Author: Newsroom
PORTLAND, Ore. 06/06/2024 — Image Comics welcomes three new hires this week—Pat O’Connell, José Meza, and Dan Coyle.
O’Connell joins the team as Inventory Manager. He will be in charge of overseeing the movement of all Image Comics inventory between domestic and international printers, distributors, and creators. He will prioritize stock availability with a goal of maintaining ongoing sales momentum. O’Connell comes to the company with over 14 years of experience in comics publishing working in Sales and during that time managed various inventory needs across the sales markets while at DC, Dynamite, and most recently IDW. He will report directly to Eric Stephenson, Publisher & Chief Creative Officer at Image.
“To say that Image Comics has an astounding roster of legendary talent and an enormous catalogue of ground breaking and award winning titles would be an understatement,” said O’Connell. “I’m elated to have the opportunity to join the team and help make it easy for comic shops and customers to always get their hands on any image book or comic they are dying to read!”
Meza joins the team as Specialty Sales Coordinator, a role previously held by Jon Schlaffman who moved into the Production department as a Production Artist. Meza will be in charge of handling the day-to-day sales coordination of the retailer exclusive covers program. He comes to the company with a decade of experience in comics publishing, working previously at Boom Studios in Sales and Exhibit Options as a Project Manager. He will report directly to Alex Cox, Director of Direct Market Sales at Image.
“For years, I’ve closely followed Image and have found their approach to comics publishing to be truly inspiring,” said Meza. “I’ve even incorporated elements of their strategy into my own work when working across the aisle, and I’m now incredibly grateful for the opportunity to contribute directly to their continued success.”
Coyle joins the team as Marketing Content Associate, a role previously held by Andrew Fitzgerald who was promoted recently into the Production department as a second Content Manager. Coyle will be supporting the Marketing department with various owned marketing initiatives including newsletters, website content, and social media. Previously he worked as a Shortboxed street team member/content creator and on freelance content creation promoting comics at his handle, @DieselDanComics. He will report directly to Cat Nuwer, Publicist at Image.
“As a kid my passion for reading and collecting comics began with Image Comics, they are my childhood and my adulthood. The characters and stories weren’t the only appeal for me but the attitude that Image Comics has, influenced my young impressionable mind,” said Coyle. “Now I’m working for the same publisher that I’ve admired since childhood!? Pinch me, because this must be a dream! Coming from being a content creator on social media to being hired by Image Comics is the dream I’ve been chasing. I owe a lot to the online community and I hope to make them proud as the Image Comics Marketing Content Associate.”
Stephenson added: “We’re so thrilled to have Pat, José, and Dan join our team! Each of them brings a wealth of knowledge to the table and I can’t wait to see how their skills, drive, and obvious passion for comics contribute to our overall efforts in supporting the creators.”