Mike Richardson (Dark Horse Comics founder/CEO / film/TV producer / comic book writer)

Today I'm joined by MIKE RICHARDSON, founder and CEO of Dark Horse Comics (Sin City, The Umbrella Academy, Hellboy), founder of the Things from Another World store chain, film/TV producer, and prolific comic book writer. He’s a legend in the comic book industry, not just for the iconic titles he’s published – but for how he revolutionized creators’ rights in a game previously rigged to only enrich publishers in success. Let’s find out how he did it!

5AM StoryTalk would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which this podcast is recorded, the Djarra people of the Kulin Nation and pay respects to Elders past and present.

A BONUS EPISODE, exclusive to 5AM StoryTalk’s kick-ass paid subscribers, is also available via Apple Podcasts or ⁠⁠⁠at Substack: https://colehaddon.substack.com/p/bonus-episode-mike-richardson-talks

In it, Mike discusses seminal piece of art from his life…albeit with a twist. He’s going to dive into the oeuvre of FRANK FRAZETTA as well as his friendship with the artist — who is sometimes called “the godfather of fantasy art”.

Subscribe to the ⁠5AM StoryTalk newsletter⁠: https://colehaddon.substack.com/

Get access to this podcast episode, the bonus episode, and hundreds of other arts and culture articles, essays, and educational resources.

Tip Jar

Not up for a paid subscription but appreciate the work that’s gone into making this podcast happen? You can “buy me a coffee” here: https://buymeacoffee.com/colehaddon

Show notes. Mike and I discuss the following and much more:

• How Mike fell in love with comic books and fantasy, a nostalgic trip into the beginnings of – you might say – modern “geekdom”
• His unique work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit, which first led to Dark Horse Graphics and then launching Pegasus Fantasy Books
• The secret origin of Dark Horse Comics, which launched in 1986 and went on to change the comic book industry forever
• The challenges faced by Dark Horse in a competitive market and how it overcame them by prioritizing creator rights and other partnerships with artists
• Dark Horse’s innovative strategy of creating sequels and expanding upon existing IPs from Hollywood, such as Alien and Star Wars
• How Dark Horse effectively transitioned its properties into Hollywood

• Important collaborations and friendships with renowned comic book creators such as Frank Miller, Harlan Ellison, Paul Chadwick, and more

Links:

• Buy Dark Horse comic books here: https://www.darkhorse.com/
• Buy The Strange Case of Mr. Hyde, my first comic book series with Dark Horse, here: https://www.darkhorse.com/Books/18-076/The-Strange-Case-of-Mr-Hyde-TPB#:~:text=Sometimes%20good%20police%20work%20just,to%20commit%20his%20bloody%20murders.
• Listen to “What I Learned From My First Hollywood Script Sale” here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3BuJezPyRGXgc9FevvPY9z?si=d834afc898864207

• Read about my frustrations with Disney/Lucasfilm mining Star Wars comic books, novels, and more without appropriately crediting writers and creators – “Lucasfilm’s Disregard for the O.G. Heir to the 'Star Wars' Empire Is Part of a Larger Entertainment Industry Problem” here: https://colehaddon.substack.com/p/the-og-heir-to-star-wars-empire-say?utm_source=publication-search

Social Media:

Follow Cole at…