DFG Re-organization Unveiled

Special to DFG ONLINE
by Bob Barnes

Depiction of Mrs. Sepultra Thunder
courtesy of Todd Abbot Studios

At a news conference this morning, Mrs. Sepultra Thunder, DFG's new executive director, unveiled the new staffing structure that will take DFG Comics into the future. Mrs. Thunder, a former fashion magazine executive and heiress to a major publishing family empire was engaged by DFG earlier this month to reorganize DFG and bring it into the modern era.  The 59 year old has lived up to her name.   As reported last week, several employees and contracters were let go, with thundrous reverberations echoing in the DFG corridors:  "The first, and most decisive move we needed to make," said a confident Mrs. Thunder, "was to sever all ties with the Todd Abbot studio. This studio of 'ghost artists' has proved unreliable throughout DFG's 31 year history, and yet, the management has continually engaged their services to meet the deadline pressures of an unrealistic multi-titled product line.  Not only has their work been unreliable, it has been grotesque, to say the least.  I had never read a comic book until Mr. Graves and Mr. Andrews engaged me to reorganize this company.  The first book I picked up was Captain Nepto Prime.  Good Lord, I thought, this is supposed to be Canada's favourite adventure strip character since 1981?  Spare me.  My infant grandson draws better pictures."

Mrs. Thunder then proceeded to explain the changes in the production department: "Clearly, the production schedule of DFG titles has been consistently mismanaged.  Customers will not stand for the delays that DFG has been well-known for.  There are many unfinished story arcs that have been left dangling for several years, all the while, the production department continues to push for new titles.  I was introduced to the production manager, a certain Frank Daniels, who has been known to ghost write for DFG as well.  It was clear that not only was he responsible for completely mismanaging his department, since at least 1985, he also had a signficant anger management problem that the company has tried unsuccessfully to help him address.  Well, let me tell you, I simply won't stand for any of this sort of nonsense.  As of last week, Mr. Daniels was terminated, as were several members of his department.  I am personally assuming responsiblity for this department and will be bringing over some of my own staff from my own consulting firm, Wind, Storm, Fire & Assoc., to carry out the day-to-day responsiblities."

Mrs. Thunder then turned to other support areas of DFG operations, "We have a so-called chief of sercurity, one Augustus Smith.  This position was clearly created for him as a sinecure without any significant responsiblity, after his retirement as chief of police.  He has not succeeded in tracking down the culprits who were behind various attacks on the DFG website, nor the thefts of DFG property, nor the person responsible for leaking sensitive information to the press.  DFG is not going to be a place where anyone gets a free ride.  Chief Smith has been terminated."

Mrs. Thunder also outlined the dismissal of several other low-level support staff employees and bullpen artists.  She then turned to the new structure:

"Effective immediately, I have appointed Ms. Flora Loveartalot to be the artistic director of DFG.  Ms. Loveartalot has a proven track recorded of getting the job done and has signficant untapped gifts in human resource management.  Her abilities are vital to bringing DFG forward."

She noted as well that Dan Graves and Darryl Andrews will stay on in figure-head positions as Co-Publishers, as well as President and VP respectively, but all day-to-day operations will be handled by herself.  "Mr. Graves and Mr. Andrews will return to what they do best, writing and drawing comic books," she added.

One of the only other staff members to remain is DFG janitor, Ernest Wontellalie, otherwise known as the employee with nine lives.  "Someone has to help me clean up this mess that is known as 'DFG Comics,'" she said, "and it might as well be a janitor.  And besides, I think he's kinda cute."

"Ghosts" Fired at DFG

One of Canada's most storied comic book companies, DFG Comics, is dramatically smaller today after a sweeping round of firings.

The Bradford, Ont.-based studio behind such titles as Spy-comics, Captain Nepto and Retro Spy, is one of Ontario’s oldest comic art studios and one of the province’s top employers of comic book talent.

On Monday, our on location reporter, Bob Barnes reported that DFG had dismissed 7 employees, bringing the company’s head count down to just 11 staff.

Dan Graves, chief executive officer of DFG, confirmed the firings. “We've had project after project lined up, some that had been in the works for months,sometimes years, which failed to materialize. It was high time these people responsible for the missed production dates were held accountable".

Our Reporter, Bob Barnes has learned many of the employees released were a part of a large "ghost artist" team operating under the stylings of Todd Abbot. Mr. Graves has left DFG HQ after issuing his statement to attend a Funeral, but other key players are said to still be on-site. Mr. Barnes is staying at the location to try to obtain further exit comments.

Breaking News!

While not confirmed, initial reports from sources inside DFG HQ speculate that a mass firing will be conducted today. All staff is in attendance today for an update on the new organizational changes prompted by new hire Sepultra Thunder. Our "on the Beat" reporter Bob Barnes is on site reporting. Watch this space for developments as they are released.

DFG Suspends Operations

DFG SUSPENDS OPERATIONS TO EVALUATE REORGANIZATION OPTIONS



March 12 2012 – As a result of the suspension of operations approximately 20 full-time and temporary employees have been impacted. DFG president and CEO, Dan Graves could not be reached for comment.
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DFG Names Executive Chairman

DFG President and Chief Executive Officer Dan Graves appointed "maverick visionary" Ms. Sepultra Thunder as Executive Chairman of DFG Comics Division.

Bradford, ONT., March 4, 2012

Graves today announced that its board of directors has agreed upon the appointment of Ms.Thunder.

“We are fortunate to have someone of Sepultra's caliber and experience step up to lead DFG into the future” said Graves. “We are at a critical moment and we need renewed leadership to successfully implement our strategy and take advantage of the market opportunities ahead. Sepultra is a maverick visionary with a proven track record of execution. She is a strong communicator who is customer focused with deep leadership capabilities. Furthermore, she has worked behind the scenes for the past eight months tracking missed opportunities by the DFG brand and has recognized an overall stale production environment. I am very confident that Sepultra has a solid understanding of our business model."


This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. If such risks or uncertainties materialize or such assumptions prove incorrect, the results of DFG and its consolidated subsidiaries could differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and assumptions. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including but not limited to statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations, including execution of growth strategies, transformation initiatives and restructuring plans; any statements concerning expected development, performance or market share relating to products and services; any statements regarding anticipated operational and financial results; any statements of expectation or belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions include macroeconomic and geopolitical trends and events; the competitive pressures faced by DFG's businesses; the development and transition of new products and services (and the enhancement of existing products and services) to meet customer needs and respond to emerging technological trends; the execution and performance of contracts by DFG and its customers, suppliers and partners; the protection of DFG's intellectual property assets, including intellectual property licensed from third parties; integration and other risks associated with business combination and investment transactions; the hiring and retention of key employees; expectations and assumptions. DFG assumes no obligation, but does intend to update these forward-looking statements.

© 2011 DFG Comics. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. DFG shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.