Publisher Eric Stephenson has been promoted to the Image Comics’ Board of Directors, placing an exclamation mark on the success he has helped generate for the independent publishing company. Stephenson, now taking on the role of Chief Creative Officer, was a main figure in the company’s startup in 1992 and will join the likes of Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri and Jim Valentino.
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In a press release, the company stated:
“During the 10 years since Stephenson was named Publisher, Image Comics has risen from fifth to third-ranked publisher in the industry—maintaining that rank for seven years running. Over that period, Image has received Diamond’s Gem Award for Best Publisher three years in a row from 2014 to 2016. Stephenson individually has been honored with ComicsPRO’s Industry Appreciation Award and was named The Beat’s Industry Person of the Year in 2014, as well as being ranked in the Top 10 on Bleeding Cool’s Power List every year since its inception in 2012. Under Stephenson’s watch, Image has onboarded an unprecedented number of game-changing new series, with Image titles winning nearly three dozen Eisner Awards, across a variety of categories, as well as dominating bestseller lists.”
McFarlane also added to the testimonials:
“As publisher of Image Comics over the past decade, Eric has helped grow this company and helped attract the very best writers and artists this industry has to offer, and it’s that tireless pursuit of excellence that has now earned him the title Chief Creative Officer as our newest partner. We hope this move emphasizes the stability we will continue to bring to our company and more importantly, with Eric’s addition to Image’s board of directors, it will assure retailers and creators alike that the key person you have all grown accustomed to working with is going to be there for you for many years to come.”
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Under Stephenson’s stewardship, Image Comics has not only produced acclaimed, award-winning books like Saga, but they’ve also paved the way for hit television series such as The Walking Dead and Outcast, and is also set to see Kirkman’s Invincible get the big-screen treatment. Safe to say, it’s a move that’s been well-earned from a modern comics visionary.