Founded in 1986 by Mike Richardson, behind the concept of establishing an ideal atmosphere for creative professionals, Dark Horse Comics has grown to become the third-largest comics publisher in the United States and is acclaimed internationally for the quality and diversity of its line. By attracting the top talent in the comics field, Dark Horse continues to change the shape of the industry and grow its brand throughout the world. In conjunction with its sister company Dark Horse Entertainment, Dark Horse has over 350 properties currently represented under the Dark Horse banner, serving as the jumping-off point for comics, books, films, television, electronic games, toys, and collectibles. In 2008, Dark Horse distributes its characters and concepts into more than fifty countries, continuing its mission of content creation and distribution in all of its forms throughout the world.
The Dark Horse Deluxe brand was initiated in 1998 with a line of merchandise that included model kits, toys, apparel, and collectibles. The division established a goal of extending the Dark Horse brand by using Dark Horse properties as the basis for its merchandise. As the years passed, DHD's vision statement has evolved, and the division now sees itself as a cutting-edge pop culture operation. Recent product lines include Tim Burton's Tragic Toys for Girls and Boys, Peter Jackson's WETA line, Joss Whedon's Serenity, and a new line of toys from Guillermo del Toro. Dark Horse creates product based on classic characters such as Peanuts, Little Lulu, Flash Gordon, Tarzan, Popeye, and Underdog, as well as new cutting edge properties such as Emily the Strange and the internet hit Penny Arcade. Of course, Dark Horse also produces products based on its own publishing line, with popular product featuring Sin City, 300, Hellboy, The Mask, SpyBoy, and Go Boy 7.
Over the course of eighteen years, Dark Horse has developed a strong distribution network into the traditional bookstore market. Additionally, Dark Horse sells its graphic novels internationally. In 2008, the Dark Horse Licensing Group was formed to handle Dark Horse's International sales. Dark Horse publications now sell in over fifty countries in a variety of languages.
Since 1986, Dark Horse Comics has proven to be a solid example of how integrity and innovation can help broaden a unique storytelling medium and establish a small, homegrown company as an industry giant. In addition to publishing comics from top talent like Frank Miller, Mike Mignola, Neil Gaiman, and comics legend Will Eisner, their highly successful line of comics and products based on popular properties includes Star Wars, Aliens, Conan, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Emily the Strange, Tim Burton, Trigun, and The Incredibles. Today Dark Horse Comics is the third largest comic-book publisher in the U.S. and is recognized as the world's leading publisher of licensed comics material.Dark Horse Deluxe is an imprint of Dark Horse Comics, Inc.