So you've come up with a great new superhero, and you want to translate your concept into a comic book. You have a variety of publishing methods to choose from these days, but the ultimate goal for most creators is still securing a publication deal with a major publisher such as DC, Marvel or Image. Depending on your financial and artistic goals, you can find many satisfactory ways to get your superhero character published.
Instructions
1. Find a collaborator. If you do not possess the skill to both write and draw your superhero comic, you might want to find someone who can help you bring your vision to life. This will help you to divide the labor, which can help you keep to a publishing schedule. In addition, you are more likely to be picked up by a major publisher if you have a full creative team and can submit full-page artwork with a finished script.
2. Build a web presence. You can showcase your new character on your online portfolio or by starting a web comic. Several popular web comics have even been published in paperback form.
3. Consider self-publishing. You retain complete creative control, but the process can be somewhat expensive, depending on the size of your print run and whether you print in color or black and white. In addition, having self-published a comic expands your resume, which can make you more appealing to larger publishers.
4. Bring your portfolio and pitch materials to a comic book convention and meet with as many publishers as possible. Although most publishers won't accept your materials at the con, an interested editor will ask you to forward your materials to the office. This enables you to write "Requested Submission" on your mailings, which is a first step toward building a relationship with a publisher.
5. Research different publishers. Not all publishers are looking to publish stories about superheroes, and even major publishers like DC and Marvel who sell predominantly superhero titles are not always looking to add new character to their universe, particularly from young creators with few credits to their name.
Also consider that publishers vary in their options for creative control. Image is one company that allows creators to maintain full creative control over their characters, meaning that you will see a higher percentage of the profits. Creators who maintain creative control may make more money down the road if the character is optioned for a movie or action figure series.
6. Mail blind submissions to various publishers you would feel comfortable working with. Not all publishers accept unsolicited submissions, so make sure you carefully review each publisher's guidelines.
