Tag: Embracer Group

Founder Mike Richardson out at Dark Horse Comics after 40 years as Embracer installs interim CEO

The founder of one of comics’ most influential independent publishers was removed from his position this week by parent company Embracer Group, which purchased Dark Horse in 2022.

Mike Richardson, who founded Dark Horse Comics in 1986 and served as CEO ever since, has been removed from his position by parent company Embracer Group. Gaming executive Jay Komas, who previously served as head of Embracer’s Middle Earth Enterprises division, will serve as interim CEO.

The Hollywood Reporter shared a statement Embracer sent to business partners and creators regarding the news:

“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,” Embracer said. “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.”

Richardson’s long road in comics started off in comcis retail with his Oregon-based store Pegasus Fantasy Books, which was later renamed Things From Another World. In 1986, he began publishing comics with a concerted effort to protect creators’ rights.

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Quick Hits | Lambda Literary Award winners, Russ Manning nominees announced

Plus: News on Ghostbusters comics, Webtoon and more.

Awards | Lee Lai’s Stone Fruit has once again won an award, this time a 2022 Lambda Literary Award for best LGBTQ comic. The awards celebrate “the very best in LGBTQ literature” and were given out this past weekend in a variety of literary categories. Stone Fruit also won the Lynd Ward award for graphic literature earlier this week.

Awards | Comic-Con International has announced the nominees for the Russ Manning Most Promising Newcomer Award, which is given out during the Eisner Awards ceremony every year in San Diego. This year’s nominees include:

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Comics Lowdown | Marvel editors participate in #DisneyWalkout

Plus: ‘Persepolis’ under fire in Pennsylvania school district! David Gallaher, real-life superhero! News on Behemoth, Zestworld, Julie Doucet and more!

Marvel employees joined their colleagues from Pixar, Lucasfilm and other Disney-owned divisions in a walk-out on Tuesday to protest the company’s response to Florida’s Parental Rights in Education act, which has become to be known as the “Don’t Say Gay bill.”

The bill bans lessons about sexual orientation in kindergarten through third grade and prohibits lessons in other grades unless they are “age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate.” Critics say the law could stigmatize LGBTQ+ students, and lead to bullying and attacks. The bill has yet to be signed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, but it’s just a matter of time, as the governor has expressed his support for it.

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Embracer Group announces plans to acquire Dark Horse

The acquisition is expected to be completed next year; Mike Richardson will continue to lead the publisher.

The Embracer Group, which is the Sweden-based holding company that owns several video game companies, has announced its intention to buy Dark Horse Media, LLC, who comic fans know better as Dark Horse Comics.

The purchase includes not only the comic publishing business, but also Dark Horse Entertainment, the film/TV arm, as well as comic retailer Things From Another World, which is owned by Dark Horse.

Dark Horse CEO Mike Richardson will continue to lead the company, which will become Embracer’s “10th operative group,” alongside THQ Nordic, Koch Media, Coffee Stain, Amplifier Game Invest, Saber Interactive, DECA Games, Gearbox Entertainment and Easybrain. If these names don’t seem familiar, they are mostly game design studios, who make games like Saints Row, Dead Island, Darksiders, Kingdoms of Amalur, Borderlands and, my personal favorite, Goat Simulator.

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