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Valiant Hires Drew Baumgartner and Zane Warman

Published Mon, 17 Dec 2018 09:30:22 -0600

Last updated Mon, 17 Dec 2018 10:18:12 -0600

More changes at Valiant Entertainment – we've looked at a couple of recent departures and a promotion – now we have two new hires. Drew Baumgartner joins as Assistant Editor, and Zane Warman as Domestic Licensing Coordinator.

Baumgartner was an Editorial intern earlier this year and has now been hired as Assistant Editor. Valiant consider that he was was instrumental in the publisher's rollout of its recent BREAKTHROUGH initiative, will play a key role in the development of Valiant's upcoming titles, the expansion of the universe and its characters.

"I'm excited to announce the hiring of Drew Baumgartner to the Valiant editorial team," stated newly promoted Senior Editorial Director Robert Meyers. "Drew has been writing and thinking about comics for many years, and is always ready for a deeper conversation about comics as both art and entertainment. As an intern, Drew has shown that he will be a bright addition to the Valiant family. He brings a keen intellect, a love for the medium, and an A+ moustache to our team."

"Valiant is a special place," said Baumgartner. "I've been reading and loving Valiant comics for years, so it's thrilling to be working with these amazing characters, creators, and editors. With so many new series planned in the coming months, this is an exciting place to be. I'm pumped to be part of the team!"

Zane was previously co-editor of Retcon Punch, Editor of Masks: An Anthology for To Be Concluded Press and was a Programming Coordinator for EXPLO.

Warman, who will join forces with International Licensing Coordinator Oliver Taylor, will aid in the establishment and coordination of domestic licensing relationships, as well as schedule and take part in product development and coordinate with Valiant's Marketing team to spread the word about new licensing relationships.

"At first glance, we were very impressed with Zane's background," said Russ Brown, President of Consumer Products, Promotions, and Ad Sales. "Couple this with his deep-level interest in the Valiant IP and belief in its enormous merchandising potential, we look forward to his contribution on Team Valiant."

"I've always loved being a part of impassioned, close-knit teams working to bring brilliant art and artists into the spotlight," Warman expressed. "It's a common theme that's threaded its way through my various professional experiences, from years of editorial work at The Fader, Paste Magazine, and Billboard, to my recent stint as a Marketing Assistant for a talent-buying company. That I am able to transfer that passion to the like-minded, hyper-talented team at Valiant, and during a transformative time for the company, is exhilarating and a real honor."

Zane on the left, Drew on the right,,,

Valiant has also announced that Assistant Editor David Menchel has been promoted to Associate Editor. In his new role, Valiant states that Menchel also played a critical role in helping to develop Valiant's recently announced BREAKTHROUGH lineup of titles.

"Since joining the team almost two years ago, David has proven himself to be a vital part of the Valiant family," said Robert Meyers. "As the Assistant Editor across the Valiant line, David proved he has a deep understanding of the Valiant Universe and that he possessed a genuine excitement for our characters. An impeccable storyteller in his own right, David is ready to take this next step in his career, and I'm thrilled to see him grow."

"I'm ecstatic to further my career at Valiant as I step into the role of Associate Editor," said Menchel. "Valiant boasts an incredibly creative and unique environment, full of the best creators and artists in the industry. I am proud to be a member of their editorial team, and look forward to helping in the expansion of the Valiant Universe through new and exciting adventures."