Publisher Oni Press has unveiled a new company logo, its third major redesign in nearly three decades. The fresh branding will make its debut this November on the first issue of the supernatural thriller Crownsville #1.
The new design comes from the desk of Patrick Crotty, a multiple Eisner Award nominee who was recently recognised for his work on Bryan Lee O’Malley’s Scott Pilgrim 20th Anniversary Hardcover Box Sets. This marks a significant visual shift for the publisher, which has relied on just two primary logos since its founding in 1997.
The original logo was designed by Watchmen co-creator Dave Gibbons and graced early classics like Kevin Smith & Jim Mahfood’s Clerks: The Comic Book. A second logo, introduced in 2012 by art director Keith A. Wood, has been the face of the company for over a decade.
This rebranding initiative is one of the most visible moves from a new leadership team, including President & Publisher Hunter Gorinson and Editor-in-Chief Sierra Hahn, who were appointed following a period of significant corporate restructuring in 2022. David Steward II, Chairman of the Oni-Lion Forge Publishing Group, commented on the timing, stating, “Now, as Oni prepares to reach even greater heights ahead in the months and years to come, it’s the perfect time to refresh the company’s footprint in comic shops and bookstores with an aesthetic that’s every bit as bright and bold as the stories we put onto the page.”
The publisher’s current slate highlights this ambitious direction. Sierra Hahn pointed to a packed schedule that includes a giant-sized Adventure Time special, the return of comics based on the hit video game Cult of the Lamb, and an adaptation of the animated series Murder Drones, which has already raised over a million dollars on Kickstarter. Oni Press is also expanding its classic EC Comics line and has partnerships for properties like Biker Mice from Mars and the TTRPG-adjacent Choose Your Own Adventure.
The company has a history with gaming-related comics, publishing the popular line for Rick and Morty, a franchise which also spawned a successful tabletop roleplaying game.
Hunter Gorinson framed the rebrand as a forward-looking move.
Now, with our 30th anniversary just over the horizon, we’re gearing up to unveil the first of several major new surprises that will propel us toward even greater heights in the years ahead,” he said in a press release. This effort to redefine its public image mirrors a broader trend, as several independent publishers have adapted their strategies and branding in a competitive market.
Further announcements are expected during the “Oni Press: The Loudest Thing in Color” panel at New York Comic-Con on Friday, October 10th. The panel will feature creators including Rodney Barnes (Crownsville) and Matt Kindt (EC’s Catacomb of Torment).
