Band of Bards is an independent publisher of comics, graphic novels, and prose based in Buffalo, NY. We support creator-owned intellectual property, and are committed to advance Representation, Inclusion, and Diversity in comics.
Founded by Tim Stolinski and Chris Benamati in 2021, we’ve wasted no time carving out our own corner in the ever-expanding comic universe. Our goal? To be a platform that celebrates indie creators and sparks positive change in an industry that surely could use a shake-up.
We’re firm believers that comics and graphic novels are the pinnacle of storytelling. They blend boundless literary creativity with visual storytelling prowess, creating emotional depth that transcends mere words on a page. This dynamic combination empowers creators to enthrall audiences of every age and background.
In 2024, Band of Bards took a significant step forward in aligning more closely with its mission… joining forces with Marcus Jimenez and Brent Fisher from Dauntless Stories, and officially becoming a first of its kind in the comics industry– a worker-owned cooperative (co-op).
But what exactly does being a worker-owned co-op entail?
In a worker-owned co-op, the employees themselves collectively own and manage the business. This model empowers every individual involved in the organization to have a direct stake in its success, fostering a culture of collaboration, shared responsibility, and equitable decision-making. Each member contributes not only their skills and expertise but also has a voice in shaping the direction and priorities of the company.
This unique structure breaks away from the traditional approach of top-down management, offering a democratic and inclusive alternative. It ensures that the interests of the company and it’s contributors align, promoting a sense of ownership, pride, and commitment among its members.
By embracing the worker-owned co-op model, Band of Bards opens its doors to anyone passionate about the medium, by providing an opportunity for individuals to contribute their talents and ideas while also having the ability to own part of the publisher itself.
WORKER-OWNERS
Marcus
Chief Operating Officer
Dauntless President & Publisher
Pronouns: He/him
Striving to provide a voice for the stories that go untold, Marcus founded Dauntless Stories as a publisher with a focus on telling bold stories. He works as a publisher, president, artist and as a writer. With the ultimate goal of fostering an inclusive and sustainable company that pushes the boundaries of what we can do in the medium.
Tim
Chief Financial Officer and President
Co-Founder of Band of Bards
Pronouns: He/Him
Tim likes money and buying things, so that's what he does for us. As our President it is Tim's job to aggressively hound everyone about meetings, deadlines, and generally be a PITA.
When not drowning in a sea of unfinished work he enjoys fumbling with his bass guitar and being in nature. You can often find him standing in a cold creek looking for fish and ignoring reality. The easiest way to spot Tim at a convention is by looking for the booty shorts.
Chris
Chief Creative Officer and Publisher
Co-Founder of Band of Bards
Pronouns: He/Him
Chris is a creator, designer, and coffee addict... wearer of many different hats, with clearly not enough heads.
Brent
Chief Diversity Officer
Dauntless Creative Director
Pronouns: They/Them
Brent is driven by a passion for amplifying underrepresented voices and perspectives through independent publishing and visual storytelling. As a writer, editor, and tireless advocate for fellow creators, Brent strives to develop and foster inclusive narratives that challenge conventional and conditioned cultural reasoning, foster understanding between disparate groups of thought, and act as an instrument of change.
Megan
Distribution Lead
Pronouns: She/Her
After Megan was gifted a Wonder Woman costume as a wee toddler, her fate of living for and loving comics was set. Lacking the ability to draw anything well, and the fan fiction she attempted to write was less enjoyable than a colonoscopy, Megan realized she had to find a new way to make her mark in the comics industry.
Having worked at Diamond Comic Distributors in both the marketing department, promoting ad sales as well as planning FCBD, and the purchasing department, where she acted as a brand manager to over 100 publishers and represented DCD at conventions, Megan rerouted her career to work in direct connection with publishers and creatives using her niche knowledge. Balancing marketing crowdfunding campaigns, publisher-to-retailer outreach, and being a mom to a darling daughter and precious Pitbull is a tough job, but nothing a modern-minded Amazon cannot handle.
Joey
Head of Crowdfunding Operations and Social Media Manager
The Founder & CEO of Geek Collective L.L.C.
Pronouns: He/Him
Joey is the Head of PR & Marketing at Rabbit In A Hat Studios (Pocus Hocus, Grandma Chainsaw, Horus In Hell), & Network Development Officer at Age Of Radio.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The purpose of the Band of Bards Board of Directors is to provide oversight, accountability, and advice to the company. Board positions are rotational, and members serve in the position for a year. The board will grow alongside our worker-ownership, and is organized by chair with an emphasis on inclusivity, and the community.
Currently four chairs are occupied by worker-owners, and three chairs are reserved for community members.