Posted in: Comics | Tagged: heavy metal, kevin eastman

How Kevin Eastman Found Out He Was No Longer Publisher of Heavy Metal Magazine

Published Thu, 05 Mar 2020 17:00:25 -0600

Heavy Metal Magazine has named David Erwin as Publisher and Chief Creative Overlord. Formerly, David served as Hasbro's Transformers Creative Lead on their boys' properties including Micronauts, ROM, and more. Prior to Hasbro, he served as the Executive Creative Director of DC Comics for 16 years, building their portfolio of brands. And the plan is for David Erwin to lead Heavy Metal into a new era, building on its legacy across all platforms, including TV and Film.

In a press release he is quoted as saying "Unlike the other publishers of fiction, Heavy Metal is a destination brand recognized for cutting edge and inventive stories within the sci-fi, fantasy and horror space. It has influenced many of Hollywood's greatest filmmakers over the years, and we'll continue to be a prime source of inspiration by continuing to deliver our brand promise of great stories and art, as well as maintaining its rock-n-roll attitude of making your parents a bit uncomfortable." And stating that Erwin would be working alongside Heavy Metal's CEO Matt Medney, and would be announcing new initiatives and partnerships leading up the publishing their 300th issue.

Which was funny because as far as I knew, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles co-creator Kevin Eastman was still publisher of Heavy Metal Magazine and had no plans on stepping down. So I did the thing it seems no one else had done, and asked him. Kevin Eastman told Bleeding Cool;

"As a fan of the magazine since 1977, Editor In Chief and Publisher since 1991, and publisher from 2012 until now, I learned initially about being removed as publisher from a third party – found it amusing.

I was and am still a huge HUGE fan and have an equal amount of respect for what was accomplished under the steward ship of Jeff Krelitz. His brilliant vision brought it back to the heyday of Heavy Metal and his vision for the future was epic.

As for Mr Medney, I spoke to him for about thirty minutes and exchanged a few brief emails. I'm looking forward to what he thinks he's going to do to protect my remaining interest in the company…."

Well… that's a thing isn't it? Jeff Krelitz is no longer with Heavy Metal. Say, maybe Kevin Eastman and Dan DiDio could form an Ex-Publisher's Club…

Matt told Bleeding Cool,

"Kevin is a great guy and I have nothing negative to say about him. I think that with the new team in place, the fans will be very happy with the direction we're taking it. In the end, the fans will be the judge if we're doing a good job".

Alongside this news, former DC, Valiant and Lion Forge editor and friend of Bleeding Cool, Joe Illidge been appointed as co-managing editor for the company.

The press release for that quotes Joe as saying "Working with the great team at Heavy Metal has been a bucket list experience! The company's name and brand symbolizes the innovation of genre"Working with the great team at Heavy Metal has been a bucket list experience! The company's name and brand symbolizes the innovation of genre storytelling and the collection of distinctive veteran and new talents. 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."

And Matt as saying "When David (Erwin, Heavy Metal publisher) 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 and the collection of distinctive veteran and new talents. 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."

Here's a preview of the upcoming Heavy Metal #299 and its Mythical Worlds Special…. which doesn't seem to include the indicia page yet – may there be more surprises to come?

Murky World" Chapter 13, by Richard Corben, continues. In a bizarre land populated by hungry deadlings, cruel necromancers, and buxom cyclops, Tugat the warrior sets out to retrieve his lost horse Frix.

A demon torments her creator in "Revenge of the Cicatrix" by David Baillie & Conor Boyle – Scott Duvall & Ralf Singh resurrect dinosaurs for a future threat in WW IV – Charles Fetherolf introduces a fabled assassin in "13 Deathless" –

"Familaris" brings us witchy English Folklore by John Reppion & David Hitchcock

Matt Medney and Morgan Rosenblum's "Dogma Resistance" spans the ancient past and near future –

Steve Mannion's "Les Fleurs de Mort" takes on the power of love.

"Invisible Touch" by Jok evokes medieval China

"Getting to the Church on Time" by Robert Randle & Martina Fari is a fresh take on classic fairy lore.

Finnish heroic tale "Tuonela" conjures up supernatural strife from Hannu Kesola & Axel Medellin.

Peach Momoko's "Confess" cleanses sins by the power of tattooing.

Philippe Caza tells a classic, dark vampiric tale in "Wedding".

John Bivens' "Lust" unleashes Asmodeus upon the world.

Also featuring galleries and interviews with multiple Hugo Award-winning illustrator Michael Whelan and with world-builder Sean Andrew Murray!

Heavy Metal #299 features three alternate covers to choose from.
Cover A by Giovanni Maisto
Cover B by Gerald Brom
Cover C by Sean Andrew Murray

Enjoyed this? Please share on social media!