ICv2 has learned that Marvel is still submitting books to the CMAA (Comics Magazine Association of America) in order to get the Comics Code Seal of Approval.

The direct and newsstand versions of Marvel's X-Force #116 hit the street today.

The detailed information behind Marvel's first quarter report paints a picture of a company in considerable cash flow distress despite its $14 million in cash reserves and improving operating picture.

One important newsstand distributor contacted by ICv2 said that Marvel's dumping of the Comics Code and adoption of its own rating system might not be much of an impediment to newsstand distribution.

Marvel's unilateral decision to withdraw from the CMAA (Comics Magazine Association of America) and the Comics Code has brought forth strong statements of support for the organization from its other members.

In a conference call with the comic press today, Marvel President Bill Jemas announced that Marvel would be pulling out of the CMAA, and would no longer be submitting its books for Comics Code approval.

Marvel released its first quarter results today, and despite a loss of around $12.7 million, the news was actually pretty good for retailers that depend on a consistent product flow from one of the largest suppliers of comics and toys to pop culture stores.

Jackson 'Butch' Guice will relocate to Florida where he will begin working on a new, as-yet-unnamed Crossgen title scheduled for release in September.

Alternative Comics is publishing Titans of Finance , b ased entirely on articles that have appeared in the financial press about some of America's most infamous CEOs.

W.W. Norton, the oldest and largest independent publishing and distribution house in the country, will distribute Fantagraphics Books to the book trade starting this September.