Reacting to the unplanned early distribution of the Marvel Encyclopedia Vol. #2: X-Men to Waldenbooks outlets across the country, Marvel is working with Diamond to speed shipments of the books to pop culture retailers

Marvel has announced higher guidance for 2002 and is predicting an even better year in 2003. Marvel raised its 2002 sales estimate $5 million to $280-$285 million for the year, and its 2002 EBIDTA estimate $6 million to $78-$83 million for the year.

Well-known comic writer, artist, and historian Trina Robbins saw recent retailer comments on comics for kids, and more specifically on comics for girls and sent us this comment on an issue about which she is both knowledgable and passionate.

Finishing out a softer fourth quarter, comic store orders for the top comics were weaker in December, with over twice as many titles dropping (sixteen) as increased (seven) in the top 25.

Orders on the top comic titles almost uniformly dropped in October compared to September orders, with only one of the top 25 titles, Daredevil , eking out a gain.

Paramount's optioning of the comic book The Bad Guy may be 'counter-programming' in the face of Hollywood's current wave of superhero films.

Plans for Free Comic Book Day 2003 are underway, and the first order of business is selecting a date. To do so, the committee charged with organizing the event is taking a comic retailer poll via the Diamond Website between two major comic-based movie releases.

Estimated quantities for initial orders on comics shipping in September 2002 from pop culture stores ordering from Diamond US.

Comics based on retro toon and toy properties extended their lead in August comic orders from pop culture stores, with four out of the top 10 and six out of the top 20 comic titles fitting the retro mold.

Estimated quantities for initial orders on comics shipping in August 2002 from pop culture stores ordering from Diamond US.