Shaquille O’Neal Developing Pirate Series For Archie, Dark Horse Recognizes Union, Marjane Satrapi Dead At 56 | Comic Book Club News For June 5, 2026

Shaquille O’Neal developing pirate comic book series for Archie. Dark Horse has voluntarily recognized their Workers Union. Marjane Satrapi has died at age 56.

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Episode Transcript:

Shaq developing pirate series for Archie.

Dark Horse recognizes Union.

Marjane Satrapi dead at age 56.

This is Comic Book Club News for June 5, 2026.

Shaquille O’Neal Developing Pirate Series For Archie:

Shaquille O’Neal, best known for his line of gummy candy and nothing else that I can think of off-hand, is developing what is called an epic pirate series titled Vengeance Unchained: The Legend of Black Caesar for Archie Comics. Yes, that Archie Comics.

Now, while that sure is a bunch of words in sequence, there is some other talent behind this. The multiple Eisner-award nominated Stephanie Williams is writing the series, with art by Ray-Anthony Height and Studio Sky-Tiger.

So what is this book, beyond a chance to sell more gummy candy (seriously, if anyone can think of anything else O’Neal has ever done, I’d love to hear it, really drawing a blank here)? Here’s the synopsis, per PR:

Described as a grounded, character-driven pirate epic, the project charts the transformation of an African king from royalty to slavery to a feared outlaw of the Caribbean, blending historical inspiration with cinematic storytelling. The project is positioned as a sprawling, franchise-ready narrative, combining the political complexity of BLACK SAILS, the sweeping scope of VIKINGS, and the character-driven storytelling of SHŌGUN. Insiders say the tone leans “GLADIATOR on the high seas,” with a focus on power, survival, and vengeance.

Vengeance Unchained: The Legend of Black Caesar is planned to hit stores later this year. While you wait, why not slam dunk some delicious Shaq Gummies into your mouth? Hey, wait a–

Dark Horse Voluntarily Recognizes Union:

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.

Wrote Komas, “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.”

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.

Marjane Satrapi Has Died At Age 56:

Marjane Satrapi, the iconic creator of award-winning, international bestsellers like Persepolis and Chicken With Plums, has died at age 56. According to a statement shared by her family, Satrapi died of “sadness” after the passing of her husband last April.

Born in Iran in 1969, Satrapi’s parents were active against the monarchy of the Shah, something that would come to inform a lot of her work. After dealing with the oppressive regime for most of her formative years, she moved to live with with a friend in Austria in 1983, ultimately returning to Iran to study visual communication and earn a degree.

Beginning in 2000, Persepolis, autobiographical comics about her time growing up, were first published in four parts in French and in two parts translated into English. The graphic novel won high honors at Angoulême, and caused controversy worldwide as well thanks to the subject matter. However, Satrapi continued unabated with Chicken With Plums, which also garnered worldwide critical acclaim.

In 2007, Persepolis was adaptaed into an animated film that debuted at Cannes and was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards. That was followed by another animated adaptation, this time of Chicken With Plums, and Satrapi continued in film, directing The Voices in 2014 starring Ryan Reynolds and Anna Kendrick. Then in 2019, Satrapi directed Radioactive, a biopic of Marie Curie, followed by The Soloists and Dear Paris, a 2024 film that wove four different stories together about reacting to death.

Satrapi’s long-time husband Mattias Ripa died in 2025 at age 53. The statement from her family, sent via Newswire, reads, “Marjane Satrapi died of sadness a little over a year after the death of Mattias Ripa, her husband and the love of her life.”

For Comic Book Club News, I’m Alex Zalben. And I know I’m making some logical leaps here, but it’s worth saying regardless: the world is better with you in it, and if you need help and are in the US you can text, chat or call 988 at any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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