In the UK when someone mentions the word ‘Comic’ most people think of the ‘Beano’. If they talk about adult comics then it’s either ‘Viz’ or the tacky ‘George and Lynne’ strip from the Sun. In the US, people think of Spiderman, X-men, Superman and Batman (from the big players Marvel and DC). There is so much more to this industry than this.

Comics are big business.

Worldwide, the indutry is estimated to be worth $4billion per annum. For the US alone the figure was $800million per annum in 2002 and has been growing continually since then.

Frank Miller’s Sin City, Steve Niles and Ben Templesmith’s 30 Days of Night Series, Mike Mignola’s Hellboy and many more (all of which are now big-hit movies) are just some of the people and titles which are helping the rapid growth independent comic market.

After one year producing Insomnia Publications first products and completing a second, important and successful year testing in the UK comic market when Daemon, launched in January 2007; and Layer Zero Volume One, launched in May 2007; We have learned many valuable lessons, received lots of feedback, made numerous, invaluable contacts in the industry, and gained first-hand experience of how the comic market is progressing and developing.

The first three issues of Daemon established the Insomnia Publications name and brand. However, Daemon was halted due to sales targets not being met; interest in the art-style was limited, as it was too different to what the consumers were used to and did not appeal to the broader market. Layer Zero was created to help creators get involved in the company and promote their names in the industry, along with the Insomnia Publications brand. A second issue was produced and went on sale six months after the first volume. Now both volumes have been collected in one graphic novel and will be available in the coming months.

Building on the success of the initial brand awareness of Insomnia Publications, we have three publications ready for launch and seven more currently in production. The products ready for launch are Cages (Graphic Novel), Layer Zero TPB (Graphic Novel) and The Kill Cell (Novel).

Our aim over the next two years is to have a total of 20 Graphic Novels in print along with at least 4 novels which will be available in book stores and comic shops in the US, Canada and UK.

Insomnia Publications is based in Edinburgh, Scotland with various partners in London, Dundee and Vancouver.

Layer Zero 8/10 review
Layer Zero receives 8/10 from Glenn Carter at Comics Village!

Insomnia website
New website goes live 3 May 2008.

Cancertown
Cy "Starship Troopers" Dethan's Cancertown to Insomnia in Q4 2008. www.cancertown.co.uk