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Alternative comics cover a range of
American comics American comics may refer to: *History of American comics The history of American comics began in the 19th century in mass print media, in the era of sensationalist journalism, where newspaper comics served as further entertainment for mass re ...
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 comics which in the past have dominated the American comic book industry. Alternative comic books span a wide range of genres, artistic styles, and subjects. Alternative comics are often published in small numbers as the author(s) deem fit. They are often published with less regard for regular distribution schedules. Many alternative comics have variously been labelled post-underground comics, independent comics, indie comics,
auteur An auteur (; , 'author') is an artist with a distinctive approach, usually a film director whose filmmaking control is so unbounded but personal that the director is likened to the "author" of the film, which thus manifests the director's unique ...
comics, small press comics, new wave comics, creator-owned comics, art comics, or literary comics. Many
self-published Self-publishing is the publication of media by its author at their own cost, without the involvement of a publisher. The term usually refers to written media, such as books and magazines, either as an ebook or as a physical copy using POD (pri ...
" minicomics" also fall under the "alternative" umbrella.


From underground to alternative

By the mid-1970s, artists within 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, ...
scene felt that it had become less creative than it had been in the past. According to
Art Spiegelman Art Spiegelman (; born Itzhak Avraham ben Zeev Spiegelman on February 15, 1948) is an American cartoonist, editor, and comics advocate best known for his graphic novel ''Maus''. His work as co-editor on the comics magazines ''Arcade'' and '' Raw ...
, "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- ...
, 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 Paris-born New York-based designer, editor, and publisher. She is best known as co-founder, co-editor, and publisher of the comics and graphics magazine '' Raw'' (1980–1991), as the publisher of ...
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 cartoonist and musician who often signs his work R. Crumb. His work displays a nostalgia for Folklore of the United States, American folk culture of the late 19th and early 20th 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 art made by self-taught or supposedly naïve artists with typically little or no contact with the conventions of the art worlds. In many cases, their work is discovered only after their deaths. Often, outsider art illustrates ...
-type documents. '' Elfquest'' 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-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'', 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, best known for his comic book '' Cerebus'', his artistic experimentation, his advocacy of self-publishing and creators' rights, and his controversial political and philosophical ...
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 ...
,'' 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.
Wendy Wendy is a given name now generally given to girls in English-speaking countries. In Britain, Wendy appeared as a masculine name in a parish record in 1615. It was also used as a surname in Britain from at least the 17th century. Its popularity ...
and
Richard Pini Wendy Pini ''née'' 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 ...
founded WaRP Graphics, 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. After his death in May 2008, sh ...
'' and related titles by
Robert Asprin Robert Lynn Asprin (June 28, 1946 – May 22, 2008) was an American science fiction and fantasy author and active fan, known best for his humorous series '' MythAdventures'' and '' Phule's Company''. Background Robert Asprin was born in St. ...
; and ''
Thunder Bunny Thunderbunny is a comic book about a boy who transforms into a superhero resembling a large pink humanoid rabbit. It was created by Martin Greim. Publication history Thunderbunny's first appearance published by a major company was '' Charlton Bu ...
'', created by Martin Greim.
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 ...
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 is an American writer-artist and cartoonist. She illustrated hundreds of comics, graphic novels, books and magazines, including the autobiographical graphic novel of Marvel Comics editor and writer Stan Lee entitled ''Amazing Fant ...
. 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 artist and writer 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 Meta ...
and
Peter Laird Peter Alan Laird (born January 27, 1954) is an American comic book writer and artist 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, 1954, in ...
's ''
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles ''Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles'' is an American media franchise created by the comic book artists Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. It follows Leonardo (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), Leonardo, Michelangelo (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), Miche ...
'', a series by Mirage Studios, 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''. 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 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 ...
, Gilbert and Mario Hernandez. Dan DeBono 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'', a solo anthology comic book series. An ''Eightball'' issue typic ...
, Tim Vigil, Drew Hayes, William Tucci, 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'' (2 ...
, 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 c ...
. Image Comics and Dark Horse Comics publish many alternative comics. Notable examples include Stan Sakai'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 Saka ...
'',
Sergio Aragonés Sergio Aragonés Domenech ( , ; born September 6, 1937) is a Spanish/Mexican cartoonist and writer best known for his contributions to '' Mad'' magazine and creating the comic book '' Groo the Wanderer''. Among his peers and fans, Aragonés is ...
's ''
Groo the Wanderer ''Groo the Wanderer'' is a fantasy/comedy comic book series written and drawn by Sergio Aragonés, rewritten, co-plotted and edited by Mark Evanier, lettered by Stan Sakai and colored by Tom Luth. Over the years it has been published by Pacific ...
'', and
James O'Barr James O'Barr (born January 1, 1960) is an American comics artist, writer and graphic artist, best known as the creator of the comic book series ''The Crow''. Early life O'Barr, an orphan, was raised in the foster care system. Career In 1978, O' ...
's '' The Crow''. Oni Press used the term "real mainstream", coined by Stephen Holland of the UK comic shop Page 45, to describe its output. Traditional American comic books regard superhero 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 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 convection. 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 ''Box Office Poison'' is a series of comic books (originally published by Antarctic Press) by Alex Robinson. It was published in collected form by Top Shelf Productions in 2001. The story concerns the life and trials of a group of young people in ...
''. 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 cover a range of American comics that have appeared since the 1980s, following the underground comix movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Alternative comics present an alternative to mainstream superhero comics which i ...
(1993–present) * L'Association (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 (1980–1998) *
Conundrum Press (Canada) Conundrum Press is a book publishing company located in Wolfville, Canada, founded in 1996 by Andy Brown. Affiliated authors Conundrum is renowned in Canadian publishing for its innovative, wide-ranging, often genre-defying books of fiction, ...
(1995–present) *
Drawn & Quarterly Drawn & Quarterly 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 content, a ...
(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 the erotic Eros Comix imprint. History Founding Fantagraphics was found ...
(1976–present) *
First Second Books First Second Books is an American publisher of graphic novels. An imprint of Roaring Brook Press, part of Holtzbrinck Publishers, First Second publishes fiction, biographies, personal memoirs, history, visual essays, and comics journalism. It al ...
(2006–present); division of Holtzbrinck *
Highwater Books Highwater Books was a small but influential independent comic book publisher based in Somerville, Massachusetts, noted for its arty editorial direction and production values under publisher Tom Devlin. Highwater began in 1997 and folded in Novembe ...
(1997–2004) * Kitchen Sink Press (1970–1999) * Koyama Press (2007–present) *
Last Gasp Last Gasp or 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 publi ...
(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 1990 – c. 2006. MU Press was one of the industry's most prolific " furry" comic publishers, while its mid-199 ...
(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 graphic novel division (1978–present); subsidiary of Random House * Sacred Mountain (1998–present) * Silver Sprocket (2012–present) * Slave Labor Graphics/Amaze Ink (1986–present) * Space Face Books (2011–present) *
Sparkplug Comics Sparkplug Comic Books is a defunct publisher and distributor of alternative comics founded by cartoonist Dylan Williams.Spurgeon, Tom"Dylan Williams, 1970-2011,"''The Comics Reporter'' (September 18, 2011). Based in Portland, Oregon, the company ...
(2002–2016) * Starhead Comix (1984–c. 1999) * Top Shelf Productions (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, e ...
'' (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 name ...
(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 La Martinière Groupe. Run by President and CEO Michael ...
(????–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 La Martinière Groupe. Run by President and CEO Mich ...
* Action Lab Comics (2010–present) * AfterShock Comics (2015–present) * Albatross Funnybooks (????–present) * Alterna Comics (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 La Martinière Groupe. Run by President and CEO Michael ...
(????–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 La Martinière Groupe. Run by President and CEO Mich ...
* Antarctic Press (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, they began by taking over the publishing elements of comic production from WaRP Graphics, before expanding ...
(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 co ...
(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) *
Avatar Press Avatar Press is an independent American comic book publisher founded in 1996 by William A. Christensen, and based in Rantoul, Illinois. Avatar Press is most notable for publishing bad girl comics, such as ''Faust'', ''Pandora'', ''Hellina'', ''L ...
(1996–present) * Arcana Comics (2004–present) * Ark Vindicta Development & Publishing, LLC (2012–present ) * Bedside Press (2014–present) * Beyond Comics (????–present) * Black Mask Studios (2012–present) * Blackthorne Publishing (1985–1990) * Blue Juice Comics (2012–present) *
Boom! Studios Boom! Studios (styled BOOM! Studios) is an American comic book and graphic novel publisher, headquartered in Los Angeles, California, United States. History Origins In the early 2000s, Ross Richie and Andrew Cosby had been working in Holly ...
(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 America ...
(1989–2000) * Class Comics (1995–present) * Comico (1982–1997) * Continüm Comics (1988–1994) * Creative Impulse Entertainment (????–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. Sixteen original series and 100+ issues/TPs have been published to date. Creators have included Eric Garcia (''City: The Mind ...
(2013–present) * Dark Horse Comics (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 form ...
(2005–present); IDW Publishing imprint since 2009 * Devil's Due Publishing (1999–present) * Diego Comics Publishing (2012–present) *
Drawn & Quarterly Drawn & Quarterly 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 content, a ...
(1990–present) *
Dynamite Entertainment Dynamite Entertainment is an American comic book publisher founded by Nick Barrucci in 2004 at Mount Laurel, New Jersey. It is best known as the owners of '' The Boys'' franchise across several IP medias. Dynamite primarily publishes adaptations ...
(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 specialty store market. It was ...
(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, at which point it was contracted to form the Marvel Knights imprint for ...
(1994–1999); absorbed by Marvel Comics *
FantaCo Enterprises FantaCo Enterprises was 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 was an American comic book publisher that was active from 1983 to 1991, known for titles like '' American Flagg!'', '' Grimjack'', ''Nexus'', ''Badger'', '' Dreadstar'', and '' Jon Sable''. Along with competitors like Pacific Comics ...
(1983–1991) * The Fourth Age (2021-present) * Harrier Comics (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, inf ...
(1985–2008) *
Hyperwerks Hyperwerks Entertainment 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'' and ''Rostam'' series. History Since its ince ...
(1997–present) * IDW Publishing (2000–present) * Image Comics (1992–present) * In Planet Studio (2010–present) * Iron Circus Comics (2007-present) * keenspot (2000–present) * Lion Forge Comics (2011–present) * Malibu Comics (1986–1994); absorbed by Marvel Comics *
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 H ...
(2005–present) * Millennium Publications (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 (1995–present) *
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 ...
(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 boo ...
(1985–2006) * Oni Press (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. It had branches in feature films, television, physical and digital publishing, merchandise, recorded music, digital and online media applications and mobile and social games. History Radical Pub ...
(2007–present) * Raw Studios (????–present) * Raytoons Comics (2007–present) * Red 5 Comics (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 Lor ...
(1989–1994) * Rippaverse (2022-present) * Shadowline (1993–present) * Slave Labor Graphics (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) *
Udon Entertainment Udon Entertainment Corp. is a Canadian art studio and publisher. The company publishes original and translated comic books, graphic novels, manga and art books related to anime and video games. It was founded in 2000 and is named after udon, a ...
(2000–present) * Un Faulduo (2005–present) * Urban Comics (2012–present) * Valiant Comics (1989–1996, 2012–present) *
Viper Comics Viper Comics is an American comics publisher that first published works in 2003. History Viper Comics is based in Texas, USA; according to its website it is based in Irving, an inner ring suburb of Dallas. Its president since its foundation is ...
(????–present) * Wanga Comics (2005–present) * WaRP Graphics (1977–present) *
Zenescope Entertainment Zenescope Entertainment is a comic book and graphic novel publisher headquartered in Horsham, Pennsylvania, United States, co-founded by Joe Brusha and Ralph Tedesco in 2005. Zenescope publishes full-color action, fantasy and horror titles. Unde ...
(2005–present)


See also

*
Abstract comics Abstract comics are comics that combine concepts of visual abstraction with the traditional continuity of the comic strip. A collection of abstract comics was brought together in the book ''Abstract Comics: The Anthology'' edited by Andrei Molotiu. ...
*
Alternative manga Alternative manga or underground manga is a Western term for Japanese comics that are published outside the more commercial manga market, or which have different art styles, themes, and narratives to those found in the more popular manga magazines ...
*'' Fumetti d'autore'' *
Garo Garo may refer to: People and languages * Garo people, a tribal people in India ** Garo language, the language spoken by the Garo tribe Places * Kingdom of Garo, a former kingdom in southern Ethiopia * Garo, Colorado * Garo Hills, part of th ...
* Gekiga, Japanese equivalent of alternative comics * Webcomics, which are normally self-published


References


External links


Fierce ComicsElfquest by WaRP GraphicsDrawn & QuarterlyFantagraphicsRadiator ComicsSilver SprocketBirdCage-Bottom-BooksQuimby's Book StoreTop Shelf ProductionsImage ComicsDark Horse ComicsWorld Comics & Graphic Novels News (WCGNN)The Comics JournalIndie ReviewTime.comix: Andrew D. Arnold
{{Independent production Adult comics Alternative media Comics genres