A comic I think about from time to time is Zac Thompson and Eoin Marron’s The Brother of All Men. It was about a detective who traveled to Western Canada to rescue his brother from a cult, set in 1928. It ended after two issues. Not because the story was done, mind you, but because its publisher, Los Angeles-based AfterShock Comics, had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
A lot’s changed in the two and a half years since that happened. New publishers have made the scene. Many of the writers who made comics for AfterShock have moved on to other publishers (so much talent has migrated over to Mad Cave, Oni, Dynamite, etc.). And bigger, more consequential comics bankruptcies have occured. Eventually, AfterShock seemed like a distant memory, even if that distant memory published great books like Hot Lunch Special and I Breathed a Body.
Then, like a bolt out of the blue, on Thursday, AfterShock declared itself back. No more bankruptcy protection. The company says it will pay outstanding debts, wrap unconcluded series, hire a new editorial team, find new distribution and resume bringing its IP to TV and film.
Does that guarantee any of that will happen? No. Still, it was a shock (yeah, yeah) to see the publisher announce not only its return but the beginnings of a plan to make things right, including making creators whole.
Of course, the question is, do the creators whom AfterShock left hanging in bankruptcy want to come back?
Heard AFTERSHOCK has emerged from their bankruptcy. Just want folks to know that you'll never see my name on another book from them. I've made it clear that the only way THE BROTHER OF ALL MEN finishes is if the rights return to the creative team.
— Zac Thompson (@zacthompson.bsky.social) May 15, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Welp, that’s at least one no.
Echoing @zacthompson.bsky.social feel free to shoot me a DM if Aftershock approaches you or if you are considering publishing with them. I would also, in the abstract, just advise people take their books elsewhere
— Rye Hickman (@ryehickman.bsky.social) May 15, 2025 at 11:04 AM
Ope, there’s another.
Look, if AfterShock’s owners do everything they say they’re going to do, great. We love to see it. But it’s clear they burned some bridges on the way to bankruptcy court, so it’s likely a long and still-rocky path to redemption.
For now though, check out AfterShock’s release on their big comeback below:
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Los Angeles, CA (May 15, 2025) – Two and a half years after voluntarily filing for Chapter 11 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, AfterShock Comics has emerged from bankruptcy protection restructured and fully prepared to meet its financial and contractual obligations – while initiating plans to reclaim its place as one of the most dynamic independent publishers of high-quality creator-owned comics in the industry.
“The pandemic and subsequent writer’s strike impacted our business in ways nobody could have predicted,” remarked AfterShock Comics CEO Jon Kramer upon approval of the company’s restructuring plan by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California.
“While we still believe that securing financing in the spring of 2020 to grow out our business and keep everyone working was the correct strategic move,” said Kramer, “business conditions proved unstable and, in spite of positive interest on the investment front from numerous parties, the ongoing uncertainty amidst the prolonged pandemic disrupted our momentum. Though recognizing the effect it might have on our extremely important relationships with creators, fans, distributors and retailers, the restructuring process was the best avenue we could have pursued to protect our assets and the work of all those who created content for AfterShock.”
“I’m happy to report that after two and a half years of hard work, ongoing market volatility and intense negotiations, we are once again able to fully meet our financial obligations under a plan approved by the court,” Kramer continued. “Outstanding payments owed to creators and vendors will begin shortly and will continue until all are made whole. The faster we can get back to publishing, the quicker we will realize that goal. Industry support from creators, distributors and retailers has been critical to the success of our efforts and remains much appreciated.”
“Preferring not to give in to speculation, we’ve intentionally remained quiet up until now” said AfterShock President Lee Kramer. “But, in fact, we’ve been discussing current and future projects with top AfterShock creators for well over a year. We’ve also been having conversations with potential new editorial leadership – accomplished professionals with the vision to build upon our legacy of success in horror, crime, fantasy and science fiction and take it in new and exciting directions. Regarding the handful of series that were left hanging with only one or two issues left to go, we fully intend to conclude those arcs as their creators become available. On top of that, we have several series and films based on AfterShock books that are in deep development and should be heading to production by the end of this year and the beginning of 2026 – plus multiple projects with great talent that are already at the studios and streamers, which we are excited to announce shortly.”
Added Steve Rotterdam, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing for AfterShock, “The distribution landscape has changed dramatically and that’s something we plan to quickly address and adapt to in ensuring that everyone who wants to read an AfterShock comic can purchase an AfterShock comic. Our AfterShock Ambassador retail program was the envy of the industry and we’ll be looking at new and innovative ways to bring the Ambassadors back once we’re firing on all cylinders. We’re anxious to get the word out to invite fans, retailers and creators to return to AfterShock.”
Announcements regarding AfterShock and Seismic Press works in progress, new as-yet-unsolicited projects and IP moving toward film and television production will be made over the next few months.
Dan Grote is the editor and publisher of ComicsXF, having won the site by ritual combat. By day, he’s a newspaper editor, and by night, he’s … also an editor. He co-hosts The ComicsXF Interview Podcast with Matt Lazorwitz. He lives in New Jersey with his wife, two kids and two miniature dachshunds, and his third, fictional son, Peter Paul Winston Wisdom. Follow him @danielpgrote.bsky.social.
