Image

Overview

Image Comics is a major American comic book publisher known for its commitment to creator-owned content. It was founded in 1992 by a group of top Marvel artists, including Todd McFarlane, Jim Lee, Rob Liefeld, Marc Silvestri, Erik Larsen, Whilce Portacio, and Jim Valentino.

The idea was revolutionary at the time: allow creators to retain full ownership and control over their characters and stories. That philosophy remains at the heart of Image Comics today.

What They Do

Image publishes a wide range of titles, including superhero, science fiction, fantasy, horror, crime, and slice-of-life stories. Unlike traditional publishers, Image does not own the rights to most of its characters — creators do.

Each series is controlled by its creators, while Image provides editorial, marketing, and distribution support through Image Central, its core publishing division.

Notable Titles and Franchises

Over the years, Image has released some of the most acclaimed and best-selling creator-owned comics in the industry, including:

• Spawn by Todd McFarlane
• The Walking Dead by Robert Kirkman
• Saga by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples
• Invincible by Robert Kirkman and Cory Walker
• Monstress by Marjorie Liu and Sana Takeda
• Witchblade, The Darkness, and Cyberforce
• Sex Criminals, Paper Girls, and Chew

Image has also become a launchpad for fresh voices in comics, offering freedom to creators from all backgrounds and styles.

Creator-Friendly Approach

Image Comics was built on the belief that creators should own their work. That model continues today, with Image offering one of the most generous and hands-off publishing structures in the industry.

Writers and artists keep the rights to their characters, stories, and profits. Image does not take a cut of intellectual property, which has attracted high-profile and indie creators alike.

Awards and Recognition

Image Comics and its titles have won many awards, including:

• Eisner Awards for Saga, Monstress, The Walking Dead, and Sex Criminals
• Harvey Awards and Hugo Awards for excellence in writing and art
• Industry recognition for championing independent and creator-owned comics

Cultural Impact

Image helped change the landscape of the comic book industry. It showed that creators didn’t have to rely on Marvel or DC to succeed and could tell bold, original stories on their own terms.

By promoting creator rights and publishing a wide range of unique voices, Image continues to be a driving force in comics today — influencing both mainstream and indie publishing across the world.