Amazon Studios has officially recruited former Marvel Comics editor-in-chief Joe Quesada to lead future comic book adaptations for the streaming giant.
Amazon Studios announced Quesada signed an exclusive first-look deal with the company on March 30, 2023. Quesada will be in charge of overseeing various film and television adaptations, with a focus on existing and new comic book properties. "Joe has been a singular and influential creative force guiding some of the most iconic storytelling that exists today," stated Nick Pepper, Head of US SVOD Wholly Owned Development, Amazon Studios. "The opportunity to bring his expertise and vision to Amazon Studios presents a world of possibilities and we can’t wait to see what he brings to life next."
"I can’t begin to express just how thrilled I am to be joining the Amazon Studios family," Quesada said of the deal. "From the moment Nick Pepper, Matt King, and the team approached me, it was clear we spoke the same language and shared the same creative goals." Quesada added, "What was also clear is that they’re creating a collaborative environment and unique methodology that I’m surprised no one has yet thought to implement, but I’m certain will be quickly imitated."
Joe Quesada's History With Marvel Comics
Quesada's career in the comic book industry kicked off in 1990 when he was hired by DC Comics. Quesada would make a name for himself based on his work across various titles for several different publishers, including Valiant Comics' Ninjak and Solar, Man of the Atom. In 1998, Quesada became editor-in-chief of Marvel's Marvel Knights line of more adult-oriented stories before taking the reigns of the company as a whole in 2000. Quesada also led the creation of both Marvel's MAX line and the Ultimate Marvel Universe, the latter of which he worked on with fellow industry titans Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Millar.
Quesada was named chief creative officer of Marvel Entertainment in 2010 before his position shifted to executive vice president and creative director in 2019. He officially announced his departure from the publishing company in May 2022. "I won't ever be too far away, cheering my Marvel family on and contributing from time to time, including something I'm thrilled about for later this year," he wrote at the time. "I also have several insanely cool projects of my own that you'll be hearing about in the coming months, including a short indie film I'm writing and directing. Stay tuned!"
Apart from his editorial duties, Quesada is best known for his work writing and illustrating various titles including The Amazing Spider-Man, Daredevil and NYX, the latter of which marked the introduction of fan-favorite character and Wolverine clone Laura Kinney. Quesada's cover art has also received critical acclaim, including a 1993 Diamond Gem Award for his work on X-O Manowar #0. His work would be referenced in Kevin Smith's 1995 film Mallrats as the credited artist for a series of fictional comic book covers featured in the film's opening sequence.
Source: Amazon