IDW Publishing Acquires Top Shelf Productions

In a press release, IDW Publishing announced that they have acquired Top Shelf Productions.  IDW Publishing was created in 2000 as the publishing arm of IDW, whose acronym stands for Idea and Design Works.  IDW itself was formed in 1999 by Ted Adams, Robbie Robbins, Alex Garner, and Kris Oprisko, with a focus on creating products for video games, movies, TV, collectible card games, comic books, and trading cards.  Famous titles published by IDW Publishing include 30 Days of Night (August 2002 – November 2002) and the mini-series Lock & Key.  IDW Publishing also has various imprints which include Blue Dream Studios, The Library of American Comics, Worthwhile Books, and Yoe Books.

Top Shelf Productions was originally founded in 1997 by Chris Taros and Brett Warnock.  Famous titles released by the company include From Hell (1989 – 1996) and The League of Extraordinary Gentleman, Volume III: Century (May 2009 – June 2012), both written by Alan Moore of Watchmen (September 1986 – October 1987) fame.

The press release revealed that the acquisition will make Top Shelf Productions a distinct imprint of IDW Publishing:

"“The acquisition of Top Shelf is a milestone for IDW. 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.” – Ted Adams, IDW CEO and publisher.Top Shelf will remain a distinct imprint within IDW and co-founder Chris Staros will join the company as Editor-in-Chief, Top Shelf Productions. Top Shelf’s fans can expect the same independent editorial approach that has garnered industry-wide awards and made it an envy among its peers.“IDW is committed to preserving and growing the Top Shelf brand, which we’ve long admired. 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.” -Greg Goldstein, IDW president and COOFounded in 1997, Top Shelf Productions offers a broad library of comic books and graphic novels from dozens of the industry’s top independent creators. Following the acquisition, Top Shelf’s headquarters will remain in Marietta, GA.“Top Shelf and IDW complement each other perfectly. 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.” – Chris Staros, Top Shelf Productions co-founder and publisher"

Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.