Lots of people have coming and going in the last few weeks. Let’s get to it!
§ One of the most closely watched new positions in comics was who Scholastic would hire to run their manga for kids line. The answer is Nikolai Muth, who joins them as Senior Editor, Manga & Graphix. Muth was formerly a freelancer at Scholastic, and most recently project manager for the City of Yokohama, Representative Office to the Americas. He wrote on LinkedIn:
I’ve always been drawn towards publishing, and I’m so excited to be able to bring great manga and comics into English so new audiences of young children around the world can fall for them as I have!
§ Industry veteran Jann Jones has gotta catch em all now, she wrote on LinkedIn, joining the Pokémon company in their events division:
I’m so thrilled to announce that I have joined The Pokémon Company International as Manager, Convention Programming. If you know me and my love of Pokémon, you know how much this means to me. I am trying to be very chill about this… #catchacareer #pokemon
Jones was most recently at GalaxyCon.
§ Another industry vet, Chris Powell, has joined large southeastern comics chain Coliseum of Comics in a senior position. Powell was most recently at Diamond Comics in a prominent role, so I’m sure folks will be happy to see him with a new gig. From the PR:
Powell’s extensive background in both the retail and distribution sides of the business makes him a uniquely valuable addition to the Coliseum of Comics team. His career began in the early 1990s at Lone Star Comics, where he rose to the position of General Manager, helping shape one of the country’s most successful comic retail operations. In 2012, Powell transitioned to Diamond Comic Distributors, where he served in executive roles including Executive Director of Business Development and Vice President – Retailer Services, working closely with thousands of comic shops nationwide to strengthen their operations and community engagement.
At Coliseum of Comics, Powell will play a key role in optimizing operations while focusing on expansion as the company continues its growth across Florida and beyond.
“Chris has been one of the most respected names in comics retail for decades,” said Phil Boyle, Founder and President of Coliseum of Comics. “He understands the comic business from every level and has tremendous experience in running great stores. His insights will be invaluable as Coliseum continues to grow and evolve.”
Powell expressed enthusiasm about his new role, stating,
“I have long admired what Phil and his team have built with Coliseum of Comics—stores that not only serve their customers but truly celebrate the culture of comics and fandom. I’m excited to help take that vision to the next level.”
§ IDW has added and promoted several folks, including anew editor for the Turtles line, and to celebrate they all got cute profile pics by Megan Levens.
Jake Thomas joins the team as Group Editor. With 11 years at Marvel and four years at Humanoids, Jake brings his passion for comics to the TMNT line while also supporting other lines, like GODZILLA and SONIC THE HEDGEHOG. “We’re thrilled to have Jake Thomas at IDW helming our TMNT line. I’ve been extremely impressed by Jake’s creativity, organization and dedication to working with artists and business partners alike to find the best path forward in any given situation,” commented Bobby Curnow, Editor-in-Chief. “ I’ve enjoyed seeing Jake’s leadership in action and know he will take the Turtles into a new era of awesomeness. We can’t wait to read all the great comics Jake will bring to the table!”
IDW proudly welcomes Darran Robinson and Corey Wells to the company. As Art Director, Darran will focus primarily on designs, logos, and much more for various IDW comics and projects. He worked at DC for almost eight years, and also worked on design projects for Disney, WWE, Activision, and more. As Fan Engagement Coordinator, Corey will expand IDW’s community engagement through social media, videos, events, and much more. Corey’s previous experience includes working in comic book shops (Fantom Comics, Showcase Comics) and TKO Studios.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Corey and Darran to the IDW team,” stated Aub Driver, VP of Marketing. “Corey brings a deep understanding of fandom and community engagement that will help strengthen our connection with readers across every platform, while Darran’s creative eye and design expertise will elevate how we present our stories visually. Both bring fresh energy and perspective to IDW’s next chapter, and I’m excited to see the mark they’ll make on our brand and our fans.”
Ryan Balkam has been promoted from Speciality Sales Manager to Director of Sales. With more than two years of experience at IDW, Ryan will focus on sales analysis, publishing and retailer strategies, and much more. During his time at IDW, he heavily promoted TMNT’s best-selling relaunch, crafted the hit TMNT #13 blind bag program, and built the engaging Whatnot partnership. “Ryan’s insight and dedication to our retail and distribution partners have been invaluable,” added Driver. “His ability to blend data with a genuine passion for the comics industry makes him an incredible asset to IDW. This promotion is well-earned, and we’re excited to see him continue to drive growth and collaboration across our sales ecosystem.”
Cassandra Jones received a promotion from Editorial Assistant to Associate Editor. With almost two years at IDW, Cassandra will continue to help craft and coordinate comics from the STAR TREK and MONSTER HIGH lines, as well as select horror comics from the IDW DARK imprint. “Cassandra Jones has consistently gone above and beyond in every editorial endeavor she has been tasked with,” said Curnow. “She has provided crucial support to our Star Trek line and is always bringing us exciting new projects and ideas. IDW knows that Cassandra will be an integral part of our team and we are therefore delighted to see her take on more responsibilities with her new role as an Associate Editor.”
