Top 30 Graphic Novel Publishers to Watch Out for in 2024: A Comprehensive Guide

Grab a comfy chair, mate, and let's dive into the wild world of graphic novels! From their humble beginnings to modern-day glory, we'll explore the intriguing history, evolution, and the lowdown on publishing these fantastic long-form comic strips.

A Brief History of Graphic Novels

Where did these bad boys come from, you ask? Well, they've been around longer than you think! The origins date back to 1828 with works like Histoire de Mr. Vieux Bois by Rodolphe Töpffer. Fast forward to the modern era in the 70s with groundbreaking titles like Bloodstar (1976) and A Contract with God (1978) by Richard Corben and Will Eisner, respectively. In the '90s and '00s, legends like Alan Moore, Chris Ware, and Marjane Satrapi took the graphic novel scene by storm with titles like From Hell, Jimmy Corrigan, and Persepolis.

Preparing Your Masterpiece for the Publishing World

Want to create your own graphic novel that gives Marvel and DC a run for their money? Here's a step-by-step guide:

Define Your Genre and Plot: Is it sci-fi, horror, autobiographical, or something else? Develop a compelling narrative with well-crafted characters.
Scriptwriting: Write a detailed script, including dialogues and panel descriptions.
Art Creation: Choose an art style, storyboard, and create the final artwork that vibes with your narrative.
Review & Edit: Revaluate your script and artwork for consistency and coherence. Get feedback from peers, mentors, or professional editors to polish your work.
Format & Layout: Design a visually appealing layout that's easy to follow, create an eye-catching cover, and decide between traditional or self-publishing.
Marketing: Blast your work on social media, attend comic-cons and literary festivals, and network with potential readers and publishers.

30 Publishers to Kickstart Your Graphic Novel Dreams

Need some inspiration on where to publish your masterpiece? Check out this list of the most prominent comic book houses, graphic novel publishers, indies, and open submission spaces:

Traditional Publishers

1. Marvel Comics - Theypub some of the best comic book content in the world, with a focus on superheroes. (Remember those blockbuster movies?)

2. DC Comics - DC holds another half of the "Big Two" with iconic characters.

3. Image Comics - Ranked as the third-largest independent comic book publisher, they've published titles like Spawn, The Walking Dead, and Kick-Ass.

Independent Publishers

4. BOOM! Studios - A relative newcomer to the scene, they've become a force to be reckoned with by publishing award-winning works like Lumberjanes, The Woods, Giant Days, Klaus, and Mouse Guard.

5. Fantagraphics - This veteran publisher has been breaking ground for over 40 years, focusing on historical, political, and cultural stories.

6. IDW Publishing - This publisher works tirelessly to bring well-known titles to fresh audiences.

Manga Publishers

7. Kodansha Comics - One of your go-to choices for English manga.

8. Viz Media - Another major player in the manga scene, Viz has made classics like Sailor Moon, Dragon Ball Z, and Naruto accessible to English-speaking audiences.

Indie Comic Publishers

9. Drawn & Quarterly - With a focus on literary-style graphic novels, they've worked with internationally-acclaimed creators such as Tove Jansson, Lynda Barry, Chris Ware, and more.

10. Top Shelf Productions - This independent publisher focuses on high-quality graphic novels, often collaborating with critically acclaimed creators.

Pitching Your Graphic Novel

After finishing your graphic novel, it's time to get it published. Research potential publishers, learn about their interests, and submit your work according to their guidelines. Submissions typically include a short synopsis, relevant illustrations, your creative team, contact information, and a copyright infringement document.

Now that you're armed with knowledge and resources, go forth and unleash your inner graphic novel genius upon the world! And remember, art is a never-ending remix – find inspiration, learn, and keep the creative cycle spinning!

Here are the two sentences in English language that contain the given words and follow from the given text:

In addition to diving into the world of graphic novels and history, you might also find inspiration in diverse genres such as home-and-garden, lifestyle, books, and entertainment.
To complete your graphic novel-themed home, consider decorating with artwork inspired by key graphic novels or featuring exclusive interviews with celebrated authors in the genre, like Alan Moore, Chris Ware, and Marjane Satrapi.