In the fast, ever-evolving world of comics, few people embody both tradition and innovation like Bixie Mathieu. As the lead editor of IDW’s My Little Pony Comics and associate editor of the Sonic The Hedgehog series, Mathieu has a unique talent to fill bold new ideas in the legacy of a generation.
Matthew’s journey as an editor is not normal. From navigating DC Comics’ storied halls to embracing the grassroots creativity of Tapas’ web comics, Matthew has built a career built on his unwavering belief in the power of passion, collaboration and storytelling. It tells the story of how lifelong comic fans transform her dreams into a pioneering career and redefine what it means to be an editor of modern comic book situations.
From the library to the editorial committee
“I always adored cartoons because I was a little girl wandering around my local library, so I was trying to find every graphic novel I could get,” recalls Matthew. Her love for the medium began with a rave review of a library trip and a graffiti cartoon in the rim of her notebooks. These small beginnings grew into a deep commitment through an internship that first opened up the door to the professional world as an editor of her university newspaper comic pages and later.
Matthew’s big break came when she joined DC Comics a few weeks before the global pandemic. “It was a jump to the deep edge,” she says, explaining the transition from a small amount of editing to a job with one of the largest players in the industry. At DC, she hone her skills under the guidance of a veteran expert and developed a foundation rooted in passion and discipline. “Getting an opportunity to work with my beloved DC character is a shining moment in my life.”
After DC, Matthew’s path took her to tapas. Tapas revolutionized comics through web-based storytelling. “Working there also served as a reminder of people’s grassroots passions to create stories,” she recalls.
Skybound follows, where she learns the art of massive launches like the universe of energy. These experiences culminated in Mathieu’s current role in IDW, where he continues to grow as an editor.
Balance between legacy and innovation
Mathieu’s editing work at IDW often revolves around balancing the rich history of their beloved franchises, resulting in a need for a fresh and engaging storyline. “With licensed comics, they’re built over many years of years of lore, character growth, design choices and storyline,” she explains. This complicated balance requires an intimate understanding of the characters and their world. This is a challenge that Matthew has come out with enthusiasm.
With her work in my little pony, she draws inspiration from the golden age of children’s media. “Avatar: From the Last Airbender to Her: Traditionally, “kids” media, Princess Princess is a testament to her ability to tell amazing, sincere, complicated stories,” she points out. For Matthew, capturing the essence of my little pony means creating a story that appeals to both young readers and longtime fans. “At the heart of it, why does it work? When you wrap it around it, you can grow a story that strengthens the world while keeping the heart of the story pure.”
My Little Pony Male Team Mystery #4 page.
Credit: IDW
Is her favorite character you work with? Izzy says that “silly, over-the-top attitudes and chaotic tendencies” brings contagious energy to the manga.
On Sonic’s hedgehog side, Matthew is equally enthusiastic. The passionate Sonic fanbase grounds and inspires her. “Our writers and artists are deep in the lore of sound,” she says. “It’s easy to work with the team from that trust to realize their creative vision.” She teases exciting developments on the horizon, such as “a specific crossover” and “a one-shot that shines a spotlight on a darling character.”
Sonic the Hedgehog #75 page.
Credit: IDW
A vision for the future of comics
Mathieu has been invested as a medium in the future of comics, seeking diversity and experimentation.
“The comic industry needs to evolve,” she insists. “I want the industry to continue pushing really cool and truly strange stories in the spirit of experimentation!” For Matthew, the comic is the perfect test ground for bold new ideas, and she defends stories that reflect a wide audience.
The heart of the editor
Behind the refined title and creative storytelling is Matthew’s simple yet powerful philosophy: “Conversation.” For her, collaboration is the key to great storytelling. “At the end of the day, everyone is taking part in the comic making process with the best intentions and everyone deserves to hear.”
What’s her advice for an aspiring editor? “Enjoy!” she says. “A cartoon should be fun and exciting, even if it reminds me,” an emotion that encapsulates Matthew’s approach to technology. This is a balance of professionalism and joy rooted in lifelong love for the medium.
I’m dreaming big
Matthew is deeply immersed in my little pony and Sonic the Hedgehog, but her desires extend to the new frontier. She dreams of working on Fallout and Twilight comic series, where she is able to bring character-driven approaches and full-time pieces to a completely different world.
Bixie Mathieu’s journey from a young comic book lover to a pioneering editor is a testament to the power of storytelling and collaboration. As she continues to shape my little pony and Sonic the Hedgehog world, fans are looking forward to the comics celebrating their beloved heritage while building bold new paths.
