Indie & Image
The creator-owned books that are worth your money.
The best of comics beyond Marvel and DC — this is your hub for the best indie comics and creator-owned graphic novels. Independent publishers like Image, Dark Horse, BOOM! Studios and the old Vertigo imprint are where some of the medium’s boldest, most original stories live, free from decades of continuity.
Where to start
Begin with our best indie graphic novels and best Image Comics guides, or dive straight into modern classics like Saga and Invincible. Fans of mature, self-contained storytelling should explore our best Vertigo comics picks, home to landmark series that shaped the medium.
Why creator-owned matters
In creator-owned comics, the writers and artists keep the rights, so stories can start, evolve and end on their own terms — which is why so many of the greatest comic runs come from indie publishers. Most are collected in affordable trades and deluxe editions that make ideal starting points. Browse the indie guides and reviews below to discover your next favorite book.
The publishers to know
Indie does not mean small. Image Comics is creator-owned and home to some of the best-selling books in comics; Dark Horse blends licensed titles with originals; BOOM! Studios has become a hit factory for prestige series; and IDW, Oni Press and Fantagraphics round out a rich field. The old Vertigo imprint reshaped what mainstream comics could tackle, and its spirit lives on in today’s creator-owned boom. Because these books are not tied to shared universes, they are some of the easiest to start — pick one up and read a complete vision from beginning to end. Most are collected in affordable trades, and our reviews point you to the best starting volume for each series.
