According to The Hollywood Reporter, Heavy Metal continues their management overhaul by appointing David Erwin publisher and “chief creative overlord,” effective immediately. Erwin was formerly creative lead on Hasbro’s Transformers franchise, which also included ROM and Micronauts, and spent over 15 years as executive creative director for DC Comics.

“Unlike the other publishers of fiction, Heavy Metal is a destination brand recognized for cutting edge and inventive stories within the sci-fi, fantasy and horror space,” Erwin said in a statement. “It has influenced many of Hollywood’s greatest filmmakers over the years, and we’ll continue to be a prime source of inspiration by continuing to deliver our brand promise of great stories and art, as well as maintaining its rock ‘n’ roll attitude of making your parents a bit uncomfortable.”

Initially a reprint of Humanoids’ Metal Hurlant, Heavy Metal launched in 1977 and is now nearing its 300th issue. The series has featured the work of creators including Richard Corben, Pepe Moreno, Walt Simonson, Bernie Wrightson, and Grant Morrison – who became editor-in-chief in 2015. 

As part of the recent overhaul, writer Tim Seeley was named managing editor, and Matt Medney was appointed as the new CEO following Jeff Krelitz and David Boxenbaum’s exit. In his new role, Erwin will work alongside Medney on new initiatives to transform Heavy Metal into “a destination for both readers and creators.”