Dark Horse’s Randy Stradley Retires After 35 Years

After an impressive 35 year career at Dark Horse Comics, Randy Stradley is retiring. Way back in 1985, comic store owner Mike Richardson reached out to Stradley about starting a comic book publishing company that not only allowed writers and artist to tell their stories the way they wanted, but to also own their work. This led to the first issue of Dark Horse Presents that went on to sell 50,000 copies. The rest is history.

Stradley played a part in shaping Dark Horse’s publishing line by editing series such as Concrete, Boris the Bear, The American, Hard Boiled, Give Me Liberty, Ghost, and Sin City. He was also central in the licensed comics space with properties like Aliens, Predator, Godzilla, Mystery Science Theater 3000, and Star Wars. At the time of his departure, Stradley served as the VP of Publishing.

“After three and a half decades, I believe I’ve done just about all that I can. It has been a great ride, and I want to think Mike Richardson for the tremendous opportunities he’s afforded me. It’s with mixed emotions that I step down, but I know that Dark Horse will continue on to new heights, and that the company is in good hands,” said Stradley.

“I cannot overstate how integral Randy has been to the development and growth of Dark Horse,” said founder and president Mike Richardson. “He was not only a writer, editor, and creator, but also a friend and collaborator for three-and-a-half decades. Together we created something very special that succeeded beyond our wildest dreams.  Sad though his departure may be, I wish him all the best in this new chapter of his life.”

Congratulations to Randy Stradley on some impressive work at Dark Horse and good luck on whatever comes next.