Scott Dunbier leaves IDW, Abernathy at Skybound and more

A lot of personnel moves in the last few days in comics. So let’s round it up!

• Scott Dunbier is leaving IDW, where he had served as Special Projects Editor for 16 years. The news was being whispered about at WonderCon last weekend, and Dunbier confirmed it in a Facebook post: 

Dunbier’s title – Special Projects Editor – covered a busy portfolio that most importantly included the Artist’s Edition series. Dunbier is credited with inventing the format – deluxe oversized volumes that reproduced famous comics art in its original state, with details like pencil marks and white out clearly visible. It’s become a hugely popular format for collectors and comics lovers – imitated at a plethora of publishers. Dunbier’s early days as an art dealer gave him insight into tracking down even some of the rarest of pages. One of his last projects for IDW – David Mazzucchelli’s Batman: Year One – is one of the most eagerly awaited.

Prior to working at IDW, Dunbier was an editor at Wildstorm where he oversaw Alan Moore’s America Best Comics line, Gen 13, Stormwatch and tons of other classics. At IDW he also handled various titles, including the Rocketeer titles.

Given all the changes at IDW since they reorganized last year, Dunbier’s departure is another big change for the publisher. What is his next move? Maybe we’ll find out on Monday!

• Meanwhile, Skybound continues to ramp up, with new hires and promotions as the Energon Universe books continue to top our imaginary sales charts.

• Ben Abernathy, who left DC as its Executive Editor, running the Batman Group,  back in January, will join Skybound as Executive Editor, overseeing the Energon Universe, as well as a developing a new slate of original projects from comics’ top creators. Abernathy has had a lengthy run as one of comics most liked editors, so landing at Skybound is a strong move.

• Blake Kobashigawa, formerly in business development at IDW and DC,  joins Skybound as Senior Director, Business Development, where he’ll be growing Skybound’s footprint outside traditional distribution channels. Blake will be creating new strategic partnerships, as well as managing licensor relations, retailer exclusive variant cover programs, foreign licensing, and more.

• Alex Hargett joins Skybound as Director, Brand, Editorial, leading day-to-day Sales & Marketing strategy around publishing lines of business, with a focus on developing bookseller and librarian relationships,. Hargett was formerly VP of Sales at IDW, and also worked in sales at DC.

• Arune Singh continues his rise as one of the hardest working people in comics with a promotion to VP, Brand, Editorial, up from Director. According to the PR:

Singh joined Skybound in January 2021 and has been instrumental in its marketing and sales successes. Singh has cracked open the Book Market, paving the way for the launch of Skybound Comet and expanding Skybound’s footprint with bookstores, libraries, Scholastic, and more, which has been recognized with a 2022 Publishers Weekly Star Watch honoree distinguishment. He’s also coordinated the launch of the Energon Universe, an unqualified commercial success in the Direct Market, and leveraged his relationships with comic book influencers to create buzz in the collectors’ market. In his new role as VP, Brand, Editorial, Arune will be leading the rapidly expanding Brand team to continue to create and execute innovative marketing and sales plans for a rapidly expanding publishing line. Prior to joining Skybound, Singh was instrumental in historic publicity and marketing campaigns with Marvel Entertainment, Syfy, and BOOM! Studios.

In a statement, SVP and Publisher Sean Mackiewicz enthused about the moves. “Skybound is growing, starting with hiring one of the best editors in comics, Ben Abernathy, who’s working across original and licensed comics to make sure Skybound continues to be the premiere destination to make great comics. At Skybound, creative and marketing work together to deliver excitement from announcement through on-sale. We couldn’t do that without Arune Singh, whose passion and experience has brought our line to new heights. From Invincible to the Energon Universe, Skybound is driving pop culture, and this amazing team is only getting started.”

The release also noted more business facing recent hires at Skybound, including: Jeff Chaiken as SVP, Head of Corporate Development and Strategy and Chris Paulson as Executive Vice President and General Manager of Games Publishing. More key executives are yet to be announced.