Dark Horse Comics (also known as Dark Horse) is an American comic book, graphic novel, and manga publisher founded in Milwaukie, Oregon by Mike Richardson in 1986.[6] The company was created using funds earned from Richardson's chain of Portland, Oregon, comic book shops known as Pegasus Books and founded in 1980. The two most comic book publisher companies of DC Comics and Marvel Comics (the home of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Spider-Man and Hulk).[6][7]
Dark Horse Comics has emerged as the fourth largest comic publishing company in the United States of America.[6] Dividing profits with artists and writers, as well as supporting artistic and creative rights in the comic book industry, Dark Horse Comics has become a strong proponent of publishing licensed material that often does not fit into mainstream media.[6][8] Several titles include: Sin City, Hellboy, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, 300, Ninja Gaiden, and Star Wars.[8]
In December 2021, Swedish gaming company Embracer Group launched its acquisition of Dark Horse Media, Dark Horse Comics' parent company, and completed the buyout in March 2022.[9]