Mike Richardson, the founder and longtime publisher of Dark Horse Comics, has been removed from his position at the company. The announcement follows years of internal restructuring by its parent company, Sweden’s Embracer Group, which has struggled with falling profits and multiple studio closures.
According to a message sent to business partners and creators by vice president of product development and sales Randy Lahrman, the leadership change aims to “modernize the business and strengthen collaboration across publishing, games, film, merchandise, and other key areas.” Lahrman said the goal is to “better align Dark Horse within a more connected and forward-looking group structure.”
Jay Komas, head of The Middle Earth Group—the Embracer division that includes Dark Horse—will serve as interim CEO. Komas previously worked at Google, LucasArts, Activision Blizzard, and Electronic Arts. “Jay brings extensive experience with global intellectual properties across games, film, and consumer products,” Lahrman added. “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.”
Richardson’s exit marks the end of an era for independent comics. He co-founded Dark Horse in 1986 and helped turn it into one of the most respected independent publishers in the world. The company became known for breakout creator-owned series like Nexus, Hellboy, Sin City, and Black Hammer, while also handling top licensed properties including Star Wars, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and Terminator. Richardson also helped pioneer the comics-to-film model with projects such as The Mask and Timecop, earning producing credits as his company expanded into television, games, collectibles, and digital publishing.
In recent weeks, Dark Horse appeared to be accelerating again, taking on new publishing partnerships with creators like Terry Moore and Jonathan Hickman and announcing several programs for retailers at ComicsPRO. Still, the cracks inside Embracer had been widening. The Swedish gaming giant bought Dark Horse in 2022 after a $1 billion investment from Saudi-backed Savvy Games Group but soon canceled future funding rounds, triggering widespread layoffs and closures. By 2024, Embracer split into three divisions, placing Dark Horse within the Middle Earth Group alongside rights to Lord of the Rings and Tomb Raider.
While Dark Horse initially avoided major cuts, the company quietly wound down its online store Things From Another World and its digital comics platform. Several projects were canceled, and some staffers were laid off, including longtime marketing VP Cara O’Neil, which hinted that bigger changes were coming.
Richardson’s leadership helped guide Dark Horse through four decades of industry shifts. His focus on creator-friendly deals and high production standards made the publisher stand out during the mainstream comic book booms and busts since the late 1980s. Richardson’s vision arguably built one of the most enduring legacies in comics publishing.
The full statement from Dark Horse Comics reads:
“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.”
Richardson’s departure signals a cultural shift. The creative independence that once defined Dark Horse has now given way to corporate consolidation and IP management. For many in the comics industry, that change feels like the end of something special.
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