TwoMorrows Publishing Preserving Comic Book History

Founded in 1994 by John and Pam Morrow, TwoMorrows Publishing is a specialized publisher dedicated to the documentation and preservation of comic book and pop culture history. Operating out of Raleigh, North Carolina, the company has evolved from a small advertising agency into a respected source for historians, creators, and fans of the medium.

The Origins of TwoMorrows

The company's roots trace back to 1989 with the establishment of TwoMorrows Advertising. However, the publishing arm was born out of a passion project following the death of legendary artist Jack Kirby in February 1994. John Morrow sought to create a tribute to Kirby's work, leading to the creation of The Jack Kirby Collector.

With the blessing of Kirby's widow, Rosalind, and the assistance of Mark Evanier, the first issue was released in September 1994. Initially a photocopied zine distributed for free to a small group of fans, the publication quickly gained popularity, eventually becoming a staple in comic book shops nationwide. This success led to the official founding of TwoMorrows Publishing in 1996.

Expanding the Portfolio

Beyond the flagship Kirby publication, TwoMorrows has expanded its reach to include several other magazines focused on various niches of comic and pop culture history, including:

• Alter Ego
• Back Issue!
• Brick Journal (dedicated to LEGO enthusiasts)
• Comic Book Creator
• Cryptology
• RetroFan

In 2004, the company ventured into book publishing, releasing The All-Star Companion by Roy Thomas. Today, TwoMorrows publishes six to ten books annually, ranging from the comprehensive American Comic Book Chronicles to retrospectives on indie publishers and instructional guides like Acting with a Pencil. The company also expanded into DVDs in 2006, offering art-instruction videos and digital versions of their books.

Operations and Resilience

Despite its extensive catalog, TwoMorrows maintains a lean operation with only three full-time employees: John Morrow, Pam Morrow, and production assistant Eric Nolen-Weathington. The company relies on a global network of 20 to 50 freelance contributors and editors, many of whom are former comics professionals.

Overcoming Distribution Challenges

The company faced a significant crisis in January 2026 following the bankruptcy of its primary distributor, Diamond Comic Distributors. The bankruptcy left TwoMorrows with over $65,000 in unpaid debts, nearly bankrupting the firm. The company survived through direct-to-consumer sales via its website and by securing new distribution partnerships with Lunar Distribution and SCB Distributors.

The Mission of Preservation

John Morrow views TwoMorrows Publishing not merely as a business, but as a preserver of an American art form. The company's mission is to create a lasting record of comic book creators' careers and accomplishments, ensuring that digital and print archives remain available for researchers and enthusiasts for generations to come.