2011 is, indeed, a year for changes. Out with the old and in with the new, as they say. After 10 years as Editor-in-Chief, Joe Quesada has announced that Axel Alonso will be his successor.

According to Marvel.com, Alonso will report to Dan Buckley, the Publisher & President of the Print, Animation & Digital Divisions of Marvel Worldwide Inc. Alonso will also be involved in advising on the editorial creative direction, developing new story lines and brainstorming new initiatives -- and, of course, seeing to the day-to-day aspects of the publishing part of the company.

"It’s with tremendous pride that I announce Axel Alonso’s promotion to Editor-In-Chief," Quesada said in a press statement. "For over a decade, Axel’s been instrumental in bringing fresh new voices to Marvel and reinventing our biggest characters like Spider-Man, the X-Men, Wolverine and so many more. He’s fought to create unique imprints like Marvel MAX while also bringing fresh new voices to the Marvel family."

"Most of you know Axel from his high profile job as Vice President, Executive Editor and the man behind some of our very best and edgiest books," Quesada added. "Time and time again, Axel has proven that he is one of the very best story editors in the history of our medium and one of the finest people I know. And, like everyone here at Marvel, he has one single focus, bringing you the best stories with the best characters in all of comicdom. That’s why I have no doubt that Axel will bring Marvel Comics to greater heights than it’s ever known!"

"Marvel has a great history of the most dynamic and memorable EiCs in comics history and I’m honored to step into this role," Alonso told press. "I’ve been blessed to work with some of the most creative men and women in the world, bringing to life some of the most compelling stories you’ll find in any medium. This new role provides me with exciting challenges and prospects I’ve never encountered before, but I know one thing — Marvel’s getting even bigger in 2011."

Although Quesada is stepping down as Editor-in-Chief, he will remain as the Chief Creative Officer, overseeing Marvel’s creative endeavors in venues such as film, television, publishing and digital distribution.