Navigating Approval Processes for New Comic Book Stories

Creating a new comic book story, especially for established characters and universes, often involves navigating a complex web of approvals and procedures. This is particularly true for content owned by major publishers like Marvel or DC. This article aims to demystify the process and provide insights into the various steps and considerations involved in bringing a new comic book story to life.

Intellectual Property Rights

At the core of any comic book storytelling is the protection of intellectual property (IP). This includes characters, storylines, and universe-specific lore, which are typically protected by copyright and trademark laws. These laws safeguard the creators' and publishers' exclusive rights to their characters and narratives. Therefore, before venturing into a project, it is crucial to understand the existing copyright and trademark agreements associated with the characters and universes you wish to portray.

Pitching and Editorial Approval

The journey towards writing and publishing a comic book often begins with pitching your ideas to the publisher. This process involves submitting a detailed synopsis, character designs, and sometimes sample pages. Once your proposal is reviewed, it will either be deemed interesting for further development or rejected. If the pitch is successful, the proposal undergoes a thorough editorial review. Editors evaluate the story's quality, its consistency with the existing lore, and its market potential.

Contracts and Creative Teams

If the proposal is approved, the writer and artist may need to sign legal contracts that outline the rights, royalties, and other financial arrangements. Additionally, a creative team, which may include artists, colorists, and other contributors, is typically assigned to develop the story. These team members collaborate with editors for further refinements, ensuring that the final product aligns with the publisher's standards and expectations.

Continuity Considerations and Final Approval

For ongoing series, new stories must align with established continuity. Editors ensure that the new narrative fits within the broader universe and does not contradict existing stories. Once the story is completed, it may go through a final round of approvals before publication. This final approval process ensures that all aspects of the story, from the dialogue to the art, meet the quality standards set by the publisher.

Independent Creators and Licensing

For independent creators, the process can be less formal, but they still need to consider copyright issues, especially if they are using existing characters. If the comic is a licensed IP, the publisher typically has to get approval from the IP owner or manager. For IP owned by the publisher, they have a staff of editors tasked with reviewing and approving stories. If the comic is creator-owned, the creator has the final say, but it is common for the creator to still pitch their story to the publisher to secure publication. Publishers often retain the right to refuse to publish material that does not meet their standards or align with their editorial direction.