Employees at Dark Horse Comics and its retail chain Things From Another World have formed a union, marking a significant moment in the US comic publishing industry. The newly formed Dark Horse Workers United, affiliated with the Communications Workers of America (CWA), seeks voluntary recognition from interim CEO Jay Komas by June 3.
Why It Matters
The union cites "looming uncertainty from recent layoffs, wage/hiring freeze, change in leadership power, emergence of artificial intelligence, and return-to-office policies" as driving factors for organizing. Dark Horse confirmed layoffs in February 2025, citing "increasing overhead, changing market conditions, and external economic factors."
Industry Context
If recognized, Dark Horse Workers United would become the third US comic publisher union affiliated with CWA, following Image Comics and Seven Seas Entertainment (United Workers of Seven Seas). Abrams Books and its manga-focused division Abrams ComicArts also formed a union in 2025 under UAW Local 2110.
Dark Horse's parent company Embracer Group announced on May 20 plans to split the group, with Dark Horse Media to be included in Fellowship Entertainment — an IP-led company built around properties including The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and Tomb Raider — listed on Nasdaq Stockholm in 2027. Dark Horse also announced on May 21 it would shutter all three Things From Another World retail locations between June and September 2026.
Founder Mike Richardson departed the company in March 2026 after 40 years. Dark Horse, founded in 1986, published its first manga (Godzilla: King of the Monsters) in 1987 and remains one of the most important English-language manga publishers.
Community Reception
Reactions on the comics and manga community have been broadly supportive. On ANN's coverage, commenters noted the pattern of unionization spreading across US comic publishing, with several pointing to Dark Horse's treatment of creator-owned titles as a key concern. The union's emphasis on "continued commitment to creator-owned comics" resonated strongly with readers who view Dark Horse as a flagship for independent and manga publishing in the West.