Announcing Dhwu!
MILWAUKIE, Ore. – Today, a supermajority of staff at local comic book publisher Dark Horse Media, including associated comics retailer Things From Another World, announced their intent to unionize with Communications Workers of America (CWA), Local 7901. Dark Horse Workers United sent a letter to interim CEO Jay Komas requesting that he voluntarily recognize the union by June 3rd. Absent voluntary recognition, Dark Horse Workers United will petition the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) for an election.
In a show of solidarity, 59 eligible employees signed onto the letter, which explained the staff’s motivations for forming Dark Horse Workers United. Among these is a desire for equitable pay, workplace democracy, and a continued commitment to creator-owned comics.
“We, the workers of Dark Horse Media, have come together to form one union, Dark Horse Workers United (DHWU), with our parent union, the Communications Workers of America (CWA). In solidarity we stand together to contend for our rights as workers, vote as a democratic body, and improve our material conditions.”
Founded by Mike Richardson in 1986, Dark Horse has remained one of the world’s premier comic book publishers for 40 years. The company has earned a massive fanbase publishing creator-owned titles (Hellboy, Umbrella Academy), licensed books (Star Wars, Aliens) and manga (Berserk, Trigun). Dark Horse was purchased by Vanguard Visionary Group in 2018, and then by Embracer Group in 2022.
On March 4, 2026, it was announced that Richardson was no longer with the company. In their letter to interim CEO Jay Komas, Dark Horse staff expressed their desire to improve conditions for workers and maintain Richardson’s legacy of publishing creator-owned comics.
“The looming uncertainty from recent layoffs, wage/hiring freeze, change in leadership power, emergence of artificial intelligence, and return-to-office policies (despite their economic impact on employees) have fueled us to organize and collectively address our concerns. These are just a few examples of why we are seeking a democratic workplace.”
Meg Ward, President of CWA Local 7901, said:
“CWA Local 7901 is proud to support the staff behind the beloved comic book publisher, Dark Horse. Dark Horse Workers United was formed because of the love Dark Horse employees have for their work, their colleagues, and the comic book industry. DHWU wants to see the company be a leader well into the future. We look forward to working collaboratively with Dark Horse leadership."
Dark Horse Workers United looks forward to joining their fellow unionized workers at Image Comics and Seven Seas Publishing in bringing the labor movement to the comics industry, ensuring that comics publishers continue to thrive.