Unionization is coming to Dark Horse Media, one of the largest comic publishers, with the launch of Dark Horse Workers United. The movement is asking Dark Horse interim CEO Jay Komas and Dark Horse leadership to recognize the union by June 3, 2026.

In their announcement the organization said a supermajority of staff, including staff from Things From Another World which Dark Horse announced its intention to close, have voted to unionize. They are working with the Communications Workers of America (CWA), Local 7901.

If the union isn’t recognized by the June 3rd date, they will petition the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) for an election.

A letter featuring 59 employees was provided explain the motivations for forming the union. They have stated they have 70 public supporters and more aligned but not public. The support comes from across multiple departments in the company who is headquartered in Milwaukie, Oregon.

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.

Dark Horse was purchased by Vanguard Visionary Group in 2018, and then by Embracer Group in 2022. In March 2026, it was announced that its founder, Mike Richardson, was no longer with the company. It is currently being spun out by Embracer into its own company as part of Fellowship Entertainment, the latest in a rocky experience since its purchase in 20222.

The union is being formed on five principles:

• Democracy: Our voices should be heard and valued, with fair representation.
• Diversity: Our work environment and publication titles should foster an inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels respected.
• Equity: We must collectively address each other’s individual needs, and work to reduce systemic inequality.
• Solidarity: We are strongest together. We stand together.
• Transparency: We are committed to safety and approachability in our work environment through clear communication and fellowship.

It also has stated three goals:

• Improve job security, wages, and benefits by advocating and determining strategies for the improvement of the material needs of our workers.
• Create a transparent and equitable workplace culture where all teams feel comfortable communicating with each other, and vital information is shared company-wide.
• Acquire a seat at the table when critical decisions are made that will affect all stakeholders, including the workforce.

The union has also said that conditions and policies vary sharply between departments at the company due to siloed management practices. Disputes over remote work after the Covid-19 pandemic also led to the unionization effort. Cost of living is an issue with employees not being able to afford to live near the company’s office and being forced to commute and not being compensated for it despite the jobs being able to be performed remote. They are hoping to gain clearer, more consistent policies as part of the effort.

It’s the latest in the increase of Unions in the comic space. Hachette Book Group Employees announced their intention to unionize in April 2026, which followed Abrams Books employees in 2025, Seven Seas in 2022, and Image Comics in 2022. Seven Seas and Image’s unions are also with the CWA.