While many comic fans often praise certain authors or artists they love, often times they forget that the behind the scenes work is just as, if not sometimes more, important to a book’s success. One of the biggest contributions is a book’s editorial team and when a team is good, you can really tell. One of the biggest unsung heroes in recent memory is Vertigo’s Executive Editor and Senior Vice President Karen Berger. Under her guidance, books like The Sandman, Hellblazer, Fables, Y-The Last Man and American Vampire (among many others) were all green-lit and released for us to read. Needless to say, her work stands for itself and fans of good comics owe her a great debt of gratitude for what she’s done.
That’s why I was surprised when earlier today she announced that after 33 years with DC, 20 of which were with Vertigo, she was stepping down from her position effective this March. In an official press release Karen had this to say:
“I’ve been incredibly proud to have provided a home where writers and artists could create progressive and provocative stories that broadened the scope of comics, attracting a new and diverse readership to graphic storytelling. I’d like to thank all the many immensely talented creators who have helped make Vertigo into a daring and distinctive imprint and I’m grateful to everyone at DC Entertainment and the retail community for their support and commitment to Vertigo all these years. It’s been quite an honor.”
DC’s Entertainment President Diane Nelson also had a few words to add herself:
“We are extremely grateful for Karen’s commitment and dedication to Vertigo, its books and its incredibly talented team of staff and creators. In Vertigo she leaves a legacy to which we remain committed and on which we intend to build for the future. She will always be a deeply valued and respected member of the DC family.”
While I’m sad to see her go, she’s earned the right to do whatever she pleases and I wish nothing but the best for her down the road.
