A group of comic book publishers in the United Kingdom have come together to form the new comic book trade association, Comic Book UK. Members of the organization include Avery Hill, B7 Media, David Fickling, DC Thomson, Envision Entertainment, and Rebellion, with more expected to be added in the future.
According to their website, Comic Book UK seeks to improve the region’s comic book industry, promote its value in the economy, and represent the interests of all those who work on British comics.
“Comics are one of the jewels in the crown of the UK’s creative industries, and there is enormous untapped potential for further growth,” the group’s chief executive Mark Fuller said. “We have the creative talent and business base to become a global comics superpower, with UK companies growing and expanding their reach into new territories alongside inward investment from the huge North American, Asian Pacific, and European comic industries. Comic Book UK will provide the cross-industry representation and support needed to unlock this potential.”
During their first year, Comic Book UK aims to research the comic industry’s appeal to investors, work on government policy that can help bring in international companies, and “playing a constructive role in debates around regulation of generative AI.” They also seek to provide tax relief to smaller publishers, noting that new titles can create opportunities for freelance creators and open more properties to be licensed in other forms of media.
“With an edgy history from Punch to 2000 AD, British comics and cartooning entertain millions globally as part of our £11 billion publishing sector, rightly earning their place and undeniable influence among the best of the UK’s creative industries. It is only right that comics have their own advocate to help champion and unlock more investment in this innovative sector. I look forward to working with Comic Book UK as we develop our plan to boost our growth-driving industries even further,” the UK’s Creative Industries Minister Sir Chris Bryant said.
