Humanoids Corporation, the French comics publisher known for its sci-fi and fantasy graphic novels, has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in the U.S. As opposed to Chapter 11, the Chapter 7 proceedings will see Humanoids liquidate its assets, eventually ceasing U.S. operations.
Humanoids had originally filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in January, but the scale of its debts—somewhere between $10 and $50 million, according to the Street—forced it to change course. Its French parent company Les Humanoïdes Associés filed for judicial liquidation in July, but publisher Fabrice Giger at that point indicated plans for restructuring, per Livres Hebdo.
Humanoids, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, relaunched in the U.S. in 1999 after being purchased by Giger in 1988. In addition to Humanoids' flagship science fiction and horror comics anthology, Metal Hurlant, its graphic novels became epic sci-fi staples, featuring such acclaimed comics artists as Moebius, Enki Bilal, Juan Gimenez, and Milo Manara. Humanoids had been steadily diversifying the genres and reading levels available in its catalog, including the 2018 launch of a literary graphic novels imprint.
Multiple sources indicate that Diamond Comics Distributors' bankruptcy and the ensuing legal drama played a role in Humanoids' demise. In July, Humanoids filed an objection to Diamond's motion to liquidate its consigned inventory, but did not join the groups of publishers requesting a stay on the motion, which has yet to be resolved.
A meeting to decide how much creditors will be paid back once Humanoids liquidates its assets will be held on November 7.
