IDW Hires Michael Martens to Direct Book Trade Sales

Michael Martens, formerly v-p of book trade sales at Dark Horse, has been named director of trade sales at independent graphic novel house IDW Publishing, effective immediately. Martens is joining IDW as it switches to Penguin Random House Publisher Services for bookstore distribution.

A longtime comics industry executive, Martens left Dark Horse in September 2016 after working at the house for more than 20 years. At the time he left Dark Horse, Martens was v-p of book trade sales, the same position he will hold at IDW, one of the largest independent graphic novel and comics publishers in the country. 

Marten said that after leaving Dark Horse last year, he worked as a consultant for IDW during the beginning of its transition to PRHPS book trade distribution. “It was clear to me how strong the IDW and Top Shelf lines are so I jumped at the chance when they offered me a more formal arrangement. I’m looking forward to maintaining the incredible momentum of [Rep. John Lewis' bestselling] March series as well as positioning their many other important titles in a way they can be discovered by new readers.”

Martens will act as the direct liaison between IDW and Penguin Random House Publisher Services as the publishing house moves its trade bookstore distribution to PRHPS on April 1. Martens also oversaw Dark Horse’s switch to PRHPS for Bookstore distribution in 2015.

Martens brings more than 30 years experience in the comics industry, with specific expertise in graphic novels in the book trade. He will be charged with managing IDW’s growth into the global bookstore market for graphic novel and related comics publishing.

IDW president and COO Greg Goldstein said, “Michael was, and continues to be, a key player in pioneering the graphic novel category in libraries and bookstores. His expertise and relationship with our new distribution partner will give IDW an even greater advantage for continual success and steady growth in today’s competitive market.”