IDW Publishing has named John Barber as Editor-in-Chief, the San Diego-based company announced Monday via press release. Barber follows Chris Ryall, who held the position from June 2004 to March 2018.
Additionally, Anita Frazier has joined IDW as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, who has held marketing and sales positions at DC Comics Licensed Properties, Sony Pictures Consumer Products and Universal Games.
RELATED: IDW Editor-in-Chief and CCO Chris Ryall Exits Publisher
Barber is best known to comics fans for his role in shaping IDW’s popular Transformers comic book line. Barber joined IDW as a Senior Editor in 2011, and left that position in 2016 to focus full-time on his writing career. His IDW writing credits include multiple Transformers titles, Back to the Future, Action Man and a recent Star Wars Adventures story. Barber previously worked as an editor at Marvel.
“I’ve worked with some of the best creators in comics, and I’ve worked on some of the best characters in comics,” Barber is quoted in IDW’s press release. “As Editor-In-Chief, I’m looking forward to being able to bring those together in new and dynamic ways.”
“We’re thrilled to bring John back into the fold in this crucial role,” Greg Goldstein, President and Publisher of IDW, said in a statement. “His innovative concepts, energy, and scope of vision make him the perfect choice to lead our amazing editorial team into the future. He is by far one of the most well-respected editors in our industry.”
This news is the latest in a number of personnel moves at IDW in 2018. Ryall left his position as Editor-in-Chief and Chief Creative Officer in March, and has since joined Robert Kirkman’s Skybound Entertainment. Group Editor Sarah Gaydos moved to Oni Press earlier this month, as Editorial Director of Licensed Publishing. Former IDW PR Manager Steven Scott left the company in March, and has been replaced by Dynamite and Diamond vet Keith Davidsen, who holds the title of Senior PR Manager.