Randy Stradley, the Vice President of Publishing at Dark Horse, and the original editor in chief, has retired after 35 years with the publisher.

In 1985 comic store owner Mike Richardson discussed starting a new comic publisher with Stradley, a friend of his. Together they pasted up the first issue of Dark Horse Presents at the comic book store.

During the last 35 years, Stradley stayed a key member of Dark Horse’s publishing line. He edited series like Concrete, The American, Hard Boiled, Ghost, Sin City, and Dark Horse Presents. He also worked to promote licensed comics such as Star Wars, Aliens, and Godzilla. As a writer he penned the original Aliens Versus Predator series, the Janek Sunber stories in Star Wars: Empire and trials of Jedi Das Jennir in Star Wars: Dark Times.

“After three and a half decades, I believe I’ve done just about all that I can. It has been a great ride, and I want to think Mike Richardson for the tremendous opportunities he’s afforded me. It’s with mixed emotions that I step down, but I know that Dark Horse will continue on to new heights, and that the company is in good hands,” Stradley said.

“I cannot overstate how integral Randy has been to the development and growth of Dark Horse,” founder and president Mike Richardson said. “He was not only a writer, editor, and creator, but also a friend and collaborator for three and a half decades. Together we created something very special that succeeded beyond our wildest dreams. Sad though his departure may be, I wish him all the best in this new chapter of his life.”