The design process of the legend of Wild Man Fischer

This paper examines the process involved in designing and publishing a graphic novel. It places this examination within the context of the history of comics publishing in North America and the background of a small-press, independent comics publisher. The report looks at the publication of Dennis Eichhorn and J.R. Williams' The Legend of Wild Man Fiscber by Top Shelf Productions in Fall 2004, and analyzes the design choices made by the designer, the publishers, and the authors, and what effect choices such as these may have on other aspects of the publishing process, such as marketing, distribution, and relations between the publisher and its authors. The report also discusses the monopoly on comics distribution by Diamond Comic Distributors, and the challenges this creates for publishers and retailers alike.