Image Comics is an American comic book publisher founded in 1992 by a group of high-profile illustrators as a means to publish their works independently without relinquishing copyright and creative control. This group, known as the "Image Founders," includes Todd McFarlane, Jim Lee, Rob Liefeld, Marc Silvestri, Erik Larsen, Jim Valentino, and Whilce Portacio. Image Comics quickly rose to prominence by focusing on creator-owned titles, a significant departure from the industry norm where publishers typically owned the characters. This model allowed creators to write, illustrate, and publish their unique stories, offering them full rights to their creations. As a result, Image became known for its diverse and innovative content across various genres, not just superhero comics. Some of Image Comics' most popular and critically acclaimed series include "Spawn" by Todd McFarlane, "Saga" by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples, "The Walking Dead" by Robert Kirkman, and "Invincible" also by Kirkman. Over the years, Image has maintained its commitment to supporting creators' rights, making it a vital and influential player in the comic book industry.
