The Teshkeel Media Group, based in Kuwait, has signed a comprehensive agreement with Marvel Entertainment, Inc. to bring Arabic-language Marvel comics, trade paperbacks and magazines to the Middle East region.  Under terms of the agreement Teshkeel will engage in a wide-ranging multi-year publishing program, which will bring Marvel comics to the Middle East in Arabic for the first time.  Teshkeel's offerings will include magazines, comic books, and trade paperbacks featuring some of Marvel's top characters including Spider-Man, the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, The Incredible Hulk, and The Avengers.

Nail Al-Mutawa, CEO of Teshkeel, announced that his company would begin Arabic publication of several of Marvel's most well-known and successful titles early next year.  Teshkeel may also release additional titles to tie-in with the two major Marvel movie releases of 2006, X-Men 3 and Ghost Rider.  The Teshkeel Media Group also plans to revive the humor magazine Cracked here in the U.S. (see 'Marvel Old School in the House') and is developing an original Arab superhero comic.

The agreement demonstrates that Marvel's greater emphasis on international licensing appears to be paying off.  The agreement was negotiated by Bruno Maglione, the President of Marvel International -- and along with the Spider-Man India deal, which was consummated in 2004 -- it greatly expands Marvel's international reach (see 'Marvel Leads Licensing Growth').