John Dean – Crime Writer

A report has revealed the challenges facing the creators of comics, even though the sector is enjoying commercial success.

The UK Comics Creators Research Report presents findings from a survey conducted by the Comics Cultural Impact Collective, the Association of Illustrators(AOI) and the Society of Authors (SoA), which showed that almost 90% of respondents who earn an income from traditional publishing do not earn the national living wage from their comics work, and 13% are relying on state benefits.

Alongside low pay, comics creators are experiencing rising pressures on their time as they juggle multiple jobs and administrative tasks, as well as rising costs. Other challenges include the threat from AI and the lasting impact of Brexit.

This is set against a picture of an industry which includes figures from the NielsenIQ BookScan, showing that in 2025 the UK comics market reached its highest-ever total sales, making £78.7 million, an increase of 13.9% from 2024. Children’s comic strip fiction and graphic novels hit £25.9 million – a 28.7% increase on the previous year, and the biggest sales year the category has ever recorded in the UK.

The report makes seven core recommendations for funders, policymakers and industry bodies. These include developing comics-specific vocational training and apprenticeships, creating practical guidance resources, and recognising comics as a cultural art form in UK policy.

Josie Dobrin OBE, Chair of the AOI, said: “Comics are a rapidly growing part of our creative industry, yet this report clearly demonstrates that many creators are not sharing in the success of this growth. We urgently need to address the gap between a booming market and the reality of low pay, insecure work and increasing pressures experienced by many comic artists. By bringing these experiences together, the report strengthens the case for meaningful action – from fairer funding and recognition to targeted support to make comic creation a sustainable career. Comics are playing an increasingly important role in engaging readers and reflecting our society, so it’s time that the people behind them are properly valued and supported.”