IDW Publishing Hires Michael J. Martens as
Director of Trade Sales
Director of Trade Sales
Longtime Industry Veteran Martens Will Oversee
IDW’s Penguin Random House Relationship
SAN DIEGO, CA / March 24, 2017 – IDW Publishing has tapped Michael J. Martens
as its new Director of Trade Sales, effective immediately. Starting in
April, Penguin Random House will serve as IDW’s distribution partner for
trade paperback and hardcover titles to the book and mass markets, and
in his new role, Martens will act as the publisher’s direct liaison.
With more than three decades of industry experience to draw from, Martens’ invaluable knowledge of the inner workings of the comic and book category will greatly extend IDW’s reach in bookstores worldwide, getting the publisher’s massive library of backlist content in front of new readers and strengthening its foothold in that thriving marketplace.
“Michael was, and continues to be, a key player in pioneering the graphic novel category in libraries and bookstores,” said Greg Goldstein, IDW’s President and COO. “His expertise and unparalleled relationship with our new distribution partner will give IDW an even greater advantage for continual success and steady growth in today’s competitive market.”
Martens’ previous experience includes Dark Horse Comics where he held a variety of positions including VP of Marketing, VP of Business Development, and VP of Trade Sales before resigning in 2016. Prior to that, his storied comics career began at Capital City Distribution as one of their first employees in 1982 where he wore multiple hats including Transportation Manager, Sales Manager, and Vice President of Customer Service.
“While consulting with IDW during their integration with Penguin Random House it was clear to me how strong the IDW and Top Shelf lines are so I jumped at the chance when they offered me a more formal arrangement,” said Michael Martens. “I’m looking forward to maintaining the incredible momentum of the March series as well as positioning their many other important titles in a way they can be discovered by new readers.”
With more than three decades of industry experience to draw from, Martens’ invaluable knowledge of the inner workings of the comic and book category will greatly extend IDW’s reach in bookstores worldwide, getting the publisher’s massive library of backlist content in front of new readers and strengthening its foothold in that thriving marketplace.
“Michael was, and continues to be, a key player in pioneering the graphic novel category in libraries and bookstores,” said Greg Goldstein, IDW’s President and COO. “His expertise and unparalleled relationship with our new distribution partner will give IDW an even greater advantage for continual success and steady growth in today’s competitive market.”
Martens’ previous experience includes Dark Horse Comics where he held a variety of positions including VP of Marketing, VP of Business Development, and VP of Trade Sales before resigning in 2016. Prior to that, his storied comics career began at Capital City Distribution as one of their first employees in 1982 where he wore multiple hats including Transportation Manager, Sales Manager, and Vice President of Customer Service.
“While consulting with IDW during their integration with Penguin Random House it was clear to me how strong the IDW and Top Shelf lines are so I jumped at the chance when they offered me a more formal arrangement,” said Michael Martens. “I’m looking forward to maintaining the incredible momentum of the March series as well as positioning their many other important titles in a way they can be discovered by new readers.”
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About IDW
IDW Media Holdings, Inc. (OTCQX: IDWM) is a fully integrated media company, which includes publishing, games, entertainment, and the San Diego Comic Art Gallery. IDW Publishing’s comic book and graphic novel catalog includes some of the world’s most popular entertainment brands, including Transformers, My Little Pony, Star Trek, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Ghostbusters, and Disney’s classic characters. At IDW’s core is its commitment to creator-owned comics including 30 Days of Night, Locke & Key, Wormwood, Ragnarök, V-Wars, and Archangel by bestselling sci-fi author William Gibson. IDW Publishing is also home to the acclaimed and award-winning imprints; Top Shelf, The Library of American Comics, Yoe! Books, and Artist Editions, showcasing the greatest original art ever published in American comic books. IDW Games’ diverse line-up includes the international phenomenon Machi Koro, as well as hit licensed games such as X-Files, Back to the Future, The Godfather, and TMNT. IDW Entertainment currently serves as the worldwide distributor of Wynonna Earp airing on the Syfy Channel in the U.S. and is producing BBC America’s Dirk Gently, based on the best seller by Douglas Adams starring Elijah Wood and Sam Barnett. |
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