by Matthew Russell - Posted seconds ago
Welcome, my CryptoComics Compatriots! Today, we’re doing more than just celebrating Antarctic Press—we’re taking a moment to thank them for something incredibly important. When CryptoComics was just getting started, they took a chance on us. They didn’t have to. They could have waited. But instead, they brought their incredible lineup of indie comics to our platform, showing faith in our vision for the future of digital comics.
As a HUGE fan of their work, this means a lot to me personally. I’ve got physical copies of Jungle Comics and some other Antarctic Press books sitting in my collection, and now I get to see their titles on CryptoComics? That’s next-level exciting. They’ve been creating some of the best indie comics for decades, and we’re honored to have them as part of the CryptoComics family.
Back in 1984, Ben Dunn and Marc Ripley founded Antarctic Press with the goal of giving indie creators a platform and bringing manga-inspired storytelling to American audiences. This was long before the mainstream industry caught on, and their blend of American comic storytelling with manga influences became what we now call "Amerimanga."
Ben Dunn, born in Taiwan on April 17, 1964, grew up surrounded by Japanese manga before moving to the United States. That influence became the foundation of his work, leading to the creation of Antarctic Press and some of its biggest titles. Meanwhile, Marc Ripley helped build the company in those early years before stepping away in 1989, at which point Ben’s brother, Joeming ("Joe") Dunn, stepped in to manage operations.
Over the years, Antarctic Press has launched some of the most legendary indie comics in the industry. Their work has paved the way for countless creators, proving that independent comics can stand alongside the biggest names in publishing.
One of Antarctic Press’s most beloved series is Ninja High School, which debuted in 1987. It’s an action-packed mix of sci-fi, humor, and high-energy adventure, filled with wild battles, unforgettable characters, and a constantly evolving world. This series helped define the Amerimanga movement and became a fan favorite that’s still celebrated today.
Then there’s Gold Digger, which kicked off in 1992 and has since become one of the longest-running self-published comics ever made. The deep world-building, fast-paced action, and engaging characters make it a masterclass in indie storytelling. Fred Perry, the creator, has kept the story fresh for decades, proving that indie comics have staying power when fueled by passion and great storytelling.
Of course, we can’t forget Warrior Nun Areala, the legendary action-fantasy series that introduced the world to a secret order of warrior nuns trained to fight supernatural threats. This comic was so influential that it later inspired the Netflix adaptation, Warrior Nun. The fact that Antarctic Press created something that made its way into mainstream pop culture speaks volumes about their impact on the industry.
Antarctic Press isn’t just about making great comics—they’ve also earned major recognition along the way. In 2002, The Courageous Princess by Rod Espinosa was nominated for both Ignatz and Eisner Awards, proving their ability to deliver top-tier storytelling and artistry.
But here’s what makes them really stand out: they don’t just win awards—they create them. In 2023, they launched the H.E.R.O.I.C. Awards to honor outstanding indie comic creators, further cementing their role as champions of independent publishing. They’ve spent decades uplifting other artists and writers, proving that their commitment to the indie scene goes beyond their own success.
Having Antarctic Press on the CryptoComics Marketplace isn’t just about expanding our catalog—it’s about being connected to a publisher that helped shape indie comics as we know them. They’ve been here since our early days, and we couldn’t be more grateful for their support.
If you haven’t checked out Antarctic Press’s catalog on CryptoComics yet, now’s the time. Whether you love sci-fi, fantasy, horror, or action-packed adventures, there’s something for everyone.
So, to Antarctic Press—thank you for believing in us, for bringing your amazing comics to our platform, and for continuing to push the boundaries of indie publishing. We appreciate you, and we can’t wait to see what’s next!
