5 Trends in Comic Publishing in 2025
Graphic novels and comics have been growing in popularity in recent years, particularly for young readers. It was not many years ago when going to a mainstream bookstore meant it would be impossible to find comics. I still remember the first time I saw an Image Comics trade paperback on a Big Box Store shelf (it was Saga, of course). But now, with an increasingly visual culture and more ease of access for comics, it’s wonderful to see the industry I love growing.
Despite some setbacks in the industry (like generative AI or the bankruptcy of Diamond Distributors), the comic publishing industry in 2025 is experiencing several notable trends that reflect evolving reader preferences and technological advancements. Here are five trends we’re seeing in 2025:
1. Resurgence of Children's Comics
Children's comics and graphic novels have seen a significant sales boom and take up an increasing amount of square footage on bookstore shelves. This surge is partly driven by popular superhero and manga titles linked to screen adaptations, suggesting that visual stories could be a gateway to regular reading among young audiences. I’ve written before about how Raina Telgemeieir and her publications with Scholastic Graphix paved the way for the burgeoning market. Many publishers now have middle-grade graphic novel imprints, like Random House Graphic and Harper Alley.
2. Innovative Publishing Formats
DC Comics has introduced "DC Compact Comics," a line of full-color paperbacks smaller than traditional trade paperbacks. Launched in June 2024, these editions are designed to attract readers of prose and manga by offering self-contained, new-reader-friendly storylines. The initial titles, such as Batman: The Court of Owls and Watchmen, have performed exceptionally well, with four ranking in the top ten bestselling graphic novels of 2024.
3. Revival of Creator-Owned Imprints
DC Comics has revived its acclaimed Vertigo imprint to provide a platform for creator-owned projects. This move aims to attract top talent and offer a space for ambitious, original storytelling, reflecting a broader industry trend towards empowering creators. The original Vertigo (which closed in 2018) published such classics at Fable by Bill Willingham, Preacher by Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon, and reprints of V for Vendetta by Alan Moore and David Lloyd (originally serialized in a British anthology).
4. Growth of Indie Publications
Indie publications won big at the Eisner Awards for 2024 with Silver Sprocket’s PeePee PooPoo, by Caroline Cash, winning Best Limited Series. This represents a huge win for the awards dominated by gigantic publishers (like Marvel and DC) and imprints of the massive book publishers (Penguin Random House, for example). It will be interesting to see who receives nominations (and, eventually, wins) in the 2025 Eisner’s but I’m betting we’re going to see more indie darlings dance across the big stage.
5. Digital Adaptations and Vertical Scrolling
Webtoons are taking over the world. These vertical-scrolling, smartphone-ready comics can be taken anywhere and often have free-to-read (or free-to-start) series that hook readers with regular updates. To cater to mobile-first audiences, even DC Entertainment has embraced vertical scrolling formats. In partnership with GlobalComix, DC is distributing 400 titles optimized for smartphone reading, reflecting a shift towards making content more accessible on digital platforms.
