Employees at Dark Horse Media and its affiliated retailer Things From Another World have announced plans to unionize under the Communications Workers of America (CWA), Local 7901.
The group, operating as Dark Horse Workers United, says 59 eligible employees signed a letter to interim CEO Jay Komas requesting voluntary recognition of the union by June 3. If the company declines, organizers say they intend to file for a union election through the National Labor Relations Board. You can show your support by signing their petition.
According to the group, the effort is focused on issues including pay equity, workplace representation, and the company’s future direction. Organizers also cited concerns surrounding recent layoffs, a wage and hiring freeze, leadership changes, artificial intelligence, and return-to-office policies.
“We, the workers of Dark Horse Media, have come together to form one union, Dark Horse Workers United,” the organization said in a statement. “In solidarity we stand together to contend for our rights as workers, vote as a democratic body, and improve our material conditions.”
The announcement comes during a period of significant change for the publisher. Earlier this year, Dark Horse founder Mike Richardson departed the company after nearly four decades with the publisher. The company also announced plans to close its Things From Another World retail locations just a few days ago and had previously undergone staff reductions.
Founded in 1986, Dark Horse has become one of the most recognizable names in comics publishing through creator-owned series such as Hellboy and The Umbrella Academy, as well as licensed properties including Star Wars, Alien, and manga releases such as Berserk and Trigun.
Unionization in comics publishing has had increased attention in recent years, with Image Comics voting to unionize in 2022.
Dark Horse Workers United also emphasized maintaining the publisher’s long-standing support of creator-owned comics as part of its goals.
CWA Local 7901 president Meg Ward voiced support for the effort, saying the employees’ campaign reflects their investment in both the company and the comics industry.
If recognized, Dark Horse employees would join a growing number of unionized workers within comics publishing, including staff at Image Comics and Seven Seas Entertainment.
At the time of publication, Dark Horse had not publicly responded to the unionization request.
