In no hurry to get such a job, Macchio happened to meet Killraven writer Don McGregor at a comic book convention.

During the tour, Macchio was asked by writer Chris Claremont to interview editor-in-chief Roy Thomas for FOOM (Marvel's self-produced fanzine).

Promoted to full editor in 1981, Macchio's first major editing work was Master of Kung Fu, which he helmed from 1982 to 1983.

His first line of books included The Saga of Crystar (which he co-created with John Romita, Jr. and Mark Gruenwald), Dazzler, ROM, U.S. 1, and Micronauts.

He spent nearly decade-long editing stints on Thor and Captain America with shorter periods on Avengers and Fantastic Four.