This year, Markosia celebrates its 20th anniversary, two decades of publishing original stories, nurturing new talent, and embracing change.
Founded by Harry Markos in 2005, the company has grown into one of the UK’s most consistent independent publishers of comics, graphic novels, art books and children’s titles. Its guiding principle has remained simple: back new creators and fresh ideas, not just familiar names.
“As long as a story is worth telling, we’re interested in publishing it.” — Harry Markos
Markosia is currently offering a free digital comic to all newsletter subscribers to help enable new creators to be seen.
From Recovery to Reinvention
In 2004, following an injury, Markos rediscovered his love of comics, and that recovery period became the catalyst for a new publishing venture.
By 2005, Markosia had secured several titles including The Lexian Chronicles and adaptations such as Starship Troopers and Shadowmancer — the latter the first novel ever adapted into a graphic novel for the Diamond Comics market.
Two decades later, the company has published more than 450 unique titles across every genre imaginable. It’s an impressive achievement for an independent operating without the marketing budgets of larger players.
Backing New Voices
From the outset, Markosia has positioned itself as a home for new creators and focuses on the quality of the work.
Its catalogue is deliberately varied — fantasy, horror, superheroes, historical fiction and children’s publications. This diversity reflects both Markosia’s openness and the breadth of British creative talent.
Markos says: “We’re one of the few UK publishers still taking risks on unknown talent. That’s what keeps the medium alive.”
Stories for All Ages: Inspiring the Next Generation
Markos speaks with particular pride about Markosia’s children’s publishing arm. Alongside graphic novels, the company produces an expanding range of picture books and illustrated stories — often by emerging artists finding their first audience.
For him, this isn’t simply a business decision; it’s part of a belief that visual storytelling supports literacy and confidence.
“Comics and graphic novels help children to read — especially those who might struggle with dense blocks of text,” Markos states. “They spark imagination and show that stories come in many forms.”
That philosophy has helped Markosia reach classrooms and libraries as well as comic shops, embracing young readers and future creators
Digital Innovation
Markosia’s willingness to adapt has kept it relevant. As early as 2005, Markos recognised that single-issue comics, the traditional “floppies”, were in decline.
He moved quickly into digital, becoming one of the first five publishers to partner with WOWIO, a pioneer in online comic distribution. Later, Markosia joined ComiXology and reached new international audiences long before digital became the norm.
When printing and distribution costs spiralled, Markosia shifted to a print-on-demand model. Every title remained globally available without expensive print runs, a change that ensured long-term sustainability.
Today, digital sales outstrip print, and the company continues to explore new technologies including digital bundles, gaming tie-ins and prestige editions.
“We’ve always looked forward. You can’t cling to the past and expect to survive.“
The Realities of Independence
Despite its achievements, independence brings familiar hurdles. Marketing remains a challenge in a market dominated by big brands and legacy franchises.
“Marketing is the Achilles’ heel of independent publishing,” Markos states. “Books do best when their creators are out there meeting readers.”
Even so, persistence and adaptability have kept Markosia visible — proof that smaller publishers can endure by working smarter, not just louder.
Recognition and Investment
Markos argues that the UK’s comic and graphic-novel sector deserves greater recognition and investment.
Comics remain undervalued in cultural funding frameworks despite their proven educational and artistic potential. Many talented writers and illustrators still find it difficult to earn a living from their craft.
He calls for targeted public investment and for comics to be treated as part of the wider arts ecosystem, not a niche interest.
“There’s huge potential here — but creators need support, not just applause.”
Looking Forward
At twenty years old, Markosia’s story is a reminder that British comics are not defined by nostalgia or imports but by the inventiveness of their home-grown creators.
With companies like Markosia providing platforms for early-career talent and stories for all ages, the industry has a strong foundation to build on — if given the right support.
Markosia is currently offering a free digital comic each week for all new subscribers to their newsletter.
Find out more at Markosia
