Former Dark Horse Comics Vice President – Trade Sales Michael Martens has joined IDW Publishing as Director of Trade Sales, the company will announce today.  In that role, Martens will act as the publisher’s direct liason with Penguin Random House, which takes over book and mass channel distribution of IDW titles on April 1 (see "IDW Moves Book Distribution to Penguin Random House").  In addition to nurturing the relationship with Penguin Random House, Martens will also be working with newly hired staff at the IDW offices on marketing support for the book channel.

Martens left Dark Horse, where he was Vice President – Trade Sales, last year, after a 22-year stint, 21 of them as an officer (see "Dark Horse VP Michael Martens Leaving Company").  Since then, he’s been consulting for a variety of companies, including IDW.

"While consulting with IDW during their integration with Penguin Random House it was clear to me how strong the IDW and Top Shelf lines are so I jumped at the chance when they offered me a more formal arrangement," Martens said.  "I’m looking forward to maintaining the incredible momentum of the March series as well as positioning their many other important titles in a way they can be discovered by new readers."

Martens has a 35-year career in the comics business, beginning at Capital City Distribution in the early 80s.

IDW Publishing President and COO Greg Goldstein lauded that experience.  "Michael was, and continues to be, a key player in pioneering the graphic novel category in libraries and bookstores," he said.  "His expertise and unparalleled relationship with our new distribution partner will give IDW an even greater advantage for continual success and steady growth in today’s competitive market."

Martens will remain based in Portland, Oregon, where IDW recently opened an office (see "IDW Opening Office in Portland").