Gary Cross, an editorialist in the Op-Ed section of Sunday's New York Times , tied licensed toys to the recent toy recalls, suggesting that the business model teaches kids to collect.

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 , we talk about the state of the market and the reasons for the success of Civil War in bookstores as well as comic stores.

We recently caught up with Viz Senior Vice President Liza Coppola to discuss the current state of the manga and anime markets, and what's coming from Viz. In Part 3, we talk about the anime market, including the relatively nascent shojo market, the sales channels for anime, Viz's live action program, and the comparison between the Japanese and American markets.

In Part 4, we talk about DC's film pipeline and strategy, Levitz's take on DC's upcoming releases, and how the changes in the market are changing comics.

Corgi International Ltd. aquired the master toy and collectible replica license covering the James Bond movies.

The Hollywood trades are reporting that Stephen Sommers has been hired to direct a live action G.I. Joe film.

Star Wars Ground Assault is the next for WizKids' SW PM TCG .

Imagi Animation Studio has signed a marketing and distribution agreement with WowWee Ltd.

Hermes Press' publishing plans for 2008 include books focusing on Will Eisner, Walt Kelly and Carl Barks.