Heavy Metal has named comics veteran Joseph Illidge as its newest managing editor.
As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, the comic book veteran will begin the new position under the publication's newly-appointed publisher David Erwin.
"Working with the great team at Heavy Metal has been a bucket list experience! The company's name and brand symbolize the innovation of genre storytelling and the collection of distinctive veteran and new talents,” Illidge stated to The Hollywood Reporter. “It's an honor to be part of a team dedicated to igniting the company, bringing top-notch creators from around the globe to the Heavy Metal landscape, and paving the way for a new era as the true leader in sequential storytelling for science fiction, fantasy, and horror."
Heavy Metal CEO Matt Medney added, "When David [Erwin] introduced me to Joseph, I was enamored by his attitude and spark. Most times you don't come across people like Joseph. His talents go far beyond editing and his spirit provides an infectious smile across the whole company. From Batman to Taarna, I am confident that Joseph will bring a quality of work to Heavy Metal that the brand deserves and needs."
The public speaker has been in the comics industry for years, acting as an editor for publishers such as Valiant Entertainment, DC Comics and Milestone Media. Within the last few years, he penned feature articles on comics and diversity for CBR.
Illidge will be joined by Heavy Metal veteran Ricardo Llarena, who was promoted from senior editor to co-managing editor.