Publishers
There have been many different publishers of comic books over the years, but two publishers have risen to the top in the comic book world, taking up almost 80-90% of the market. These two publishers are Marvel and DC Comics and are often referred to as, “The Big Two.” They also have some of the most widely known characters in all of comics. Recently, other publishers have started to make a strong presence and although they still only make up a small part of the market, they are continuing to grow and become a greater part of the comic book world and have helped push the boundaries of comic book content and creator owned content. There are basically four types of publishers.
1. Main Publishers
Definition of Main Publishers – These publishers have been around for quite some time and have developed a large following of fans due to their amount of popular characters.
Main Publishers
Marvel – X-Men, Spider-Man, The Hulk, Fantastic Four, Captain America, The Avengers
DC – Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Green Lantern, The Flash, The JLA, Teen Titans
2. Small Publishers
Definition of Smaller Publishers – These publishers are smaller in nature but attract many creators due to the fact that they can have much more control over the characters they create. They won’t offer as many comics as the larger publishers, but that doesn’t mean the quality will be any less.
Smaller Publishers
Image – Godland, The Waking Dead, Invincible,
Dark Horse – Sin City, Hellboy, Star Wars, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Conan
IDW – 30 Days of Night, Fallen Angel, Criminal Macabre
Archie Comics – Archie, Jughead, Betty and Veronica
Disney Comics – Mickey Mouse, Scrooge, Pluto
3. Independent Publishers
Definition of Independent Publishers – These publishers are usually on the fringe of popular culture. Almost all are creator owned (the creator keeps the rights to the characters and stories they create), and some of the topics may contain mature content.
Independent Publishers
Fantagraphics
Kitchen Sink Press
Top Shelf
4. Self-Publishers
Definition of Self-Publishers – These publishers are generally run by the people who make the comic books. They handle most if not all of the duties of making the comics, from writing, and art to publishing and press. The quality can vary drastically from publisher to publisher and the fan base is usually local. Due to the internet however, many of these self-publishers have been able to market their comics to many others. Some have even found some success with self publishing such as American Splendor (now with DC), Shi, and Cerebrus.
Self Publishers
Chibi Comics
Halloween Man
Altered Fates
Coffegirl Productions
Prize Fighter Press
Crusade Fine Arts
