Marvel Entertainment (MVL): News & Press Releases Thread!

[blades_shades]

As many of you know tomorrow is an exciting day for Marvel. 2005 is over and 2006 is looking to be a huge year with 3 theatrical films and 3 animated films from LGF. Dr. Strange is in 2007 from LGF. It's been a breakthrough year for quality video games, and the movie line up with studios and in house is promising and there is enough in the pipeline to make sure every film is done right without rush. Tomorrow is the latest earnings release and conference call. Will there be any surprises. Surely they'll talk about taking back Iron Man, Blade TV casting, the success of the Fantastic Four, and future projects. This quarter feels like it's going to be exciting and I think they may have a few surprises for us tomorrow!

Marvel Enterprises, Inc. Earnings Conference Call (Q3 2005)
Scheduled to start Wed, Nov 9, 2005, 9:00 am Eastern

http://biz.yahoo.com/cc/1/62061.html
After the event has finished, the audio will be available
from this page until Fri, Nov 10, 2006

http://www.badmouth.net/wordpress/wp-content/Human_Torch.jpg

[Darth Elektra]

Can't wait for the news, I hope to hear some cool info about FF2! Maybe some info about Elektra2 and DD2.

[Ironfan72]

I can't wait to hear what they have to say. I'm looking forward to any news about Iron Man if any.

[blades_shades]

Of course they'll mention getting Iron Man back. That's huge news to investors. I would not count on DD or Elektra sequel news. The ones that interest me the most are Iron Man and the films with other studios in the waiting: Silver Surfer, Thor, Deathlok, & Luke Cage...oh and Black Widow.

[Caliber]

I like the sound of a Doctor Strange movie.

[Kmack]

Have they completely dropped Black Widow:confused:

[Caliber]

It seems they forgot about alot of films because they added more to the list.

[blades_shades]

They didn't forget anything. These movies are in different stages of development. Script writers are hired. Some scripts are approved, some are thrown back for re-writes, some are given to others to re-write, some are trashed. Marvel Studios has it's own 10 films to worry about + Iron Man which will all be released over a 7 year period. They're not all coming out tomorrow. In the meantime all the old studio deals that are still in place are also in development. Black Widow is still coming. Hayter just said in the last 30 days he's about ready to go...




BLACK WIDOW Comics Continuum (http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0510/10/index.htm) has quotes from David Hatyter about the espionage-tinted adaptation in development at Lions Gate Films. "I just submitted the final draft of the script, and it has been received very positively," Hayter said. "We are supposed to sit down and discuss casting this week."





It's coming. There are no forgotten films but it might take much longer to make one sequel compared to another depending upon many factors including profit, dvd sales, fan reaction, etc...

[Darth Elektra]

yea,Ive been looking forward to Black window for a long time!

[blades_shades]

The first of many updates to come but the TV series has a new entry I've never heard of:

Film Projects Included in the Marvel Film-Backed Credit Facility (1)

Ant-Man, The Avengers, Black Panther, Captain America, Cloak & Dagger,
Doctor Strange, Hawkeye, Nick Fury, Power Pack and Shang-Chi. The
first film is anticipated for release in 2008.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Marvel Character Animated Direct-to-Video Projects in Development
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Partnership with Lions Gate to develop, produce and distribute
original animated DVD features. Four projects in 2D/3D format are in
development with the first releases slated for 2006. Titles include:
Ultimate Avengers (February 21, 2006 release), Ultimate Avengers 2,
Iron Man and Doctor Strange.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Marvel Character Animated TV Projects in Development
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Partnership with Moonscoop SAS (formerly Antefilms Productions) to
produce an original animated television series based on the Fantastic
Four. Twenty-six, 30-minute 2D/3D animated episodes are planned with
initial TV airings in 2006.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Marvel Character Live Action TV Projects in Development
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Alter Ego, Blade, Skrull Kill Krew (1).

[adamcz]

Blades can I cry on your shoulder right now?

[Sava]

i cant listen to it

[Sava]

f**k it... they are saying the same s**t for Hulk 2 in the past 2 years... f**k you very much Marvel :mad: :up:

[Philly Phanboy]

The first of many updates to come but the TV series has a new entry I've never heard of:

Film Projects Included in the Marvel Film-Backed Credit Facility (1)

Ant-Man, The Avengers, Black Panther, Captain America, Cloak & Dagger,
Doctor Strange, Hawkeye, Nick Fury, Power Pack and Shang-Chi. The
first film is anticipated for release in 2008.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Marvel Character Animated Direct-to-Video Projects in Development
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Partnership with Lions Gate to develop, produce and distribute
original animated DVD features. Four projects in 2D/3D format are in
development with the first releases slated for 2006. Titles include:
Ultimate Avengers (February 21, 2006 release), Ultimate Avengers 2,
Iron Man and Doctor Strange.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Marvel Character Animated TV Projects in Development
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Partnership with Moonscoop SAS (formerly Antefilms Productions) to
produce an original animated television series based on the Fantastic
Four. Twenty-six, 30-minute 2D/3D animated episodes are planned with
initial TV airings in 2006.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Marvel Character Live Action TV Projects in Development
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Alter Ego, Blade, Skrull Kill Krew (1).

Not much new info then. I guess that things will pick up in the next few weeks now that Marvel has hired that guy to head their movie division though.

[Darth Elektra]

Blades can I cry on your shoulder right now?

yea,theres no new news,no kindaof info about Xmen3 or GR. And Im ####### pissed because they didnt atleast mention Elektra2 or DD2!

[WallCrawl]

And Im ####### pissed because they didnt atleast mention Elektra2 or DD2!

That bit of non-news actually makes me quite happy. :D

[emi]

Reviews on Marvel's Third Q report and 2006 guidance ranged from "modest" to "dismal" to "shocking", sending stocks tumbling.

MARVEL STOCK TUMBLES ON POOR FINANCIAL REPORT (http://209.198.111.165/thebeat/archives/2005/11/marvels_3q_so-s.html)

http://209.198.111.165/thebeat/archives/2005/11/breaking_marvel.html

[TheVileOne]

yea,theres no new news,no kindaof info about Xmen3 or GR. And Im ####### pissed because they didnt atleast mention Elektra2 or DD2!

That's because neither movie is going to happen.

[Darth Elektra]

lol,Go suck your penis.

[YJ1]

Reviews on Marvel's Third Q report and 2006 guidance ranged from "modest" to "dismal" to "shocking", sending stocks tumbling.

MARVEL STOCK TUMBLES ON POOR FINANCIAL REPORT (http://209.198.111.165/thebeat/archives/2005/11/marvels_3q_so-s.html)

http://209.198.111.165/thebeat/archives/2005/11/breaking_marvel.html

As a MVL long investor, this is how I feel right at this moment...
http://www.nimbacreations.com/Library/scar-appliance.jpg

Brighter days are ahead but I never saw this coming. Why did Marvel management buy back shares not long ago if they had any thoughts that 2006's guidance would be that poor? Someone is sandbagging or manipulating something here for some reason that escapes me.

Still, no panic here... long term Marvel will be fine.

[blades_shades]

In case you guys missed it Avi confirmed Hulk 2 is moving along and is happening.

[Sabretooth]

Yes.just like he's been saying FOR THE PAST TWO GODDAMN YEARS. GO TO HELL AVI.



Oh my god.This pisses me off to no end.I've had this thing on my mind all day,and this all those bastards have to say?**** them.

[blades_shades]

Wah wah wah! Let's create threads whining about Marvel or some other studio rushing a film and then we'll complain when it takes to long. WTF do you want? Do you want it done right or do you want a rush job? Pick a god damn side. Hulk 1 was a great film but NOT what people were expecting. Hulk should be a 300 million film not a 130 million domestic one. The franchise is being reworked and it'll be done right or not at all. It's simple with the Fantastic Four because it made a load of money and the character effects were acceptable and could be improved gradually. With the Hulk they could do a 180 and go for a man in a suit. I say stick w/CGI but Hulk 2 will be totally different so give me a break. I see people all day whining about FF2 being rushed, X3 being rushed, everything being rushed. The you see the same people whining about how their sick of waiting for FF2...it's taking too long? Where's the set pics of X3, where's the Spiderman picks? Wah wah wah.

[Darth Elektra]

Well I really dont want a Hulk 2 but they been saying the same thing for 2 years now.And you say not to rush it,I aggree FF and Elektra were bothed rushed BUT they could atleast start working on hulk 2,personally im pissed of because I want a DD2!

[blades_shades]

They are working on Hulk 2. Don't you get it. They're ironing out which direction to go in, who they want to direct it, do they want CGI or Man in Suit, budget, actors, etc...They're working on it. I want them to spend as much time as they need to get it done right but Universal is also on a time crunch. They have until 2007 to get it going. That's plenty of time.

[blades_shades]

As far as Daredevil 2 it would be nice but I think Marvel and Fox are waiting for Ben Affleck's misearable fingerprints to be wiped clean off the franchise. What a putz. I've never seen such a pathetic lead actor in a action movie considering the quality of the rest of the film. I loved the tone of that movie.

[Darth Elektra]

HEY,I liked Ben Affleck as the lead in DD,he's not a wimp! and he's said he'll do another!

[blades_shades]

Ben Affleck was so awful in that film. He has zero fighting or physical skills, the fight sequence on the playground w/Elektra could have been awesome but Ben Affleck looked like a muppet with an oversized head smirking at the screen while moving in slow motion in order to get the punches and kicks done correctly. He was plain bad. I'm sorry I disagree as do most people on the planet...but to each his own. I'd love to see someone like Jason Statham do Daredevil. Then you'll see some badass fight sequences. It might be a good idea for Marvel to get an animated Daredevil going first and then go back to film in a few years without Affleck. The movie had a great tone, a good director, good actors and...Ben Affleck. Blah.

Go watch Snipes in Blade and see how flawlessly he moves in the fight sequences. Then go watch Affleck in Daredevil. Now imagine Statham in the red suit or someone with similar skills and the ability to act enough to make it good. Even Viggo would be fun as Daredevil.

Oh and of course Affleck said he would do another but nobody wants him. He's never been able to carry an action flick on his own and never will. All of his films are bombs where he has a large percentage of the screen time. Armageddon is the only exclusion but Affleck was NOT the draw of that film. It was the F/X and the rest of the actors.

[mokf]

I'm not an Afleck fan either but the main problem with DD was the script itself
the way they portrait the relationship between him and Elektra was lame.
that "fight" in the park was ridiculous. Why they didn't make it the way Miller wrote it is beyond my comprehension..
as for Hulk, well i actually liked the first one, but there are a lot of others movies i would like to see first.

[Darth Elektra]

Blade_Shades,your wrong Snipes did a good job!

[adamcz]

I've never lost so much money in one day on a stock. I hope my patience is rewarded some day. Come on Marvel - make some great movies for me!

[skorponok]

Ben Affleck was so awful in that film. He has zero fighting or physical skills, the fight sequence on the playground w/Elektra could have been awesome but Ben Affleck looked like a muppet with an oversized head smirking at the screen while moving in slow motion in order to get the punches and kicks done correctly. He was plain bad. I'm sorry I disagree as do most people on the planet...but to each his own. I'd love to see someone like Jason Statham do Daredevil. Then you'll see some badass fight sequences. It might be a good idea for Marvel to get an animated Daredevil going first and then go back to film in a few years without Affleck. The movie had a great tone, a good director, good actors and...Ben Affleck. Blah..


HOW MANY TIMES MUST YOU REPEAT YOURSELF...it's always the same rant with you...give it up... :up:

[YJ1]

Go watch Snipes in Blade and see how flawlessly he moves in the fight sequences. Then go watch Affleck in Daredevil. Now imagine Statham in the red suit or someone with similar skills and the ability to act enough to make it good. Even Viggo would be fun as Daredevil.


I have to disagree here. Affleck did a fine job as Matt/DD. What made DD work for me is that it was easy to believe that the 6'3" Affleck could kick serious a$$. The costume, action sequences and characters all felt real. (Unlike EVERY Batman movie where it's obvious that the lead can barely function in the cape and cowl)

The extended bar fight in the DD director's cut was better then anything ANY of the Blade movies had to offer, Affleck and all.

Also, just keep Ang Lee far away from Hulk 2 and it will be more then fine.

[skorponok]

I have to disagree here. Affleck did a fine job as Matt/DD. What made DD work for me is that it was easy to believe that the 6'3" Affleck could kick serious a$$. The costume, action sequences and characters all felt real. (Unlike EVERY Batman movie where it's obvious that the lead can barely function in the cape and cowl)

Most people forget that Affleck's that big of a guy...he's 6'3" or 6'4" (depending on who you ask) and probably 220-230...of course he's going to appear a bit topheavy and NOT so graceful at times, like most real fighters do... but seriously, I'd be more frightened of a guy that big coming at me in a dark red leather suit than a 5'6" guy in a blue and red webbed costume, reguardless of what superpowers they have ;)

[blades_shades]

Blade_Shades,your wrong Snipes did a good job!

What? Do you think I have this screen name because I don't like Snipes? I was referring to Bennifer not Snipes. Blade 1 & 2 are my favorite Marvel films and Snipes IMO is the best portrayal of a superhero IMO.

[Darth Elektra]

I have to disagree here. Affleck did a fine job as Matt/DD. What made DD work for me is that it was easy to believe that the 6'3" Affleck could kick serious a$$. The costume, action sequences and characters all felt real. (Unlike EVERY Batman movie where it's obvious that the lead can barely function in the cape and cowl)

The extended bar fight in the DD director's cut was better then anything ANY of the Blade movies had to offer, Affleck and all.

Also, just keep Ang Lee far away from Hulk 2 and it will be more then fine.

I couldnt disaggree with you on one thing!

[Darth Elektra]

Most people forget that Affleck's that big of a guy...he's 6'3" or 6'4" (depending on who you ask) and probably 220-230...of course he's going to appear a bit topheavy and NOT so graceful at times, like most real fighters do... but seriously, I'd be more frightened of a guy that big coming at me in a dark red leather suit than a 5'6" guy in a blue and red webbed costume, reguardless of what superpowers they have ;)

EXACTLY.

[Ironfan72]

Well,they really didn't give us any thing new regarding the Iron Man development, that we hadn't already heard,basically saying,yes they have it,yes its a important franchise (which they say about all their franchises) and they have many options for the movie and thats about it.

[slipknotrocks]

I want more news about hulk 2 and dd2 before I'm happy. And can we get a freakin movie made on Iron man. Black Widow needs to be hurried up to. I'm gonna be 50 before they release some of these movies. And give Elektra 2 a chance.

[TheVileOne]

Why? Elektra 2 and DD 2 are not happening.

[Darth Elektra]

DD was a really good movie,it made more money than it took,the actors want to come back,Marvel needs to give it another chance! Has for Elektra,It had so much potentiol, was it a great film,no was it good yes,could the sequel be awsome,deffinetly!!!

[GNR]

Well whoever said Thor belonged to Sony was wrong!Him and Iron Man better join the fold at Paramount with Nick Fury and Cap.*ahem Ultimates*

[darthhalen]

I'm really disappointed with this report, not only financially, but with the development of the movies. Especailly the other studios Marvel has deals with.
I'm sorry blades shades, but I disagree with you. It is ridiculous how long Hulk 2 is taking, and the fact that even Namor has been pushed back with no date now really sucks, and shows little forward movement in my opinion. I know many here still feel like Hulk 2 will happen and so did I until now. I really feel this movie will not be made until the rights return to Marvel, and even then it may not happen
I don't think I'm being negative about Marvel or Hulk 2, just realistic.
With the poor financial results of this report, it really surprised me there was not more news regarding the film slate to boost expectations. I thought there would be several announcements regarding the Paramount/Marvel movies. Oh well.

[Darth Elektra]

I'm really disappointed with this report, not only financially, but with the development of the movies. Especailly the other studios Marvel has deals with.
I'm sorry blades shades, but I disagree with you. It is ridiculous how long Hulk 2 is taking, and the fact that even Namor has been pushed back with no date now really sucks, and shows little forward movement in my opinion. I know many here still feel like Hulk 2 will happen and so did I until now. I really feel this movie will not be made until the rights return to Marvel, and even then it may not happen
I don't think I'm being negative about Marvel or Hulk 2, just realistic.
With the poor financial results of this report, it really surprised me there was not more news regarding the film slate to boost expectations. I thought there would be several announcements regarding the Paramount/Marvel movies. Oh well.

I know exactly how you feel,I personally beleive that Hulk 2 will be made,but hell Im still hoping for a DD2.Marvel disappointed its fan's my not giving better details! I just dont understand Marvel,Hulk and DD both made more money than it took,ofcourse both were overall disappointing but if there goal is 2-300 mill they wont reach half of that on half of that @ paromount!

[Mr. Magoo]

Did anybody else notice that Hawkeye is getting his own movie? Freakin' sweet, I say. A cult character getting some love is always nice. Then again, what would a Hawkeye movie be about?

[Mr. Magoo]

Oops. Double post.

[emi]

Cuneo speaks: behind Marvel's gloomy '06 (http://209.198.111.165/thebeat/archives/2005/11/marvel_vs_the_s.html#more)

[blades_shades]

!The extended bar fight in the DD director's cut was better then anything ANY of the Blade movies had to offer, Affleck and all.


LMFAO Yeah ok.

[Sauron]

After Marvel saw what X-men and Spider-man did they rushed everything else and ended up with very poor film versions of their best comics.

No matter how many say well this part and that part was good and if you watch it this way it is good but, you should be able to enjoy the whole movie.

Hulk went sideways, dull and boring was not the way to go with the Green Goliath. I couldn't believe what they did with that movie.

Should've been fun and big and ofcourse still a good story. Bad choice in director, messed up origin. Sure you have to update things but, just not right.

Daredevil the DC was good but still, Kingpin is not black, you go too far away from a character and it is no longer that character.

Ben wouldn't wear spandex so we got that clunky dumb leather suit. Not cool when you need movement. The DD suit looked wierd, especially with the collar constantly open.

[adamcz]

"Kingpin is not black"
---
That's just about the lamest complaint I've ever heard about a movie. As if Kingpin's race is the essence of his character. They did a great job making him seem powerful, mentally tough, and larger than life, and yet we've got the KKK here complaining that he doesn't look exactly as he did in the comic. Grow up dude.

[Mr. Magoo]

You can't tell a good Hulk story without focusing on Banner's emotions. You guys with your short attention spans.

[TheVileOne]

Banner didn't seem to have many emotions in that movie.

[Sabretooth]

Actually,you can.You can put in the Banner trauma stuff,but only in small doses.In the first Hulk movie they tried to fit child abuse,trauma,Betty,the army,etc. into the movie and that's too much material.They should've focused on how we're supposed to relate to Banner/Hulk,took out David,and tried not to put so much material in it.

[Sabretooth]

After Marvel saw what X-men and Spider-man did they rushed everything else and ended up with very poor film versions of their best comics.

No matter how many say well this part and that part was good and if you watch it this way it is good but, you should be able to enjoy the whole movie.

Hulk went sideways, dull and boring was not the way to go with the Green Goliath. I couldn't believe what they did with that movie.

Should've been fun and big and ofcourse still a good story. Bad choice in director, messed up origin. Sure you have to update things but, just not right.

Daredevil the DC was good but still, Kingpin is not black, you go too far away from a character and it is no longer that character.

Ben wouldn't wear spandex so we got that clunky dumb leather suit. Not cool when you need movement. The DD suit looked wierd, especially with the collar constantly open.
They really don't need to update the origin.How do you think they test Saddam's WMDs? In the middle of a desert,like the gamma bomb.The origin really isn't outdated,and is far better than the Gamma Sphere crap.

[Darth Elektra]

After Marvel saw what X-men and Spider-man did they rushed everything else and ended up with very poor film versions of their best comics.

No matter how many say well this part and that part was good and if you watch it this way it is good but, you should be able to enjoy the whole movie.

Hulk went sideways, dull and boring was not the way to go with the Green Goliath. I couldn't believe what they did with that movie.

Should've been fun and big and ofcourse still a good story. Bad choice in director, messed up origin. Sure you have to update things but, just not right.

Daredevil the DC was good but still, Kingpin is not black, you go too far away from a character and it is no longer that character.

Ben wouldn't wear spandex so we got that clunky dumb leather suit. Not cool when you need movement. The DD suit looked wierd, especially with the collar constantly open.

Daredevil ,The leather looked cooler than any spandex junk,just like the xmen's a yellow costume on wolverine,wouldnt have worked! as for Micheal Duncan, He was the perfect King Pin! skin-color doesnt matter! They couldnt have gotten a better actor!

[CaptainStacy]

I have to disagree here. Affleck did a fine job as Matt/DD. What made DD work for me is that it was easy to believe that the 6'3" Affleck could kick serious a$$. The costume, action sequences and characters all felt real. (Unlike EVERY Batman movie where it's obvious that the lead can barely function in the cape and cowl)

The extended bar fight in the DD director's cut was better then anything ANY of the Blade movies had to offer, Affleck and all.

Also, just keep Ang Lee far away from Hulk 2 and it will be more then fine.


Agreed, all around.

[blades_shades]

November 14, 2005 11:05 AM US Eastern Timezone
http://home.businesswire.com/images/spacer.gif
Corgi International Ltd. (Nasdaq:CRGI) Announces Second Quarter Results; Progress Made in Cost Cutting and Corporate Restructuring

HONG KONG--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 14, 2005--Corgi International Limited (NASDAQ:CRGI) today announced results of operations for the second quarter of fiscal year 2006, ended September 30, 2005. Revenues from continuing operations for the quarter were $10.2 million, compared to $11.5 million for the same quarter in the previous year. Gross profit for the second quarter was $4.0 million versus $5.2 million in the same quarter in the previous year. Net loss from continuing operations for the quarter ended September 30, 2005 was $0.7 million, or $0.07 loss per share, compared to a net loss of $1.1 million, or $0.11 loss per share, in the same quarter of the previous year. Net income from discontinued operations was $296,000 or $0.03 per share for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, compared to net income of $34,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2004.



For the six months ended September 30, 2005, revenue was $20.7 million compared to $20.6 million for the six months ended September 30, 2004. Gross profit was $7.7 million for the six months versus $8.8 million in the previous year. Net loss for the six months from continuing operations was $2.2 million or $0.23 loss per share versus $2.9 million or $0.31 loss per share in the previous year. Net income from discontinued operations was $111,000 for the six months ended September 30, 2005 or $0.02 per share versus a $5,000 loss for the six months ended September 30, 2004.

George Volanakis, the company's CEO, commented on the results, "We are pleased that our cost cutting efforts are starting to show results. SG&A expenses have decreased $1.3 million compared to last year, all of which was realized in the second quarter."

During the first-half of FY2006, Corgi has experienced a decrease in gross margin due to price increases effected by suppliers of collectible products that the company has as not yet been able to pass through to customers. "We see this as a temporary situation," said Volanakis, "with gradually increasing margins and sales for the balance of the year through implementation of price increases and sales of higher margin 50th anniversary collectible products."

For the six months ended September 2005, Corgi spent $4.0 million in cash including $1.1 million for fixed asset (tooling) purchases and $0.8 million for the repayment of bank debt. As part of its cost containment and working capital improvement efforts, the company reduced inventories by $0.7 million during the six-month period.

In the quarter ended September 30, 2005, several new licensing agreements were announced. On October 19, 2005, the company reported that it had signed a license agreement to produce exclusive die-cast replicas featuring Wallace & Gromit, the legendary British clay characters and stars of the new film, "The Curse of the Were-Rabbit." The three-year deal covers distribution of collectibles for the franchise in the U.S., UK and Ireland. "Being associated with a high-profile movie and a franchise that has a large and growing brand following is an exciting opportunity for the company," noted Volanakis.

On September 26, 2005, the company announced it had acquired a license from Marvel Entertainment, Inc. to produce limited quantity, high-end metal figurines of Marvel Comic Book Superstars; including Spider-Man, Captain America, Hulk and Thor, as well as other heroes and villains made famous in Marvel comics.

Several management changes were recently announced. On September 27, 2005, the company appointed George Volanakis CEO. Mr. Volanakis was formerly the President and CEO of Zindart's Corgi division, and prior to that had held senior positions at various international toy companies for over 35 years.

On October 27, 2005, the company announced that Chris Franklin was named General Manager, Far East Operations and Sourcing, a newly-created position. Volanakis commented, "We expect that Chris will be making significant efficiency improvements to our manufacturing operation. This will benefit existing customers and contribute to generating new business as well."

On October 26, 2005, the company announced it had changed its corporate name from Zindart Limited (NASDAQ:ZNDT) to Corgi International Limited (NASDAQ: CRGI) reflecting the company's focus on further strengthening its franchise for die-cast collectible products and children's toy lines. The company's symbol on NASDAQ has changed to CRGI. In announcing the name change, Volanakis said, "Corgi is one of the oldest and most renowned brands in the collectibles market, with collectors and fans worldwide. Our name change leverages that franchise by giving us a visible platform on which to create broader awareness of our brand and make it clearer to collectors and investors what our core businesses and growth areas are."

About Corgi International

Corgi International, based in Hong Kong, sells die-cast collectible products under its own brand. In the U.S. the branded company is known as Corgi USA. Corgi also produces high quality die-cast and plastic products for multi-national companies that market collectible or gift items worldwide. The company has a high volume manufacturing operation in China and sales offices worldwide.

Retailers and consumers interested in more information can call 1-800-800-CORGI, or visit the company's website at: http://www.corgi-international.com (http://www.corgi-international.com/).

[borinquenknight]

LMFAO Yeah ok.

Blade 1&2 were among my favorite Marvel films. I'd have to be drunk to say that DD's figh scenes would even compete. And why the heck would a disgiused blind vigilante wanted by the criminal underworld even think about a broad daylight Martial Arts display in a public playground? What kind of writer in their right mind would put this sequence in a film an try to pass it off as semi believeable? I think they did a great job with the origin. But there are alot of things that just didn't "click".

[borinquenknight]

Daredevil ,The leather looked cooler than any spandex junk,just like the xmen's a yellow costume on wolverine,wouldnt have worked! as for Micheal Duncan, He was the perfect King Pin! skin-color doesnt matter! They couldnt have gotten a better actor!

Agree with you fully!

[emi]

From Lying In The Gutters:

LEGAL EAGLES

I'll end this week's column with a return to last week's legal call for help. It concerned recent moves by Marvel to buy back shares amid falling prices that caused certain investors to kick off about conspiracies.

Jason Wasikowski, a National Client Services Manager, gave us the benefit of his wisdom.

"Marvel announced their guidance for the coming quarter and reported they weren't going to make as much as they thought. That drove the price of the stock down because people who owned the stock wanted to take any profits they had and run (or sell off a portion to make a profit equal to what they originally invested). That was going to leave plenty of shares out for sale.

"Now Marvel announces they are going to buy $250M of their outstanding shares. Translation: The price is low, so they will use cash they have from revenues to gobble up more shares of their own company. The more shares of their own stock that they own, the more they are actually worth. Sounds weird but here is how it would break down:

"Marvel (the company) holds 30% of the total stock shares out there for their company. Their Market Capitalization (the total worth of the company based on the current stock price multiplied by the number of shares) is 1.38 Billion (USD). Marvel gets to claim $414M in assets (30% of 1.38 Billion).

"What Marvel is being accused of doing is purposely timing bad news with a stock purchase. They give the bad news so the stock drops $1 a share and then buy up more stocks while the price is low. So, with that $250M purchase, let's say they increase their holdings to 50% of all the stock out there. That would give them assets of $690M. Same company. Nothing different about what they earned in the year, but now Marvel is worth more because they have a bigger chunk of assets.

"With all the big screen movies due for the screen and the influx of cash that will bring, their stock price goes up and with their increased shares, they are worth more. This gives them an opportunity to then sell those shares they bought cheap (at 14.20/share for example) at a higher price (say 20/share) and make a huge influx of profit.

"Sneaky or smart. Not sure if that falls under insider trading though since Insider Trading laws apply to individuals that work for a company profiting off information not available to the public. This is Marvel as a company buying up the stock so those laws may not apply."

Michael Everett, a general counsel for a Nasdaq company, had a different take;

"Marvel's most recent fiscal quarter wasn't so great, but its guidance for 2006 was really bad, and way below what the market expected to hear. Posters on the Marvel conspiracy noted that the 2006 slate of movies should leave them in great shape, but it appears that no one is excited about that particular slate of films ('X-Men 3,' 'Ghost Rider' & 'Punisher 2')... they are not expected to have worldwide grosses to compare with Marvel's past results and they are not expected to bring in the same licensing revenues as 'Spider-Man' and 'Fantastic Four.' In addition, Marvel stated that it will not receive much in the way of licensing revenue for the Spider-Man franchise in 2006, which the conspiracy posters decry, but apparently much of the licensing fees collected by Marvel are paid up front, which means that, while we will still see Spider-Man everywhere, Marvel has already seen and reported its revenue from that. In addition, accounting rules regarding licensing revenue may have an effect on their bottom line in any particular quarter. Beyond that, the market views Marvel's entry into producing its own films as extremely risky, and Marvel entered into a credit facility with terms that some analysts describe as onerous.

"Now with all that said, there is a certain trend to give earnings guidance on the low end... this is because the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, passed in the wake of Enron, places all kinds of liability on the CEOs and CFOs of public companies, and puts in place all kinds of accounting controls which force public companies to act more conservatively than they have in the past. To a certain extent, all companies lowball earnings guidance, but Marvel's guidance was considered disappointing by the market even in that context.

"With respect to other points raised: The stock buyback program is not relevant b/c a company cannot earn off its own stock once it buys it back unless it sells it to someone else; and most companies do not pay dividends on their stock these days.

"And finally, a bit of common sense: the company insiders (Perlmutter, Arad, etc.) own something in the vicinity of 30% of Marvel... their own net worth was 'decimated' with the poor results and guidance reported, and there is no guarantee of being able to bring it back. Even if they are willing to take a huge hit personally, are they also willing to go to jail for manipulating the market? B/c the laws that force them to be more conservative in their guidance estimates can also send them to jail. "

http://www.comicbookresources.com/columns/?column=13

[hippie_hunter]

Well I really dont want a Hulk 2 but they been saying the same thing for 2 years now.And you say not to rush it,I aggree FF and Elektra were bothed rushed BUT they could atleast start working on hulk 2,personally im pissed of because I want a DD2!

Daredevil 2 will only happen when Marvel regains the rights.

[Kevin Roegele]

Yes.just like he's been saying FOR THE PAST TWO GODDAMN YEARS. GO TO HELL AVI.



Oh my god.This pisses me off to no end.I've had this thing on my mind all day,and this all those bastards have to say?**** them.

You need to relax.

If you're seriously annoyed about that, you need to get your priorities in order.

So they didn't mention Hulk 2. Big deal. We all know Marvel want to get it made, whereas Universal aren't especially keen. It will proberbaly stay in stalemate for a long time.

[TheVileOne]

Blame Ang Lee and James Schamus who really seem to want nothing to do with the movie anymore.

[skorponok]

From In addition, Marvel stated that it will not receive much in the way of licensing revenue for the Spider-Man franchise in 2006, which the conspiracy posters decry, but apparently much of the licensing fees collected by Marvel are paid up front, which means that, while we will still see Spider-Man everywhere, Marvel has already seen and reported its revenue from that. In addition, accounting rules regarding licensing revenue may have an effect on their bottom line in any particular quarter. Beyond that, the market views Marvel's entry into producing its own films as extremely risky, and Marvel entered into a credit facility with terms that some analysts describe as onerous.



Hmmm...interesting.

[Advanced Dark]

Marvel unveils first UK e-shopping site
Emma Rigby Revolution UK 6 Dec 2005

Marvel has launched its first shopping site for its range of licensed brands.

The comics giant hopes to use Marvel.co.uk as a launchpad to expand into Europe and other territories.

The site will sell merchandise and offer information for characters such as Spiderman, the Incredible Hulk and X-Men.

Visitors can access Marvel's entire range of licensed products, including comics, clothes and toys. This is the first time that a range for each licensed brand has been available to fans in the UK.

There are also plans to offer online communities, depending on audience demand.

Fans will be able to browse characters' biographies and an image gallery, which includes comic covers from the last 60 years, with framed covers available from the online shop.

Matthew Primack, licensing director, said: "The UK market is developed and sophisticated in its approach to the use of the internet for buying products and building communities. We can use the UK as a launch-pad into Europe and other territories if we find that localisation is what our audience wants."

The site was developed by agency Zone, which is working with partner Internet Logistics to manage packing and shipping for the online shop.

Marvel has invested in Google AdWords search advertising and optimisation, and is working with Affiliate Window on an affiliate scheme. This may extend to format advertising next year.

The site does not carry any advertising, but Primack said: "We may decide at a later date that there are advertising opportunities, particularly around our movies events, such as the launch of X-Men 3 next year. I have no doubt that our partner, Fox, will be interested in speaking to the Marvel world through Marvel channels."

Marvel has also launched a password-protected business web site (www.marvelinternational.com) for its retail partners through agency Planet New Media.

[Sava]

Marvel unveils first UK e-shopping site
Emma Rigby Revolution UK 6 Dec 2005

Marvel has launched its first shopping site for its range of licensed brands.

The comics giant hopes to use Marvel.co.uk as a launchpad to expand into Europe and other territories.

The site will sell merchandise and offer information for characters such as Spiderman, the Incredible Hulk and X-Men.

Visitors can access Marvel's entire range of licensed products, including comics, clothes and toys. This is the first time that a range for each licensed brand has been available to fans in the UK.

There are also plans to offer online communities, depending on audience demand.

Fans will be able to browse characters' biographies and an image gallery, which includes comic covers from the last 60 years, with framed covers available from the online shop.

Matthew Primack, licensing director, said: "The UK market is developed and sophisticated in its approach to the use of the internet for buying products and building communities. We can use the UK as a launch-pad into Europe and other territories if we find that localisation is what our audience wants."

The site was developed by agency Zone, which is working with partner Internet Logistics to manage packing and shipping for the online shop.

Marvel has invested in Google AdWords search advertising and optimisation, and is working with Affiliate Window on an affiliate scheme. This may extend to format advertising next year.

The site does not carry any advertising, but Primack said: "We may decide at a later date that there are advertising opportunities, particularly around our movies events, such as the launch of X-Men 3 next year. I have no doubt that our partner, Fox, will be interested in speaking to the Marvel world through Marvel channels."

Marvel has also launched a password-protected business web site (www.marvelinternational.com) for its retail partners through agency Planet New Media.

FINALLY!!!!!!

atleast now i can buy comics from the main guys

[Advanced Dark]

"There are also plans to offer online communities, depending on audience demand."

About time they have chat rooms and message boards too.

[Advanced Dark]

PureHero to Introduce Marvel Super Hero Performance Apparel – A Super Gift Idea for Aspiring Super Heroes http://ww1.prweb.com//images_v4/adobepdf_sm.gif (http://pdfserver.prweb.com/pdfdownload/319283/pr.pdf) Download this press release as an Adobe PDF document. (http://pdfserver.prweb.com/pdfdownload/319283/pr.pdf)

PureHero launches its first collection of cycling jerseys, BMX-inspired jerseys, and performance crew shirts based on popular Marvel Universe characters, including Spider-Man, Captain America, Fantastic Four and the Punisher.
San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) December 7, 2005 -– PureHero, Inc. announced the launch of PureHero’s performance apparel based on the Marvel Universe and available exclusively online at www.PureHero.com (http://www.purehero.com/) just in time for the holidays. The first product line features cycling jerseys, BMX jerseys, and performance crew shirts with the classic iconography of Spider-Man, Captain America, Fantastic Four, and the Punisher. The announcement was made by Rob Moon, PureHero’s Chief Executive Officer.

http://ww1.prweb.com/prfiles/2005/12/06/319283/logo.jpg

PureHero’s premium performance apparel takes innovative sports and fitness designs, constructed from technical fabrics, and leverages the legacy of a broad array of Marvel character franchises to create a new apparel category for Marvel. “We believe today’s Super Hero fans demand more – after all, wouldn’t Peter Parker a.k.a. Spider-Man have the latest and greatest to wear?” asked Mr. Moon.

“We are excited about our new partnership with PureHero as they have created a product line that is the next step up for Marvel fans actively seeking out high-quality performance wear that also has great styling. PureHero’s performance wear allows our fans to be Spider-Man or their favorite Super Hero, whether it’s cycling and BMX biking, running or any other sport, or just playing hard with their favorite Marvel videogame,” added Paul Gitter, Marvel Entertainment Vice President of Consumer Products and Retail Development.

“Our collaboration with Marvel Entertainment takes great product to the next level. Our first line-up has only scratched the surface of great designs and our Marvel character licenses,” said Mr. Moon. “Further, our online focus gives us the flexibility to develop more styles and characters, and to interact directly with consumers. PureHero allows comic fans to unleash their inner Super Hero.”

For more information, visit www.PureHero.com (http://www.purehero.com/) or contact Amy Pang.

About PureHero
PureHero, headquartered in San Francisco, California, develops and markets performance apparel based on the classic iconography of Super Heroes. With a network of partners with over 25 years of experience in the sports and fitness industry, the company’s vision is to bring great product and design to comic fans, athletes and aspiring Super Heroes everywhere. For further information on PureHero, visit www.PureHero.com (http://www.purehero.com/).

About Marvel Entertainment
With a library of over 5,000 characters, Marvel Entertainment, Inc. is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies. Marvel's operations are focused on utilizing its character franchises in licensing, entertainment, publishing and toys. Areas of emphasis include feature films, DVD/home video, consumer products, video games, action figures and role-playing toys, television and promotions. Rooted in the creative success of over sixty years of comic book publishing, Marvel's strategy is to leverage its character franchises in a growing array of opportunities around the world. For further information on Marvel Entertainment, visit www.marvel.com (http://www.marvel.com/).

Contact:
Amy Pang
PureHero, Inc.
415-336-6492
http://www.PureHero.com (http://www.purehero.com/)

Marvel, and all related character names and likenesses thereof are trademarks of Marvel Characters, Inc., and are used with permission. 2005 Marvel Characters, Inc. All rights reserved. www.marvel.com (http://www.marvel.com/).

Super Hero(es) is a co-owned registered trademark.

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[Mr. Magoo]

This is no ordinary darkness. This is...

advanced darkness!

http://www.cliffdweller.com/blogPhotos/wrappingpaperbase/Spongebob%20Scared%202.png

[Advanced Dark]

This is no ordinary darkness. This is...

advanced darkness!

http://www.cliffdweller.com/blogPhotos/wrappingpaperbase/Spongebob%20Scared%202.png

Exactly. LOL

I tried to get advanced darkness but the name was too long. I'm shocked you figured it out. LOL

[Advanced Dark]

http://www.comicbookresources.com/news/newsitem.cgi?id=6296

Press Conference today.

[Mr. Magoo]

Exactly. LOL

I tried to get advanced darkness but the name was too long. I'm shocked you figured it out. LOL

What can I say? That's how I roll. I'm just glad to run into another Spongebob fan.:D

[Advanced Dark]

http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6289458.html

Avi accepting some home video award from Rothman.

[Advanced Dark]

What can I say? That's how I roll. I'm just glad to run into another Spongebob fan.:D

Meow.

[skorponok]

http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6289458.html

Avi accepting some home video award from Rothman.


BEHOLD, TOM ROTHMAN!!


EVIL HAS A FACE!!!!


:eek:


http://a330.g.akamai.net/7/330/2540/20051206194855/www.videobusiness.com/articles/images/VB/library/Arad-Rothman.jpg

I'd like you to meet a friend of mine, Rothman...:daredevil !!!

[Advanced Dark]

Where are his horns? Manip please! ;)

[Advanced Dark]

Welsh superheroes sign up for Marvel comics Dec 10 2005




Gareth Morgan, Western Mail


IT might not have the same ring as Batman or Captain America, but the international comic scene is being given an increasingly Celtic flavour, with distinctly Welsh characters ... such as Gareth.

A comic book writer who has penned stories like Spiderman and The Hulk has been Welshing up the international comic scene with tales of red dragons.

Paul Jenkins, who moved to the USA in the late 1990s, has just signed an exclusive deal with Marvel, one of the biggest comic companies in the world.

But he has clearly not forgotten his homeland through characters such as Red Dragon - a fire-breathing Welshman called Gareth who wears a white and green uniform with a dragon proudly emblazoned on his chest. And they are not the only Welsh characters in cartoon land, as there is already an established character called Captain Cymru.

And among his latest characters for cult series Generation M is Ned Ralston, a large red dragon-shaped mutant who crash- lands in the middle of a busy city-centre street.




Story continues

[Advanced Dark]

Dec. 14, 2005, 2:25PM
(BW) Marvel Entertainment, Inc., NCsoft Corporation, NC Interactive, Inc., Cryptic Studios, Inc. Settle All Litigation


By Business Editors
(c) 2005 Business Wire

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 14, 2005--Marvel Entertainment, Inc., NCsoft(R) Corporation, NC Interactive, Inc. and Cryptic Studios(TM), Inc. are pleased to announce today that they have amicably settled all claims brought by Marvel and all claims brought by NCsoft, NC Interactive, Inc. and Cryptic Studios, Inc. The parties' settlement allows them all to continue to develop and sell exciting and innovative products, but does not reduce the players' ability to express their creativity in making and playing original and exciting characters. Therefore, no changes to City of Heroes(R) or City of Villains'(TM) character creation engine are part of the settlement. The parties have agreed that protecting intellectual property rights is critically important and each will continue aggressively to protect such rights in accordance with all applicable laws. While the terms of the settlement were not disclosed, all parties agree that this case was never about monetary issues and that the fans of their respective products and characters are the winners in this settlement.

[Advanced Dark]

Marvel Comics finds inspiration in Dundee




By Senay Boztas



ASCOTTISH writer has persuaded Marvel Comics to branch out of conventionally drawn strips and develop its first photo story.
Mark Millar, a consultant to Marvel, has written the script for a revolutionary type of adventure comic and persuaded Marvel to invest millions of dollars in almost 100 actors, special effects and a video diary of the project.

Entitled 1985, the project re-invents the photo-story medium, formerly used for romance tales in teenage girls’ magazines such as the now defunct Jackie and Patches, both formerly produced by Dundee-based publisher DC Thomson.

It features superhero favourites including Spider-Man, the Hulk, the X-Men, the Fantastic Four and Captain America. Shooting began in American desert locations last week and the comic book and film writer will visit in January to see how his idea is progressing.

“I genuinely think this is the future of comics,” he told the Sunday Herald. “It’s like the excitement of mum’s generation going from black-and-white to colour television, going from something that is 2D to people on the page.

“Americans have never seen photocomics or heard of anything like the old Jackie magazine. This is like a multi- million-dollar version of Jackie: we are taking it to the next level. This has the potential to be Marvel’s Narnia.”

The story – which is unrelated to 1984, the classic dystopian novel by George Orwell – follows a little boy in the Midwest who suffers from a psychological disorder and cannot distinguish between fantasy and reality. He begins to see Marvel villains appearing in his home town, but nobody believes him because of his condition. However, it soon becomes apparent that they are real as people start to die in mysterious circumstances.

Millar, who says it has needed all his powers of persuasion to take the project forward, believes it will make the most of computer-generated effects in the same way that computer animation has revolutionised the movie industry.

Marvel’s team has scouted for locations, built sets, created superhero costumes and monster models and hired almost 100 actors, including fire-suited stuntmen to be set alight. The storyboard is drawn up and actors photographed in position, then combined with the storyboard with the help of computer artists, creating a succession of what will look like film stills.

Millar has previously reinvented Superman as a Soviet hero, created gay superheroes in The Authority, worked on Ultimate X-Men and brought religion into comic books with Chosen, imagining Jesus born in the Midwest. His ultra-violent book Wanted has been optioned for a feature film by Universal and Sony has asked him to write a screenplay for Chosen.

Although this new photographed format has the potential for more tie-ins with films, Millar says the first crop of actors are all unknowns, in order not to date the book or attach it too firmly to their future characters.

“This year’s hot star is yesterday’s Heath Ledger, and I wanted this book to be in hardback forever, charming and timeless,” he said. “Nobody’s ever done a book like this before. Between building sets, hiring actors and making costumes it’s cost Marvel a fortune, and I’ve had to use all my goodwill to get it made.

“It feels very similar to directing a movie. Nothing as ambitious as this has ever been tried and it’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time.”

Some comics aficionados expressed some doubts about whether the form could work, however.

Martin “Biff” Averre, owner of Ace Comics, the online and Essex-based store, said: “I have heard rumours about this, but it has never worked with British girls’ comics because artwork has a fluidity and can suggest movement, whereas photos are photos – unless the computer enhancement is good.

“So unless they can get over this hurdle, people won’t be jumping up and down.”

Nobody from Marvel Comics was available for comment.

18 December 2005

[DarkMurdock]

Any news on Daredevil 2? Why won't Fox just greenlight it, they must have made a good bundle of money on the first movie.

[Noon]

Heard a rumour that Dazzler may be in X3, can anyone verify this? And which Dazzler, the disco version or Ultimate punk Dazzler? OOOO, twud be so cool :eek:

[Noon]

*double post*

[Advanced Dark]

Any news on Daredevil 2? Why won't Fox just greenlight it, they must have made a good bundle of money on the first movie.

Fox will lose their rights in 2007. They're the goofs who chose Ben Affleck so let's hope Marvel get's it back since Avi said they'd fasttrack Daredevil 2 if they got the rights back.

[Sabretooth]

Man would I love a DD2 or a DD restart. But please,get rid of Affleck :down

[AVEITWITHJAMON]

Geek

[Advanced Dark]

Man would I love a DD2 or a DD restart. But please,get rid of Affleck :down

I really don't like Affleck at all. He ruined that film for me. Daredevil had a great story, great visuals, but Affleck was totally unbelieveable as an action hero with his chubby body jumping 300 ft and doing flips everywhere yet in the playground he was all clumy and slow in a sad attempt to hide the fact he can't act and has no physical skills. Remember his on tape interview when he was drunk talking about Daredevil 2.

[Advanced Dark]

http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif ORIGINAL SPIDER-MAN COMIC SERIES TO RUN IN 2006 SUNDAY NEWSPAPERS
http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/covers/marvel/asm001t.jpg (http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/covers/marvel/asm001.jpg)Press Release

News America Marketing, a division of News Corporation, has announced an agreement with Marvel Entertainment, Inc. through which it has obtained the rights to publish collectible editions of Marvel Comic's original Amazing Spider-Man series beginning early next Fall. The web-slinger is the world's most renowned Super Hero.

The re-issue of the series will start with the original issue #1, first published in 1963. There has lately been tremendous public interest in the origins of fabled Super Heroes and legends, reflected by the popularity of the recent Spider-Man movies and other feature films.

"Consumers want to know how their favorite Super Heroes became 'super,'" said Robert Sabouni, Vice President of Custom Publishing, Marvel Comics. "What better way to tell the story than through the original comic books themselves?"

The original Amazing Spider-Man comic books will be distributed in Sunday papers through News America Marketing's network that includes more than 1,100 newspapers. "The vehicle is a natural one, since Sunday papers are known for their comics and News America's free-standing coupon insert, SmartSource Magazine, is already distributed the same way," said Paul V. Carlucci, Chairman and CEO of News America Marketing.

"The initiative is bound to have tremendous cross-generational appeal, as millions of fans grew up with the comic books and new fans are being cultivated every day," Carlucci continued. "In a time of fragmented interests and attention spans, advertisers see this as a unique opportunity to reach both parents and their children, who have a significant influence on family buying decisions."

Jesse Aversano, EVP, Marketing, News America Marketing, added, "Charter advertisers have already expressed a great deal of interest," said "We're offering an entry into 10 million households, through a vehicle that appeals to both adults and children. It would be nearly impossible to achieve those numbers through television or a single magazine or newspaper. We're delivering a mass audience at a time when consumers' focus is increasingly splintered."

The Spider-Man comic book will have a circulation of 10 million across major metro markets throughout the U.S. Each original book will be split in two, published on consecutive weeks, with 46 publication dates a year. News America's first publication of Marvel's original Amazing Spider-Man will be in late summer 2006, during the height of the back-to-
school time period.

[Advanced Dark]

Press Release Source: The Reader's Digest Association, Inc.


Reader's Digest Children's Publishing Enters Into Licensing Agreement With Marvel Entertainment, Inc. for a New Line of Interactive Books
Monday January 30, 10:31 am ET


PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y., Jan. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Reader's Digest Children's Publishing today announced an agreement to publish and distribute interactive books based on the popular Marvel Heroes program to children ages four through eleven in the United States, Canada and the U.K. beginning in fall of 2006.
ADVERTISEMENT


Reader's Digest Children's Publishing plans a diverse Marvel publishing program featuring such popular characters as Spider-Man, the X-Men, The Incredible Hulk, Fantastic Four and the Avengers. The first line will include hard cover books, Storybooks with DVDs, and the popular Movie Theater Storybook® format.

"The addition of Marvel Heroes to our growing roster of renowned children's brands gives us the opportunity to focus on developing titles for boys," said Rosanne McManus, Associate Director, Reader's Digest Children's Publishing. "We look for evergreen properties to introduce into innovative book formats and Marvel fits that bill."

"We are pleased to add Readers Digest as a key licensee in Marvel's children's publishing program. Readers Digest has pushed the boundaries of the category with highly innovative products and we eagerly await to see this creativity applied to the first set of Marvel books," said Bruno Maglione, President, Marvel International.

Distributed by Simon & Schuster and available for purchase through retail and online bookstores nationally, Reader's Digest Children's Publishing will release five Marvel titles priced between $9.99 and $24.99 in 2006.

About Reader's Digest Children's Publishing

Reader's Digest Children's Publishing has trade distribution in the United States, Canada and the UK, and produces co-editions in over 25 languages and 31 countries. The Reader's Digest Association, Inc. is a global publisher and direct marketer of products that inform, entertain and inspire people of all ages and cultures around the world. Global headquarters are located at Pleasantville, NY. The company's main website is at http://www.rd.com.

About Marvel Entertainment, Inc.

With a library of over 5,000 characters, Marvel Entertainment, Inc. is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies. Marvel's operations are focused on utilizing its character franchises in licensing, entertainment, publishing and toys. Areas of emphasis include feature films, DVD/home video, consumer products, video games, action figures and role-playing toys, television and promotions. Rooted in the creative success of over sixty years of comic book publishing, Marvel's strategy is to leverage its character franchises in a growing array of opportunities around the world.

Marvel, and all related character names and likenesses thereof are trademarks of Marvel Characters, Inc., and are used with permission. 2006 Marvel Characters, Inc. All rights reserved. http://www.marvel.com.

[Advanced Dark]

MGA Entertainment Secures Multi-Year License for Die-Cast Vehicles Based upon Marvel Super Hero Universe
VAN NUYS, Calif. & NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 31, 2006--MGA Entertainment and Marvel Entertainment, Inc. announced today a license under which Marvel has granted MGA Entertainment rights to its world-renowned Super Hero universe that features more than 5,000 characters, including Spider-Man, X-Men, The Fantastic Four and Captain America, for the die-cast and toy vehicle category. The agreement covers the classic comic book look of the characters; upcoming Marvel-inspired films, including "Ghost Rider" and "Spider-Man 3"; and Marvel's pre-school property


Through the agreement, MGA will develop a range of Marvel Super Hero products, including personality- and movie-based die-cast cars and remote control vehicles. Initial products in the RC category will begin hitting retail immediately.

"We are extremely grateful for this opportunity," said Isaac Larian, CEO of MGA Entertainment. "With the great Super Heroes and characters of Marvel combined with our product innovation and passion, we will create winning product across all these exciting categories."

Tim Rothwell, Worldwide President, Consumer Media Group at Marvel Entertainment, added, "MGA has established itself as a true innovator. This agreement will further our mission of extending the reach and retail presence of the overall Marvel brand by teaming with category leaders with the marketing savvy, product innovation and distribution strength to maximize awareness of their Marvel product lines."

Juli Boylan, Sr. Vice President of Sony Pictures Consumer Products, the limited partner in Spider-Man Merchandising LP, stated, "MGA has proven they can continually create fresh products to sustain a successful brand, which is why we're thrilled to have them on board for `Spider-Man 3.'"

About MGA Entertainment

MGA Entertainment, a consumer entertainment products company headquartered in Van Nuys, manufactures innovative lines of proprietary and licensed products, including toys and games, dolls, consumer electronics, home decor, stationery, and sporting goods. BRATZ was introduced in June 2001, and has since become one of the world's premiere toy lines and girls' lifestyle brands. The BRATZ brand is also noted for having won Family Fun magazine's Toy of the Year Award four years in a row. With over 350 licensees worldwide, BRATZ brings together innovative companies and cutting-edge fashion styles to create exciting new products in apparel, footwear, fashion accessories, entertainment and so much more. Please visit: www.mgae.com, www.bratz.com

About Marvel Entertainment, Inc.

With a library of over 5,000 characters, Marvel Entertainment, Inc. is one of the world's most prominent, character-based entertainment companies. Marvel's operations are focused on utilizing its character franchises in licensing, entertainment, publishing and toys. Areas of emphasis include feature films, DVD/home video, consumer products, video games, action figures and role-playing toys, television, and promotions. Rooted in the creative success of over sixty years of comic book publishing, Marvel's strategy is to leverage its character franchises in a growing array of opportunities around the world. More information about Marvel can be found at www.marvel.com.

About Spider-Man Merchandising, LP

Spider-Man Merchandising, LP is the limited partnership comprised of Marvel Entertainment, Inc. and Sony Pictures Consumer Products Inc., which oversees the licensing and merchandising for the Columbia Pictures "Spider-Man" feature films, and is overseeing the licensing and merchandising for Columbia Pictures "Spider-Man(TM) 3" feature film.

About Sony Pictures Consumer Products

Sony Pictures Consumer Products (SPCP), a Division of Columbia Tristar Consumer Marketing (CTCM), is based in Los Angeles and handles the merchandising and branding efforts for some of the most recognized properties in film and television. Columbia Tristar Consumer Marketing is a division of Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE). SPE is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America (SCA), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; digital content creation and distribution; worldwide channel investments; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of filmed entertainment in 67 countries.

2006 Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. All rights reserved.

Marvel, Spider-Man, Fantastic Four, X-Men, Captain America and related characters are trademarks of Marvel Characters, Inc. and are used under license. TM & (C) 2005 Marvel Characters, Inc. All rights reserved. Super Hero(es) is a co-owned registered trademark

[Advanced Dark]

Press Release Source: Hasbro, Inc.


Hasbro Announces Completion of Marvel License
Friday February 3, 4:58 pm ET


PAWTUCKET, R.I.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 3, 2006--Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE:HAS - News) today announced that the Federal Trade Commission has terminated the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 with respect to Hasbro's license agreement with Marvel. With termination of the waiting period, Hasbro's license agreement with Marvel Characters, Inc. and Spider-Man Merchandising L.P. is now effective. This license grants Hasbro toy and game rights to Marvel's renowned Super Hero franchises such as Spider-Man, Fantastic Four, X-Men and Captain America. Hasbro will now have the right to bring those toys and games to retail beginning January 1, 2007.
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About Hasbro, Inc.

Hasbro (NYSE:HAS - News) is a worldwide leader in children's and family leisure time entertainment products and services, including the design, manufacture and marketing of games and toys ranging from traditional to high-tech. Both internationally and in the U.S., its PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, TIGER, and WIZARDS OF THE COAST brands and products provide the highest quality and most recognizable play experiences in the world. ©2006 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

About Marvel Entertainment, Inc.

With a library of over 5,000 characters, Marvel Entertainment, Inc. is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies. Marvel's operations are focused on utilizing its character franchises in licensing, entertainment, publishing and toys. Areas of emphasis include feature films, DVD/home video, consumer products, video games, action figures and role-playing toys, television and promotions. Rooted in the creative success of over sixty years of comic book publishing, Marvel's strategy is to leverage its character franchises in a growing array of opportunities around the world. More information about Marvel can be found at www.marvel.com.

About Spider-Man Merchandising, LP

Spider-Man Merchandising, LP is the limited partnership comprised of Marvel Entertainment, Inc. and Sony Pictures Consumer Products Inc., which oversees the licensing and merchandising for the Columbia Pictures Spider-Man feature films, and is overseeing the licensing and merchandising for Columbia Pictures Spider-Man(TM) 3 feature film.

Marvel, Spider-Man, Fantastic Four, X-Men, Captain America, and related characters are trademarks of Marvel Characters, Inc. and are used under license. TM & © 2006 Marvel Characters, Inc. All rights reserved. Super Hero(es) is a co-owned registered trademark.



Contact:
Hasbro, Inc.
Karen A. Warren (Investor Relations)
401-727-5401
or
Wayne S. Charness (News Media)
401-727-5983

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iO Global announces agreement with Telcogames for global supply of 3G mobile content
Friday, 3 February 2006 06:38 EST

iO Global Limited, the leading worldwide provider of integrated mobile content delivery solutions, today announced that it has signed an agreement with Telcogames Limited, the global publisher and distributor of mobile games, to provide its extensive catalogue of mobile content internationally as part of the iO Global managed service to mobile network operators. Under the terms of the agreement, iO Global will supply mobile content from the Telcogames portfolio of more than 1000 premium mobile games throughout the world. This portfolio includes leading branded content from Marvel, Mforma, Magic Productions, Ojom, Ironstone and Codemasters.

Just some of the premium games available through the relationship with Telcogames will be Ultimate Spider-Man, Fantastic Four, Blade Trinity, Call of Duty 2, World Poker Tour, X-Men Legends 2, Top Gun and Football Manager 2006.

iO Global’s first deployment of Telcogames content will be as part of the new 3G mobile content managed service for O2 subsidiary Manx Telecom. This is expected to be followed by further deployments in Asia, Eastern Europe and Southern Africa.

The managed service provided by iO Global is unique in addressing the management of the full supply chain for digital content, from acquisition, packaging and pricing through to delivery and real-time billing to the end users. The service is fully automated to facilitate the marketing and delivery of dynamic content services such as games (as well as TV, newspapers, radio programmes, real music, pictures, ring tones, wallpapers etc.) to mobile devices and PCs. Based on a revenue sharing model, the iO managed service allows rich content to be delivered quickly and easily with minimal capital expenditure and up-front costs.

Martin Knestrick, Chief Executive of iO Global said: “Our service has been designed to be the number one digital content delivery service in the world. It supports the delivery of compelling content and dynamic new services, to generate greater revenues and improve profit margins by providing a better end-user experience. We are delighted to be working with Telecogames to deliver such innovative content to a wider audience”

The managed service provided by iO Global is a truly global solution, designed to enable network operators and content providers to accelerate development and delivery of digital content for 2.5G and 3G mobile content.

iO Global will be demonstrating its content management and delivery platform and the delivery of mobile content from the Telcogames catalogue via it on the iO Global stand (E96) at the 3GSM World Congress in Barcelona from 13-16 February 2006.

About iO:
iO Global Limited is a venture backed company, formed to develop and market complete turnkey solutions to support the delivery of mobile content. Early operations have been jointly funded by BT, one of the world's leading providers of communications solutions and services, and New Venture Partners LLC, the leading corporate venturing firm worldwide. The iO platform enables fast sourcing, delivery and distribution of, dynamic digital content in any format, to any device, in any location, over any network.

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MFORMA ANNOUNCES AVAILABILITY OF MARVEL MOBILE WAPSITE THROUGH MAJOR WIRELESS OPERATORS IN EUROPE
The most successful action-adventure character franchise in history becomes the biggest content library ever brought to mobile

BARCELONA, 3GSM WORLD CONGRESS — February 13, 2006 - MFORMA, the leading publisher and distributor of mobile entertainment, announced today that Marvel Mobile, a Marvel Entertainment character-based WAP portal featuring all MFORMA’s latest Marvel Super Heroes content, is now available through major wireless operators in Europe. When visiting Marvel Mobile via their mobile phones, users can find all Marvel Mobile content in one place for easy access. Games, wallpapers, still and animated images, videos, ringtones and voicetones are now available to users in one easy-to-navigate location. Marvel Mobile was developed with the understanding that Marvel Super Hero fans will appreciate and enjoy having all content based on their favourite characters available to them in one place.

MFORMA is Marvel Entertainment’s exclusive wireless licensee and will be publishing a steady stream of Marvel-based content for Marvel Mobile for mobile users worldwide. Already several Marvel Super Heroes including Spider-Man, X-Men, Elektra, Blade, and The Fantastic Four have been brought to mobile by MFORMA in the form of mobile games and personalisation content, and more Super Heroes, such as The Incredible Hulk and Ghost Rider will be coming soon. These iconic characters represent some of the best loved characters in the world and they have a huge worldwide following, spanning all ages and all territories. All Marvel Mobile content published by MFORMA will eventually appear on the Marvel Mobile portal, which will constantly be refreshed and updated as new products are developed and new Super Heroes go mobile.

"Fans love their Super Heroes, and when they pick a favourite they love to see it represented in many ways," said Eric Hobson, president and GM of MFORMA Europe. "In mobile, same as in other mediums, Spider-Man fans, for example, will gravitate toward all Spider-Man related products and will be thrilled to see new renditions. The power of having a single destination for related mobile products was proven to us last summer when we launched microsites for our Marvel Fantastic Four content. Traffic was beyond all expectations."

The Marvel/MFORMA agreement for Marvel Mobile covers virtually ever kind of mobile entertainment content, including action, adventure and RPG games, wallpapers, images, graphics, ringtones and voicetones, mobile greeting cards and comic books, personalisation tools, video, cell phone themes, virtual character simulation, and community and lifestyle applications. The mobile operators now live in Europe are also offering regular games and contests featuring exciting prizes. Mobile users and Marvel fans can expect to see all types of content for all the most famous Marvel Super Heroes coming to Marvel Mobile soon.

"We have some really exciting promotions planned for new Marvel content―some of which will be timed with the much anticipated release of X-Men: The Last Stand this summer―that will drive people to the Marvel Mobile site," said Hobson. "We are going to make it so fun for users to check out Marvel Mobile just to see what’s new, that it will become the favourite destination in mobile."

Please visit www.marvelmobile.com

About Marvel Entertainment, Inc.

With a library of over 5,000 characters, Marvel Entertainment, Inc. is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies. Marvel’s operations are focused on utilizing its character franchises in licensing, entertainment, publishing and toys. Areas of emphasis include feature films, DVD/home video, consumer products, video games, action figures and role-playing toys, television and promotions. Rooted in the creative success of over sixty years of comic book publishing, Marvel's strategy is to leverage its character franchises in a growing array of opportunities around the world.

About MFORMA Group, Inc.

MFORMA is a leading global publisher and distributor of mobile entertainment. MFORMA provides wireless operators and their customers with the world's best content and brands, and provides developers and brand owners with the shortest route to market. MFORMA’s customers include more than 100 of the world’s leading wireless carriers. In addition to the industry's most comprehensive catalog of BREW, Java, SMS, MMS, and WAP games, MFORMA also provides sports, lifestyle, and information services subscription products. MFORMA’s carrier-grade platform manages the delivery of downloadable games and applications for some of the world’s largest carriers. With MFORMA, wireless operators can choose to utilize any or all of the MFORMA resources—tools, platforms and/or content. MFORMA is a U.S. corporation with offices in Seattle, San Francisco, San Diego, and Los Angeles, USA; London and Manchester, England; Shanghai and Beijing, China; and Seoul, Korea. Please visit www.mforma.com

Marvel, and all related characters and the distinctive likenesses thereof are trademarks of Marvel Characters, Inc., and are used with permission. TM & &corp; 2006 Marvel Characters, Inc. All rights reserved. www.marvel.com Super Hero(es) is a co-owned registered trademark.

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http://mms.businesswire.com/bwapps/mediaserver/ViewMedia?mgid=63451&vid=2 (http://www.cinequest.org/)
March 01, 2006 03:00 PM US Eastern Timezone
Marvel Studios CEO, Avi Arad, and Silicon Valley Maverick, William R. Hearst III, Culminate Powerful Film and Technology Forums at Cinequest 16; Intel, Panasonic, Palm and Canon Facilitate Ahead-of-the-Curve Presentations
SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 1, 2006--Cinequest announced today that Avi Arad, Chairman and CEO of Marvel Studios, will receive Cinequest's Maverick Spirit Award and participate in a dynamic conversation with venture capitalist William R. Hearst III on the art of technology -- an event culminating Cinequest's expanded Filmmaking and Technology Forums. This Meeting of Maverick Moguls event will occur on Saturday, March 11, 2006, at 3:30 p.m. at the Camera 12 Cinemas. The entire Cinequest festival runs from March 1-12, 2006, in San Jose, California, capital of the Silicon Valley.

Cinequest chose Arad for this honor because he is a master of leveraging digital technologies to tell stories which could not have been told before. Past recipients of the Maverick Spirit Award have included industry heavyweights such as Kevin Spacey, William H. Macy, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Spike Lee, Gus Van Sant and Sir Ian McKellen to name a few.
"He is a mogul who has demonstrated the Maverick spirit both in his work with Marvel Studios and in his life," said Cinequest's Executive Director Halfdan Hussey. "It is this spirit which Cinequest champions and why he is a perfect fit for the Maverick Spirit Award."
Mr. Arad has been the driving force behind Marvel's Hollywood renaissance with a track record that has been nothing short of spectacular, including a string of eight consecutive No. 1 box office openings. As an executive producer and producer, his credits include Spider-Man and its sequel, Spider-Man 2 (Columbia Pictures), which set an industry record for opening day box office receipts; X-Men and X2: X-Men United (Twentieth Century Fox); The Hulk (Universal Pictures); Daredevil (New Regency); The Punisher (Lions Gate Entertainment); Blade, Blade II and Blade: Trinity (New Line Cinema); Elektra (Twentieth Century Fox); and The Fantastic Four (Twentieth Century Fox). Mr. Arad's current live-action feature film slate includes the highly anticipated May 2006 release of X3 (Twentieth Century Fox), as well as Ghost Rider (Columbia Pictures), Spider-Man 3 (Columbia Pictures) and Fantastic Four 2 (Twentieth Century Fox) -- all slated for 2007.
Cinequest discovers films, connects films to their fans and empowers film artists with the knowledge and technologies to make and distribute their visions. Cinequest has built a reputation for being a trend-setter, leading the way in promoting and exposing digital tools that aid creativity and delivery of Maverick, independent and international cinema. At Cinequest Film Festival 16 (CQFF16), Cinequest, in conjunction with exclusive partners, will present a series of forums, structured as thematic days that will empower filmmakers via exposure to cutting-edge technologies as well as wisdom and how-to knowledge from leading film professionals.
These inspiring events include: Day of the Writer, Day of the Producer, Day of the Cinematographer, Day of Post and Day of Distribution. Each forum will present experts in their field to inspire, educate and fascinate both filmmakers and film fans. Cinequest has partnered in this venture with companies such as Canon, Comerica, Dolby(R) (NYSE:DLB), Intel (Nasdaq:INTC), Kontiki, Palm(R) (Nasdaq:PALM), and Panasonic, to name but a few. Examples of the heavyweight presenters include: Tom Rolf (editor of Taxi Driver, Heat), Mike Homer (founder, Kontiki) and Larry Thorpe (legendary innovator of 24P High Definition camera technologies).
Empower -- Connect -- Discover
The Day of series combines workshops, presentations and brainstorming sessions which will allow the filmmaker to tap into the expertise needed to utilize new technologies. These are empowering days of discovery as well as exhibition. For example, Day of Distribution and Producer events will address both traditional models as well as ground-breaking distribution solutions from Internet to Mobile to new Home Entertainment capacities. For full details on the Cinequest Forums paste the following link into your browser: http://www.cinequest.org/2006/programguide/event_view.php?eid=218 (http://www.cinequest.org/2006/programguide/event_view.php?eid=218)
Tickets are available to all Cinequest forums online at www.cinequest.org (http://www.cinequest.org/) and on the phone at (408) 295-FEST (3378).
Inspiring the Maverick in All of Us
Cinequest is a premier motion picture institute that produces: Cinequest Film Festival, a soul-stirring and personable discovery festival of international films and forums for movie lovers, Maverick film artists and students; Cinequest Online, delivering films to fans worldwide; Cinequest DVD Label; Youthquest; and Cinequest Screenwriting Competition.
Cinequest Film Festival 16 will occur March 1-12, 2006 www.cinequest.org (http://www.cinequest.org/).

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Hidden City Games Announces Marvel License Agreement

Smart Multimedia Gallery
Hidden City Games launched its flagship game, Clout Fantasy , in over 50 countries in 2005. It is the first collectable game played with poker-size chips instead of cards. The chips are thrown and must land near other chips to affect them, making dexterity central to game play. Players must merge mental strategy with physical skill to score points and edge out their opponents. The game appeals to both kids and adults the world over, age eight and up. (Photo: Business Wire)
SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 14, 2006--Hidden City Games(TM), LLC, announced today that it has signed a licensing agreement with Marvel Entertainment, Inc. for the worldwide rights to publish a collectable throwing game and accessories featuring the Marvel Universe of Super Heroes. The products, under the three-year deal, will be marketed under Hidden City Games' Clout(TM) line of collectable throwing games.


Marvel has been beloved by generations of adults and kids alike. And with millions of dedicated Marvel fans worldwide, the agreement presents a unique opportunity for collectable throwing games to reach broad and mass-market players for the first time. Gaining access to these markets is widely held to be key to a game company's growth and longevity.

"This agreement presents an incredible opportunity to elevate our Clout line of collectable throwing games into the mass market," said Peter D. Adkison, CEO of Hidden City Games. "We have been actively pursuing a licensing agreement with Marvel, knowing the incredible strength and stature they can bring to making Clout a successful game. They are without a doubt a perfect fit for us."

Like the Marvel Universe, Clout is highly character-focused, with a different character on each chip, represented in exquisite, full-color artwork. And Marvel's enormous universe of interrelating characters and intertwining stories seems especially well suited to one of Clout's most innovative features: All Clout games are interplayable, meaning a player with elves chips from Clout Fantasy can play against a player using Spider-Man chips and another opponent with X-Men chips.

In addition to expanding into broader markets, Hidden City Games hopes the Marvel agreement offers another opportunity as well: that of expanding Clout's reach into new countries. Clout Fantasy is currently available in 10 languages in 56 countries worldwide.

The first Clout product to launch under the Marvel agreement will be released in fall 2006.

About Hidden City Games, LLC

Hidden City Games, LLC, is a privately held company headquartered in Seattle, Washington. Its mission is to bring to market the best products in the collectable games industry, always looking for ways to introduce gamers to new and challenging games to play and collect. All trademarks including HIDDEN CITY GAMES, CLOUT FANTASY, expansion symbols, and the designs/stylizations associated therewith, and character names and their distinctive likenesses, are properties of Hidden City Games, LLC, in the U.S.A. and other countries. (C) 2006 Hidden City Games, LLC; U.S. & foreign patents pending.

About Marvel Entertainment, Inc.

With a library of over 5,000 characters, Marvel Entertainment, Inc. is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies. Marvel's operations are focused on utilizing its character franchises in licensing, entertainment, publishing and toys. Areas of emphasis include feature films, DVD/home video, consumer products, video games, action figures and role-playing toys, television and promotions. Rooted in the creative success of over sixty years of comic book publishing, Marvel's strategy is to leverage its character franchises in a growing array of opportunities around the world. More information about Marvel can be found at www.marvel.com.

Marvel, and related characters names and the distinctive likenesses thereof are trademarks of Marvel Characters, Inc. TM & (C) 2006 Marvel Characters, Inc. All rights reserved. Super Hero(es) is a co-owned registered trademark.

Just a bit of news today.

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http://www.superherohype.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8479766&postcount=6

Look -- Up in the Sky!
Product Placement!
By BRIAN STEINBERG
April 18, 2006

Superheroes like Superman and Spider-Man can save mankind from natural disasters, space aliens and evil mutants. But there's one thing they are powerless to stop: Advertisers shilling products within the pages of the comic books they call home.

In July, Time Warner Inc.'s DC Comics, home to characters such as Batman and Aquaman, is launching "Rush City," a six-part miniseries that boasts visible promotional support from General Motors Corp.'s Pontiac. As part of the series, a new hero known as "The Rush" will be prominently featured driving a Pontiac Solstice in the comic book. "The car will be as essential to the character as the Aston Martin was to James Bond," says David McKillips, vice president of advertising and custom publishing for DC Comics.

http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/images/MK-AG136_COMICA_20060417205538.jpg

Over the past few months, Marvel Entertainment Inc. has begun putting the "swoosh" logo from Nike Inc. in the scenes of some of its titles, such as "New X-Men." So far, the emblem has appeared on a car door and on a character's T-shirt. "We are always looking for new and interesting ways of connecting with our consumers," says Nate Tobecksen, a Nike spokesman. "This is certainly one of them."

Last week, DaimlerChrysler AG's Dodge finalized an ad pact that will include product placements in Marvel comics. Marvel, home of Spider-Man, Captain America and Sub-Mariner, may feature Dodge's new car, the Caliber, in the books' cityscapes, including on billboards, T-shirts or signs over the next four to eight months, Joe Maimone, Marvel's advertising director, says.

Both Pontiac and Dodge are getting the product placements deals as part of larger ad buys. The two car companies are purchasing print ads as well -- the first time either auto maker has taken out an ad in a comic book.

Product placement has become commonplace in movies and TV shows. Now it's coming to comic books -- in part because the industry's two giants, DC and Marvel, are promoting some of their titles as places to reach one of Madison Avenue's most elusive audiences: guys in their 20s. Notoriously hard to reach, young adult males are known to be wary of traditional sales pitches, especially ones that get in the way of their entertainment. "It's the kind of audience that is harder and harder and harder to get to," says Dino Bernacchi, advertising manager for Pontiac.

A casual reader might miss some of the new comic-book product placements, which are meant to be part of the artwork. "When Spider-Man flies through Times Square, you don't necessarily have to draw" the signs that are there in real life, says Marvel's Mr. Maimone. "We can pretty much put anything we want, as long as it's organic and not forced." DC's Mr. McKillips says Pontiac will not have direct editorial oversight of the comic and its main character. "We're not seeking their approval on everything, and they trust us," he says. A Pontiac spokesman says the company is not involved in the creative process.

Comic books have long carried some print ads, and they typically had a youthful bent, with ads for toy soldiers, x-ray glasses and mail-order Sea Monkeys. More recent ads hawked acne medications, videogames and chewing gum.

Lately, readers of comic books have gotten older. On Madison Avenue, "there is a large misunderstanding of who is reading these titles and what they are paying attention to," says Pontiac's Mr. Bernacchi. The genre suffered a slump beginning in the early 1990s that lasted until the first Spider-Man movie was released in 2002, says Gordon Hodge, who follows the business for Thomas Weisel Partners. In that time, fans who kept buying the books have grown older, now reaching into their 20s and 30s. A recent wave of hit films featuring comic-book heroes has gotten consumers, including older ones, interested in comic books again. Mr. Hodge estimates the comic-book market is worth about $400 million to $450 million, with Marvel controlling about 37% and DC capturing around 33%.

DC and Marvel are both burnishing "networks" of titles that appeal to male readers between the ages of 18 and 34. Marvel's Mr. Maimone says the comics titles are competing with "laddie" magazines such as Emap PLC's FHM or Dennis Publishing's Maxim and Stuff.

http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/images/MK-AG135A_COMIC_20060417205455.jpg

Comic books for the older set contain grittier storylines about superheroes with distinct character flaws. Batman these days exhibits paranoid tendencies, even going so far as to construct a satellite to keep tabs on his caped associates. Green Arrow, an archer in an emerald costume who once shot trick arrows with boxing gloves instead of sharp tips, recently used a real arrow to stab a villain in the eye. (To be fair, the criminal was already blind in that socket.)

DC's Mr. McKillips says he hopes to bring in other advertisers seeking an older male. "You're going to see this year a lot more health and beauty care, shaving cream, razors, alongside the automotive," he says.

Weaving products into comics is not entirely new. DC says in the 1960s it produced comic-book series based on toys such as Captain Action or Hot Wheels, in response to advertiser relationships. The new auto-maker ads will be less overt.

Nonetheless, the product placements, which still aren't widely known, have some fans seeing red. Such ads "taint the experience," says Chuck Rozanski, founder of Mile High Comics, a Denver comics retailer. "The comic environment is designed to take you away from reality for a moment," he says. "Here we are thrusting offensive marketing products from our world into this fantasy world."

The big concern among comics aficionados seems to be whether the drawings of the products will obscure the dialogue and pictures. Laverne Mann, a Ewing, N.J., librarian who has read comics for years, hopes the books won't look "like the comic is being bought by the product," with a logo or drawing of a soda can obscuring the art. Something that takes attention away from the story would be "like a pop-up ad," says Rebecca Sutherland Borah, an associate professor of English at the University of Cincinnati who has studied comics. "I want to see all the art and words I can get."

Others see the placement as the lesser of two evils, still better than having big display ads inside the comic books. "Anything they can do to put it in front of the person in the mainline of reading is going to be a good thing," says Tommy King, who sells comics at Tales Resold in Raleigh, N.C.
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Marvel Licensing Continues to Grow
Pokemon Hangs Tough

April 18, 2006
License Magazine has released its annual list of the 101 Leading Licensors, and Marvel held its #4 slot, growing from $4 billion to $5 billion in retail sales based on its brands. That keeps it in pretty heady company, with Disney, Warner Bros, and Nickelodeon/Viacom in the top three slots (in order). And that's ahead of such licensing juggernauts as the NFL and Lucas Licensing (which grew from $1.2 billion to $3 billion last year).



Other companies with implications for pop culture retailers include Sanrio, which was tied with Marvel last year but slipped to fifth after sales of its products grew to "only" $4.2 billion in 2005. 4Kids, which is the licensor for Yu-Gi-Oh!, Magical DoReMi, and One Piece, was in 13th, at $2.8 billion in sales of products carrying its brands. 20th Century Fox, with Family Guy, Simpsons, Napoleon Dynamite, etc., was in 21st, with $1.5 billion in sales. Pokemon USA, now on its own, was in 23rd, with a staggering $1.3 billion in sales in its 9th year! Peanuts is #28, at $1.2 billion. Viz is #62, with $262 million in sales of its brands.

Gotta love it!

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Full article from Licensing magazine shows 101 top companies with Marvel being #4 with more details:

http://www.licensemag.com/licensemag/data/articlestandard/licensemag/142006/316899/article.pdf

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Marvel Studios Engages All-Star Roster For New Film Slate; Jon Favreau To Direct Iron Man
Business Wire - April 28, 2006 11:09

LOS ANGELES, Apr 28, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Aggressively pursuing its strategy to develop and produce a new slate of feature films, Marvel Studios - a subsidiary of Marvel Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: MVL) - has engaged director/actor/writer Jon Favreau to direct the highly anticipated big screen adaptation of Iron Man. Additionally, the studio has tapped several screenwriters to pen scripts based on some of its marquee Super Hero franchises. The projects to which screenwriters are now attached and have officially begun development include Iron Man, Incredible Hulk, Ant Man, Captain America, Nick Fury and Thor. The announcement was made today by Avi Arad, Chairman of Marvel Studios.

-- Iron Man -- For the legendary Super Hero Iron Man, Jon Favreau will direct the film and develop the script with the writing team of Arthur Marcum and Matt Holloway (Convoy). Favreau's directing credits include Elf and Zathura: A Space Adventure.

-- Incredible Hulk -- Zak Penn, who previously collaborated with Marvel on X2, Fantastic Four, and the upcoming X-Men: The Last Stand, will write a new Incredible Hulk film, inspired by the larger-than-life green giant. Under Marvel's arrangement with Universal, Marvel will develop and produce the Incredible Hulk as a major theatrical release, with Universal retaining various distribution rights.

-- Ant Man -- Writer/director Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz) will direct, and co-write with writing partner Joe Cornish, the feature film based on cult-favorite Ant Man. Edgar will also co-produce with his Big Talk Productions partner Nira Park.

-- Captain America -- David Self has been tapped to write Captain America, inspired by Marvel's venerable all-American super soldier. Self's credits include Thirteen Days and Road to Perdition, in addition to numerous rewrites on various studio films. He also worked with Marvel on two other projects: Namor, the Sub-Mariner for Universal, and Deathlok for Paramount.

-- Nick Fury - Marvel's Super Hero with military roots, the iconic super spy Nick Fury, will be brought to life by action/adventure screenwriter Andrew Marlowe. Marlowe's credits include Air Force One, End of Days, and Hollow Man.

-- Thor -- The legendary Norse Thunder deity, Thor, will hammer his way to the big screen with the help of screenwriter Mark Protosevich. Protosevich wrote one of this summer's highly-anticipated films, Poseidon. His credits also include The Cell.

"We are incredibly excited to be able to attract some of Hollywood's top talent to help Marvel launch the first wave of our independently-produced film slate. These screenwriters and directors are at the top of their game, and each brings a unique passion for the individual characters and projects they will be working on. Our goal is to combine great characters with exciting action, and we've assembled a team who will do just that," said Mr. Arad. "In fact, some of these writers have already helped us create major Hollywood blockbuster franchises like Fantastic Four and X-Men. With our independent slate, we look forward to delivering to movie-goers the same type of high-action, gripping entertainment they have grown accustomed to with the Marvel brand."

With screenwriters and directors on board, Marvel is commencing discussions with other talent and visual effects houses as it gears up for full-scale production on the new slate, with the first release anticipated in 2008. These projects are expected to be financed with Marvel's $525 million revolving film financing facility and distributed under Marvel's overall distribution arrangement with Paramount, except for The Incredible Hulk which will be distributed by Universal.

President/COO Michael Helfant will oversee the company's growth to accommodate this newly expanded production activity. The projects will be shepherded and produced by Kevin Feige, President of Production, and Ari Arad, Executive Vice President of Production.

About Marvel Entertainment, Inc.

With a library of over 5,000 characters, Marvel Entertainment, Inc. is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies. Marvel's operations are focused on utilizing its character franchises in licensing, entertainment, publishing and toys. Areas of emphasis include feature films, DVD/home video, consumer products, video games, action figures and role-playing toys, television and promotions. Rooted in the creative success of over sixty years of comic book publishing, Marvel's strategy is to leverage its character franchises in a growing array of opportunities around the world.

Except for any historical information that they contain, the statements in this news release regarding Marvel's plans are forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including circumstances that may affect Marvel's ability to commence or complete production of its films, and the risk of poor performance of the films in the marketplace. These and other risks and uncertainties are described in Marvel's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Marvel's Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Marvel assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.

Marvel, and all related character names and the distinctive likenesses thereof are trademarks of Marvel Characters, Inc. and are used with permission. TM & (C) 2006 Marvel Characters, Inc. All rights reserved. www.marvel.com. Super Hero(es) is a co-owned registered trademark.

SOURCE: Marvel Entertainment, Inc.

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Richard Land or David Collins
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mvl@jcir.com

Copyright Business Wire 2006 ************************************************** ******************** As of Monday, 04-24-2006 23:59, the latest Comtex SmarTrend(SM) Alert, an automated pattern recognition system, indicated a DOWNTREND on 11-09-2005 for MVL @ $14.31. (C) 2006 Comtex News Network, Inc. All rights reserved.

Official!

[hippie_hunter]

So has Marvel regained the rights for Thor? If that's true, it looks like Marvel has decided to drop some of the lesser named heroes such as Power Pack, Cloak and Dagger, Shang-Chi, etc.

I hope they'll keep Hawkeye though.

[Advanced Dark]

Holy **** Hippie I didn't even catch that. Shang Chi has not been dropped nor have the others. I think they just added them to the deal. They're not making all 10 films at once so they could replenish the credit line as films bring in money. No problem. The Thor thing though...didn't even catch that.

[Philly Phanboy]

With all of the movie rights being flipped back to Marvel or speculation of rights being returned, I really hope that during the next financial quarter review (May 4th?) there is some explaination as to who now owns what movie rights...and NOT the "partial list" crap either that conveniently leaves out projects that there has been no recent info on.

[Lord Blackbolt]

They really don't need to update the origin.How do you think they test Saddam's WMDs? In the middle of a desert,like the gamma bomb.The origin really isn't outdated,and is far better than the Gamma Sphere crap.

Exactly. Bruce caught in that bomb....that's a iconic image, and it's never been adapted in live action. The Hulk movie seemed more like an adaptation of the old TV show to me.

And the whole David Banner plot....laaaaammmme. Killed the whole..reality approach they were trying to pull. seemed like a plot from a different movie.

Small simple changes like that...would have made that movie totally awesome IMO

[Advanced Dark]

With all of the movie rights being flipped back to Marvel or speculation of rights being returned, I really hope that during the next financial quarter review (May 4th?) there is some explaination as to who now owns what movie rights...and NOT the "partial list" crap either that conveniently leaves out projects that there has been no recent info on.

They usually have a pretty complete list of projects that have "activity". I'm sure they'll have TBA next to the release dates of all of these new annoucements. Only 3 have directors attached as of now. That should change because I know Marvel is in talks with directors on Hulk 2 for certain. I think Chris Columbus is free since he backed away from Namor. That pissed me off cause I thought he was good for Namor.

[Advanced Dark]

Dynatech Action gets Marvel rights
By Staff
Playthings -- 5/4/2006 2:12:00 PM

TORONTO—Dynatech Action has signed a licensing deal with Marvel Entertainment for confectionary items and preschool products based on the comic book company’s Marvel Heroes and Spider-Man & Friends characters.

The agreement will see Dynatech feature Marvel characters as part of its foray into the confection aisle with Fizzheads, a fizzy drink-making capsule that slides up and down a straw; Edibles, articulated candy figures with real moving parts; and Eggtopia, chocolate eggs that feature Marvel Heroes characters hidden inside.

Dynatech will also incorporate Spider-Man & Friends books into the Storytime Theater brand, an early reading product that projects story-book imagery on a wall or ceiling.


“We are very pleased to have developed this agreement with Marvel,” says Brad Pedersen, president/CEO of Dynatech. “Our expansion into new categories such as confection and preschool has been enhanced by Marvel Entertainment and their amazing library of characters.”

Set to launch this fall, the Marvel Heroes brand will be featured on Edibles, Fizzheads, Eggtopia, Stick Splatch, Play2O and novelty pens. The Spider-Man & Friends Storytime Theater book will debut in 2007.

Some cool XMAS gifts for the little ones.