Why Indie Comics?

Why support indie comics? That depends on the individual. Some like the freedom, others may be, getting in on the ground floor of something new. Sadly not all-new comics and publishers and artist become the next TMNT. Others like to root for the underdog. As I said in a previous blog, I want to see as many as possible realize their dream.

Do you remember Crossgen Comics? I thought they would succeed. Sigel was an entertaining read. Double Take was another I thought would last for many years to come. The Slab was one of the better horror comics. As said before, you must be willing to pay the price. Sustained success doesn't come easy. It takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and suffering for your art.

Unpopular opinion. Once a comic is distributed by DCD [Diamond Comic Distributors, inc.] you no longer are independent but have gone mainstream. My definition of Indie Comics is you are working and distributing your material independently of the mainstream. However, I think the goal is to be read by as many people as possible. Some have a small market that receives their books. Therefore, many miss out on these books.

New England Comics and Penny-Farthing Press are good examples of this. However, N. E. C. has a well-known character under their control; The Tick. So small distribution doesn't mean unpopular. The Tick had its TV series twice. All it takes sometimes is having your character seen by the right people.

Thus, you need to market the hell out of your books. The artist and writer need to utilize Social Media daily and get a following of loyal and dedicated fans. Further, doing press releases, videos, being reviewed, promotions, and guest appearances at LCS [Local Comic Shops]. ETC.

I like what Alterna Comics has done. You can purchase their books at Sheetz. Also, they print their inside pages on newsprint. Printing their books on newsprint cuts down cost and has that old fashion feel and yes, smell..

TKO Comics has revolutionized comics. You purchase the complete six issues series at once. Plus, you can read the first issue for free. Also, they sell directly to readers.

Technology has made it possible for almost anyone to self-publish their comic books. If you remember, back in the 1980s, the market was flooded with new publishers. The Boom and Bust of the 1980s spelled doom for many publishers.

Comic book sales are down. There are plenty of theories as to why they are down. I don't think there is a simple answer to be found. I would say, the flood of self-published books are not responsible. We buy self-published off the internet, not at the store. So there is no relation between the two. Though, some bigger publishers are nipping away at the Big Two. This doesn't explain the decline in sales at LCS. The reason folks are not buying as many books now, has many variables.

Investing in comics has become a risky venture. It is hard to predict if a comic will become the next [Superman] Action Comics #1. Not that it was ever easy. So investing may not be viable for everyone, but purchasing for the love of comics will never go out.

Some of my favorite Indie comics:

1. Omen
2. Aspen
3. Last Gasp
4. Zenescope
5. Vault

Some bigger publishers:

1. Image
2. Boom!
3. Valiant
4. Dark Horse
5. IDW

What are some of your favorite indies? Use the comment box below or Tweet me @budkelly3.