Michael Kelly leaves BOOM! Studios after Penguin Random House shift

Published on May 24, 2026 | Translated from Spanish

Michael Kelly, Vice President and Editor of BOOM! Studios, will step down from his position in mid-June, according to Keith Clayton, Senior Vice President of Random House Worlds Group. His departure comes amid the imprint's restructuring under Penguin Random House, as Kelly seeks new professional opportunities outside the company.

editorial vice president leaving executive desk, contract documents scattered on glass surface, empty swivel chair slowly spinning, computer monitor showing editing software interface with open comic pages, messy colored pencils and markers next to a half-empty coffee cup, bookshelf with BOOM! Studios graphic novels partially cleared, window light creating long afternoon shadows, photorealistic cinematic style, dramatic corporate office lighting, atmosphere of professional transition, detailed paper and plastic textures

The Impact of Restructuring on Digital Pipelines 🖥️

Kelly's departure comes at a critical time for BOOM! Studios' digital production processes. Under his management, hybrid workflows were implemented for multi-platform distribution, integrating Digital Asset Management (DAM) tools that optimized delivery to retailers and online reading platforms. The transition will now require the technical team to adjust versioning protocols and editorial approval systems, while a replacement is defined to maintain synchronization between master files and final formats for web and mobile.

Kelly is Leaving, But the Comics Won't Read Themselves 😅

Michael Kelly is jumping ship just when BOOM! Studios needed someone who knows where the files for Something is Killing the Children are. Fans are already speculating: will Kelly take the cloud password or leave a manual on the printer? Meanwhile, junior editors prepare for the classic office game: finding the new boss among piles of resumes and unlabeled folders.