Marvel has shaken up its comics publishing division.
The Disney-owned company has promoted Brad Winderbaum to head of Marvel television, animation, comics and franchise. Winderbaum already serves as Marvel’s chief of television and animation.
Marvel also announced that David Abdo will move from Disney into a new role as Marvel’s general manager, comics and franchise. He will report to Winderbaum.
Dan Buckley to Depart After Transition
The leadership change means longtime Marvel Comics executive Dan Buckley will leave the company.
Buckley will stay with Marvel through mid-2027 to help support the transition.
Buckley previously served as Marvel Comics’ publisher and later as president of Marvel Entertainment. More recently, he held the title of head of Marvel comics and franchise.
Kevin Feige Puts His Mark on Publishing
The move has been expected in some industry circles.
Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige added publishing to his portfolio in 2023. Since then, observers have watched to see how he would reshape the comics side of the business.
The change also comes after Marvel lost its spot as the comics market share leader for the first time this century. Historic rival DC took the lead, boosted by the runaway success of its Absolute Universe line.
DC also dominated the industry’s Eisner Awards, which were announced last week.
Winderbaum Takes Creative Oversight
According to Marvel, Winderbaum will oversee the creative direction of Marvel’s publishing portfolio. He will also lead Marvel’s global brand and franchise efforts.
He will keep his current responsibilities overseeing television and animation.
C.B. Cebulski, Marvel Comics’ current editor-in-chief, 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 building out the next 90 years of Marvel’s comic book legacy,” Feige said in a statement. “Brad brings a proven ability to lead creative teams and craft ongoing, episodic narratives that resonate with our fans around the world, while David offers a strong track record of operational excellence and strategic growth. I’m excited for what they’ll be able to do together.”
Winderbaum’s Marvel History Runs Deep
Winderbaum has been with Marvel since the making of “Iron Man,” the studio’s first movie.
He later moved up through the company and took on Marvel’s live-action and animated series. He has served as executive producer on all Marvel Studios shows, including “Hawkeye,” “Loki” Season 2, “Agatha: All Along,” “Daredevil: Born Again,” “X-Men ’97,” and “Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man.”
David Abdo Brings Disney Operations Experience
Abdo joins Marvel with more than 20 years of leadership experience in media. Marvel described him as a strategic and results-focused executive with digital expertise.
He most recently served as general manager of Disney Music Group. In that role, he managed the day-to-day operations of Disney’s global music division.
Feige Praises Buckley’s Marvel Legacy
Feige also praised Buckley’s long tenure at Marvel.
“From events like Civil War, Secret Wars, X-Men: Age of Krakoa, and the soon to be released Marvel Midnight imprint, to the expansion into video games, television, animation and more, Marvel’s influence on popular culture expanded under Dan’s leadership, bringing our characters and stories to new fans around the world,” Feige said. “Dan has left a lasting mark on Marvel’s legacy and on the comics industry, and I’m deeply grateful to him and pleased we will have his full support through this transition.”
