Its market share slipping, Image Comics has made a change at the top, replacing Jim Valentino, who resigned this week as Publisher, with Erik Larsen.  Day-to-day operations will be turned over to Eric Stephenson, who will move to Managing Editor from his position as Director of Marketing. 

Larsen promised changes under his leadership, including a shift to more superhero books from Valentino's emphasis on 'cutting edge, alternative comics.'  '....[M]y roots are in the more mainstream camp,' Larsen said. 

Larsen also promised to improve the timeliness of Image's books, which often ship late.  Spawn and the Image Comics Anniversary Hardcover were two titles specifically mentioned in that context.   

Image was a solid #3 in 2003 (behind Marvel & DC) according to Diamond's numbers, with 7.24 % of the total comic dollars and 7.77 % of units shipped, but has seen its market share slip precipitously in recent months.  In January, Image's share was down to 4.2% in dollars and 3.84% in units and Dark Horse Comics occupied Image's third place slot for the second month in a row. 

Image has been hurt by the defections of numerous studios over the past couple of years, including Dreamwave Productions, Devil's Due, DB Productions, UDON, and MV Creations. Dreamwave had a 2.07% share of comic units sold in January, while Devil's Due accounted for 1.34%.

Industry sources have told ICv2 the other Image partners thought that Valentino was taking Image in too much of an 'alternative' comics direction and that they feel that Larsen will be able to nudge the company more toward the mainstream and provide more support for Image's top-selling comic book titles.