New York City is an entity almost as intrinsic to Marvel Comics as characters like Spider-Man, Wolverine, and Captain America.
The company, functionally or fictionally, fundamentally does not exist sans New York. Not only is the city where the company was founded some 90 years ago, but it also serves as the backdrop to some of its most iconic stories and as the canonical home for many of its most enduring characters.
Photo: Marvel
New York is a location irrevocably and deeply embedded in the fabric of Marvel as a concept, an inseparable part of its identity. But as the proverb goes, nothing lasts forever.
Marvel Comics Moving to Burbank
The Hollywood Reporter’s Borys Kit reported on Thursday that Marvel’s publishing division will relocate its operations from Midtown Manhattan to Burbank, CA, by July 2027. That arm of the company has been based in New York since its foundation in 1939.
The move will place Marvel Comics in closer proximity to Marvel Studios and corporate parent The Walt Disney Company, both of which are headquartered in Burbank.
The Walt Disney Company
There’s also been a change in narrative leadership at the company, as longtime comic writer Stephen Wacker has taken over as editor-in-chief. Previous editor C.B. Cebulski will now oversee the publisher’s Asia originals and, per Kit, “spearhead the company’s push in manga.”
Wacker’s ascent comes months after a larger shakeup at the top of Marvel that saw Brad Winderbaum take over as Head of Marvel Television, Animation, Comics & Franchise. Former Disney Music Group executive David Abdo joined Marvel as part of that shuffling, becoming General Manager, Comics & Franchise.
Brad Winderbaum (Photo: The Wrap)
The company announced its impending Burbank relocation to staffers during a Thursday town hall. The meeting was overseen by Winderbaum, Abdo, and Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige.
Source: Complex.com
Winderbaum and Abdo wrote in a companywide memo that the move “will position the team beside our broader creative organization and create opportunities for collaboration across both Marvel and Disney,” adding that “bringing our comics, film, television, and other creative teams together will help us learn from one another, collaborate, and build on the strengths that make Marvel the true House of Ideas.”
According to Kit, Marvel wants to bring all of its New York-based employees along in the move. This includes just over 100 people.
Reasons for the Move
Photo: Marvel
Marvel’s motivation to move cross-country is as practical as it is synergetic. According to Kit, the company’s New York lease will expire next year.
The company’s new leadership, per the reporter, also conducted an audit upon taking over to see where its U.S.-based creators are based. It found that more are based in California than New York.
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