News dropped earlier today that longtime Batman editor Mike Marts is leaving DC Comics for a high-level position at industry rival Marvel. Marts returns to Marvel, where he worked as an editor from the mid-‘90s to the mid-aughts, as the new Executive Editor. Many creators and editors sounded off on Twitter regarding Marts, and the move:
Batman, Detective Comics writer Scott Snyder
@mikemarts gave me a shot on DETECTIVE COMICS, feature & backup, when I was no one. He has nurtured me every step of the way in Gotham (1/?)
— Scott Snyder (@Ssnyder1835) January 31, 2014
from Black Mirror to now. Could not be more grateful to him for his friendship and mentorship. He's a permanent part of the DNA of Gotham…
— Scott Snyder (@Ssnyder1835) January 31, 2014
– a part of the deepest architecture. Lots of love and support for him at his new gig! Always in your corner, Mike, & wishing you the best!
— Scott Snyder (@Ssnyder1835) January 31, 2014
Detective Comics writer and Chew co-creator John Layman
. @mikemarts is the best editor in comics, and possibly the best person. I wish him all the best.
— LAYMAN (@themightylayman) January 31, 2014
Never expected to write at DC, let alone Batman. Grateful Mike gave me the opportunity.
— LAYMAN (@themightylayman) January 31, 2014
Mike gave me my first significant gig at Marvel too. My 12-issue run of Gambit. Ever grateful for that too.
— LAYMAN (@themightylayman) January 31, 2014
Marvel Editor-In-Chief and former Vertigo Editor Axel Alonso tweeted this photo:
Welcome back, @mikemarts pic.twitter.com/f6xPVr9ovU
— axel alonso (@axelalonsomarv) January 31, 2014
This move is significant considering the Batman family of books at DC is perhaps one of the highest-selling and most influential lines in mainstream comics.
Notably, Mike Marts oversaw Grant Morrison’s epic, multi-year Batman saga, and introduced superstar Scott Snyder in the pages of Detective Comics when he was still a relative unknown.