Layoffs at Mad Cave Studios
- Scott Waldyn
- 13 hours ago
- 2 min read
Mad Cave Studios, US-based publisher of Kings Features-licensed titles The Phantom, Flash Gordon, Dick Tracy, and Defenders of the Earth underwent a round of new layoffs among their marketing and editorial staff.
Senior Editor of Creator-Owned Projects James Emmett, Senior Marketing Manager Maya Vee, and Senior Editor Chas! Pangburn is among those who were laid off. For Phantom phans, Chas! Pangburn was one of the editors for both The Phantom and Defenders of the Earth series at Mad Cave Studios. You can read an interview with Chas! Pangburn on our website.
This round of layoffs is the third known round within the last year. As reported by ComicsBeat, Mad Cave Studios had previously laid off Maverick senior editor Lauren Hitzhusen and VP of marketing Allison Marie Pond in December 2026. July 2026, the company also underwent a round of layoffs.
"These changes were necessary to ensure the long-term health of the company, so that we can continue forward-focused, resilient, and able to invest in the areas that will sustain and grow our business. We're very thankful for the contributions of those affected by these changes, as well as the whole of the Mad Cave team," said Mad Cave Studios President Mark Irwin, as reported by Bleeding Cool.
This is extremely sad for the staff at Mad Cave Studios, and for fans of their many publications, it's disheartening and bewildering, as it previously seemed like many of their titles, such as Flash Gordon, Speed Racer, and Dick Tracy, have been performing well. That said, with how hard sales data is to come by, it's anyone's guess how well titles are performing across North America and audiences abroad.
For Phantom phans, it's easy to see the pause this shake-up likely causes. One wonders how long Mad Cave Studios will keep their new take on the Guardian of the Eastern Dark going, especially now that the series has morphed from monthly issues into semi-frequent one-shots for the forseeable future.
At Chronicle Chamber, we'll continue to update and report as further news develops.
