Lysa Hawkins
Editor
White Plains,NY
Summary
Award-winning senior comic book editor, writer, and educator with a proven track record of delivering compelling narratives and fostering creativity in diverse teams. Expertise in guiding projects from concept to publication, ensuring high-quality storytelling and visual artistry. Passionate about mentoring emerging talent and sharing knowledge within the comic book industry. Committed to pushing the boundaries of the medium while maintaining a strong focus on collaboration and innovation.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Editor-in-Chief
Alien Books
NYC
07.2023 - 01.2025
- Led transition team for Alien Books when they acquired Valiant licensing rights to head publishing
- Rebuilt the Valiant Universe for Alien Books
- Fostered new concepts and storylines by hosting writers circles and acquiring new talent.
- Created and reintroduced the Valiant characters into a cohesive universe
- Guided publishing through a massive line building event
- Hired and managed freelancers, bringing in new rising talent and fan favorites, including Dan Abnett, Dan Brereton, Fred Van Lente and Peter Milligan.
- Managed projects from conception, outline, script, layouts, pencils/inks, lettering, colors, covers to final product approval, including covers
Senior Editor
Valiant Entertainment
NYC
07.2018 - 07.2023
- Edited the majority of the line of books
- Promoted from editor to Senior Editor
- Brought in new talent
- Trafficked books from inception to approval
- Liaison to other departments; sales, marketing, production, manufacturing
- Collaborated with publishing agents/houses on prose novelizations of Valiant characters
- Represented the company at conventions both in the United States and in Europe
- Mentored junior editorial staff
Teacher
Curious- On- Hudson
Westchester County
01.2018 - 06.2018
- Created and taught a 10 week course in comics geared to school age children.
Community Relations Manager
Doctors United
Westchester County
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Set up screenings and health fairs.
- Provided customer service & was liaison between medical groups
- Created and maintained customer database
- Created flyers
- Organized luncheons/conventions and other events
Customer Service Manager
TCW (The Crafter’s Workshop)
Westchester County
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Picked, packaged, invoiced, shipped and billed all products globally
- Provided customer service
- Trained new employees
- Maintained inventory
Copy Editor/Market Manager
Quicksilver
Westchester County
01.2007 - 01.2008
- Wrote all copy for articles, press releases, catalogs.
- Reconciled current online daily accounts
- Created new advertising campaigns and marketing
- Created and maintained catalogs
- Liaison to sales
- Managed conventions
Gym Manager
Curves for Women
Westchester County
01.2004 - 01.2007
- Managed 2 gyms in Westchester
- Hired and trained employees
- Reconciled cash, maintained payroll and budget
- Handled all production sheets and daily paperwork
- Organized charity events and health seminars
- Ordered supplies and maintained gym equipment
Associate Editor
DC Comics
NYC
09.2001 - 03.2004
- Brought legendary Marvel artist John Romita over to DC to work on Supergirl.
- Worked in the Superman & the Batman offices
- Brought Gail Simone onto the acclaimed run of Bird of Prey
- Created Fallen Angel with Peter David, David Lopez and Brian Stelfreeze
- Created the title: Teen Titans Go!
- Approved blues and proofs
- Enlisted and developed excellent rapport with top freelancers
- Mentored under famed Batman writer and editor, Denny O’Neill
Associate Editor
Marvel Entertainment
NYC
08.1995 - 09.2001
- Edited springboards, plots, and scripts
- Generated new concepts and storylines
- Trafficked books from inception to finished product
- Approved blues and proofs
- Enlisted and developed an excellent rapport with top freelancers
- Assistant to three editors
- Liaised with production department regarding interior pages and covers
- Managed all technical aspects of the office including the copying of artwork
- Mastered color theory via in-house class; allowed to select colors for the logo/cover copy, interior captions, and sound effects
- Networked with freelancers and handled their invoices and payments
- [1995-1997] Production Assistant
- Created new company position, Digital Image Controller
- Hired and trained interns
- Proofed artwork and art boards, created stats, set up interior pages
- Worked in the famed MARVEL BULLPEN under John Romita and his wife Virginia Romita
- Mentored under famed Captain America writer and senior editor Mark Gruenwald
Education
B.A. - History/Mythology
Binghamton University
NYSkills
- Photoshop, Microsoft, Quickbooks, Final Draft, Scrivener, and others
- Creative vision
- Innovative thinking
- Collaborative mindset
- Deadline management
- Mentorship
- Social media strategy
- Content development
Timeline
Editor-in-Chief
Alien Books
07.2023 - 01.2025
Senior Editor
Valiant Entertainment
07.2018 - 07.2023
Teacher
Curious- On- Hudson
01.2018 - 06.2018
Community Relations Manager
Doctors United
01.2016 - 01.2017
Customer Service Manager
TCW (The Crafter’s Workshop)
01.2013 - 01.2014
Copy Editor/Market Manager
Quicksilver
01.2007 - 01.2008
Gym Manager
Curves for Women
01.2004 - 01.2007
Associate Editor
DC Comics
09.2001 - 03.2004
Associate Editor
Marvel Entertainment
08.1995 - 09.2001
B.A. - History/Mythology
Binghamton University
Awards
Tripwire 2022 Editor of the Year, Tripwire 2023 Person of the Year, Tripwire Power list 2020 & 2025