In a surprise move, the longtime editor of such classic titles as Hellblazer, The Punisher, Amazing Spider-Man and X-Men has been promoted to the job currently held by Joe Quesada, who will be focusing on his position as Chief Creative Officer.
Before going on with the future, let’s take a look at the past. Joe Quesada is leaving this position in a much better state than it was when he took it. Ten years ago Marvel Comics was in Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Quesada took the company, a company on the verge of collapse, and completely redefined its position in the industry. It was under his watch that Marvel began its film revolution with movies like Spider-Man, X-Men and the Avengers series. He was also responsible for getting things going on a television front, with cartoons like Spectacular Spider-Man and Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes coming out as well as in production shows like a new take on the Incredible Hulk. And let’s not forget the comics part of this comics company. Under Quesada, Marvel produced some of their biggest stories ever, such as Avengers: Disassembled, Civil War, Secret Invasion, Dark Reign, House of M and Messiah Complex. Oh, and he also did One More Day, the story where Spider-Man sold his wife to the devil. But me, personally, I would leave that off my list of accomplishments. I’d also leave off the ban on smoking. Wolverine can’t smoke Quesada? Really?
So that’s the past. Now let’s look to the future. Alonso has worked on some of the biggest titles of the past decade. While at DC Comics he edited several high profile books for their Vertigo line, including Hellblazer, Preacher and 100 Bullets. For Marvel, he’s edited Garth Ennis’ Punisher series, X-Statix, J. Michael Straczynski’s run on the Amazing Spider-Man, Moon Knight and the entire line of X-Men books, including the massive crossover event Messiah Complex. And that’s about as much as I can say on him right now, as he’s just taken the job. He doesn’t even have a day of experience yet. But now we get to ask all sorts of fun questions. Like, how different will Marvel be with Alonso in charge? Which of Quesada’s changes will stick? You know, Spider-Marriage, hint hint. Will Marvel’s love of crossover events continue? How will its movies and other forms of media be affected? I dunno. I’m excited to find out though. Check below to see Marvel’s official press release.
Marvel Worldwide, Inc announced today that it has promoted Axel Alonso to Editor-in-Chief, Marvel Entertainment. In this new role, Mr. Alonso will report to Dan Buckley Publisher & President, Print, Animation & Digital Divisions, Marvel Worldwide Inc. Mr. Alonso will oversee all day to day aspects of Marvel’s Publishing division, including advising on the editorial creative direction, developing new storylines and brainstorming new initiatives. Additionally, Mr. Alonso will work on creative aspects of development of larger corporate initiatives involving Marvel’s popular library of characters. The announcement was made today by Joe Quesada, Chief Creative Officer of Marvel Entertainment.
Mr. Quesada stated, “It’s with tremendous pride that I announce Axel Alonso’s promotion to Editor-In-Chief. For over a decade, Axel’s been instrumental in bringing fresh new voices to Marvel and reinventing our biggest characters like Spider-Man, the X-Men, Wolverine and so many more. He’s fought to create unique imprints like Marvel MAX while also bringing fresh new voices to the Marvel family.”
Working in comics for over 15 years, Mr. Alonso began working at Marvel in 2000 as a Senior Editor and was promoted to Vice President, Executive Editor in 2010. Overseeing acclaimed runs of AMAZING SPIDER-MAN and X-MEN, in addition to shepherding groundbreaking projects such as X-STATIX and RAWHIDE KID, Mr. Alonso developed a reputation for bringing readers the unexpected and the electrifying. He also oversaw cross-promotional projects such as the creative collaboration between Marvel Entertainment and ESPN The Magazine on their recent NBA Preview issue, which drew attention across the world from mainstream media for it’s innovation.
“Marvel has a great history of the most dynamic and memorable EiCs in comics history and I’m honored to step into this role,” said Axel Alonso. “I’ve been blessed to work with some of the most creative men and women in the world, bringing to life some of the most compelling stories you’ll find in any medium. This new role provides me with exciting challenges and prospects I’ve never encountered before, but I know one thing—Marvel’s getting even bigger in 2011.”
“Most of you know Axel from his high profile job as Vice President, Executive Editor and the man behind some of our very best and edgiest books,” added Joe Quesada. “Time and time again, Axel has proven that he is one of the very best story editors in the history of our medium and one of the finest people I know. And, like everyone here at Marvel, he has one single focus, bringing you the best stories with the best characters in all of comicdom. That’s why I have no doubt that Axel will bring Marvel Comics to greater heights than it’s ever known!”
As part of this strategic initiative, Joe Quesada will focus on his duties as Chief Creative Officer, overseeing Marvel’s creative endeavors in film, television, publishing, digital and more. In his ten-year tenure as Editor-In-Chief, Mr. Quesada was instrumental in Marvel’s rise to prominence as a global entertainment juggernaut and the increased profile of the comic book medium. Mr. Quesada brings his expertise and experience to further strengthen the Marvel brand as a leader in worldwide entertainment.
