I could say something flippant here, but instead I will spell out what this means after the break.
According to ThePopverse, IDW Media had a grand total of 80 employees in March of 2023. Today 31 people lost their jobs.
Now to the core of the issue. The layoffs come as a part of a restructuring of the company (which IDW is branding as a reset). A restructuring where the CEO and CFO were both fired (along with 29 others) and the company is being delisted from the stock exchange. This is being done inorder to increase stability and long term profitability for the company.
At least that is the official stance on the matter.
So what does this mean for IDW's MLP Comics?
First and foremost, none of the writers, illustrators, cover artists, or colorists are losing their jobs on the comic. At least not yet.
The comics industry is primarily made up of freelancers/independent contractors. This means the creative team for the comic are not classified as employees of the company. Technically they are another company the comic publisher has subcontracted work out to. As such they are not impacted by company layoffs.
The only people on the creative side who are classified as employees for the comic company are the comic book editors.
In IDW's case, it's the editors and letterers.
Equestria Daily has been able to confirm MLP Editor Riley Farmer was not included in this round of layoffs.
How the restructuring and cost cutting measures will impact the series going forward (potentially fewer variant covers per issue would be my immediate thought) remains to be seen. Equestria Daily will keep you updated as this story develops.
Twitter: The Illustrious Q
