Alternative comics

Alternative comics or independent comics cover a range of American comics that have appeared since the 1980s, following the underground comix movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s. During the 1970s, the superhero comic companies Marvel and DC dominated, controlling over 80% of the American comic book market. Independent comics developed as an alternative to these mainstream superhero comics.

Alternative comics span a wide range of genres, artistic styles, and subjects. However, they often stray away from the mainstream superhero-based style of comics, instead focusing on taking a more "realistic" approach. If alternative comics start by using a mainstream topic or genre, they will find a way to twist that and create new meaning from it.

Alternative comics are often published in small numbers with less regard for regular distribution schedules.

Many alternative comics have variously been labelled as post-underground comics, independent comics, indie comics, auteur comics, small press comics, new wave comics, creator-owned comics, art comics, or literary comics. Many self-published "minicomics" also fall under the "alternative" umbrella.