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It’s been two and a half years since independent comic book publisher AfterShock Comics filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, but now the company is on the comeback trail, announcing plans to “reclaim its place as one of the most dynamic independent publishers of high-quality creator-owned comics in the industry.”

In a surprise press release posted on its own site — the first since December 2 2022, ahead of the company’s financial woes — AfterShock announced a return from what it described as a “voluntarily filing for Chapter 11 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” reporting that it was “restructured and fully prepared to meet its financial and contractual obligations.”

According to the release, its return has been in the works for some time.

“Preferring not to give in to speculation, we’ve intentionally remained quiet up until now. But, in fact, we’ve been discussing current and future projects with top AfterShock creators for well over a year,” AfterShock president Lee Kramer is quoted as saying in the release.

He adds that the company has “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,” and also that “several [television] series and films based on AfterShock books [are] in deep development and should be heading to production by the end of this year and the beginning of 2026.”

While all this work has been going on behind the scenes, it’s worth noting that AfterShock has not apparently met pre-existing financial obligations emerging from its bankruptcy, although it intends to. Elsewhere in the release, AfterShock Comics CEO Jon Kramer reveals, “Outstanding payments owed to creators and vendors will begin shortly and will continue until all are made whole,” adding, “The faster we can get back to publishing, the quicker we will realize that goal.”

Yes, that’s right; he says outstanding payments will begin shortly. The delay in repayment might have been in what Kramer described as the “intense negotiations” preparing to, in his words, “fully meet our financial obligations under a plan approved by the court.” How much of the company’s overall bankruptcy debt — which was upwards of $17 million — remains unpaid is a mystery, but at least creditors can appreciate that there is a court-approved repayment plan in place finally.

Missing from AfterShock’s announcement was any concrete plans or announcements regarding new releases; those, the company says, “will be made over the next few months.” Keep your eyes on Popverse for more news as it emerges.

Get ready for what's next with our guide to upcoming comics, how to buy comics at a comic shop, and our guide to Free Comic Book Day 2025.