Top Shelf Productions has been a publisher to watch since the company was founded in 1997. We have covered a lot of their work because they stretch the limits of traditional comic books and graphic novels with truly unique storytelling. Some of our Favorites are From Hell (which was made into a film), Blankets, and Essex County. Today indie publisher IDW has announced the acquisition of Top Shelf. The marriage of these two companies seems like a brilliant way to raise both brands if the partnership is handled correctly. The plan is to leave Top Shelf as a separate imprint allowing the creatives to continue in the direction the company has been on since it launched.
“The acquisition of Top Shelf is a milestone for IDW,” said Ted Adams, IDW CEO and publisher. “We looked a very long time for a company that would complement our own publishing line-up, and in Top Shelf we found the ideal match. The addition of Top Shelf’s library further positions IDW’s leadership role among the top powerhouses in comics.”
“IDW is committed to preserving and growing the Top Shelf brand, which we’ve long admired” said IDW president and COO Greg Goldstein. “Chris and his team have built a great working relationship with creators, fans, and retailers alike, and IDW will work diligently to expand Top Shelf’s publishing capabilities and market reach while further developing those relationships.”
“Top Shelf and IDW complement each other perfectly,” said Top Shelf Productions co-founder and publisher Chris Staros. “We both started around the same time, and when I would watch IDW over the years, as a fellow publisher, I’d see them making smart move after smart move. Now I’m extremely excited to combine their talents and resources with Top Shelf’s award-winning literary approach to comics. And believe it or not, the idea to join forces hit us both at exactly the same time. Last year, as I was about to pitch Ted and Greg this ‘crazy’ idea, they approached me to suggest the same thing! How’s that for a good omen? Together, we’re going to be able to publish some incredible work. I’m really looking forward to this.”
These two publishers can now work together to get their stories in front of more eyes and better compete against the big boys out there.