It’s been a few years since a big comic company deal went down, but it was announced today in a press release that multi-media powerhouse IDW publishing has acquired indie darling Top Shelf Productions. Top Shelf is known for publishing unique, groundbreaking, and award-winning graphic novels such as Craig Thompson’s Blankets and Jeff Lemire’s Essex County. IDW is renowned for its licensed properties such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and My Little Pony, as well as creator owned series such as 30 Days of Night, and the critically and fan praised Artist Editions. This merging of minds and talents is a match made in heaven.
“The acquisition of Top Shelf is a milestone for IDW. We looked a very long time for a company that would complement our own publishing line-up, and in Top Shelf we found the ideal match. The addition of Top Shelf’s library further positions IDW’s leadership role among the top powerhouses in comics.” – Ted Adams, IDW CEO and publisher.
Top Shelf will remain as a distinct imprint within IDW, with publisher Chris Staros becoming an employee of IDW as Editor-in-Chief of the imprint. Top Shelf will continue to put out the best in graphic novels, with very little actual change to the company’s output. The Top Shelf offices will remain in Marietta, GA, with co-founder Brett Warnock retiring from comics to focus on his food and nature blog.
“Top Shelf and IDW complement each other perfectly. We both started around the same time, and when I would watch IDW over the years, as a fellow publisher, I’d see them making smart move after smart move. Now I’m extremely excited to combine their talents and resources with Top Shelf’s award-winning literary approach to comics. And believe it or not, the idea to join forces hit us both at exactly the same time. Last year, as I was about to pitch Ted and Greg this ‘crazy’ idea, they approached me to suggest the same thing! How’s that for a good omen? Together, we’re going to be able to publish some incredible work. I’m really looking forward to this.” – Chris Staros, Top Shelf Productions co-founder and publisher
IDW’s new role will be to support Top Shelf’s distinctive line and manage their infrastructure, as well as funding the acquisition of fresh new voices and books, keeping Top Shelf’s legacy going well into the future. IDW will honor all creative contracts set up through Top Shelf, as well as keeping their backlist in print, and other than Warnock, the rest of the Top Shelf staff will remain as IDW employees overseeing the imprint.
Ex-Diamond Vice President Bill Schanes was retained by IDW with the express intention of finding an acquisition for the company, and after looking at many publishers, Top Shelf was found to be the best fit.
No details on the terms of the acquisition have been disclosed at this time.