Beau Smith says adios to IDW

Longtime IDW go-to guy Beau Smith is departing the company, according to a press release, sampled here and which can be read in its entirety here:

Vice-President of Sales and Marketing, Beau Smith, will be leaving IDW Publishing as of February 1, 2005.

Smith has been with Idea + Design Works’s IDW Publishing division since July 2001, when he stuck his boots into the stirrups as VP of Sales and Marketing and began a very successful ride. Before that, Beau, a 17-year comics marketing professional, had served as VP of Marketing for Eclipse Comics, Image Comics, Todd McFarlane Productions and McFarlane Toys. “Beau has always been an idol-maker and empire-builder. His track record speaks for itself… that is, when Beau will let it get a word in edge-wise,” commented IDW Publishing’s Editor-In-Chief, Chris Ryall.

Aside from his time at IDW, Smith made a name for himself as a marketing guru for Todd McFarlane Productions and his comic book writing credits include Wynnona Earp, Batman/Wildcat, among others. He's also a noted Internet columnist, and if I may interject, one that we link to often. As for what Smith has planned, back to the release:

As far as future plans, Smith had this to say—“I’m a free agent. Freelance. A grand opportunity waitin’ to happen… I’m unemployed. I’ll be gettin’ fitted for my blue vest at Wal-Mart this afternoon. It’s gonna be just like the movie The Magnificent Seven, only without the other six guys and the magnificent part,” Smith grumbled as he cut up his IDW credit card.

“I’m gonna become some other publisher’s freelance nightmare. I’m gonna dive fist-first into more comic book writing. I’m backed by over 17 years of marketing skills as well as havin’ one of the best direct market retailer relationships in comics. Not braggin’, but I have the biggest advantage goin’ in comics with my experience in business and on the creative end. You can count on one hand the enemies I’ve made in comics, and most of them are dead anyway.” Smith added when we couldn’t find a way to shut him up.

Smith's one of the good ones. I remember my first meeting with him fondly. There I was, a young, nebbish Wizard editor at my first (ever) convention. Wandering around, freaked out by all the new faces (and costumes!) I found a friendly one in Smith. With a pat on the back and a chair, I made a fast new friend. The Great Curve and I wish him the best in his new endeavors. I also highly suggest you read the full press release for some hilairous "quotes" from creators on Smith's departure. Go get 'em, Beau!