Never say never. Aftershock Comics is back!
In late 2022 Aftershock Comics filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy (along with sister company Rive Gauche, a media production entity) amidst the usual messy debts and unpaid creators. Since then, the company seemed to fall into the “gone and not really remembered category,” however your can emerge from Chapter 11, and Aftershock submitted a plan to come out of bankruptcy a few months ago and this week they made it official. There are a few hundred pages of filings to go through on the plan, and Graphic Policy has a breakdown, although it’s not quite the version that was approved, but the short version is that they will start to pay off debts to creditors immediately and eventually pay all in full and the secured lender (ARC) within three years.
It seems a wild and wooly time to be jumping back into the comics publishing fray, but in a statement, Aftershock expressed much enthusiasm “while initiating plans to reclaim its place as one of the most dynamic independent publishers of high-quality creator-owned comics in the industry.” CEO Jon Kramer, President Lee Kramer and svp sales & marketing Steve Rotterdam are all still involved, and the company hopes to move forward with new projects and IP. Statements follow:
“The pandemic and subsequent writer’s strike impacted our business in ways nobody could have predicted,” remarked AfterShock Comics CEO Jon Kramer upon approval of the company’s restructuring plan by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California.
“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,” said Kramer, “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,” Kramer continued. “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.”
“Preferring not to give in to speculation, we’ve intentionally remained quiet up until now” said AfterShock President Lee Kramer. “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.”
Aftershock’s first run lasted 7 years, and saw projects with top creators including Garth Ennis, Paul Jenkins, Marguerite Bennett, Cullen Bunn, and many others. The editorial team included Mike Marts and Joe Pruett. It’s a history that definitely had some high points, but I don’t think too may people expected them to come out of bankruptcy, but like we said up top, never say never.
That said, at least one creators was not happy and expressed it on BlueSky, namely Zac Thompson:
“Heard AFTERSHOCK has emerged from their bankruptcy. Just want folks to know that you’ll never see my name on another book from them. I’ve made it clear that the only way THE BROTHER OF ALL MEN finishes is if the rights return to the creative team,” he wrote. Adding, “Also, any creator who is approached by Aftershock – I’m happy to talk candidly with you about my experiences with them. If I can prevent what happened to me and my co-creators from happening to even one other person – it’ll be worth it.”
