Independent comics are typically self-published or published by small, independent presses, allowing creators to maintain creative control and freedom.

The term 'underground comics' encompasses comics that emerged in the 1960s counterculture movement, often dealing with mature and controversial themes and distributed outside of traditional channels.

Charles Burns is an acclaimed independent comic book artist known for his horror-themed works, such as 'Black Hole' and 'Sugar Skull'.

RAW was an influential independent comic book anthology series founded by Art Spiegelman and Françoise Mouly, showcasing the work of groundbreaking artists like Spiegelman, Charles Burns, and Chris Ware.

Maus, by Art Spiegelman, is a groundbreaking graphic novel that explores the relationship between art and life through the lens of the Holocaust, using cats and mice as metaphors for Jews and Nazis.

Daniel Clowes is the creator of the critically acclaimed independent comic book series 'Ghost World', which follows the lives of two teenage girls in a suburban town.

Chris Ware is renowned for his intricate and detailed illustrations, which often incorporate multiple panels and complex layouts in his comics.

Persepolis, by Marjane Satrapi, is a graphic memoir that chronicles the experiences of a young Iranian woman growing up during and after the Iranian Revolution.

Alison Bechdel is an acclaimed independent comic book artist known for her autobiographical works, such as 'Fun Home' and 'Are You My Mother?'

Usagi Yojimbo, created by Stan Sakai, is an independent comic book series that follows the adventures of Miyamoto Usagi, a rabbit ronin in feudal Japan.

Joe Sacco is a renowned independent comic book artist known for his work in graphic journalism, producing comics that explore political and social issues through firsthand reporting.

Blankets, by Craig Thompson, is an acclaimed independent comic book series that follows the life of a young woman named Anya as she navigates her way through adolescence and first love.

David Mazzucchelli is an independent comic book artist known for his work in the science fiction genre, including his critically acclaimed graphic novel 'Asterios Polyp'.

Jimmy Corrigan, the Smartest Kid on Earth, by Chris Ware, is an independent comic book series that follows the life of a young boy named Jimmy Corrigan as he navigates his way through childhood and adolescence.

Craig Thompson is an independent comic book artist known for his work in the fantasy genre, including his acclaimed graphic novel 'Habibi'.