Dark Horse Comics Voluntarily Recognizes Its Employees' Union
Dark Horse Comics officially and voluntarily recognized the Dark Horse Workers United union, formed by employees who came together on May 27. The company initiated the process by positively responding to the employees' recognition request submitted by June 3.
The Oregon-based publisher is known in the manga and comic book world for iconic series such as Berserk, Hellsing, One Piece (English editions), and Hellboy. This step is part of the labor organizing movement that has gained momentum in the US publishing industry, especially in recent years.
The formation of Dark Horse Workers United is one of the most notable moves following the unionization of VIZ Media employees in 2021. VIZ Media's organization under the Communications Workers of America (CWA) was a first in the manga and anime industry. Dark Horse's decision may pave the way for other major players in the sector to take similar steps.
The recognition of the union will allow translators, editors, marketing teams, and other employees to sit at the collective bargaining table regarding wages, benefits, and working conditions. Dark Horse's voluntary recognition move aims to preserve labor peace by preventing a lengthy legal battle between management and employees.
This development is an important milestone for the institutionalization of workers' rights in American comic and manga publishing. It would not be surprising to hear similar unionization news from other publishers in the coming months. For readers, securing the rights of the workers behind the series we love is a promising step for the sustainability of the industry.
