When people talk about the comic book phenomenon, Marvel and DC come to mind most often. But it is in the independent sector that the most daring, unusual and emotionally intense stories are born. Without the constraints of franchises, without the pressure of studios, indie authors create worlds that shock audiences and critics alike. Here are a few independent comics that have managed to make breakthroughs and leave a mark in the history of the industry.
One of the most notable successes is “The Walking Dead” by Robert Kirkman, published by Image Comics. The story of the zombie apocalypse, which began in 2003, has become a cultural phenomenon. This black-and-white comic book emphasizing psychology, moral choices and survival became the basis for one of the most successful television series of the 2010s. “The Walking Dead” proved that comic books are not just about superheroes, but also about the serious, mature art of storytelling.
Another high-profile example is “Saga” by Brian K. Vaughn and Fiona Staples, also from Image Comics. Since 2012, this series has been blowing up genres by combining fantasy, science fiction, and social drama. The story of two lovers from warring races and their daughter is a space epic with explicit themes, intense graphics, and excellent literary content. “Saga” won numerous awards, including the Eisner Awards, and was recognized as one of the best comics of the decade.
Equally significant was Jeff Smith’s “Bone,” a full-blown fantasy saga that began in 1991. At first glance, the style of “Bone” resembles a cartoon for children, but behind the naive graphics hides a large-scale story, comparable in scope to “The Lord of the Rings”. The comic book has won more than 40 awards, including the Eisner and Harvey awards, and has been translated into dozens of languages.
In 2004 came “Scott Pilgrim” by Brian Lee O’Malley, a series published by Oni Press. It’s the story of a young boy from Toronto who must defeat his lover’s seven evil exes. The “Scott Pilgrim” style has become iconic due to its unique blend of humor, indie music, pop culture, and video game aesthetics. The series became so popular that it spawned a video game, a movie starring Michael Cera, and plenty of merch.
Not to be forgotten is David Petersen’s Mouse Guard. Launched in 2006 and published by Archaia Studios Press, the series is a dystopian fantasy about a brotherhood of mice defending their people. Inspired by medieval tales, the book features exquisite watercolor graphics and deep mythology. “Mouse Guard” has not only garnered a loyal fan base, but has also won prestigious awards, including the Eisner Award.
Finally, it’s impossible not to mention Noelle Stevenson’s “Nimona.” First started as a webcomic, “Nimona” was published in 2015 by HarperCollins and instantly won acclaim for its humor, originality, and emotional depth. The story of a werewolf girl and her mentor, the villainous Ballister Blackheart, breaks stereotypes by playing with “good versus evil” archetypes. The comic book won the Eisner Award, and its animated movie was released on Netflix in 2023.
These stories are living proof that independent comics can be just as influential as the products of big corporations. What’s more, it’s in the indie medium that the most interesting shifts are happening today: in genres, visual style, themes, and publishing methods. Their success speaks for itself – the public wants not only heroes in capes, but sincere, fresh, bold stories, and independent authors continue to create them.
