After 40 years, Mike Richardson is no longer running Dark Horse. In a bit of a surprise, the founder of the publishing company was removed from the position as their owner, Embracer Group, attempts to right its financially floundering mess. Jay Komas, the head of The Middle Earth Group which includes Dark Horse, will take over as interim CEO.

Dark Horse Comics was launched in 1986 by Richardson. He had previously opened a comic book store in 1980, Pegasus Books. The publisher became known for news making releases and boomed in the indie revolution of the 90s and published series such as Concrete, Hellboy, Sin City, The Goon, Umbrella Academy, Aliens, Predator, and so much more. They held the Star Wars license before Marvel took it back after it being purchased by Disney.

Dark Horse embraced Hollywood under Richardson with hits and misses including Timecop, Barb Wire, The Mask, Hellboy, Sin City, 300, and most recently The Umbrella Academy.

Embracer Group purchased Dark Horse in 2022. The company was primarily known for video and tabletop games having purchased numerous studios. Then, in 2023 the company revealed that a partnership worth $2 billion fell through. Then, in 2024 Embracer Group announced it was going to split into three entities, each being a separate, publicly listed company.

Dark Horse fell under Middle-earth Enterprises & Friends which was focused on video games as well as the steward of The Lord of the Rings and Tomb Raider intellectual properties, among many others.

It’s unknown what Embracer’s vision for the comic publisher is. It has been publishing comics based on Embracer video game properties like Tomb Raider but it’s pipeline of comic properties to video games, tabletop games, and movies and television has been sparse. It recently cut a deal to distribute comics from Abstract Studios.

A statement has been released by Dark Horse:

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. 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.

With this in mind, Jay Komas has stepped into the role of Interim CEO at Dark Horse. Jay brings extensive experience with global intellectual properties across games, film, and consumer products. Over the course of his career, he has held senior leadership roles at Electronic Arts, Activision Blizzard, and LucasArts, where he worked with some of the most recognized entertainment brands in the world. His background in managing and expanding IP across multiple categories will be instrumental as we build on Dark Horse’s legacy and strengthen its position in an increasingly connected entertainment landscape.

Please be assured that Dark Horse remains fully committed to working closely with you and to creating the very best products and experiences for fans worldwide. Our partnerships are central to everything we do, and this transition is designed to enhance collaboration, unlock new opportunities, and support long- term growth together.

In closing, it is important to recognize Mike Richardson’s extraordinary contribution to Dark Horse and the broader comics and entertainment industry. Without his dedication, vision and creative leadership, Dark Horse would not be the company it is today. His impact on creators, stories and fans over the decades has been profound, and we are deeply grateful for the foundation he built.

We look forward to continuing our work together and to sharing more about our plans in the coming months.