Comic and Graphic Novel Printing

Intrigued? Then read on…

You’ve laboured long and hard for weeks, months, maybe even years and now your publication is finally ready for print. Sales pitches aren’t our style so just take 5 minutes to look through the photography of our previous comic book printing on this page and if you like what you see then ping us a quote form and we’ll send a few price options.

We’re based in the UK and all our prices include delivery throughout London, Gotham City and the UK. We also ship worldwide so ping us a quote form remembering to let us know where you are and we’ll add on the overseas shipping.

“Based in California…even with the cost of shipping from the UK to the US after printing, we are sticking with them after the amazing job they have done on our first two issues.” Kevin Kleinrock, Rude Cant Fail Zine.

Which binding option shall I choose?

This is easy…if you have up to 40 pages then we recommend stapling your comics (also called wire stitching and saddle stitching).   We can staple upto 80 pages but the paper has to be very thin to achieve that – a 160gsm cover and 100gsm text MAX works for this.

If you have 40 pages or more then the comics will be thick enough for us to glue and perfect bind. This method gives a professional looking, book style finish.

Supplying your artwork

Once you have finished the artwork we’ll need you to send us a hi res PDF file to print from. When you come to prepare your artwork we recommend taking 5 minutes to read through our step by step file set up pages. The guides really do make the process much easier and will answer 99% of the questions you may have.

For advice on preparing images, bleed and file set up you will find all the tools you need here:
File set up guide

Next, choose the most appropriate binding option for the number of pages in your publication:
Binding options guide

Then have a read through the step by step guide for that type of binding:
Perfect Binding Guide
Wire Stitching Guide

If you’re going for a wire stitched booklet we just need ONE file supplied in reading order: front cover, inside front cover etc etc through to the back cover. Easy!

If you have chosen a perfect bound comic we will need a separate file for your outer and inner cover plus the inside pages file. To make things super easy we have video tutorial and downloadable templates here:
Create your cover file

Finally, ALL FILES NEED TO BE SAVED AS PDFX/1A when they are exported.  You can choose this from the top drop down menu when you export to PDF.

How long does it take?

Send us the print ready artwork and KAPOW! in 4/5 working days a box (or two) of your magnificent comics will arrive by super powered courier.

If you would like a test copy first then it’s best to allow an extra week for us to print, deliver, look through and make tweaks.

Paper samples

We’re always happy to send out a range of our paper samples so you can make an informed decision on the kind of finish and appearance you’re after – always easier to do when you can see and hold the paper rather than guessing over email! Fill in our samples form and we’ll get a pack out the same day.

In the meantime, have a look the following pages for inspiration.

http://www.exwhyzed.co.uk/resources/paper-choices/
http://www.pinterest.com/exwhyzedprint/ex-why-zed-paper-selection/

How much will it cost?

We specialise in beautifully printed comics from our top of the range Indigo digital presses. If you are printing up to 700 copies then digital printing is where it’s at.  However for the longer more established publications of 700 copies or more our litho presses will provide you with the best print quote.

We always try and quote for a few quantity options to help bring your unit price down. We’re keen to see your artwork in print so if there’s a more cost effective size or way to print the graphic novels then we’ll let you know.

Ready to place your order?

Excellent! If the artwork is finished you can upload the files using www.wetransfer.com to [email protected] and in the comments box include a note letting us know the number of copies you’re going for and the best address for delivery. Your artwork will then zoom through to our prepress department for a free preflight check to highlight any potential issues and we will email you with any advice or recommendations before going ahead to print!