Posted in: Comics, Recent Updates | Tagged: Comics, HRL

The Bleeding Cool Top 100 Power List 2017 Countdown: #46-50

Published Fri, 29 Dec 2017 15:30:19 -0600

Every year, Bleeding Cool Magazine runs its Top 100 Power List of members of the comics industry. And every year we get told how wrong we are. Somehow, it's always for completely different reasons and from completely different directions. Why was X in when Y was not? Why is Z is high when W is so low? And neither U or T should be on this list after that incident involving V…

But that's part of the fun. This attempt to list the most powerful people working in the English-speaking comic book marketplace is, of course, flawed. It is judged by all manner of attributes, the ability to influence what comics exist and sell, but also the willingness to use that power in the industry to affect things, and the ability to retain said power if a job is taken away. 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, creator, publisher, distributor, retailers, those who are double and triple threats, and also where power is concentrated in one person rather than being spread out among many. Some powerful organisations or groups, where power is diffused amongst many individuals, drop down or drop out altogether.

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

The list was created in consultation with a number of senior figures in the comics industry, and I thank them for their help. Although because they all disagree, they'll all think the final list is wrong, too.

Watch for a new batch once or twice a day. Maybe more as we get going.

46. Gerard Way – The rockstar who deigned to be with us. Creative showrunner of the Young Animal line, helping out with Black Crown as well, and bringing intense heat and attention to the comic he writes, co-writes, and looks over with a wry smile. Able to bring conventions to a halt with one signature.
47. Kieron Gillen – The wannabe rockstar who deigns to be with us. Co-creator and writer of digital best-seller The Wicked + The Divine with a devoted following, as well as Doctor Aphra creator and writer of Marvel's Star Wars comic. With publishers really, really wanting him to do more for them.
48. Greg Goldstein – President and COO of IDW, in the year where he took over more responsibilities for the publisher and broadcaster, and determining how and in which direction the publisher will move, dealing with increased demands from licensors and taking advantage of new opening markets.
49. Ed Brubaker – Co-creator and writer of Kill Or Be Killed, Criminal, and one of Image's biggest pulls and in demand from much media. His deals for TV and film are moving forward, if he isn't tempted away — as he has done before.
50. Corey Murphy – Director of Sales at Image Comics, and on the ball over retailer promotions, print runs, availability, and using The Walking Dead to introduce more and more potential readers to the newest of delights.