Trends that we have seen during the first quarter, such as the increasing dominance of the DVD format, the overall sales importance of high ticket items, and the continuing reign of CCGs are even more apparent in the April numbers.

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.

Dark Horse Comics has managed to get articles on Joss Whedon's Fray in Entertainment Weekly (May 18th issue) and TV Guide (issue on sale May 28th). Fray is the first attempt at comic book writing for Whedon, who is the 'auteur' behind the popular Buffy The Vampire Slayer television series

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.

This week as the major television networks announced their schedules for next fall, it was all too apparent that 'reality' television had descended over a large portion of the primetime network schedule.

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.