The reorganization continues at IDW as they have added Blake Kobashigawa as Vice President of Sales, IDWP. And some promotions as well: Joseph Hughes has been promoted to Director of Creative Affairs, IDWE, and Marisa Stotter has been elevated to Manager of Creative Affairs, IDWE.
Kobashigawa is a veteran of DC’s book marketing departing, having spent seven years there working in multiple capacities including sales, marketing, business development and product development for the book trade, mass, digital and direct-to-consumer markets. At DC Comics, he spearheaded the Essential Graphic Novels program, and led its international book and mass market initiatives.
Hughes is an industry veteran and another DC alumnus with a broad portfolio. Stotter formerly worked at Condé Nast and made her first mark on the comics industry by directing She Makes Comics, a documentary about the history of women in comics.
More in the PR below but it’s notable that IDW is now marking its two divisions: IDW Publishing (IDWP) which is what it sounds like, and a subsidiary of IDW Media Holdings; and IDW Entertainment (IDWE), the entertainment division, which “is charged with developing, financing, producing and distributing creative, diversified and targeted entertainment content.”
Both Hughes and Stotter are being moved over to the IDWE division.
“Blake and Joe, both of whom enjoyed tremendous success at one of the comic industry’s most storied operations, DC Comics, are the perfect choices to fill their respective crucial roles at IDW,” said Nachie Marsham, Publisher, IDWP. “Blake is an innovative team-builder with a history of seeking out new business and strengthening existing relationships. Joe has impeccable taste, strong industry relationships, and a passion for both creators and the creative. We’re privileged to have them on board.”
As IDWP’s new Vice President of Sales, Kobashigawa will be responsible for developing the company’s sales strategy, initiatives, campaigns and overall business objectives across all markets.
“My childhood dream was to work in comics and I’ve been a lifelong fan. So, coming back to this industry that I love so much with this incredible opportunity at IDW is more than I could have ever hoped for,” said Kobashigawa, VP, Sales. “I’m beyond excited to dig in and expand IDW’s reach with comic shops, book stores and mass market retailers, as well as librarians and educators.”
Since leaving DC in 2018, Kobashigawa has worked as the Head of Industry Operations at Merchbar.com, the world’s largest direct to consumer marketplace for official music merchandise.
Hughes moves up from an editorial role with IDWP to IDWE’s Director of Creative Affairs. He will be responsible for working across the business to develop strategy and hone creative for IDW’s translation of its extensive IP library into TV, film, podcasts and digital media. He will manage creator talent for all IDWE projects, identify and recruit creators to pitch new comics for publishing consideration, and work with creative affairs and development to identify and curate titles to pitch to external talent.
During his time with IDWP, Hughes successfully developed and oversaw significant titles including Star Trek, DuckTales, Samurai Jack and Sonic the Hedgehog while building and maintaining relationships with major industry licensors. Hughes previously served as Editor-in-Chief at ComicsAlliance. During his tenure, the site received the Eisner Award for Journalism, the industry’s highest honor. Before being an Editor-in-Chief, Hughes worked at DC Comics as a Direct Sales Representative and later as an Assistant Editor at the Vertigo imprint. He was previously a Manager at Forbidden Planet in New York.
“Transitioning from publishing to the entertainment side of IDW is extremely exciting for me,” said Hughes, Director, Creative Affairs. “This new position allows me to focus on all of my favorite aspects of the business — working with the best creative minds in the industry, bringing to life IDW’s library of beloved titles and discovering new and novel stories to transform into diverse media for fans to enjoy.”
Stotter moves from Senior Coordinator to Manager of Creative Affairs, IDWE, where she will support the translation of library titles with media rights into their optimal ancillary format including tv, film, podcasts and other digital media.
“We’re thrilled that Marisa will expand her role at IDW to bring more titles from our active library to the screen and highlight new stories and voices,” said IDW VP of Creative Affairs, Veronica Brooks.
Before joining the IDW team, Stotter was Coordinator of Scripted Television for Conde Nast Entertainment. She started her career producing and directing the documentary She Makes Comics.
“I’ve been a comic book lover ever since I can remember so when I landed in the IDW family, I couldn’t have been more excited. I’m looking forward to my expanded role with the company,” said Stotter, Manager, Creative Affairs.
