Top Shelf Productions Acquired By IDW Publishing

 Tuesday, comic book publisher IDW Publishing announced it has acquired Georgia-based comic company Top Shelf Productions.

Comic Book Resources reported the breaking news this morning, which states Top Shelf will become an imprint of IDW, with co-founder and publisher Chris Staros serving as editor-in-chief at the company’s current headquarters in Marietta, Georgia. The surprised announcement also states Brett Warnock of Top Shelf Productions will retire from the comic book industry to “explore business opportunities through his newly launched food and nature blog.” No other staff changes at Top Shelf Productions is expected.

“The acquisition of Top Shelf is a milestone for IDW,” IDW CEO and publisher Ted Adam said in the press release. “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.”

Top Shelf Productions was founded in 1997 and has been the home to critically acclaimed comics by prolific writers like Alan Moore, Craig Thompson, and Jeff Lemire. The acquisition by IDW Publishing will allow the company to remain independent.