Mainstream vs Indie Comics

People have asked me, ‘What’s the difference between Mainstream Comics and Independent Comics (Indies)?’ I would tell them that it depends on how much control you want over your comic book. In this entry, we are going to compare and discuss what both Mainstream and Indies are looking for. We will also cover want you need to send to both.

First things first; I’m not saying that on is better that another. I am an independent publisher, but that is my choice. I chose that route because I like the idea of creating the product first then selling it myself; product being the graphic novels or basic comic books. Now you’re thinking what is “Main Stream”? Well, let me break it down for you:

MAINSTREAM - A “Mainstream Comic” is a comic that’s put together by a large publishing house that finances and distributes the comic (Marvel and DC Comics). They will have a staff of publishers, artist, letterers and writers ready to make your next book; they will even select your distribution route. All you need is a script and a great pitch. But what if you want to choose the artist? Or you might have your own people you feel comfortable with?

A large publishing house has their own idea who should produce their comics. That’s right! I said “their comics” because if you go to “mainstream” with a script through a literary agent, the studio has a great amount of say so. Why? THEY’RE PAYING FOR THE RIGHTS!

INDIE - An Indie is an independent comic book that’s produced and published by a single publisher. They either produced, drawn and/or written the comic themselves. These indie comics get their money by other means meaning; other than a publishing house (capital investors, equity investors, private investors, crowd funding, and/or your grandmother’s penny purse). Whatever it takes to finance that comic, do it. To some, this is the harder road to travel.

If you’re the new publisher on the block, many people will be skeptical about giving you money. Why? THEY DON’T KNOW YOU! You must convince them that your book will produce net profits for investors.

All investors want to increase their dollar. And you as a publisher must convince them that your project is a sure win. Of course, that depends on the reader, but you don’t have to tell them that until later. Why do most publishers go this route? It’s because they have creative control of their comic and they call all the shots. If they want a well know artist or writer on their comic, they can put him/or her in if they have the money for them. When you get the money from whomever, you sell it to the distributor for the distribution rights. All you must do is find the distributor that’s looking for the comic book you just made. I’m not going to lie to you; you might be looking for a while. But when you find them, it would be a blessing. Or you can pound the pavement and get it into stores yourself.

If you’re a script writer, your approach to a publishing house and indie publisher are kind of different. A Mainstream wants the synopsis, script, your resume, and your agent’s cover letter. No artist’s name because they’re put who they want unless it’s an “A” list that has ties to the script.

An Indie publisher wants the synopsis and the script. They’ll figure out the budget, artist, letterer, and crew. Some would like for you to have a literary agent. Others like me would have you to sign a Release Form that legally covers you and them in case both parties have a similar idea.

So, the choice is yours. You can go studio and let them do all the work and let them pick who they want or keep the creative control and find that distributor that’s waiting on your film. Either way, you must pitch to them to get them to listen and convince them to give you a chance