What are some examples of independent or 'creator-owned' comic books?

Examples of creator-owned comics include 'Watchmen' by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons, 'Maus' by Art Spiegelman, 'Sandman' by Neil Gaiman, and many works published by Image Comics. These comics are notable because the creators retain full ownership of the intellectual property, allowing for greater creative freedom and control over the story and characters. This model has significantly impacted the industry.