Another round of layoffs hit Mad Cave today, including senior editors James Emmett, and Chas! Pangburn, as well as senior marketing manager Maya Vee (Lopez). These three made their departures known on social media; the Beat understand there were two others laid off but they have not yet been made public.
The move follows previous rounds of layoffs last July and in December, when Maverick Senior Editor Lauren Hitzhusen was laid off, along with VP of Marketing Allison Marie Pond.
In a statement, Mad Cave President Mark Irwin stated “”These changes were necessary to ensure the long-term health of the company, so that we can continue forward-focused, resilient, and able to invest in the areas that will sustain and grow our business. We’re very thankful for the contributions of those affected by these changes, as well as the whole of the Mad Cave team.”
Emmett, one of the well-liked editors at the company, posted
Hey folks, after nearly 4 years at Mad Cave, I was let go this morning. It was a wonderful time getting to work with an amazing list of creators. If we have worked together, please stay in touch. I am available for freelance editing and would love to work with you all in the future.
I will miss the team at Mad Cave and wish them continued success. I am going to take the day and collect myself, but if you hear of any opportunities, please let me know. Keep making comics and stories. We need them now more than ever. XO
Welp—plot twist. I’m no longer full-time with Mad Cave Studios! I’ll still be doing some freelance for ’em, though. Now accepting side quests (and open to full-time roles) in editorial, writing, lettering, licensing, and franchise development. Award-winning senior comics editor/writer/letterer with ~10 years wrangling IP, building books, and getting things across the finish line. If you’ve got something—or know someone who does—hit me up. =)
And Lopez, who was promoted barely a year ago, wrote:
Hi there! Some news, but as of this morning, I am no longer with Mad Cave. I am eternally grateful for the past 4.5 years with you all, and with such an amazing team. Thank you so much for trusting me with marketing your books!
It’s been the time of my life to work with so many wonderful people, and I am very honored to have grown to call many of you friends. Thank you all for everything, seriously. I’m currently plotting my next moves, but in the meantime, please feel free to stay in touch! Stay cool, and don’t change ♥️
The replies and reposts for all three were all filled with praise, too much to repost, but suffice to say these were three respected individuals.
The layoffs come as Mad Cave has had big success in recent months with their Speed Racer and Flash Gordon reboots, as well as books like The Florida Hippopotamus Cocaine Massacre, that benefitted from the recent speculation craze. Although many editors have been laid off in the last year, many remain, including EIC Mike Marts, Nakama Press editor Kristen Simon, Jon Moison, Sarah Brunstad, and more.
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