Axel Alonso is leaving Marvel Comics as Editor-in-Chief, after serving in the position since 2011. With Alonso leaving Marvel entirely, the company has selected C.B. Cebulski to fill his shoes. Alonso's shocking departure is the second major change at Marvel in recent weeks, following Brian Michael Bendis' decision to leave Marvel for DC Comics last Tuesday.

Alonso was a writer for DC Comics who left the company in September of 2000 to work for Marvel as a Senior Editor. Alonso spent many years writing and editing The Amazing Spider-Man. In 2001, Alonso had an important role in the creation of Marvel MAX, a comic book line aimed at adult audiences. Alonso was made Vice President, Executive Editor in 2010. A year later, Alonso took over the position of Marvel Editor-in-Chief from Joe Quesada.

Marvel Comics has named C.B. Cebulski as the company's new Editor-in-Chief, with Axel Alonso departing Marvel. No reason has been given for Alonso's decision, nor has there been any announcement of what Alonso's plans are. Marvel has released a statement on Twitter, praising Alonso for his years of work at the company.

Axel Alonso leaves an incredible mark at Marvel. His vision shaped some of our most iconic Super Heroes and stories. We wish him the best.— Marvel Entertainment (@Marvel) November 17, 2017

His successor, C.B. Cebulski, has worked at Marvel since 2002, initially writing for their Mangaverse line. Cebulski later went on to have an important role in launching The Runaways and other successful comic book titles. Cebulski left Marvel to pursue freelance work in 2006, but returned to Marvel within a year. In 2010, Cebulski was promoted to Senior Vice President of Creator & Content Development. Last year, Cebulski was sent to Shanghai to help develop the company's brand in Asia.

According to an official statement from Marvel Comics, Cebulski will "oversee all day-to-day editorial and creative aspects of Marvel's publishing division" and will further "Marvel's efforts to expand the publishing division internationally." Marvel has also highlighted Cebulski's abilties as a talent recruiter, citing some of the writers and artists he's hired at the company, including Steven McNiven, Jonathan Hickman, and Skottie Young. Cebulski told The New York Times that he's "blown away at the opportunity."

It remains to be seen what this shakeup at Marvel Comics will mean for the company, or if the reasons for Alonso's departure has any connection to the new direction the company is taking with Marvel Legacy, a relaunch aimed at returning the focus to classic characters.

Next: Marvel Comics is Planning ‘The Wedding of the Century’

More details on Alonso's departure may become available soon.

Source: The New York Times, Marvel