ICv2 continues its series of interviews with comic publishers with a talk with Marvel publisher Dan Buckley (who asked VP Sales David Gabriel) to join in. In Part 2 we talk about more of the newer distribution channels for Marvel books, and Marvel's publishing plans to tie into its 2008 movies.

In Part 3, we talk about DC's investment in Japan, and how that relates to its strategy for a flow of content for its CMX line, the launch of DC's new Minx imprint, and the opportunities for cross-fertilization of content and customers with MMORPGs.

Upper Deck Entertainment will release a new Skybox Marvel Masterpieces set in early November featuring Vs . art.

Direct market sales of comic stores were up a modest 6% over the previous year in July, and graphic novels were up only 1% leading to a combined growth rate of 5% vs. 2006.

In December Privateer Press will release Forces of Warmachine: Pirates of the Broken Coast, a 72-page volume.

WizKids' Pirates constructible strategy game will be converted to PocketModel branding with the first release of 2008.

WizKids will release a Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean PocketModel trading card game in October.

The CBLDF has lined up exclusive signed prints, personal appearances and signings for San Diego Comic-Con.

Michael O'Neill, an examiner for the U.S. Patent Office, has ruled against a request by Upper Deck.

WizKids will be unveiling its Halo ActionClix at the San Diego Comic-Con.