Third Party Publishers

Get To Know Your

Comics Companies

In my research into the growing industry of  Creator Owned Works and Companies outside of the big two, I've learned more about these companies and decided to share. Enjoy my research. Depending on my further reading, I may publish a followup article including other companies. As of now, I've included the top non-Marvel, non-DC companies.

Aspen Comics
             Founded in 2003 by Michael Turner

Franchises of Interest

Fathom A story about a girl found on a cruise ship that was reported lost at sea, which turns up at a harbor, with all of the passengers amnesiacs. The young girl is adopted and raised by U.S. Navy Captain Matthews, to later find out that she is some form of aquatic species, with a range of water based abilities. The company Aspen takes its name from the lead character, Aspen Matthews. One of founder Michael Turner's intellectual properties.

Soulfire Set in a world where magic has disappeared, a boy named Malikai, along with his ragtag group of magical beings and cyborgs is attempting to restore magic to the world, and keep it out of the wrong hands. The story sounds very reminiscent of the Golden Sun duology on Gameboy Advance. This is another of founder Michael Turner's intellectual properties.
Iron Saint
Lady Mechanica Set in the 1800's, this story revolves around the title character, an amnesiac cyborg and detective who is trying to unravel the mystery of her past. This title leans heavily on the steampunk genre.

IDW Publishing

Founded in 1999 by entertainment executives and artists Ted Adams, Alex Garner, Kris Oprisko, and Robbie Robbins, to develop products related to video games, movies, TV, collectible card games, comic books and trading cards.

Franchises of Interest

Transformers Hasbro's classic shape-shifting robots from Cybertron

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Later adapted to an animated series and

G.I. Joe Another Hasbro franchise.

My Little Pony I only mention this because its one of their best selling titles.

Dark Horse

Founded in 1986 byMike Richardson in Milwaukie, Oregon, with the concept of establishing an ideal atmosphere for creative professionals.


Franchises of Interest

Star Wars: Legacy Taking place 145 years after Star Wars: A New Hope, this book picks up with the heir of Luke Skywalker, Cade.

Planet of the Apes Continuing the story from the original movies, and expanding on it.

The Mask Stanley Ipkiss buys a jade mask at an antique shop, and after putting it on gains near limitless power, and begins taking revenge on any who wronged him. He earns the name Big Head from the police.

Conan the Barbarian The Last Cimmerian has beeen battling evil since 1932.

Dark Horse Manga

Dark Horse publishes some Manga titles as well including Astro Boy, Fooly Cooly, and the space western Trigun.



Image Comics

Founded in 1992 by frustrated freelancers working for Marvel Comics who were interested in retaining the rights to their projects.


Franchises of Interest

Invincible Mark Grayson has to learn to cope with his developing superpowers after learning that he is the son of a peaceful Viltrumite explorer.

Masters of the Universe- As in He-Man and the-


Top Cow Comics
Founded in 1992 by Marc Silvestri

Franchises of Interest

Rising Stars- IP of J. Michael Straczynski. A meteor falls to earth giving several children superpowers.