First Second Books is an American publisher of graphic novels. An imprint (trade name), imprint of Roaring Brook Press, part of Holtzbrinck, Holtzbrinck Publishers, First Second publishes fiction, biographies, personal memoirs, history, visual e ...

(2006–present); division of

Holtzbrinck Holtzbrinck Publishing Group () is a Privately held company, privately held German company headquartered in Stuttgart, that Holding company, owns publishing companies worldwide. Through Macmillan Publishers, it is one of the Big Five English-lan ...

Highwater Books Highwater Books was an independent comic book publisher based in Somerville, Massachusetts. Highwater began in 1997 and folded in November 2004 due to financial pressure. Artists published Notable artists published by Highwater Books included ...

(1997–2004) *

Kitchen Sink Press Kitchen Sink Press was a comic book publishing company founded by Denis Kitchen in 1970. Kitchen Sink Press was a pioneering publisher of underground comics, and was also responsible for numerous republications of classic comic strips in hardcov ...

(1970–1999) *

Koyama Press Koyama Press was a comics publishing company founded in 2007 by Annie Koyama and based in Toronto, Canada. Since its establishment in 2007, Koyama Press sought to promote and provide support to an array of emerging and established artists, incl ...

(2007–present) *

Last Gasp (The) Last Gasp may refer to * Last Gasp (publisher) Last Gasp is a San Francisco–based book publisher with a lowbrow art and counterculture focus. Owned and operated by Ron Turner, for most of its existence Last Gasp was a publisher, dis ...

(1970–present); originally an underground publisher; hasn't published original comics since c. 2005 * Gator Graphix (1986-1988) *''

Mineshaft Magazine ''Mineshaft'' is an independent international art magazine launched in 1999 by Everett Rand and Gioia Palmieri in Guilford, Vermont, Guilford, Vermont. Initially focusing on poetry and literature, the magazine began to publish comics after Robert ...

'' (1999–present) *

MU Press MU Press (officially Miscellanea Unlimited Press) was an independent comic book publisher based in Seattle, Washington, which operated from 1990 until c. 2006. MU Press was one of the industry's most prolific " furry" comic publishers, while its ...

(1990–c. 2006) *

NBM Publishing Nantier Beall Minoustchine Publishing Inc. (or NBM Publishing) is an American graphic novel publisher. Founded by Terry Nantier in 1976 as Flying Buttress Publications, NBM is one of the oldest graphic novel publishers in North America. The comp ...

(1984–present) * Neoglyphic Media (2012–present) *

Pantheon Books Pantheon Books is an American book publishing imprint. Founded in 1942 as an independent publishing house in New York City by Kurt and Helen Wolff, it specialized in introducing progressive European works to American readers. In 1961, it was ...

graphic novel division (1978–present); subsidiary of

Random House Random House is an imprint and publishing group of Penguin Random House. Founded in 1927 by businessmen Bennett Cerf and Donald Klopfer as an imprint of Modern Library, it quickly overtook Modern Library as the parent imprint. Over the foll ...

Sacred Mountain Sacred mountains are central to certain religions, and are usually the subjects of many legends. For many, the most symbolic aspect of a mountain is the peak because it is believed that it is closest to heaven or other religious realms. Many reli ...

(1998–present) *

Silver Sprocket Silver Sprocket is a San Francisco-based indie comics publisher and independent record label, founded in 2007 by Avi Ehrlich of Springman Records. In addition to publishing records and comics, Silver Sprocket also supports a range of independe ...

(2012–present) *

Slave Labor Graphics Slave Labor Graphics (SLG) is an American independent comic book publisher, well known for publishing darkly humorous, offbeat adult comics. Creators associated with SLG over the years include Evan Dorkin, Roman Dirge, Sarah Dyer, Woodrow Phoen ...

/Amaze Ink (1986–present) * Space Face Books (2011–present) *

Sparkplug Comics Sparkplug Comic Books was a publisher and distributor of alternative comics founded by cartoonist Dylan Williams (comics), Dylan Williams.Spurgeon, Tom"Dylan Williams, 1970-2011,"''The Comics Reporter'' (September 18, 2011). Based in Portland, Ore ...

(2002–2016) *

Starhead Comix Starhead Comix was an alternative/ underground comics publisher that operated from 1984 to c. 1999. Founded by Michael Dowers, Starhead was based in Seattle, Washington. Mostly known for limited-edition minicomics, Starhead also published standar ...

(1984–c. 1999) *

(1997–present) * Township Comics (2016–present) *

Vortex Comics Vortex Comics is a Canadian independent comic book publisher that began operation in 1982. Under the supervision of president, publisher, and editor Bill Marks, Vortex was known for such titles as Dean Motter's '' Mister X'', Howard Chaykin's '' B ...

(Canada) (1982–1994) *''

World War 3 Illustrated ''World War 3 Illustrated'' is an American comics anthology magazine with a left-wing political focus, founded in 1979 (though the first issue was published in 1980) by New York City comic book artists Peter Kuper and Seth Tobocman,Neil Gaiman, ...

'' (1980–present)

Independent

* A Wave Blue World (????–present) *

Aardvark-Vanaheim Aardvark-Vanaheim is a Canadian independent comic book publisher founded in 1977 by Dave Sim and Deni Loubert and is best known for publishing Sim's '' Cerebus''. For a brief time, the company also published other titles, sometimes under the n ...

(1977–present) *

Abrams ComicArts Abrams, formerly Harry N. Abrams, Inc. (HNA), is an American publisher of art and illustrated books, children's books, and stationery. The enterprise is a subsidiary of the French publisher Média-Participations. Run by president and CEO Mary ...

(????–present); Imprint of

Abrams Books Abrams, formerly Harry N. Abrams, Inc. (HNA), is an American publisher of art and illustrated books, children's books, and stationery. The enterprise is a subsidiary of the French publisher Média-Participations. Run by president and CEO Mar ...

Action Lab Comics Action Lab Entertainment (also known as Action Lab Comics or ALE), is an American publisher of comic books, known primarily for the publication of the all-ages fantasy title '' Princeless'', as well as a wide range of titles from all genres. The ...

(2010–present) *

AfterShock Comics AfterShock Comics is an American comic book publisher founded in April 2015. History The company was co-founded by Joe Pruett, editor of the noted comic anthology ''Negative Burn'' and Mike Marts, the former executive editor in charge of Marvel C ...

(2015–present) *

Albatross Funnybooks Eric Powell (born March 3, 1975) is an American comic book writer/artist, best known as the creator of ''The Goon''. Career Powell has written and provided artwork for Dark Horse, DC Comics and Marvel Comics, but is most regarded for his origi ...

(????–present) *

Alterna Comics Alterna Savings and Credit Union Limited, commonly called Alterna Savings (), is a credit union based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. In addition to its credit union branches in Ontario, it also operates across Canada through its direct banking sub ...

(2006– present) *

Amulet Books Abrams, formerly Harry N. Abrams, Inc. (HNA), is an American publisher of art and illustrated books, children's books, and stationery. The enterprise is a subsidiary of the French publisher Média-Participations. Run by president and CEO Mary ...

(????–present); Imprint of

Antarctic Press Antarctic Press is a San Antonio-based comic book publishing company which publishes " Amerimanga" style comic books. The company also produces "how-to" and "you can" comics, instructing on areas of comic book creation and craft. Beginning in ...

(1984–present) * Apollo Comics (2016–present) *

Apple Comics Apple Comics, also known as Apple Press, was an American comic book publisher which operated from 1986 to 1994. Founded by Michael Catron, it began by taking over the publishing elements of comic production from WaRP Graphics before expanding int ...

(1986–1994) * Attaboy Funny Books (2014–present) *

Aspen Comics Aspen Comics (Aspen MLT Inc.) is a California entertainment company founded in 2003 by artist Michael Turner. It has locations in Santa Monica and Marina Del Rey. The company is best known for producing comic books and figurines. History The com ...

(2003–present) *

Asylum Press Asylum may refer to: Types of asylum * Asylum (antiquity), places of refuge in ancient Greece and Rome * Benevolent asylum, a 19th-century Australian institution for housing the destitute * Cities of Refuge, places of refuge in ancient Judea * ...

(1999–present) * Arcana Comics (2004–present) * Ark Vindicta Development & Publishing, LLC (2012–present ) *

Avatar Press Avatar Press is an independent American comic book publisher founded in 1996 by William A. Christensen, and based in Rantoul, Illinois. It was originally known for publishing bad girl comics, such as ''Pandora'', ''Hellina'', ''Lookers'', ''The ...

(1996–present) *

AWA Studios Artists, Writers & Artisans or AWA Studios is an American independent comic book publisher founded in November 2018 by Axel Alonso, Bill Jemas and Jonathan F Miller. History AWA Studios was founded in November 2018 by Axel Alonso and Bill Jema ...

(2018-present) * Bedside Press (2014–present) *

Beyond Comics Beyond Comics is an American independent comic book publishing company founded by comics writer/artist Graig Weich, through which Weich has published comics featuring his creations, including ''Code Name: Justice'', ''Ravedactyl'', ''Justice'', ...

(????–present) *

Black Mask Studios Black Mask Studios is a comic book and graphic novel publishing company formed by Matt Pizzolo, Steve Niles and Brett Gurewitz, designed as a new infrastructure to support comic book creators and a new pipeline for transgressive art. Black Mask ...

(2012–present) *

Blackthorne Publishing Blackthorne Publishing Inc. was an American comic book publisher that flourished from 1986 to 1989. They were notable for the ''Blackthorne 3-D Series'', their reprint titles of classic comic strips like Dick Tracy, and their licensed products. B ...

(1985–1990) *

Blue Juice Comics Blue Juice Comics is an American publisher of comic books, picture books, and prose. The company was founded as the publishing division of Blue Juice Films, Inc in 2012. Most of its publications were initially conceived as film or animation ideas. ...

(2012–present) *

Boom! Studios Boom! Studios (stylized as BOOM! Studios), is an American comic book and graphic novel publisher. They are headquartered in Los Angeles, California, United States. The company is a subsidiary of Random House division of Penguin Random House sin ...

(2005–present) *

Caliber Comics Caliber Comics or Caliber Press is an American comic book publisher founded in 1989 by Gary Reed. Featuring primarily creator-owned comics, Caliber published over 1,300 comics in the decade following its inception and is ranked as one of Americ ...

(1989–2000) * Class Comics (1995–present) *

Comico Comico or Cómico (Spanish "comical" or "funny") may refer to: * Comico: The Comic Company, American comic company 1982–1997 * Comico (NHN Japan), a webtoon portal owned by NHN Japan Corporation NHN Japan Corporation is the Japanese subsidiary ...

(1982–1997) *

Continüm Comics Continüm Comics was an American comic book publisher which operated between the years 1988 and 1994. Owned and operated by Joseph Naftali, the company's most successful title was ''The Dark''. Notable creators who worked for Continüm include Ge ...

(1988–1994) *

Creative Impulse Entertainment Creative Impulse Entertainment (also known as ''Creative Impulse'' and ''CIE'') is a transmedia production company founded by Jan Lucanus in 2003. With the company mantra "Intrigue, Entertain, Inspire Social Change", CIE bills itself as a home for ...

(????–present) * CrossGen (Cross Generation Entertainment) (1998–2004) *

Darby Pop Publishing Darby Pop Publishing is an American comic book publishing company founded in 2013 by film writer and producer Jeff Kline. It has published sixteen original series and over one hundred issues/trade paperbacks (TPs) to date. Creators have included ...

(2013–present) *

(1986–present) *

Desperado Publishing Desperado Publishing is an American independent comic book publisher, established in 2004. Located in Norcross, Georgia, Desperado's president is Joe Pruett, its creative director is Stephan Nilson, and its director of business development is for ...

(2005–present);

IDW Publishing IDW Publishing is an American publisher of comic books, graphic novels, art books, and comic strip collections. It was founded in 1999 as the publishing division of Idea and Design Works, LLC (IDW) and is recognized as the fifth-largest comic ...

imprint since 2009 *

Devil's Due Publishing Devil's Due Publishing (often abbreviated as DDP) is an independent comic book publisher in the United States. Based in Chicago, Illinois, DDP is best known for its wide selection of genres, including licensed and original creator-owned proper ...

(1999–present) * Diego Comics Publishing (2012–present) *

(1990–present) * DSLTRY (2023-present) *

Dynamite Entertainment Dynamite Entertainment is an American comic book publisher founded in 2004 by Nick Barrucci in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, known for publishing comic book adaptations of licensed feature film properties, such as ''Army of Darkness'', '' Terminator ...

(2005–present) *

Eclipse Comics Eclipse Comics was an American comic book publisher, one of several independent publishers during the 1980s and early 1990s. In 1978, it published the first graphic novel intended for the newly created comic book store, comic book specialty stor ...

(1978–1994) * Emerald Star Comics (2013–present) *

Event Comics Event Comics was an American independent comic book publisher founded by veteran artists Jimmy Palmiotti and Joe Quesada. The company published during the years 1994 to 1999. In 1998, it was contracted to form the Marvel Knights imprint for Marv ...

(1994–1999); absorbed by

Marvel Comics Marvel Comics is a New York City–based comic book publishing, publisher, a property of the Walt Disney Company since December 31, 2009, and a subsidiary of Disney Publishing Worldwide since March 2023. Marvel was founded in 1939 by Martin G ...

FantaCo Enterprises FantaCo Enterprises is an American comic book store and publishing company founded and created by Thomas Skulan and based in Albany, New York. As a publisher, FantaCo was known for its idiosyncratic line-up of mostly black-and-white titles, incl ...

(1978–1998) * Fierce Comics (2005–present) *

First Comics First Comics is an American comic book publisher that was active from 1983 to 1991 and then from 2011 to present (stylized as 1First Comics), known for titles like '' American Flagg!'', '' Grimjack'', ''Nexus'', ''Badger'', '' Dreadstar'', and '' ...

(1983–1991) * The Fourth Age (2021-present) *

Harrier Comics Harrier Comics (officially known as Harrier Publishing) was a British comic book publisher active in the mid-to-late 1980s. Harrier was notable for putting out black-and-white comics in a mold more similar to American comics than to typical Brit ...

(U.K.) (1984–1989) *

Harris Comics Harris Publications Inc. was an American special interest media company, operating over 75 brands with print, digital, mobile and live-event platforms prior to its sale to Athlon Media in 2016. It produced magazines that educate, entertain and ...

(1985–2008) *

Hyperwerks Hyperwerks Entertainment LLC was an American company that published comic books. It was founded by Karl Altstaetter and Jamie Douraghy in 1997. The two most notable Hyperwerks projects are the ''Deity (comics), Deity'' and ''Rostam (comics), Rosta ...

(1997–present) *

(1999–present) *

(1992–present) * In Planet Studio (2010–present) * Iron Circus Comics (2007-present) *

keenspot Keenspot is a webcomic Webcomics (also known as online comics or Internet comics) are comics published on the internet, such as on a website or a mobile app. While many webcomics are published exclusively online, others are also published i ...

(2000–present) *

Lion Forge Comics Lion Forge Comics was an American comic book publisher founded in 2011 by David Steward II and Carl Reed. The company published works by a range of creators and focused on storytelling influenced by specific cultures and ethnics. In 2019, it be ...

(2011–present) *

Malibu Comics Malibu Comics Entertainment, Inc. (launched as Malibu Graphics) was an American comic book publisher active in the late 1980s and early 1990s, best known for its Ultraverse line of superhero titles. Notable titles published by Malibu included ''Th ...

(1986–1994); absorbed by

Markosia Markosia is a British comic book publishing company. History Markosia was founded by Harry Markos in 2004. He employed Richard Emms (previously of APC) as the Editor-in-chief as well as lead designer. in 2005. Markosia had already published Ha ...

(2005–present) *

Millennium Publications Millennium Publications was an American independent comic book publishing company active in the 1990s. Initially known as a publisher of licensed properties, Millennium adapted works by Arthur Conan Doyle, Lester Dent, Robert E. Howard, Harlan E ...

(1990–2000) *

MonkeyBrain Books MonkeyBrain Books (MonkeyBrain, Inc.) is an independent American publishing house based in Austin, Texas, specialising in books comprising both new content and reprinting online, international, or out-of-print content, which show "an academic i ...

(????–present) *

Moonstone Books Moonstone Books is an American comic book, graphic novel, and prose fiction publisher based in Chicago focused on pulp fiction comic books and prose anthologies as well as horror and western tales. The company began publishing creator-owned com ...

(1995–present) *

(1976, 1984–present) *

NOW Comics NOW Comics was a comic book publisher founded in late 1985 by Tony C. Caputo as a sole-proprietorship. During the four years after its founding, NOW grew from a one-man operation to operating in 12 countries, and published almost 1,000 comic bo ...

(1985–2006) *

(1997–present) * Papercutz (2005–present) *

Pendulum Press Pendulum Press was a publishing company based in West Haven, Connecticut, that operated from 1970 to 1994, producing the bulk of their material in the 1970s. The company is most well known for their comic book adaptations of literary classics. The ...

(1970–1994) * Personality Comics (1991–1993) *

Radical Comics Radical Studios is an American multimedia studio headquartered in Los Angeles, California. It produces feature films, television, physical and digital publishing, merchandise, recorded music, digital and online media applications and mobile and s ...

(2007–present) * Raw Studios (????–present) * Raytoons Comics (2007–present) *

Red 5 Comics Red 5 is an independent comic book publisher, known for producing a combination of creator-owned and internally developed titles, including their best known title, ''Atomic Robo''. Red 5 was one of the first comics publishers to jump into digital ...

(2007–present) *

Revolutionary Comics Revolutionary Comics was an American comic book publisher specializing in unauthorized profiles of entertainers and professional athletes, as well as a line of erotic comics. Its flagship series was '' Rock 'N' Roll Comics''. Founded by Todd Lo ...

(1989–1994) * Rippaverse (2022-present) *

Scattered Comics Scattered may refer to: Music * ''Scattered'' (album), a 2010 album by The Handsome Family * "Scattered" (The Kinks song), 1993 * "Scattered", a song by Ace Young * "Scattered", a song by Lauren Jauregui * "Scattered", a song by Green Day from ' ...

(1991-present) *

Shadowline Shadowline, Inc., is an imprint of Image Comics established by Image co-founder Jim Valentino. The name is an homage to Valentino's character, ShadowHawk. History Shadowline was officially created in December 1992 when the logo first appear ...

(1993–present) * SketchBoox Entertainment (2015–present) *

(1986–present) * So Cherry Studios (2014–present) * So What? Press (2011–present) *

TidalWave Productions TidalWave Productions (previously known as Bluewater Productions, StormFront Media/Publishing & Storm Entertainment) is an independent production studio of comic books and graphic novels. Based in Portland, Oregon, United States, Bluewater publis ...

(2007–present) *

Titan Comics Titan Publishing Group is the publishing division of the British entertainment company Titan Entertainment, which was established as Titan Books in 1981. The books division has two main areas of publishing: film and television tie-ins and cine ...

(2012-present) *

TKO Studios TKO Studios is an American comics publisher founded by Tze Chun & Salvatore Simeone in 2017.Udon Entertainment (2000–present) * Un Faulduo (2005–present) * Urban Comics (2012–present) *

Valiant Comics Valiant Comics is an American comic books, comic book publisher, the first incarnation of which was founded in 1989 by former Marvel Comics editor-in-chief Jim Shooter along with lawyer and businessman Steven Massarsky. In 1994, the company was ...

(1989–1996, 2012–present) *

Vault Comics Vault Comics is an American publisher of comic books. The company is known for its horror, fantasy, and science fiction titles, with a focus on diversity and cross-media properties. A private family-owned company, Vault Comics is based in Missoul ...

(2016-present) *

Viper Comics Viper Comics is an American comics publisher that first published works in 2003. History Viper Comics is based in Texas, U.S.; according to its website it is based in Irving, an inner ring suburb of Dallas. Its president since its foundation ...

(????–present) * Wanga Comics (2005–present) *

(1977–present) *

Zenescope Entertainment Zenescope Entertainment is a comic book and graphic novel publisher headquartered in Horsham, Pennsylvania, United States, cofounded by Joe Brusha and Ralph Tedesco in 2005. Zenescope publishes full-color action, fantasy and horror titles. Under ...

(2005–present)

References

External links

Fierce ComicsElfquest by WaRP GraphicsDrawn & QuarterlyFantagraphicsRadiator ComicsSilver SprocketBirdCage-Bottom-BooksQuimby's Book StoreTop Shelf ProductionsImage ComicsDark Horse ComicsThe Comics Journal
*
Indie Comic DatabaseTime.comix: Andrew D. Arnold
{{Independent production Alternative media Comics genres

From underground to alternative

List of publishers

Alternative comics

Independent

See also

References

External links