I can see now why monarchs wait to die; an orderly transfer of power is a lot of damn work.
In January of this year, preparations began at my suggestion for the arrival of a new editorial team. The fact is, I need to return to my own projects. With the assent of Tucker Stone, who has been on sabbatical, and the support of the editors of the print Journal, it was decided that the present era would conclude entirely, with two new editors selected. In fact, you have already seen some of their work at the site, as these are tasks that cannot rely only on theory; beginning tomorrow, they will formally become site editors.
Sally Madden is a veteran alternative cartoonist and one half of the popular Thick Lines podcast. Chris Mautner has been a contributor to the Journal since the 1990s, and has written for a wide variety of comics-specific and general interest news and culture outlets. I have collaborated with both in the past, Sally on a few podcasts and Chris on a variety of projects over the years. I can say from the trials of the last few months that they have my every confidence in this new endeavor.
On my last day, I must first thank our editorial coordinator, Kristy Valenti, for her invaluable work and unceasing support for the whole of my three years at the desk. Thanks also to Austin English, who is ostensibly exclusive to the print Journal, yet donated so much time and energy. Kit, Barbara, Michael: my affections endure, glowing. All contributors: I love you. And, of course, shoutout to Gary Groth, without whom none of it would be possible.
I would like to dedicate this final post to the memory of Mr. Robert C. Harvey and Mr. Evheny Osievsky, two writers I knew who saw what we all will see, given time.
As for myself, I plan to cultivate an increasingly isolated intellect. Don't let the algorithm get you, folks; it'll make you think you're thinking for yourself.
Be it a promise or a threat, we'll meet again.
