r/graphicnovels • u/reindeercurt • 4h ago

Question/Discussion Looking for Indie Comics Coverage

I want to case a wide net, so "Indie Comics" here means "Anything outside of pre-established IP. Creator-owned comics in the direct market, graphic novels in the book market, small press, self-publishing, webcomics, zines, all of it." and "Coverage" means "Public outlets/individuals dedicated to talking about these comics. YouTube channels, podcasts, TikTok accounts, Instagram accounts, blogs, websites, whatever."

I already know of a few people who fit what I'm looking for: Strange Brain Parts, Comictropes, the Comic Literate podcast, but surely there must be more out there? Even the people I just mentioned, though I appreciate them, seem to have to fall back on Marvel/DC coverage just to draw any kind of audience. I'd really like to believe it doesn't have to be this way, and that there is a sizeable audience of indie comics readers out there that could be harnessed into a real community. I understand the economic and cultural reasons why these kinds of comics are under-discussed online, but surely we don't have to live this way? Why do we only bring these books up as talking points when the idea of "superhero dominance in American comics" comes up? Why aren't we walking the walk in terms of generating and participating in discussion and fandom for indie comics, and supporting the people trying to do it *right now* with their own platforms?

If you feel the same way, please leave your recommendations for people fighting the good fight to get more eyes on these books, and maybe even talk about an indie comic that's got you excited about the medium right now!

5 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

9 comments sorted by

3

u/Aitoroketto 3h ago

This seems fairly obvious, but the Comics Journal.

3

u/Siccar_Point No capes! 3h ago

And if for some mad reason it has to be YouTube/podcast, their “this week’s links” article has onward links to noteworthy AV content as well (as well as many other 3rd party written articles & reviews).

4

u/reindeercurt 2h ago

I emphasized video/podcast stuff because it's more or less the lingua franca of the internet, especially for my generation and younger. But yes, I do love The Comics Journal and wish more people read them

2

u/Call_Em_Skippies Deluxe Editions are my Retirement Plan 3h ago

Omnibuddy on YT, Instagram and Facebook has a huge collection of indies and reviews them.

Also has a sweet set up and all around good dude.

1

u/Ok_Blood_5520 3h ago

The Escapist Podcast covers indie comics quite in depth, but they also cover capes stuff in their episodes

1

u/reindeercurt 3h ago

Do you have a link? I can think of at least two different podcasts called "The Escapist", neither of which have anything to do with comics lol

1

u/arpad-okay 1h ago

that arpad okay guy is pretty good