PORTLAND, Ore. 11/05/2026 — Next year marks the milestone 35th anniversary of the Image Comics' founding. 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.
Image Comics will unveil a number of exciting promotions throughout 2027 to celebrate this landmark achievement. The iconic image i logo—which was first designed by Liefeld himself all those years ago—will appear on comics and various company branding throughout the year with a special 35th anniversary treatment. The publisher will also support comic shop retailers with special, anniversary-branded promotional swag, including a wall calendar to hang up all-year-long.
Image will also take over shelves each month with a year-long Team-Up variant campaign highlighting a variety of Image Comics characters, both old and new, 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. Fans and retailers are advised to be on the lookout for more anniversary-related announcements, must-attend events, and celebrations as the industry rings in the New Year.
“When Image launched in 1992, there was no shortage of detractors and the general consensus was that it wouldn’t last,” said Eric Stephenson, Chief Creative Officer and Publisher at Image Comics. “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!”
