Last week Marvel announced that veteran comics editor, Steve Wacker, has been named the new editor-in-chief. This came as part of sweeping leadership changes that have happened in the first half of 2026, as well as the announcement that Marvel comics will be joining the Distinguished Competition in Burbank.
Wacker replaces longtime EIC, C.B. Cebulski, and the two sat down at San Diego Comic-Con to take a look back on their respective careers, as well as their friendship.
Cebulski began the panel by formally introducing Wacker as Marvel’s editor-in-chief, revealing that his first day with the title was Friday, July 24 and that, for the time being, Marvel will have two EICs as the reins are handed over. Cebulski noted that this is the first time in Marvel history that the company will have two EICs, with Wacker jokingly calling it, “an unsecret war.”
Cebulski then dove into his history with the Marvel company, as well as his own relationship with comics. He shared photos from his childhood, where his father had dressed him as Superman, and recounted his first meeting with Stan Lee before he started working for Marvel. He continued walking the audience through his life in Japan, as well as his early years at Marvel, until he was named as EIC.
“Joe [Quesada] always said… he was the artists’ editor in chief and Axel Alonso was the writers’ editor in chief. So I always said to myself, I was the fans’ editor in chief,” Cebulski recounts.
The pair then moved into chronicling Wacker’s history in comics, including his own start with Marvel shortly after an intercompany softball game against DC. Wacker then challenged DC EIC Marie Javins and publisher Jim Lee to bring back the softball games. Cebulski jokingly added, “San Diego 2027.” Wacker continued by reminiscing on arguing with Stan Lee over early Spider-Man issues, meeting actors and professional baseball players, and working with comics legend Flo Steinberg.
The panel also revealed the first plans for Cebulski’s new position as Editor of Asia Originals with a publishing partnership with manga publisher, Kadokawa. The two Marvel editors in chief were joined by yet another from Kadokawa to announce the new manga publishing initiative.
All together, five original Marvel manga series will be released over the course of the year. Cebulski premiered an untitled Spider-Man manga with guest appearances by Daredevil and Punisher. They also teased that a second Spider-Gwen series will be revealed later.
Cebulski’s friends, Skottie Young and Humberto Ramos, also joined them on stage to help celebrate the passing of the torch. Marvel gave out a facsimile of Amazing Spider-Man #337 as a gift to Brad Winderbaum who has recently taken over as Head of Marvel Television, Animation, Comics & Franchise. Ramos also gave Winderbaum the original art for his recreated cover.
The panel ended with a truly incredible video from Marvel showcasing Wacker’s audition for the 2011 musical, Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark.
Stay tuned to The Beat for more news from SDCC ’26.
