Black Comics Publishers

In celebration of Black History Month (and for any time!) we are featuring a list of Black-owned comics publishing companies, including independent publishers.

And an update: We now have all comics publishers searchable in our online catalogue (there are over 200!). Scroll down the catalogue homepage to find the Publisher drop down menu!

For more Black comics resources, see our post over here: https://www.canadacomicsol.org/2020/06/03/black-comics-resources/

And please let us know if you have a suggestion for another publisher or resource to add to this post!

In the CCOL Catalogue

These comics cover a wide range— from Afrofuturism sci-fi to YA eco-fantasy love stories to friendship-driven ghost stories— and much more! To see a list of comics by black creators in the catalogue, check out the Bonus section at the end of this post! And visit our online catalogue; you can search for black creators using the keywords “BIPOC, Black” in the search bar.

NOTE: As an important and ongoing part of our mission to support visibility and inclusivity in comics, we are actively seeking to purchase comics from black comics publishers! We are creating a wish/purchase list of comics with this information in mind. If you would like to recommend publishers missing from this list, please contact us, and we will update the post accordingly.

Black Sun Comics Issue 3 The Longest Night (visions) by Kelvin Nyeusi Mawazo

Black Sun Comics Issue 3 The Longest Night (visions) by Kelvin Nyeusi Mawazo

Black Sun Comics

“African-centered science fiction and fantasy comics and graphic novels. Afrofuturism at its finest…Set in the fantasy realm of Alkebulan, Black Sun is a graphic novel series that retells the story of a group of unlikely heroes who must band together to reclaim their homeland from a mysterious, invading alien armada.” (publisher’s website)

Eru by Tobe Max Ezeogu and Ozo Ezeogu, published by Comic Republic

Eru by Tobe Max Ezeogu and Ozo Ezeogu, published by Comic Republic

Comic Republic

A Nigerian publishing company and online multimedia platform that creates and distributes African Superhero comics and other comics made by black creators.

CubHouse

CubHouse

CUBHOUSE, AN IMPRINT OF THE LION FORGE

CubHouse is Lion Forge Comics’ imprint for children 12 and under. Here younger readers’ choices rule! CubHouse publishes original graphic novels and picture books with beautiful and eerie art such as The Little Red Wolf , a fresh twist on Little Red Riding Hood, and humorous monthly series like Wrapped Up (debuting in October 2017). Within the CubHouse imprint, the critically-acclaimed and award-winning Magnetic Collection brings fun and education with the popular Little Tails series, featuring the precocious pals, Chipper & Squizzo.” (publisher’s website)

Lion Forge Comics

Lion Forge Comics

THE LION FORGE

“Lion Forge Comics’ main imprint for older readers. Under the Lion Forge imprint, readers find an array of titles from the wildly popular VOLTRON Legendary Defender to Andre the Giant: Closer to Heaven to Kobane Calling: Greetings From Northern Syria and the brand-new superhero universe of seven monthly titles entitled Catalyst Prime.Within the Lion Forge imprint, the critically-acclaimed and award-winning Magnetic Collection features an array of socially-relevant and thought-provoking titles such as The Sound of the World by Heart.” (publisher’s website) Founded in 2011 by David Steward II and Carl Reed.

Roar

Roar

ROAR, AN IMPRINT OF THE LION FORGE

“Roar is Lion Forge Comics’ imprint for Young Adults and Teens. Under the Roar imprint, readers find something for every taste, from the gut-wrenching memoir by Katie Green entitled Lighter Than My Shadow, to the haunting love story of Taproot, to the flagship Roar monthly title, The Castoffs, in which magic battles machines and heroines overcome differences to defeat evil. Within the Roar imprint, the critically-acclaimed and award-winning Magnetic Collection features an array of socially-relevant and thought-provoking titles such as the LOVE series, Rendezvous in Phoenix, and Light.” (publisher’s website).

Not Yet in Our Catalogue

Here are more black-owned publishing companies and black independent publishers!

Afford MediaAF.FORD BOOKS

Owned by Keela Buford, author of Pride, and Joy, a 1960s post-Stonewall riots romance/drama surrounding two African-American women in Richmond, VA.

Black Sands Entertainment

Black Sands Entertainment

Black Sands Entertainment

“Black Sands Entertainment was founded in 2016. At first, it was just a legal entity to launch Kids 2 Kings but with the independent success of their titles, Black Sands Entertainment is transitioning into a publishing company…Black Sands Entertainment currently holds: Kids 2 Kings – Comic Book series; anime adaptation Sons of Nibiru; Novella series Mori’s Family Adventures – Children’s Book Series” (publisher’s website)

Daddy Long Legs and The Inchworm by Bryce W Bullock

Daddy Long Legs and The Inchworm by Bryce W Bullock

Bryce W Bullock / Daddy Long Legs and The Inchworm

A family-created series, “The Pankake Image Universe is introduced through two unsuspecting heroes known as Daddy Long Legs and The Inchworm. This father and son team will have their first adventure going up against the same villain who accidentally gave them their powers. Join them in the first of many adventures in battle with the most uncommon foes found in all of comic history.” (Amazon)

Come Bien Books

Come Bien Books

Come Bien Books

Come Bien Books is a collaboration between illustrators and writers with a focus on people of color, founded by Robert Liu-Trujillo, visual artist, storyteller, and publisher. Projects of the publishing company include Furqan’s First Flat Top, and blog.

Tuskegee Heirs #1 Flames of Destiny by Greg Burnham and Marcus Williams

Tuskegee Heirs #1 Flames of Destiny by Greg Burnham and Marcus Williams

Greg Burnham

Co-creator and publisher, along with illustrator Marcus Williams, of Tuskegee Heirs, “a futuristic sci-fi adventure that follows a small squad of young gifted aviators who are forced to become earth’s last line of defense” (Kickstarter).

Harriet Tubman- Demon Slayer by David Crownson, illustrated by Courtland Ellis, N Steven Harris, and John Broglia

Harriet Tubman- Demon Slayer by David Crownson, illustrated by Courtland Ellis, N Steven Harris, and John Broglia

David Crownson / Harriet Tubman

“Harriet Tubman : Demon Slayer  is graphic novel based on the true life of the freedom fighter with genre liberties that mirror Abraham Lincoln : Vampire Hunter. Log Line : When slave owners can’t stop the formidable ninja warrior Harriet Tubman, they call on the help of Vampires, Werewolves, Witches, & Demons to stop her. Harriet Tubman must lead a family of slaves to freedom while battling an army of darkness” (Kickstarter)

Dieselfunk Studios

Dieselfunk Studios

Dieselfunk Studios

“Dieselfunk Studios is a multimedia company that specializes in narrative stories told in sequential, app, and virtual formats. We strive to move the form forward in traditional and emerging markets. Our first project is the comic series, Matty’s Rocket.  Matty’s Rocket is a galaxy spanning tale about the adventures of space pilot Matty Watty.  This comic series is based in an alternative past where the pulp stylings of Buck Rogers, Flash Gordon, and Fritz Lang’s Metropolis collide with the real world events of World War 2, FDR, Nazis, the Harlem Renaissance and the oppressive Jim Crow era, Watch as Matty navigates her vessel through a dangerous world filled with evil villains, heroic feats, alien oddities and down home adventure.” (publisher’s website)

Bingo Love created by Tee Franklin, Jenn St-Onge, Joy San, Cardinal Rae, Erica Schultz

Bingo Love created by Tee Franklin, Jenn St-Onge, Joy San, Cardinal Rae, Erica Schultz

TEE FRANKLIN / BINGO LOVE

“Tee Franklin is a Queer, disabled, Black woman who writes comics: The Outfit (Nailbiter #27), A Blazin’ (in the Ignatz award-winning Elements Anthology), Tears (in the Eisner-winning and New York Times Best Seller, Love is Love), and Inclusive Press/Image Comics Queer romance graphic novella, Bingo Love. Franklin won the 2017 Queer Press Grant for Bingo Love and raised almost $60k for this graphic novella via Kickstarter. Franklin created her own publishing company, Inclusive Press, in order to publish her own comics, as well as comics by other marginalized creators.” (publisher’s website)

“Bingo Love is an 80 page graphic novella that revolves around Hazel Johnson and Mari McCray, two thirteen year old Black girls who, in no time, become the best of friends. As their relationship grows, they discover their deep love for one another, but the timing couldn’t be worse. Two girls in love are bound to be star-crossed in 1963, and their families forbid them from seeing each other again. Not only do the young women have to endure the pain of separation, but they’re also both married off to men they don’t love. They seem destined to live apart, permanently cut off from one another, but fate — and bingo — have another plan for them. Nearly fifty years later, Hazel and Mari once again see each other across a bingo hall, and all their feelings come flooding back.” (Kickstarter) Bingo Love created by Tee Franklin, Jenn St-Onge, Joy San, Cardinal Rae, Erica Schultz

Ajala: A Series of Adventures by Robert Garrett

Ajala: A Series of Adventures by Robert Garrett

Robert Garrett/ Xmoor Studios

Writer and creator of Ajala: A Series of Adventures

“The series was Co-created and written by Robert Garrett, founder of XMOOR STUDIOS, with beautiful graphic support from Co-creator and illustrator N. Steven Harris. The sci-fi coming of age story revolves around 13-year-old AJALA STORM, a junior in high school who lives in a mythical neighborhood in Harlem, NY.  Focused upon the Storms and their heroic family history that goes back generations when their great Grandfather helped found a covert group known as the C.S.C. or Community Spirit Center. The C.S.C. were made up of businessmen, teachers, and community activists dedicated  to cleaning up the streets of Harlem in the 1920’s. AJALA: A SERIES OF ADVENTURES is a comedy/drama/action comic, similar to female version of James Bond who hasn’t quite grasped the role.” (Indiegogo)

Ghettostone Publications

Ghettostone Publications

Black owned comic book production company based in Kansas City, USA, owned by Michael R. Brown.

Princess Love Pon by Shauna J. Grant

Princess Love Pon by Shauna J. Grant

Shauna J. Grant

“Passionate about diversity in media, I love to create illustrations of girls of color and present them as adorable heroes of their own stories! I graduated with a BFA in Cartooning from the School of Visual Arts. I’m the creator of the webcomic Princess Love ♥ Pon, a bubbly magical girl series.” (publisher’s website)

Iron Circus Comics

Iron Circus Comics

Iron Circus

“Chicago’s largest comics publisher: Best-selling, award-winning, and critically-acclaimed books. Founded by @iron_spike, dedicated to the Strange And Amazing.” (publisher’s website)

I Am Alfonso Jones, by Tony Medina, illustrated by Stacey Robinson and John Jennings

I Am Alfonso Jones, by Tony Medina, illustrated by Stacey Robinson and John Jennings, published by Lee & Low Books

LEE & LOW BOOKS

A New York-based multicultural children’s book publisher, founded in 1991, with an aim to produce chapter books, early readers, and picture books representing young adults and children of color, enjoyable for all. A few comic titles include: Grand Theft Horse by G. Neri, illustrated by Corban Wilkin; I am Alfonso Jones by By Tony Medina, illustrated by Stacey Robinson, John Jennings; Yummy: The Last Days of a Southside Shorty, by G. Neri, Illustrated by Randy DuBurke.

Lawrence Lindell

Lawrence Lindell

Lawrence Lindell

Lawrence Lindell is an artist and musician from California. He is the creator of “From Black Boy With Love” and “From Black Boy With Love Part II”, “Hey. People of Color”, “Couldn’t Afford Therapy, So I Made This” and the web comic “The Section” . He makes comics and teaches comic book classes. He also started the BaY Area cartoonist collective called “The BAYlies.” (publisher’s website)

Promo image for Eating Vampires published by Lockett Down Publications

Promo image for Eating Vampires published by Lockett Down Publications

LOCKETT DOWN PUBLICATIONS

“Lockett Down Publications is a multi-media company specializing in Comic Books and promotional apparel. It was established in December 2007 by Owner and Founder Regine L. Sawyer, and was first publicly debuted at the New York Comic Con, April 2008. LDP pub has several properties in production: “The Rippers”, its signature series, “Ice Witch”, “Death Mask” and “Chimera”. Each series is interlocking, focusing on the mysterious reaches of outer space and the relationships of the characters that reside in it.” (publisher’s website)

Chapter 8 Excerpt from Agents of the Realm by Mildred Louis

Mildred Louis

“Agents of the Realm is a full-color adventure comic about college-aged Magical Girls that draws inspiration from a number of stories I loved growing up – including Sailor Moon and Magic Knight Rayearth – and I’m looking for your help to make it come to life.” (Kickstarter)

The Pack and Yohance by Paul Louise-Julie

The Pack and Yohance by Paul Louise-Julie

Paul Louise-Julie

Publisher and creator of African Fantasy Graphic Novel Series, “The Pack” and the African Space Opera, “Yohance”.

LunchTime ComiX

LunchTime Comix

“The story of a life, love, and humor of a racially ambiguous family. Published Wednesday around lunchtime-ish” (Twitter)

Icon- A Hero's Welcome published by Milestone Media

Milestone Comics

“Milestone Media was a company best known for creating Milestone Comics, which were published and distributed by DC Comics, and the Static Shock cartoon series. It was founded in 1993 by a coalition of African-American artists and writers, consisting of Dwayne McDuffie, Denys Cowan, Michael Davis, and Derek T. Dingle. The founders believed that minorities were severely underrepresented in American comics, and wished to address this.” (Wikipedia)

Muse Arts Press

Muse Arts Press

Muse Arts Press (M.A.P.) / TeMika Grooms

Created with “a mission to publish books that encourage a journey of self-discovery through creativity. We value positive, empowering images and stories that inspire children as the hero of their own stories.  We accomplish this goal by supporting diverse voices of emerging children’s book authors.” (publisher’s website)

Black by Kwanza Osajyefo

Black by Kwanza Osajyefo

Kwanza Osajyefo / Black

“In a world that already fears and hates them – what if only Black people had superpowers?…After miraculously surviving being gunned down by police, a young man learns that he is part of the biggest lie in history. Now he must decide whether it’s safer to keep it a secret or if the truth will set him free.” (Kickstarter)

Peep Game Comix

Peep Game Comix

Peep Game Comix

“An e-commerce website dedicated to Black-themed comic books. We showcase the work of African American creators (authors, artists, publishers) as well as international creators of the African Diaspora. Peep Game Comix was created by comic book enthusiast and graphic designer Imani Lateef in 2013. Imani created Peep Game Comix to meet the needs of Black comic book consumers, like himself, who eagerly want to support Black comic book creators and their creations 24/7, 365 days a year.” (publisher’s website)

Image from Trill League "The Switch Up" by Anthony Piper

Image from Trill League “The Switch Up” by Anthony Piper

Anthony Piper

Trill League: “Trill League is a hilarious parody combining the world of superheroes, anime and hip-hop… The 1st Volume of the Trill League graphic novel starts off with the Wondeisha/Swolemayne sextape being leaked publicly. As a result, this causes turmoil amongst the team, which allows another superhero team to take over…but Blackmayne is suspicious of who is really behind this mysterious new squadron of heroes.” (publisher’s website)

Cash and Carrie created by Shawn Pryor, Giulie Speziani, and Penny

Cash and Carrie created by Shawn Pryor, Giulie Speziani, and Penny

Shawn Pryor / Cash and Carrie

“Dallas Cash is an investigator and tenacious techie who believes in the supernatural, and Inez Carrie is an investigator as well as the captain of the wrestling team who bases her crime solving skills in realism. Together, they are best friends who attempt to solve mysteries for schools all around the world. Inspirations for this all-ages comic book include Disney’s animated series Fillmore, Scooby Doo, and the X-Files.” (Kickstarter) Created by Shawn Pryor, Giulie Speziani, and Penny

Rae Comics

Rae Comics

Rae Comics

“Here at RAE Comics we create ambitious and inventive tales that shine a light on diverse and underrepresented characters with unique perspectives on the world we live in. We strive to push the boundaries of traditional American comics and coalesce Eastern philosophies, evolving the medium into something fundamentally exceptional and dynamic. Overall at the core we love creating outside the box character-driven narratives that everyone can enjoy.” (publisher’s website)

Wash Day by Jamila Rowser

Wash Day by Jamila Rowser

Jamila Rowser / Wash Day

“Wash Day is a slice-of-life comic that pays tribute to the beauty and endurance of Black women and their hair.” (Kickstarter)

Sorghum and Spear; creators: Dedren Snead, Timothy Geathers, Welington Nommo, Nichelle Nichols, Rapsody, Neidra Bailey; contributing artists: Timothy Geathers, Welinthon Nommo, Cheunchin Bunnag, Bryan Syme, Kassandra Vasquez, Bicio Fuentes, Neidra Bailey, Everette Brown, William Dixon

Sorghum and Spear; creators: Dedren Snead, Timothy Geathers, Welington Nommo, Nichelle Nichols, Rapsody, Neidra Bailey; contributing artists: Timothy Geathers, Welinthon Nommo, Cheunchin Bunnag, Bryan Syme, Kassandra Vasquez, Bicio Fuentes, Neidra Bailey, Everette Brown, William Dixon

Sorghum and Spear

An African fantasy saga about young girls called to serve their people in a time of war during their ages of innocence. “An expansive saga that unfolds in the fantasy world of Tal’Jazar, also known as the Eternal Realm. The An’fre, those of the Golden Lineage, rule the largest kingdom of Watan. As the peacekeepers of the realm, the Bronze Army is beset by the malevolent Spora demons, led by the mysterious BRIGHT LADY. Far across the horizon, hidden atop the Forbidden Mountain of Mount Juleh, the girls from Maduni village awaken to a day that will forever change the world.” (publisher’s website)

Taneka Stott's Webcomic Deja Brew

Taneka Stott’s Webcomic Deja Brew

Taneka Stotts

“is a queer little tumbleweed that rolled back into the warm embrace of Los Angeles. After spending quite a few years as a spoken word artist, Taneka’s focus shifted to comics, a medium full of collaboration and imagination. Taneka writes and creates the webcomics “Full Circle,” “Love Circuits” as well as the Eisner-nominated webcomic, “Déjà Brew.

Taneka has edited a few award-winning comics anthologies including the 2015 Lambda Literary award-winning “Beyond: The Queer Sci-Fi & Fantasy Comic Anthology”. Along with the 2017 Ignatz winner for Outstanding Anthology, 2018 Silver Medalist at the Independent Publisher Book Awards and the 2018 Eisner winner for Best Anthology “ELEMENTS: Fire A Comic Anthology by Creators of Color”. Taneka is currently working on “KINGMAKER!” a visual novel and “Last Bell” & “Casual Hex” with Ria Martinez.” (publisher’s website)

Tephlon Funk!

Tephlon Funk!

Tephlon Funk/ Stephane Metayer

“A Bande Dessinée series created by Stephane Metayer about a teenaged girl from Queensbridge. Who’s entire life turns upside down, it’s heavily inspired by both hip hop & anime. The words Tephlon Funk! means to be strong and always stand out. We really wanted to create a dope, authentic and unique story about New York City set in the 90’s. A big love letter to all the 5 boroughs Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and of course Staten Island. This is more than just a series, it’s an international movement! Here at tephlonfunk.com you’ll find incredible artwork, comics, music and exclusive merchandise. We’d like to thank everyone for all the continued support and hope you guys enjoy it.” (publisher’s website)

Urban Style Comics

“Urban Style Comics was created by Andre Batts and Kevin Hallman with a purpose of putting out Comic Books and Graphic Novels of characters that are reflective of their community as well as other minorities that lacked representation in Comic Books.” (publisher’s website)

J by L Jamal Walton

J by L Jamal Walton

L Jamal Walton

“Over the last few years, I have experimented with doing more work within the realm of commercial narrative of comics. I try to examine every facet within the structure – from the energy designs of Kirby Krackle to the flow of pages, panels, colors, words, grawlix, lettering and lines. My interest is in how these elements function individually while creating unity from their separate parts. My desire is to always let the art speak for itself and let my audience create their own interpretations of  my art and the story that it has to tell.” (publisher’s website)

Webway Comics

Webway Comics

Webway Comics

Creators of Is’nana the Were-Spider, Vol. 1: Forgotten Stories; Greg Anderson Elysée, Walter Ostlie (Author) (Illustrator); Lee Milewski (Illustrator); Joshua Cozine (Illustrator)

“Accidentally breaking a barrier between our world and theirs (called THE MOTHER KINGDOM), Is’nana, the son of Anansi, accepts the responsibility for releasing creatures of horror into our world, villains who want nothing more but to cause chaos and mayhem to achieve their own diabolical or selfish goals. With guidance from his father, Is’nana not only strives to live up to his father’s name but to also reach his own potential while he seeks to discover his individuality and place in the world.” (publisher’s website)

Primal Paper Comics

Primal Paper Comics

Vince White

“Vince White is an American Comic Book Artist, Writer, Creator and Independent Publisher. He is best known for his creator-owned work The Legend Of WILL POWER™ comic book and as one of the founders of Primal Paper Comics -A Virginia Based Comic Book Coalition of Independent Comic Book Publishers and Creators. Vince’s technical training and background is in Computer Aided Graphic Design but he made the move to full-time comic book creator with his first independent publishing of The Legend OF WILL POWER™ in March of 2011.” (Kickstarter) Also creater of the Black Comix Guide.

Riley S. Wilson / Little Apple

A live-action sci-fi drama and comic following a 9-year-old claircognizant (all-knowing) little Black girl growing up in a new Harlem, N.Y. (Kickstarter)

A Reason to Smile: Making Friends created by Javier Cruz Winnik

A Reason to Smile: Making Friends created by Javier Cruz Winnik

Javier Cruz Winnik/ A Reason to Smile

“How often do you meet a 10 yr old who is a walking silver lining? In a city like The Big Apple, you never know what you will find.” (Kickstarter)

The Super Natural Woman Image by Marcus Williams

The Super Natural Woman Image by Marcus Williams

Marcus Williams

Illustrator and co-creator, along with writer Greg Burnham, of Tuskegee Heirs, “a futuristic sci-fi adventure that follows a small squad of young gifted aviators who are forced to become earth’s last line of defense” (Kickstarter).

YouNeek One Shots by YouNeek Studios

YouNeek One Shots by YouNeek Studios

YouNeek Studios/ YouNeek YouNiverse

“The YouNeek YouNiverse was created by Roye Okupe to house a diverse list of awesome heroes, villains and locations with endless crossover possibilities! ….A “Youniverse” of superhero books with sub-genres ranging from Sci-Fi and Historical Fantasy to Cyberpunk and Science Fantasy.” (publisher’s website)

ZOOLOOK

ZOOLOOK

“Dread & Alive is a supernatural horror series spanning comic books, novels, and reggae music. Released on February 6, 2010, Dread & Alive features the first Jamaican protagonist in comic books, Drew McIntosh while featuring a black comic book series rooted in Afro-Jamaican and West African spirituality, religion, folklore, and mythology. The mixed-media series is created and written by Nicholas Da Silva, aka ZOOLOOK.”

Dread & Alive meshes cultural fact with fiction while introducing the legacy of the Maroons of Jamaica, who resisted enslavement by the colonial British, and their ancestors, the Akan and Ashanti (Asante) People of present-day Ghana.

In Dread & Alive, the protagonist and Soul Rebel, Drew McIntosh, is the embodiment of fighting for equal rights and justice.”

Bonus

A selection of great comics by black creators, all can be found in the CCOL catalogue ?

Click on images for descriptions!

CCOL catalogue links

Ireti: Bidemi

Kindred: A Graphic Novel Adaptation

Strange Fruit Volume 1: Uncelebrated Narratives from Black History

An Eternity in Tangiers

Yellow Negroes and Other Imaginary Creatures

Your Black Friend and Other Strangers

Nat Turner

Black Sun Issue 1: The Longest Night (Invasion)

Amadioha

The Blacker the Ink: Constructions of Black Identity in Comics and Sequential Art

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