Comic and graphic novel orders from pop culture stores jumped sharply in April, posting the best dollar total since January and ending four consecutive months of seasonal declines.

Estimated quantities for initial orders on graphic novels shipping in April 2002 from pop culture stores ordering from Diamond US.

ICv2's second annual look at the merchandising potential of Hollywood movies comes at what could be described as both the 'worst of times' and the 'best of times' for selling tie-in goods.

Dark Horse Comics and laser-mavens Gentle Giant have announced an agreement for Dark Horse to act as the exclusive sales agent for Gentle Giant's consumer products.

The game industry gathers in Las Vegas next week, in a year that looks to have continuing change after a tumultuous, mostly successful 2001.

January is a transition month in the pop culture products business, with the first week or two typically showing strong post-Christmas sales, followed by slowing traffic as the winter doldrums set in. But there was a lot of activity in pop culture stores this January, with especially strong releases in the comic category.

In contrast to the heady days of the late 90s, Hasbro has pruned back its offerings.

A visit to the Wizards of the Coast section of the Hasbro Building at this year's New York Toy Fair leaves no doubt that WotC will be very busy in 2002.

Although the total for sales of traditional toys rose only 2% in 2001, the action figure category registered a solid increase of 36% according to figures released at Toy Fair by Toy Industry Association.

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