Hoping to stand out in a crowded market dominated by the corporate giants DC Comics and Marvel Comics, smaller publishers are adopting new business strategies to better compete.

In the latest example, two independent publishers, Lion Forge and Oni Press, announced on Wednesday that they would merge. The move, the companies say, will strengthen their library of original comics and graphic novels and help them to leverage their characters on other media platforms, including animation and film.

Other publishers are introducing direct-to-consumer sales, binge-able stories and magazine-style formats. Some are also offering greater financial stakes for creators.

Comic books are an alluring market, in which consumers can engage with characters across multiple platforms, from mobile games to blockbuster films.