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The Bleeding Cool Top 100 Power List 2015 – 43 To 41

Welcome to the Fourth Bleeding Cool Top 100 Power List for the next Bleeding Cool Magazine, being serialized right now on the Bleeding Cool website.

It's an attempt to list the most powerful people working in the English speaking comic book marketplace. It's judged by all manner of attributes, the ability to influence what comics exist and sell, but also the willingness to use that power and the ability to retain said power if one aspect is taken away – a job, a gig or a prominent role. Which is why you will see a number of people on a higher spot than their bosses.

The Power List rewards those who combine roles, those who are double and triple threats and also where power is concentrated in one person or perceived identity. But it also notes certain teams who work together, who've built up a joint identity, a gestalt more powerful than the sum of their parts. Some powerful organisations or groups, where power is diffused amongst many, drop down or drop out altogether.

It does not measure talent or likeability and also does not intend to represent diversity. All it does is note power, used for the betterment – or the detriment – of comics.

The list has been created in consultation with a number of senior figures in the comics industry. However, I'm aware the one thing that can be guaranteed is that everyone will think it's wrong and prefer their own take. Including all of those who were consulted.

There will be a new post every day on Bleeding Cool.  We'll run the previous ones below as well, so, in reverse order…

43. Jonah Weiland (DOWN)

Owner and controller of the most successful comics news reporting website, Comic Book Resources, Jonah also runs the servers that host other comics sites. Running a mix of genial commentary, interviews and reviews, CBR has become the site the comics publishers love to deal with, knowing it won't bite back too hard. Or he will at least kiss it better. He owns the whole thing lock stock and barrel and he's got a boat at San Diego Comic Con and a Tiki Bar looking down on NYCC. He no longer goes to the show, but the show comes to him. It is, however and increasingly competitive marketplace and has real mainstream coverage to compete with these days…

Position next year depends upon: ComicBook.com burning through all their venture capital.

42. Peter Philips (DOWN)

Senior Vice President & General Manager of the Digital Media Group at Marvel Comics, Peter Philips is the man behind Marvel's current digital comics success and innovation. He's been pushing the all-you-can-eat service of Marvel Unlimited letting others catch up to the idea. Growing comics with appeal outside the comic store like Star Wars and Ms Marvel. Pushing the digital first titles. And continuing the free digital download programme with the printed comics, even as DC Comics had to abandon theirs… He remains the future of Marvel.

Position next year depends upon: The challenge of going full Netflix and making everything all-you-can-eat…

41. Mark Waid (DOWN)

Comic book editor-turned-writer-turned-digital comics innovator and store owner, Mark Waid's Thrillbent digital comics line is influential beyond its sales, with Marvel and DC playing games of "me too". He remains one of the most sought after writers in comics (and no, DC can't have him) with All-New All-Different Avengers starting strong, Archie relaunching in a fashion that surprised everyone and Strange Fruit turning heads. And, yes, he has a comic shop too. His advice is often sought.

Position next year depends upon: The Monopolies Commission asking too many questions about vertical integration…

#100-#98 – Dennis Barger, Janelle Asselin, Matthew Rosenberg

#97-#95 – Rich Johnston, Marc Silvestri, James Killen

#94-#92 – Jim Demonakos, Tim Buckley, Gahl Buslov

#91-#89 – Rob Liefeld, Peter Dolan, Catlin DiMotta

#88-#86 – Ken Levin, David Alpert, Kate Leth

#85-#83 – Jason Aaron, Stephen Christy, Jon Goldwater

#82-#80 – Stan Lee, Lorelei Bunjes, Marc Toberoff

#79-#77 – Jason Kingsley, Fiona Staples, Neal Adams

#76-#74 – Jim Sokolowski, Robbie Robbins, Corey Murphy

#73-#71 – Greg Capullo, Neil Gaiman, Art Baltazar & Franco

#70-#68 – Nemesis 43, Chris Powell, Mike Armstrong

#67-#65 – Hank Kanalz, Chuck Parker, John Rogers

#64-#62 – Alan Moore, Fred Pierce, John Wurzer

#61-#59 – Kate Beaton, CB Cebulski, Charles Soule

#58-#56 – Jeff Lemire, Matt Gagnon, Gail Simone

#55-#53 – Grant Morrison, Dinesh Shamdasani, Nicola Barrucci

#52-#50 – Skottie Young, William Christensen, Brian Azzarello

#49-#47 – Warren Ellis, Tim Lenaghan, Nicola Landau

#46-#44 – Eddie Berganza, Jonathan Hickman, Ross Richie

And catch up on previous years, here:

2014:

#100-#81
#80-#61
#60-#41
#40-#21
#20-#11
#10-#1

2013:

#100-#81
#80-#61
#60-#41
#40-#21
#20-#11
#10-#1

2012:

#100-#81
#80-#61
#60-#41
#40-#21
#20-#11
#10-#1

Bleeding Cool Magazine #19 is out now in all good comic book stores. Bleeding Cool Magazine #20 with the full Top 100 Power List will be out in January.

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