Well that sounds serious.

Bleeding Cool understand that James or Jim Sokolowski, better known in the company as "Ski", Chief Operating Officer of Marvel Publishing, is no longer with the company.

There are no details, as of yet. I think you are meant to file this under "developing".

When last I heard, Sokolowski was spearheading a new assault from Marvel to the newstand and the emerging Barnes & Noble and Hastings markets with a new reprint and collection strategy. An assault that does not appear to have actually emerged as of yet.

A popular man at Marvel, with a growing public face, I found myself joining Sokolowski for lunch at San Diego Comic Con. And I could see why he has that reputation. This news is… surprising.

As well as COO, he was also used to be a regular police character in the Ghost Rider comic book a few years ago.

Marvel declined to comment on this story.