- 2025 Jul 15
Random House Teams with Webtoon
The Random House comics imprints Inklore and Ink Pop will partner with Webtoon to bring 14 of its most popular webcomics into print over the next five years.
Chris Ware Puts His Stamp on Stamps
In celebration of the United States Postal Service’s 250th anniversary, the cartoonist and graphic novelist has designed a special pane of 20 commemorative stamps.
Massive Invests in New Series
Massive Publishing has launched the Massive Pilot program, a creator-first platform designed to help comic book creators launch new series through crowdfunding.
Wattpad Webtoon Studios Rebrands
Wattpad Webtoon Studios will rebrand as Webtoon Productions, with David Madden helming the studio as president.
Radish Fiction to Shutter
Just four years after Kakao Entertainment acquired the mobile-first serialized fiction platform, the company announced it will close down Radish Fiction the end of the year.
Comics, Graphic Novel Sales Up Last Year
Sales of comics and graphic novels were up in 2024 thanks to sales growth in comic stores, according to a new estimate by ICv2.
Silver Sprocket’s Neverending Debt
The Comics Journal takes an in-depth look at the precarious financial situation of the San Francisco-based comics publisher.
Remembering Jim Shooter
The comic book editor, who took the helm at Marvel at 27 and revolutionized how superhero stories were written, died on June 30 at 73.
Universal CEO Speaks
The Beat recaps ICv2’s conversation with Universal Distribution CEO Angelo Exarhakos, who discussed the company’s aim “to bring in new readers to the comic book marketplace.”
Nebraska Gets Its Own Comic Con
Omaha will host its first-ever Comic Con from August 2–3 at the city’s convention center, reports the Omaha World-Herald.
Why ALA Is Comics’ Most Important Show
Many industry figures say the American Library Association Annual Conference has surpassed even the biggest comics events as the best place to reach new readers, per the Beat.
Dynamite Teams with S&S on Distro
Dynamite Entertainment has inked a deal with Simon & Schuster for worldwide distribution to bookstores, libraries, and Amazon, reports Bleeding Cool.
A Feminist History of Comics
The Comics Journal unravels the complicated feminist legacy of the Underground Comix movement.
‘Superman’ Helps Save Warner Bros.
Thanks to its $217 million box office opening, the new Superman film is the latest part of a major turnaround for the once beleaguered film studio, says the New York Times.
Is Superman “Woke”?
The Guardian responds to former Superman Dean Cain’s claim that the superhero’s new film is too “woke.”
‘Cartoon Brew’ Gets a New Owner
Veteran editor and journalist Jamie Lang has taken over the animation site from cofounder Amid Amidi, reports Animation magazine.
What Killed ‘Elio’?
CBC investigates claims that the Pixar film’s “bean mouth” animation style is responsible for its disappointing results at the box office.
Anime and Chill
Netflix says its anime viewership has tripled over the last five years, with half of all global users now watching anime, per the Hollywood Reporter.
- 2025 Jun 24
Amazon Gets a New Comics Competitor
Neon Ichiban, the new digital comics store from two Comixology veterans, is looking to compete with Amazon, reports the New York Times.
A Trail of Drama at Diamond
The bankrupt Diamond Comic Distributors’ acquisition has been anything but smooth, and Comics Journal offers an in-depth report on all the drama to befall the company over the last few months.
Plus, Fresh Intel on the Diamond Mess
The Beat has yet another update on the latest legal wrangling and complaints at the comic distributor.
Adrian Tomine Talks Shop
The cartoonist and graphic novelist reflects on his life in comics for Alta.
Mister Miracle Comes for TV
An animated series focused on Mister Miracle is currently in development at DC Studios, reports the Verge.
‘Steven Universe’ Returns
Cartoon Network is expanding the beloved franchise with a new series, Lars of the Stars, on Prime Video, according to Variety.
Tartakovsky Sets Next Project
Animator Genndy Tartakovsky is developing a new action-comedy series, Heist Safari, at Adult Swim, per Animation.
Studio Ghibli’s Enduring Appeal
The New York Times catalogs the many recent video games inspired by the animation studio’s iconic style.
Rediscovering Long-Lost French Sci-Fi
Aeon explores the “merveilleux-scientifique” genre that gripped 20th-century France with its stories of mad scientists.
IRL Anime Pilgrimages
Growing numbers of fans are visiting real locations featured in popular anime series, per Anime News Network.
- 2025 Jun 10
RIP Richard Appignanesi
The graphic novelist, whose pioneering educational books took on subjects such as Shakespeare, Freud, and Marx, has died at 84, per the Guardian.
The Far Right and Publishing
The Guardian surveys the far right’s latest publishing endeavors—and the authors that are pushing against them.
Alliance Hires Former Diamond Staff
Despite suing the bankrupt comics distributor twice, Alliance Entertainment has hired several former Diamond employees, according to the Beat.
Meanwhile, Udon Cuts Off Diamond
Udon Entertainment and its sister company Manga Classics have severed their ties with Diamond, reports ICv2.
Marvel Masterworks Hits Pause
David Gabriel, SVP of print sales and marketing at Marvel, has announced that the Marvel Masterworks line is going on an “indefinite hiatus,” per Bleeding Cool.
Uncivilized Teams with Living the Line
Uncivilized Books will offer select titles from Living the Line Books through their website in the wake of Diamond’s bankruptcy, reports Bleeding Cool, after some confusion over the situation.
Webtoon Scraps Daily Pass
The Webtoon app no longer features its Daily Pass option, per the Beat, which allowed users to unlock one episode per day from eligible series.
What to Read for Pride
The New York Times rounds up eight comic books and graphic novels with LGBTQ+ characters, themes, and more, in celebration of Pride Month.
Paul Pope Gets His Due
Philippe Labaune Gallery in New York City is hosting a career-spanning exhibit focused on the comic artist, according to Boing Boing.
Animation Festival Lands in France
The Hollywood Reporter spotlights the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, where attendees will get a first look at this year’s biggest upcoming animated features and series.
‘Eyes of Wakanda’ Premieres
The first episode of the animated spin-off from the Black Panther franchise premiered on Monday at the aforementioned Annecy Animation Festival, reports Variety.
- 2025 May 27
RIP Peter David
The Eisner Award–winning Incredible Hulk author, who also worked on Aquaman, Supergirl, and other series, has died at 68, reports Vulture.
More Headaches for Diamond
Dynamite Entertainment, the last remaining publisher “exclusive” to Diamond, has filed a motion asking that they be paid for $509,114.21 worth of products shipped between April and May, reports Comics Beat.
London Comic Con’s Retailer Bust
Bleeding Cool considers why London Comic Con’s ComicsPRO U.K. retailer event saw very low attendance despite free invites.
Kickstarter for New Denis Kitchen Film
The fundraising campaign hopes to raise enough money to finish editing and producing Oddly Compelling, a documentary featuring in-depth interviews with Kitchen and other comics luminaries.
How Junji Ito Became a Master of Horror
The New York Times offers an in-depth glimpse into the horror cartoonist’s work through his manga panels.
Amazon Axes ‘The Wheel of Time’
Prime Video will not be renewing The Wheel of Time for a fourth season, citing financial rather than creative reasons, according to Deadline.
Where to Start with Terry Pratchett
The New York Times outlines essential titles by the prolific fantasy author, who spent more than three decades writing the Discworld series.
- 2025 May 13
RIP Jackson ‘Butch’ Guice
The acclaimed artist for Marvel and DC since the early 1980s has died at 63, reports Comic Book Resources.
Former IDW Exec Sentenced to Prison
David Ozer, the producer and former president of IDW Entertainment, has been sentenced to 18 month in prison after being convicted of fraud and embezzlement, reports the Beat.
Tessa Hulls Won’t Write Another Book
In an interview with the Seattle Times, the artist and writer said that her Pulitzer Prize–winning debut graphic memoir Feeding Ghosts will be her only book.
Winners of the Glyph Comics Awards
Shook!: A Black Horror Anthology and Akogun: Brutalizer of Gods were among the winners of this year’s Glyph Comics Awards, presented at the East Coast Black Age of Comics Convention, per Bleeding Cool.
Trump’s Tariffs and the Comics Industry
The Comics Journal spoke with publishers about President Trump’s tariffs, who believe that they can’t take a sigh of relief just yet, even though books are exempt from these policies—for now.
PRH and DC Link for Superman Audiobook
Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely’s All-Star Superman will be adapted as an audiobook this summer, featuring cover art by Quitely, a full cast of 25 voices, an original music score, and sound effects.
Vox Media Pawns Off Polygon to Valnet
Gaming journalism website Polygon has been sold by Vox Media to Valnet—the owner of such digital media brands as ScreenRant, GameRant, and Android Police—and a number of longtime staffers have been laid off amid the shuffle, reports the Verge.
NZ Airport Axes Hobbit-Themed Sculptures
After more than a decade, New Zealand’s Wellington Airport will remove its Hobbit-themed eagle sculptures to make way for a new mystery exhibit, according to the BBC.
- 2025 Apr 29
RIP Jack Katz
The Comics Journal explores the life and legacy of comics artist and writer Jack Katz, who died on April 24 at 97.
Rebecca Burke’s Tell-All
The U.K. cartoonist, who was detained by U.S. ICE agents for nearly a month while backpacking across North America, talks about the experience with the Comics Journal.
The State of Manga Bans
Anime News Network maps out the manga titles that have been banned or challenged during the Trump administration—so far.
Comics and DEI Under Trump
For the Beat, E.B. Hutchins considers the ramifications of the Trump administration’s “war on DEI” upon the comics industry—and offers a case for resistance.
Superman Controversy
Frank Quitely’s original pencil art for the cover to the All-Star Superman collected edition was sold for $50,000, a price too steep for some critics, reports the Beat.
Shop Talk In the Comics World
ICv2 rounds up the latest updates on comics shops and retailers, including the closure of Purple Earth Comics in West Virginia, the opening of Common Ground Games in Dallas, and how tariffs are affecting businesses.
‘Banned Book Club’ Team Axes U.S. Tour
Ryan Estrada and Kim Hyun Sook, whose Banned Book Club was nominated for a 2021 Eisner Award, have canceled a planned four-month trip to the U.S. because of concerns about Kim’s safety, per ICv2.
TCAF Seeks Support Amid Financial Stress
Amid rising costs and new expenses, the Toronto Comics Arts Festival is seeking donations to maintain its free table policy for artists from historically disadvantaged and marginalized groups.
Kickstarting the Comics Courier
The Comics Courier, a newspaper-format journal dedicated to in-depth comics criticism, is currently raising funds for its second issue.
Eric Drooker Brings ‘Naked City’ to NYC
The comics artist will read from his latest book, Naked City: A Graphic Novel, and give a slide lecture about New York City’s changing landscape on May 1 in the East Village, per EV Grieve.
Tintin’s Timeless Allure
The College Towns Substack considers the enduring appeal of The Adventures of Tintin, which officially entered the public domain this year.
Studio Ghibli vs. ChatGPT
Japanese lawmakers are looking to take legal action against AI recreations of Studio Ghibli’s animation style, reports ScreenRant.
How ‘Asterix & Obelix’ Came to TV
Directors Alain Chabat and Fabrice Joubert discussed Asterix & Obelix: The Big Fight, the latest TV adaptation of the comics franchise, with Animation Magazine.
Will Sci-Fi Destroy the World?
Skewed interpretations of classic works are feeding the dark visions of tech moguls including Elon Musk and Peter Thiel, argues the Guardian.
The ‘Curse’ of Being George R.R. Martin
Another year, another lament over lateness: the author of the Song of Ice and Fire series, whose penultimate novel has now been in the works for nearly 15 years, is tired of fans questioning how he spends his time, per Entertainment Weekly.
‘The Martian Chronicles’ at 75
Literary Hub explains how Ray Bradbury’s 1950 classic legitimized, and revolutionized, science fiction.
- 2025 Apr 08
Taking the Temperature on Tariffs
Despite the cascade of tariffs imposed on many of America's largest trading partners, books and comics appear to have fared well—at least for now.
Happy Anniversary, Charlie Brown!
Abrams ComicArts will publish The Essential Peanuts, a deluxe 75th anniversary coffee table book celebrating the legacy of comic artist Charles M. Schulz, this October.
TFAW.com to Shutter
TFAW.com, the e-commerce portal for comic book chain Things from Another World, will shut down on April 30, ending its online service after 25 years.
Comics Publishing in the Age of Tariffs
The Beat takes a deep dive into what is and isn’t exempt from Trump administration tariffs, and what that means for the biz.
Changes to ‘Good Omens’ Graphic Novel
Following numerous sexual assault allegations against Neil Gaiman, David Tennant and Michael Sheen have pulled their forewords for a graphic novel adaptation of Good Omens, per File 770.
British Comics Pubs Launch New Trade Org
Comic Book UK seeks to “make the U.K. the best place in the world to create, publish, and sell comics and graphic novels,” according to the Beat.
The Wonder Woman of DC Comics
The BBC profiles Jenette Kahn, who, in 1976 at the age of 28, became the first female boss and publisher of DC Comics.
Chris Ware Talks Shop
The graphic novelist spoke with the Financial Times about his new solo exhibition at the Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona.
Paul Pope Finds Hope in Pulp, Again
The cartoonist discussed his newest art book Pulphope2, a reissue of the long out of print Pulphope: The Art of Paul Pope, with the Comics Journal.
OpenAI vs. Studio Ghibli
ChatGPT’s “Ghiblification” craze is probably infuriating anime legend Hayao Miyazaki, let alone furrowing the brows of copyright lawyers. The Observer looks into the trend.
Stan Lee Film Kickstarter Closes
The $300,000 campaign for Stan Lee: The Final Chapter has been canceled after securing independent financing, reports Comics Beat.
Actor Val Kilmer Dies at 65
The film star, best known for his roles as Batman and Jim Morrison, died on April 1 in Los Angeles, per the New York Times.
The Summer of ‘Superman’
Director and writer James Gunn believes the last son of Krypton can save box office deficits this summer, per AP, as Warner Bros. prepares to to roll out a new film starring the Man of Steel.
- 2025 Mar 25
Detained Comics Artist Returns Home
Welsh comics artist R.E. Burke returned home to the U.K. on March 17 after being detained last month by ICE agents during her backpacking trip across North America.
Square Enix Teams with PRH
Square Enix Manga & Books has partnered with Penguin Random House on the newly launched Comic Partner initiative, a new retailer support program to “promote adoption of more manga in comic bookstores nationwide.”
IDW and Alien Ink a Distro Deal
IDW Publishing will handle sales, marketing, and distribution for Alien Books, including to the direct market and bookstores.
Oni and Magnetic Partner on Distro
Oni Press will oversee distribution of Magnetic Press via its distribution partners to the direct market, Diamond and Lunar, and the book channel, Simon & Schuster.
Texas Bill Could Ban Anime and Manga
Senate Bill 20 could potentially make it a felony to possess anime and manga that appear to depict minors in an “obscene” manner, reports Comic Book.
NASA Deletes Women Astronauts Comics
NASA has deleted two comic books about women astronauts from its websites in an apparent response to the Trump administration’s purge of “DEI” content from federal agencies, according to Futurism.
Graphic Novels Cut from Pa. High School
Alison Bechdel’s Fun Home, Maia Kobabe’s Gender Queer, and Craig Thompson’s Blankets were all removed from the Radnor High School library, per the National Coalition Against Censorship.
Nnedi Okorafor’s Journey to Comics
The BBC profiles the award-winning Nigerian American comics author, who has written characters including Spiderman, the X-Men, and the Avengers.
When the Left Came After Comics
The Comics Journal explores the anti-comics movement of the 1950s.
- 2025 Mar 11
More Trouble for Comics Publishers
Ablaze Publishing and Alien Books have laid off staff following Diamond Comic Distributors’ bankruptcy, reports CBR.
Comic-Con Comes to Spain
San Diego Comic-Con will launch a Spanish spinoff in Málaga this September, per Bleeding Cool.
The Boom in Children’s Comics
Sales for manga and superhero comics are exploding among children in the U.K., reports the Guardian.
British Comics Artist Detained by ICE
Rebecca Burke has been detained for more than a week due to a visa issue during her backpacking trip around North America, according to the Guardian.
A Marvel Contract Tirade
Eisner Award–winning comics artist Dustin Nguyen slammed Marvel for what he described as poor contract rates and poor treatment of its creators, per CBR.
Diamond Comic’s Bankruptcy Auction
Bleeding Cool ponders how the Diamond Comic Distributors auction will affect collectors.
Talking Manga Sales
ICv2 spoke with Viz Media director of publishing sales Sarah Anderson about the company's 2024 numbers and the boom in box sets.
Massive Publishing President Departs
Kevin Roditeli is stepping back from his role as cofounder and president of the comics publisher Massive to focus on creating comics of his own.