Line (comics)

A line is a concept in western comic books which denotes a specific couple of publications by a publisher. Sometimes taking place in a separate continuity or more lose continuity (such as Vertigo by DC Comics) or exploring a kind of subjectmatter and or genra which the publisher doesn't want to involve in their main franchise or so called "universe". Often lines which explore more "realistic" or "dark" subject matters are published under a companies sub imprints (such as Ultimate Marvel or MAX by Marvel Comics) to distinguish it from their main lines. Sometimes a line can be published under an imprint but not always be part of a larger continuity within their imprint (such as The Punisher MAX line which is not in continuity with most other Marvel Max titles). A line can consist of several difernent titles, ongoing series, limited series, one-shots, annuals or specials and be by many diferent artists but are advertised and marketed as part of the line. So called crossover events are often followed by a line of tie-in comics to the event miniseries from other unrelated tiles to conect them. Dark Horse Comics has several lines which focuses on thier licensed film properties such as Alien or Predator. The Aliens line consists only of limited series, one-shots and graphic novels due to the publishers wich to allow artistic freedom. Dark Horse also publishes a line of comics which are creator owned but are connected through common oversight by editor Karen Berger.