Many still consider 1986 as the most pivotal year in comics, thanks to series like Watchmen and The Dark Knight Returns. But 1986 was also the year that a comic book store owner from Oregon named Mike Richardson founded Dark Horse Comics, which quickly became the king of the independent publishers. Now, according to The Hollywood Reporter, Richardson has been let go as CEO and publisher by Embracer, the video game holding company that bought Dark Horse in 2022. Embracer has now installed gaming exec Jay Komas as interim CEO. The company issued this statement on the change of the guard over at Dark Horse Comics:
As part of our long-term vision to better align Dark Horse within a more connected and forward-looking group structure, we are implementing changes to modernize the business and strengthen collaboration across publishing, games, film, merchandise and other key areas. Our goal is simple: to ensure Dark Horse is positioned for sustained success while continuing to serve creators, partners and fans at the highest level.
Embracer also said “It is important to recognize Mike Richardson’s extraordinary contribution to Dark Horse and the broader comics and entertainment industry. Without his dedication, vision, and creative leadership, Dark Horse would not be the company it is today. His impact on creators, stories, and fans over the decades has been profound, and we are deeply grateful for the foundation he built.” So far, the 75-year-old Richardson has not released a statement on his departure.
Under Richardson’s guiding hand, Dark Horse published iconic series like Hellboy, The Mask, Sin City, 300, and The Umbrella Academy. All of those, of course, became hit films, or popular streaming series. Another key factor in Dark Horse’s early success was their many licensed hits like Aliens vs. Predator, and Star Wars. In fact, it was Dark Horse Comics’ Aliens vs. Predator comics that directly led to the AvP movies. And for nearly a quarter century, Dark Horse kept the Star Wars universe going, publishing hit titles like Dark Empire. When Disney bought Lucasfilm, and eventually Fox, they pulled all those licensed comics over to Marvel.
We’re not sure what this all means for Dark Horse Comics’ future. They still hold a lot of licenses, like Tomb Raider, Avatar, Cyberpunk, and Castlevania, to name but a few. Mike Richardson championed many creator-owned comics, something we can’t see the new corporate overlords caring too much for. He was also an early believer in bringing manga adaptations to North American comics. Obviously, he had his finger on the pulse in that instance. Hopefully, Dark Horse doesn’t just become an IP management farm in this new era. Only time will tell.