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Celebrated comic book artist and Chief Creative Officer for Marvel Comics, Joe Quesada, stepped down from his role with the company. He announced his decision on social media earlier today. However, Quesada made it clear that he’s not finished with comics or Marvel. He has several projects in the works, including one with Marvel Comics. His decision marks the end of a two-decade-long career with the major publisher. As to why he is leaving Marvel, he quotes T.S. Elliot:
“We shall not cease from exploration / And the end of all our exploring / Will be to arrive where we started / And know the place for the first time.”
Joe Quesada’s statement can be read below.
And now for something completely different… pic.twitter.com/5Vurcra9kJ
— Joe Quesada (@JoeQuesada) May 31, 2022
Joe Quesada’s Career With Marvel
Joe Quesada came to Marvel in 1998 to work on Daredevil. He and Ash’s collaborator, Jimmy Palmiotti, then ran “Marvel Knights” for the publisher. This imprint of Marvel comics focused on stand-alone solid stories. Quesada became Editor-in-Chief in 2000. Eventually, he became Chief Creative Officer of Marvel Entertainment in 2010. Additionally, his role allowed him to reach beyond comics: the creation of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Alex Alonso replaced him as editor-in-chief in 2011.
Quesada was primarily responsible for the controversial “One More Day” storyline in Spider-Man. This story removed Peter Parker’s marriage to Mary Jane Watson after Parker made a deal with the nefarious Mephisto. Furthermore, Joe Quesada started the 2001 “Marvel MAX” line of comics with Brian Michael Bendi. This was a mature-readers Marvel imprint that has since ceased being an imprint. It’s now a label on Marvel comics that indicates a mature rating.
Quesada successfully implemented the third imprint with the publisher: The Ultimate line of comics. This imprint aimed itself at newer readers to give them a point to start reading. Mark Millar and Brian Michael Bendis helped with the imprint’s success. Titles such as Ultimate Spider-Man and The Ultimates saw great sales among the new and seasoned fans.
Quesada’s Work Beyond Comics
The former editor-in-chief didn’t stop with comic books. He made his directorial debut with an episode of the web series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Slingshot titled “Vendetta.” Also, Quesada holds an Executive Producer credit on various Marvel television properties such as Agent Carter, Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and more.
Kevin Feige and many others have since responded to Quesada’s departure.