IDW INTERNATIONAL: New Licensing Division launches

 

EDITOR’S NOTE:  We have long suspected that IDW is one of the most financially savvy, business-minded comics companies among today’s publishers.  This news just confirms our suspicions . . . .

from the official press release . . . . . .

Foreign Rights Management Includes Archie Comics Representation Along With Dozens Of Worldwide Brands

San Diego, CA (January 11, 2016) – Today, IDW Publishing announced that it will be managing its own foreign rights catalogue for global publishing. This new division from the publisher, IDW International, will oversee all international licensing of the diverse IDW catalogue. The massive library from the publisher presents opportunities across the globe for distribution in many new territories. In addition, the International division will reach beyond IDW’s catalogue; joining IDW International is the renowned publisher Archie Comics, who for the first time will now be represented for non-English language rights.
 
“Controlling our own global publishing was a natural step for IDW as we continue our growth as a fully integrated media company,” said IDW CEO Ted Adams. “We're very pleased to also provide global publishing services for Archie and we'll be adding other creators and publishers as the new year progresses. 

“It’s been a longtime goal of mine to expand the Archie brand internationally in terms of translations,” said Archie Comics Publisher/CEO Jon Goldwater. “Expanding our existing partnership with IDW will help make this a reality. We are all immensely excited to help IDW launch their new International division with some of the most beloved properties in pop culture: Archie and the gang.”

IDW is known as the premier publisher for licensed material, in 2015 alone debuting comic series for Back to the Future, Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency, Orphan Black, and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. These best selling, acclaimed titles join blockbuster perennial hits like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Star Trek, Ghostbusters, and The X-Files in the international markets through IDW International’s licensing endeavors.
 
In addition to the esteemed licensed titles that will now be made available, IDW’s rich catalogue of unique intellectual property is available to a global audience. From classic works like Locke & Key, Parker, and The Rocketeer, to new successes like Ragnarök, Little Nemo: Return to Slumberland, and D4VE, readers from all over the world will have the opportunity to discover these celebrated books. Top Shelf’s lauded library including March, Essex County, and From Hell is also available.
 
Archie Comics, the acclaimed and bestselling comic book publisher that is home to some of the best-known pop culture creations in the world, including Archie, Jughead, Betty & Veronica, Josie & The Pussycats, Sabrina the Teenage Witch and the hit AFTERLIFE WITH ARCHIE and CHILLING ADVENTURES OF SABRINA horror series, will for the first time be available for foreign distribution through IDW International. One of the longest running brands in comics, Archie’s rich history of over 75 years can now be enjoyed everywhere.
 
Leading the new division is Jeff Webber, formerly Vice President of Digital Publishing & Business Development who will now take on the role of Vice President of Licensing, Digital & Subsidiary Rights. “This is an exciting time for comics around the world,” stated Webber. “ There is a growing audience for American comics to be translated for other countries and languages. Additionally, we’ll be bringing some of the best international titles to the US audience.”