A brand-new publisher wants to change the game by introducing manga formatting to its comic books. Socko Press, a small press publisher targeting manga creators and fans, will launch its first wave of titles in the spring of 2025.

Founded by Max Hoven, host of the Indie Comic Empire podcast and YouTube channel, Socko Press’ niche in the independent comic book market will be the manga formatting of its books, which the publisher believes is a more affordable method of printing for small print runs, to help new and rising comic creators and authors. Socko Press’ first titles will arrive next spring, starting with Our Love Unrest, co-written by Hoven and his regular writing collaborator, Aaron Crow. Other titles will be determined by the results of the publisher’s spring comic and writing competition, which is accepting submissions until March 31, 2025.

Authors and creators who win the Socko Press comic and novel competition will have the opportunity to launch their books under the Socko Press label as well as win other perks and prizes. Socko Press is focused on serving creators rather than IP ownership, acting as a “first-step” publisher dedicated to establishing a core audience for their IP. Creator contracts and agreements will only be for one print runs, rather than on an annual basis, allowing creators to move to larger publishers as they and their IPs grow in demand.

In addition to Indie Comic Empire and Socko Press, Hoven also owns Hoven Crow Entertainment, a production company responsible for comic projects such as Massive Publishing’s Liquid Kill, Scout Comics’ It Eats What Feeds It, and the thriller feature film Halfpace.

Socko Press will accept and publish stories of all genres, but primarily target high-concept stories with primary genres, such as horror, sci-fi, fantasy, crime, action, adventure, and thriller. Secondary genres can include romance, drama, western, slice-of-life, as long as the core hook is “high concept” or “intense” in nature.

Physical units will be printed by the publisher as English-language Japanese tankobon-sized (5 x 7.5) black & white comics, graphic novels, manga, novels, and novellas. Comic books created in color will only be available as exclusive digital comics, including digital collectibles via Web3.

Regarding distribution, Socko Press will self-distribute mainly through its website and Amazon. The publisher will pitch comic shops and book retailers directly and offer wholesale discounts for orders of ten or more. Bulk orders will be driven directly to various comic shops and bookstores throughout the Midwest, specifically in the St. Louis and Chicago metro areas.

Source: Socko Press