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Marvel Promotes Winderbaum, Hires Abdo as Comics GM

5/19/2026

Summary

Winderbaum Leads Marvel

Marvel promoted Brad Winderbaum, now head of Television, Animation, Comics & Franchise, and hired David Abdo as comics general manager.
Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige said the duo will guide Marvel’s comic legacy for 90 years, with editor-in-chief C.B. Cebulski remaining and reporting to Brad Winderbaum.
Head of comics and franchise Dan Buckley will step down while fans now direct non-film questions to Brad Winderbaum, despite the visual-development layoff concern.

Summary

Marvel Announces Midnight

Marvel announced the forthcoming “Marvel Midnight” imprint.
David Abdo, former General Manager of Disney Music Group, drove record-breaking profit years and expanded revenue before joining Marvel.
Brad Winderbaum, an Emmy-Award-winning executive, produced Marvel Studios series including Hawkeye, Loki season 2, and Daredevil: Born Again.
Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro oversaw company-wide layoffs and cost-cutting measures that affected Marvel staff.

Summary

DC Overtakes Marvel

Marvel lost its comics market-share lead for the first time this century as DC overtook it, driven by the success of DC’s Absolute Universe line.
DC dominated the Eisner Awards announced last week, reflecting the publisher’s recent critical acclaim.
Marvel’s leadership shake-up occurs while the company expands into video games, television and animation as competition from DC intensifies and broader market pressures grow.

History

Historical Context

Marvel’s 1996 Chapter 11 filing—prompted by a $350 million Toy Biz merger plan and Carl Icahn’s board takeover in 1997—forced a restructuring that later led to Disney’s $4 billion 2009 acquisition. Those decisive realignments echo today’s appointment of Brad Winderbaum and David Abdo, suggesting another leadership shift could again revive Marvel’s market position and restore competitive balance.

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Winderbaum Leads Marvel

Marvel promoted Brad Winderbaum, now head of Television, Animation, Comics & Franchise, and hired David Abdo as comics general manager.
Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige said the duo will guide Marvel’s comic legacy for 90 years, with editor-in-chief C.B. Cebulski remaining and reporting to Brad Winderbaum.
Head of comics and franchise Dan Buckley will step down while fans now direct non-film questions to Brad Winderbaum, despite the visual-development layoff concern.

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