Image Comics Celebrates 35 Years In 2027

Hmmm, 35 years? Not sure that’s ever been a big anniversary, but Image Comics certainly believes it is. So they’re ready to hang out the bunting, buy in some cake and mark this occasion with a number of special initiatives.

“First established in February 1992, Image was brought to life by a collective of the industry’s top artists — Erik Larsen, Rob Liefeld, Jim Lee, Todd McFarlane, Whilce Portacio, Marc Silvestri, and Jim Valentino — in an effort that proved creators could succeed in publishing while still retaining ownership and control of their own work. The company has since gone on to become the third largest comics and graphic novel publisher in America, rivaling DC and Marvel, yet remaining true to its creator-owned mission and independent roots.”

As well as a new spin on the iconic Image Comics logo, as originally designed by Liefeld, the publisher will also support comic shop retailers with special, anniversary-branded promotional swag, including a wall calendar to hang up all-year-long. However, what that “swag” will actually be like is kinda sketchy at the moment. I’m sure we’ll hear more across the year. It seems this announcement is more of a primer to get people pumped.

What is more concrete is the plan to include Team-Up variant covers in a year-long publishing push, beginning in February with a line-wide takeover of D’orc team-up covers celebrating the first anniversary of Brett Bean’s breakout hit character.

Also in February is the launch of Ghost Machine’s first crossover after five years — Radioactive Revolution — which we brought you news on earlier today.

Eric Stephenson, Chief Creative Officer and Publisher at Image Comics, rightfully states:

“When Image launched in 1992, there was no shortage of detractors and the general consensus was that it wouldn’t last. Three and a half decades later, Image is bigger and better than ever, and it’s all thanks to the company’s ongoing commitment to publishing work owned and controlled by comics’ best talent. We look forward to celebrating that talent — past, present and future — over the course of the next year.”

Kat Salazar, VP of PR & Marketing at Image, added:

“As Image heads into this momentous year we’ll be celebrating all the long running, beloved series that first put the company on the map alongside championing the new school of Image talent joining their ranks. We also have an array of new initiative announcements to spring on everyone — a few of which have even been years in the making and in response to many, many fan requests over time. We can’t wait to share more with you in the coming months.”

So, look out for more announcements soon.