I was recently talking with another comic fan about how I wish more “instant reviewers” (mostly over on TikTok) would focus on smaller indie and micro publishers. Would it be all that bad for them to do something like Big Bang Comics or even Blue Moon Comics now and then? Both of these publishers have been around for a long time. I recently did a Big Bang review, and this time around, I’m tackling Blue Moon.
And, gosh! The Blue Moon overview has been on my “To Do List” for a bit now. I was lucky enough to get quite a sampling of their comics, and once you look them over, I’m pretty sure you’ll find another indie publisher to support! And there are a variety of places to find plenty of Blue Moon Comics, like IndyPlanet and Global Comix.
Blue Moon Comics is one of those micro‑publishers that feels like it’s been part of the indie landscape forever, and in a way, it has. Lloyd Smith first launched the imprint back in 1988, driven by the classic fan impulse to make comics of his own. What began as a scrappy attempt to produce a full‑color 68‑page comic quickly grew into a collaborative effort, pulling in talent through ads in Comics Buyer’s Guide. The early days produced two issues of Awesome Comics, but bad luck kept them from reaching print. A decade later, Smith revived Blue Moon with the help of the internet and a roster of seasoned creators, making a small but memorable splash in the late ’90s and early 2000s before the line went dormant again. The modern era of Blue Moon began in 2019, when Smith relaunched the brand with a clearer vision and stronger creative footing, anchored by the anthology series Diversions.
If Blue Moon has a signature, it’s the “spinner‑rack between two covers” approach of Diversions—a mix of superheroes, sci‑fi, Westerns, horror, mystery, and
sword‑and‑sorcery that channels the eclectic energy of 1970s comics. That variety has helped several features generate real buzz. Chris Malgrain’s cosmic epic Sideral continues to be one of the line’s standout attractions, with new chapters appearing in recent issues. Brad Olrich’s At Galaxy’s Core has also built a following, especially with its full‑color debut. And Dana Black’s work on U.S. Flag—including a brand‑new origin story—has drawn attention for its bold, retro‑heroic tone.
Blue Moon has also leaned into special editions and spotlight releases that keep longtime readers engaged. The Guns & Rosa Special Color Edition collected every story of the Old West anti‑heroine in full color for the first time, a notable milestone for one of the publisher’s most distinctive characters. The Ultimus Special Edition gathered the complete first arc of the sci‑fantasy saga spun out of Diversions. And the line’s partnership with Australia’s Reverie Publications has produced cross‑publisher releases like Worlds Within, expanding Blue Moon’s reach beyond U.S. shores.
Most recently, Blue Moon has been busy with anniversary editions and fresh material. The U.S. Flag Semiquincentennial Special #1 arrived with a new story and the character’s origin, marking a patriotic milestone. The Diversions 5th Anniversary Color Edition re‑presented the debut issue in full color alongside new stories and pin‑ups from a wide roster of artists. And new series launches—like Unbeatable Brick #1, a full‑color superhero adventure mixing giant monsters, espionage, and pulp‑era bravado—show that Blue Moon is still expanding its universe rather than simply revisiting its past.
For a micro‑publisher, Blue Moon Comics has an unusually long history, a surprisingly deep bench of creators, and a steady flow of releases that keep it relevant. It’s a testament to persistence, passion, and the belief that there’s always room in comics for one more voice with something fun to say. And, come on! As a fan, you should look outside the latest hot comics, creators, and variant covers! A perfect place is to check out some Blue Moon.
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