Why Indie Comics Have this Incredible Fan Following
Have you been always a fan of illustrated novels that appeal to the adult audience? Do you enjoy the striking depictions of blood, gore, sex, and heroes with shades of grey? If you’ve loved movies like “V for Vendetta” and “Scott Pilgrim” know that these movies are actually adaptations of the indie comics genre. You’re likely familiar with the icon of the comics industry, DC Comics which is known for its superhero line for young readers. It may interest you to know that the company also owns Vertigo, an independent comics range that is specifically designed for mature readers.
Indie Comics are Now Popularized by their TV and Movie Adaptations
In a world where most indie companies go out of business after just 8 releases on an average, certain companies have managed to hold their own by giving out licenses for converting some of their popular books into TV serials. Accordingly, in the last 10 years or so, publishing houses like BOOM! Studios, IDW Publishing, Dynamite Entertainment, and Mad Cave Studios have managed to remain in business for an extended time. Some of their hits include Tales from the Crypt, Game of Thrones, Sons of Anarchy, and Transformers. Not only are indie comics here to stay, but their success has proved that the independent comic book publisher has an ardent fan following. And, Indie comics are now a popular section of the comic book industry that is currently valued at an astonishing $800 million as reported by CNBC.
Interestingly, TV series and movies created on the basis of alternative comics may have watered down versions of the originals. That’s because when the scenes and screenplay of the stories are converted into real-life portrayals, they are often too graphic and unsettling to be shown on TV much like the serial, The Walking Dead.
Indie Comics are Available in Various Niches
Independent comics have stories in a wide range of niches. Depending on your particular interests, you can try books in themes like horror, fantasy and the magical world of fairies, elves, and gnomes, romance, and science fiction. You’ll also find humor, manga, or specifically adult. Of course, certain publishers develop titles that kids can read and have their own superheroes that are entirely distinct from the characters from DC Comics and Marvel novels. When you set out to buy indie comics, you may not find them at the typical bookstores. Publishers prefer to stock them at book fairs, stores selling digital goods, and other retailers that have a dedicated clientele demanding alternative comics.
Indie Comics Don’t Necessarily Portray Heroes with Good Values and Principles
Whereas mainstream comic books revolve around larger-than-life characters that play strictly by the rules, alternative comics are more about leading protagonists who may be less than perfect. You’ll come across characters who are not always out to save the world from the bad guys, but might just walk on the dark side also. Some good examples are Ear Tubb from “Southern Bastards,” or Marcus Lopez from “Deadly Class” which is a story about a mutant who is training at an academy to be a hired assassin. Now that’s a stark contrast to the X-Men series where the mutants used their powers only to do good and are often persecuted for being different. And, then, like this article on The Wrap explains, there is the ultimate bad guy, “Lucifer” or the Lord of Hell who gives up his throne to live in Los Angeles.
Indie Comics are Suitable for an Immersive Experience
If you’ve always been reading novels with thick volumes relating long-form stories, independent comics give you a more immersive experience. You won’t have to rely on your imagination connected with the skillful wordplay of the author to understand the scenarios where the action is played out. Instead the graphic artist builds that stage for you. In addition to enjoying the dialog, you’ll have a striking view of the players and their personalities depicted by their clothing, expressions, and the accessories they are shown wearing. Relate better with each character who’ll also carry weapons and show distinctive mannerisms. As each frame flows into the next, you’ll follow the story along.
Each Indie Comics May be a Comprehensive Tale, But Part of a Series
Most alternative comic series involve a central character or group in a given setting with each novel relating a specific story. While every book in the series is complete by itself, it carries the tale forward until the last novel. Many indie comics are based on familiar characters that readers know from their childhoods. But, to suit the adult palate, the books develop on the familiar themes by adding new twists to otherwise idealistic tales meant only for kids. One such 150-part series is Fables written by Bill Willingham. The nostalgic world of fairy tales became so famous that they inspired spin-offs with the last part concluding in the year 2015 as described by Ranker.
Many Indie Comics are Self-Published
While the titans of the world of comics like DC and Marvel own characters and themes and commission artists and writers to create new tales, many independent comics are printed and released by the authors themselves. Should you check out this article on the Paste magazine, you’ll learn about an exciting collection of novels that are surprisingly little-known. Books like Laid Waste, Island, On a Sunbeam, and Sex Fantasy 8 have expertly drawn illustrations that are a delight to view. You also get to appreciate the fine coordination between the author and artist that get together to release a work of art.
If you haven’t as yet dabbled in alternative comics, you must try them if only for a palate cleanser. You’ll enjoy their hard-hitting stories that are not necessarily about righting the wrongs in the universe but more about what the real world is all about. Sure, you could wait for the TV series or movies to come out, but do check out the original novels to truly appreciate their graphics and slick screenplay. You may never go back to conventional comics again!
