What's considered the 'best' Webcomic Site for Non-Manga Styled Superhero comics?

[Phantomskyler]

I've been working on a very pulp/noir styled superhero comic set in the 30s, and after watching some videos on 'making in' on platforms like Webtoon and Tapas, the biggest concern I have is putting it on a platform that has no audience for it.

This is a pretty straight up western DC/Marvel styled superhero comic, with a pretty western, non manga/anime art style, so I'm wondering if there's a comic hosting site with the same mechanics and perks as Tapas and Webtoons that's more for western comic styled works, as these two seem more geared towards anime/manga styled adventure/romance/school life/ect stories.

I'm trying whittle down my ideas to what has the absolute best chance of finding an audience on places like here and Webtoons. So assuming I don't want to scrap this 30s noir superhero comic, is there a Webtoons-like site that caters more towards that kind of genre and art style?

[graveweaver]

The only two webcomic sites with a significant community are Webtoons and Tapas. Lagging behind by a margin are smackjeeves, and then the various other webcomic apps like webcomicsapp.

I think your best bet is just the default if you're set on digital uploads, Webtoons and Tapas. Otherwise maybe I would look into physical publishing since I feel like brick and mortar comic stores lean more towards that kind of thing- I am completely clueless on that front though, and maybe people around here more experienced in publishing physical comics can help you out if you wanna go that route.

[Phantomskyler]

That's what I was afraid of. I really enjoy the format and communities Tapa as Webtoons provides, but it's not a great place for a comic that isn't strictly manga-anime influenced and one of the typical genres that get noticed more around here. I may shelve this idea for one that may fit these platforms better, maybe try and tweak my art style to be more anime-like or find an artist who does.

[J.Lovelace]

Try The Duck Webcomics
From what I saw they really love to promote western style comics

[rajillustration]

Eh, this kinda infers that Tapas and Webtoons promote their user's comics, which they don't really do, outside of occasionally putting a comic on the front page. The front page comics seem mostly the same type of comic because that's probably the taste of the person choosing the front page, but, I think there's just miles of comics on here that are in a western style. Some comics get pretty abstract, too. It's whatever style goes for whatever your comic needs.

As for which hosting site is the best? Can't really tell you. I'm still figuring that out myself. I wouldn't let it concern you if you see a lot of manga on here--there be manga on every hosting site out there. But Manga readers don't just read Manga, they like western stuff too--they're here for comics, just in general.

[JRHoch]

It's surprising that there isn't a more active site for what you're talking about--or even Fantagraphics kind of stuff. Maybe it's because most readers of webcomics are young and female. I think at a certain age many boys stop reading--even books with pictures.

[OttoGruenwald]

Got a link to your stuff? It's always great to find another person with a superhero comic.

I got a tiny superhero universe on tapas. My webcomic is The Power of Stardust and my webnovel is sort of like your own comic, its a dark superhero story in the vein of pulps like The Spider and The Shadow.

The Power of Stardust | Tapas

The Trespasser and the Architects of Dreams | Tapas

I use tapas, but you're right in that its not ideal for superheroes--but I really don't know of a platform better. I stick with tapas because I like how you can upload text stories as well as comics--not all platforms offer that.

As much as it sucks, I fear superhero comics are pretty niche for webcomics.

[bakasama25]

Well, you have to remember Superhero and kiddie comics were the domination genres for 40-50 years after CCA ruined the industry. Now with webcomics, self publishing became a lot more practical for a lot of creators. Those genres that disappeared with rise of CCA, like westerns, horror, romance, and the others are making a comeback.

Still, it's better what's happening in France. There is only one webcomic publisher, Delitoon and it's really difficult to get published by French comic companies. So many French creators actually go here and elsewhere to publish.

[PabloRomero]

I don't know any place like what you say. I think its probably because most of the superhero comic audience is over 40 and prefer physical copies than digital (this along with other reasons is why digital format from the big 2 have not replace physical)
My comic is not superhero but it is western style (since my influences all mostly western) I don't have a big audience but its more than i expected.

Maneater | Tapas

[jrxtin]

I'd put it on The Duck. Android Blues is getting good fan feedback over there. In the beginning, I think you should try to pick up fans in as many places as you can. Five here and five there is still ten fans. You should also be on Deviant Art. Even though it sucks for reading comics, you can find 100 groups to post to and get a couple hundred views per page there.

[punkarsenic]

a few truths

1: while tapas & WT primarily showcase anime-influenced work, bc thats what a lot of people are making right now, neither are hostile to a variety of styles and genres. american-influenced comics can often find an audience here, as well as incredibly niche work, you jus gotta hustle for your audience a little (as you would with any webcomic)

2: theres not a lot of demand for big two -style superhero comics in webcomics, primarily because the big two exist. the market is saturated. webcomics are the indie of the indie scene, where more unique styles and varied story types are favoured over anything reminiscent to the mainstream. if thats the story youre into, make it! but be aware that the audience for superhero webcomics is a minority anywhere