Aline is a concept inWestern comic books which denotes a specific group of publications by a publisher. Sometimes taking place in a separate continuity or more loose continuity (such asVertigo byDC Comics) or exploring a kind of subject matter and or genre which the publisher does not want to involve in their main franchise or so called "universe".[1]
Often lines which explore more "realistic" or "dark" subject matters are published under a companies subimprints (such asUltimate Marvel orMAX byMarvel Comics) to distinguish it from their main superhero lines. Sometimes a line can be published under an imprint but not always be part of a larger continuity within their imprint (such asThe Punisher MAX line which is not in continuity with most other Marvel Max titles). A line can consist of several different titles, ongoing series, limited series, one-shots, annuals, specials or trades and be by many different artists but areadvertised andmarketed as part of the line.[2] So called crossover events are often followed by a line of tie-in comics to the event miniseries from other unrelated titles to connect them.
Dark Horse Comics has several lines which focuses on their licensed film properties such asAlien,Predator andStar Wars. TheAliens line consists only of limited series, one-shots and graphic novels due to the publisher's wish to allow artistic freedom. Dark Horse'sStar Wars line was ended in 2014 due to Disney moving theirStar Wars comics to Marvel.[3][4] Dark Horse also publishes a line of comics which are creator owned but are connected through common oversight by editorKaren Berger.[5][6][7][8][9][10] Most companies have several simultaneously running lines.[11][12][13][14][15]