Ablaze Publishing & Alien Books Announce Layoffs

Diamond’s Bankruptcy Sparks Turbulence in the Comics Industry

The comic book world trembles as the aftermath of Diamond’s bankruptcy unravels. Two more publishers, both distributed by Diamond, have felt the sting with sudden layoffs.

Ablaze Publishing’s Latest Setback

Ablaze Publishing, known for its diverse range of graphic novels, has been hit. Kevin Ketner, previously an editor at the company, took to social media to announce his departure. Ketner, who joined Ablaze after his stint at Dynamite Comics, handled popular titles like Almost Dead and Mighty Barbarians.

Despite promising signs earlier this year, Ablaze faced challenges lately. The company renewed its exclusive contract with Diamond but began crowdfunding several books to offset financial strains. These moves highlight the precarious situation smaller publishers find themselves in. Many have long warned of potential fallout from Diamond’s financial turmoil.

Valiant Comics Under Transformation

Valiant Comics, under the umbrella of Alien Books, also faces change. Lysa Hawkins, the editor in chief, revealed her exit in a heartfelt post to a Valiant fan group. Hawkins expressed gratitude for her six-year tenure, during which she became an advocate for the beloved Valiant Universe.

Hawkins joined Valiant in 2018, back when it operated independently. When Alien acquired Valiant, she transitioned smoothly and took on a leadership role last year. With experience from Marvel and DC, Hawkins’s departure marks a significant change. Despite this, Alien Books, led by director Matias Timarchi, remains committed to its mission. The company continues to expand, dabbling in manga publishing and exploring other foreign licenses.

Wider Implications for the Comics Sphere

The upheaval at smaller publishers highlights a broader industry dilemma. The lack of alternative distribution channels makes these companies especially vulnerable. The recent layoffs at Dark Horse and IDW emphasize the severity of the situation. Industry insiders fear that this week’s events are just the beginning of more significant belt-tightening.

Yet, amid the chaos, there’s a silver lining. When the industry rebounds, as it inevitably will, there will be a pool of talented editorial professionals ripe for recruitment. The hope is that these shifts will eventually lead to stronger, more resilient publishing strategies.

The comic book world watches and waits, bracing for the next chapter in this unfolding drama.