never say never. The aftermath comic is back!
In late 2022, I filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy (along with sister companies Rive Gauche and Media Production Entity) amidst the usual messy debt and unpaid creators. Since then, it seemed like the company has fallen into a “dead, a category that you don’t actually remember,” but you came out of Chapter 11 and filed a plan to get out of bankruptcy a few months ago, and this week they made it official. The plan has hundreds of pages of filing, and the graphics policy has a breakdown, but not an approved version, but the short version will start paying off the debt to the creditors immediately, and will eventually start paying all lenders (ARCs) within three years.
It seems wild and wool coming back to the comic publishing contest, but the statement expressed enthusiasm “while embarking on plans to reclaim its place as one of the most dynamic independent publishers of high-quality creator-owned comics in the industry.” CEO Jon Kramer, president Lee Kramer and SVP Sales & Marketing Steve Rotterdam are all still involved and the company wants to move forward with new projects and IP. Next statement:
“The pandemic and the subsequent author strikes have affected our business in ways no one could have predicted,” said Affecking Comics CEO John Kramer, along with approval of the company’s restructuring plan by the US Bankruptcy Court in the Central District of California.
“We still believe that growing our business in the spring of 2020 and that it’s the right strategic move for everyone to function, but despite the business conditions being unstable and positive investment interest from many political parties, despite the continued uncertainty amid the extended pandemic, fans may contribute to a very important relationship, but it recognizes a very important relationship. The restructuring process was the best way we could pursue to protect the work of all those who created content for our assets and aftershocks.”
“After two and a half years of effort, continued market volatility and intense negotiations, we are pleased to report that we can once again meet our financial obligations under a plan approved by the court,” Kramer continued. “The outstanding payments paid to creators and vendors will soon begin and continue until everything is total. The faster you can go back to publish, the faster you can achieve that goal. Industry support from creators, distributors and retailers is critical to the success of our efforts and is highly appreciated.”
“We’ve been intentionally quiet until now when we like not to succumb to speculation,” said aftershock president Lee Kramer. “But in fact, we have been discussing current and future projects with top aftersshock creators for over a year, as well as having conversations with potential new editorial leadership. The skilled experts have built a legacy of success in horror, crime, fantasy and science fiction, and have built a vision to build new and exciting directions. In addition, we have several series and films based on the aftersshock book in depth, and should be heading for production by the end of this year and early 2026. Plus, we have multiple projects with great talent already in the studio and streamers.
“The distribution environment has changed dramatically. It plans to quickly address and adapt to make sure anyone who wants to read the AfterShock comics can purchase the AfterShock Ambassador’s retail program. Say it up to you to invite fans, retailers and creators back to the aftershock,” said Steve Rotterdam, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing.
The first run of aftershocks lasted seven years, seeing projects with top creators including Garth Ennis, Paul Jenkins, Marguerite Bennett and Karemban. The editorial team included Mike Martz and Joe Pruett. It’s a history that definitely had some high points, but I think people might be hoping to get out of bankruptcy, but like we said to the top, never say it.
That said, at least one creator was not happy, expressing it in Brukey, namely Zach Thompson.
“Aftershocks that I heard came out of their bankruptcy. I want people to know that I won’t see my name in another book from them. I made it clear that the only way every male sibling would end is if the rights returned to the creative team,” he wrote. “Also, the creators approached in aftershocks – I’m happy to be openly talking about my experiences with them. If I can prevent me and my co-creator from even not happening to others, it’s worth it.”
As we often do, we recommend that you have an attorney look at it when you sign a contract. It is also good to have a reinstatement clause in the case of bankruptcy.
At least it’s time to recover the “Aftershocks” category in the old sidebar!
Like this:
Like loading…
