Here’s some good news for a change: Dark Horse has officially and voluntarily recognized Dark Horse Workers United, the union formed to attempt to create better working conditions for the folks employed by the company.
In a statement posted on the Dark Horse website, Interim CEO Jay Komas shared the news, as well as that they’ve reached out to the union’s attorney to take the next steps in formalizing the process.
“I’ve read your statement carefully, and I realize that organizing a union is not something people do lightly,” Komas wrote. “It takes courage, coordination, and a level of trust in each other. I understand the employees’ disappointment with how issues have historically been addressed. You’ve taken this step because you believe Dark Horse can be better. So do I.”
Look, I don’t want to say this is pleasantly shocking, but it is, for a number of reasons. First and foremost, Dark Horse has had a rocky 2026 so far, with founder Mike Richardson abruptly removed from the company, replaced by Komas, a gaming exec with no known comic book experience. In addition, Komas works for Dark Horse’s parent company, Embracer, a Swedish company mostly known for — you guessed it — games. And more recently, Dark Horse announced they’re closing all retail locations for Things From Another World, which is particularly gutting as Dark Horse started as a comic book store.
With all this going on, the workers formed a union to improve job security, wages and benefits; increase transparency; and have a “seat at the table” in terms of decision making. Komas had until June 3 (hey, that’s today!) to recognize the union… And recognize it they have. Congrats to all the workers who made this happen, and good job to Komas and Dark Horse for doing the right thing.
You can read Dark Horse’s statement in full below:
To the members of Dark Horse Workers United and everyone at Dark Horse:
I am pleased to announce that Dark Horse Comics is willing to voluntarily recognize Dark Horse Workers United as a recognized collective bargaining representative under standards established by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Our representatives have reached out to the union’s attorney to initiate the appropriate next steps in this process.
I’ve read your statement carefully, and I realize that organizing a union is not something people do lightly. It takes courage, coordination, and a level of trust in each other. I understand the employees’ disappointment with how issues have historically been addressed. You’ve taken this step because you believe Dark Horse can be better. So do I.
Over the years, this company has asked a great deal of its employees. People have poured themselves into this work; accepting conditions, absorbing uncertainty, and sometimes carrying burdens that were not always fairly distributed because they believed in what Dark Horse stood for. That belief is something we must honor. Dark Horse understands and accepts the obligation to change and, as we embark on this journey, we will do so in genuine partnership across our entire team.
Voluntary recognition is an unusual step for employers, but in doing so Dark Horse intends to reaffirm its commitment that this new leadership wants to do things differently and enter into good-faith bargaining. Not because we are required to, but because it is the right thing to do. The path to a strong Dark Horse runs through a workforce that feels heard, respected, and genuinely invested in the company’s future, not one that feels like it must fight just to be seen.
To our creators and licensors: The team at Dark Horse Comics has delivered excellence for you time and time again. We see that excellence. Dark Horse is committed to providing a more supportive environment to ensure that legacy continues.
To fans of Dark Horse Comics: We care deeply not just about the stories we bring you, but about how we bring them to life. With greater respect and improved working conditions, we’ll build a Dark Horse you can believe in for more than just great comics.
On behalf of the Dark Horse Comics Leadership Team, we look forward to sitting down at the bargaining table with Dark Horse Workers United and continue to build something of which we are all proud.
With respect,
Jay Komas
Interim CEO, Dark Horse Comics
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