Two and a half years after voluntarily filing for Chapter 11 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the writer’s strike, AfterShock Comics has emerged from bankruptcy protection restructured and fully prepared to meet its financial and contractual obligations – while initiating plans to reclaim its place as one of the most dynamic independent publishers of high-quality creator-owned comics in the industry.

We broke the news in April that the plan proposed by AfterShock would not only repay the money owed, but also interest. It was a plan that actually benefited creators instead of paying them pennies on the dollar instead of lining the pockets of lawyers and others involved in the bankruptcy process.

In the announcement release, AfterShock Comics CEO Jon Kramer said:

The pandemic and subsequent writer’s strike impacted our business in ways nobody could have predicted.

While we still believe that securing financing in the spring of 2020 to grow out our business and keep everyone working was the correct strategic move, business conditions proved unstable and, in spite of positive interest on the investment front from numerous parties, the ongoing uncertainty amidst the prolonged pandemic disrupted our momentum.  Though recognizing the effect it might have on our extremely important relationships with creators, fans, distributors and retailers, the restructuring process was the best avenue we could have pursued to protect our assets and the work of all those who created content for AfterShock.

I’m happy to report that after two and a half years of hard work, ongoing market volatility and intense negotiations, we are once again able to fully meet our financial obligations under a plan approved by the court. Outstanding payments owed to creators and vendors will begin shortly and will continue until all are made whole. The faster we can get back to publishing, the quicker we will realize that goal. Industry support from creators, distributors and retailers has been critical to the success of our efforts and remains much appreciated.

AfterShock President Lee Kramer was quoted as saying:

Preferring not to give in to speculation, we’ve intentionally remained quiet up until now. But, in fact, we’ve been discussing current and future projects with top AfterShock creators for well over a year. We’ve also been having conversations with potential new editorial leadership – accomplished professionals with the vision to build upon our legacy of success in horror, crime, fantasy and science fiction and take it in new and exciting directions. Regarding the handful of series that were left hanging with only one or two issues left to go, we fully intend to conclude those arcs as their creators become available. On top of that, we have several series and films based on AfterShock books that are in deep development and should be heading to production by the end of this year and the beginning of 2026 – plus multiple projects with great talent that are already at the studios and streamers, which we are excited to announce shortly.

Added Steve Rotterdam, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing for AfterShock:

The distribution landscape has changed dramatically and that’s something we plan to quickly address and adapt to in ensuring that everyone who wants to read an AfterShock comic can purchase an AfterShock comic. Our AfterShock Ambassador retail program was the envy of the industry and we’ll be looking at new and innovative ways to bring the Ambassadors back once we’re firing on all cylinders. We’re anxious to get the word out to invite fans, retailers and creators to return to AfterShock.

Announcements regarding AfterShock and Seismic Press works in progress, new as-yet-unsolicited projects and IP moving toward film and television production will be made over the next few months.