Six Small Press Creators to Watch in 2025

UK Indie Scene Shines Fresh Spotlight: Six to Watch in 2025

The excitement has returned as Broken Frontier unveils the "Six to Watch" for 2025. This eagerly awaited annual announcement never fails to capture the attention of the UK indie comics scene. Narrowing down the contenders to just six has never been more challenging, underscoring the vibrant talent pool in this creative space.

A Decade of Discovering Rising Stars

Every year since 2015, Broken Frontier has spotlighted a select group of UK-based creators. They receive year-long support through reviews, interviews, and features. Additionally, they gain access to mentorship, event opportunities, and a dedicated Discord server for networking and advice.

Last year marked a decade since the first "Six to Watch" intake. Celebrations included a London exhibition and a memorable party at Gosh! Comics. These events became cherished memories and set the stage for even more ambitious plans in 2025.

Publishers and Aspirations

BF "Six to Watch" alumni have been picked up by notable publishers like 2000 AD, Image Comics, and Faber. This foresees the potential of the featured artists, affirming BF’s knack for identifying emerging stars.

Spotlight on 2025’s Trailblazers

This year’s selection introduces fresh names while revisiting familiar faces. Each artist stands out with unique storytelling styles—ranging from genre fiction to experimental practices. Let’s meet the Six to Watch for 2025.

Beatrijs Brouwer AKA Beastly Worlds

Beatrijs Brouwer’s enchanting art has impressed our team, with works like "Fox Flight Market Night" drawing admiration. Her magical storytelling and vibrant compositions create captivating worlds. Beatrijs continues to expand her fantasy universe with new projects on the horizon.

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Cara Brown

Cara Brown’s array of small press comics includes autobiographical tales like "Everything’s Fine." Her work stands out for emotional depth and storytelling maturity. Upcoming releases promise diverse narratives from self-publishing adventures to K-Pop stories.

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Chris King

Chris King’s debut, "Cold Chips," showcases a fully developed narrative style. His use of color and psychogeographical elements weaves a vivid sense of place. Expect more nuanced stories from King in 2025, as he builds on this confident beginning.

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Rein Lee

Rein Lee navigates complex themes such as queerness and trauma through innovative comic layouts. Their work encompasses experimental zines and tactile storytelling, pushing the boundaries of the medium. Lee’s upcoming projects promise fascinating narratives.

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Shuning Ji

Shuning Ji impressed with "My Mum is a Wolf," using bold colors and metaphors to explore familial dynamics. Her journey from contributor to a full-fledged comic artist is inspiring. Ji’s storytelling prowess continues to grow, driving compelling future works.

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Zen K. AKA Zenab Khan

Zen K.’s sci-fi and horror tales, like "Runaway Mayhem," demonstrate her keen understanding of comic language. With plans to self-publish and join anthologies, Zen K. is poised to expand her creative impact in the coming year.

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These six remarkable creators represent the future of UK indie comics. Championing their work throughout 2025 will indeed be both a pleasure and privilege. The journey they embark on promises a thrilling year ahead for all involved.

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