It’s a time of musical chairs in the comics industry, but here’s a bit of a switcheroo: Jim Viscardi, best known as the co-founder and head of ComicBook.Com, is moving over to Image Comics as VP of Business Development.
Reporting directly to publisher/CCO Eric Stephenson, in his new role Viscardi will oversee audience growth and new business relationships.
“Image Comics stands as the vanguard of creator-owned publishing, embodying the spirit of artistic freedom and empowerment. In joining this team, I am excited by the opportunity to contribute to Image’s legacy of fostering creative independence while driving strategic business growth that helps our partners in the Direct Market & beyond,” Viscardi told The Hollywood Reporter. “Together, we will continue to push boundaries, inspire innovation, and amplify the voices of creators worldwide.”
Stephenson added: “I first met Jim around 10 years ago when he was on the verge of making a major career change. Jim’s tireless work ethic and all-encompassing passion for comics made him an ideal candidate for a job opening we had at the time. His interests ultimately led him elsewhere—to great success—but it’s exciting that all these years later, we finally have an opportunity to work together. He has a wealth of experience at his disposal, but more than that, a unique perspective that should serve him well in this new role.”
Working for a comics publisher is not a new role for Viscardi – he formerly worked at Marvel in the marketing, communications, and retailer relations departments. In 2015, he co-founded ComicBook.com, which bought one of the most no-brainer URLs in the world and parlayed it into one of the biggest comics related newssites out there. ITs success led to it being purchased by CBS Interactive (now Paramount Global) in 2018.
And speaking as a colleague, ComicBook.com has survived the comics media implosion of recent years – it’s true they cover lots of non-comics news, but the comics news is still there, along with increased manga and anime coverage, and not in the listicle-focused way of some other sites. In other words, he did good!
With all the disruption going on in the comics business, hiring someone with Viscardi’s background and knowledge to oversee new business is a smart move for Image.
As for ComicBook.Com, we hear that Joe Schmidt will take over Viscardi’s position.
94% of all comic guys look like this guy. Not a criticism, just an observation. Congrats Jim. More bearded guys in flannel shirts getting to the top!
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