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Marvel has shaken up its comics publishing unit.
Disney has promoted Brad Winderbaum, already head of television and animation, to president of Marvel’s animated television, animation, comics and franchise division, Disney announced.
Meanwhile, David Abdo will part ways with Disney to serve as General Manager of Comics and Franchise at Marvel, reporting to Winderbaum.
With the new senior leadership coming in, this means that Dan Buckley, who has been at the helm of Marvel Comics for a long time, will be leaving. Buckley will remain at Marvel until mid-2027 to support the leadership transition.
The leadership change will, in some ways, be a long time coming. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige added publishing to his portfolio in 2023 and observers have been waiting for him to make his mark on the comics side of the company. This change comes after Marvel surrendered its position as the leader in comics market share for the first time this century, losing it to historic rival DC and the massive success of its own line. DC also dominated the industry’s Eisner Awards, which were announced last week.
According to Marvel, Winderbaum will oversee the creative direction of Marvel’s publishing portfolio, as well as Marvel’s global brand and franchise efforts, in addition to his current role overseeing television and animation. C.B. Cebulski, current editor-in-chief of Marvel Comics, will report to Winderbaum.
“Brad’s exceptional creative leadership and David’s deep experience in operations and digital innovation will be a powerful pairing as we begin to build the next 90 years of Marvel’s comic book legacy,” Feige said in a statement. “Brad has a proven ability to lead creative teams and craft enduring episodic narratives that resonate with our fans around the world, while David brings a strong record of operational excellence and strategic growth. I’m excited about what they will be able to do together.”
Winderbaum has been with Marvel since the production of its inaugural film, Iron man. He rose through the ranks, handling animated and live-action series, serving as an executive producer on all Marvel Studios shows including hook, Loki season 2, Agatha: All along, reckless: Born again, X-Men ’97and Your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.
Abdo is described as a strategic, results-focused executive with digital expertise and over 20 years of leadership experience transforming and building media businesses. He was most recently General Manager of Disney Music Group, where he was responsible for the day-to-day management of Disney’s global music division.
Buckley served as Marvel Comics publisher and then president of Marvel Entertainment before taking on the newest title of president of Marvel Comics and the franchise. Feige praised the departing CEO for his years of service.
“From events like Civil War, Secret Wars, X-Men: Era of Krakoa, It will be released soon Midnight Marvel fingerprint, “Expanding into video games, television, animation, and more, Marvel’s influence on popular culture has expanded under Dan’s leadership, bringing our characters and stories to new fans around the world. “Dan has left a lasting mark on the Marvel legacy and on the comics industry, and I am deeply grateful to him and thrilled that we will have his full support during this transformation.
