Diamond Comic Distributors announced today the formation of a new division, Diamond Book Distributors, the goal of which will be to make a wide selection of graphic novels, anime, gaming, collectible toys, and other pop-culture merchandise available to the mainstream retail book market.

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

Kevin Smith's appearance on the Tonight Show , originally scheduled for June 24, has been moved up one day to Tuesday, June 25.

The ABC Family Channel will start airing the anime series Beyblade on July 6 in a 'kids block' along with the latest Power Rangers series and three different Spider-Man animated series.

Tim Marks of Friendly Frank's first raised the issue of Marvel's new policy on (not) distributing info on upcoming titles. Gabriel Hagmann, the owner of DreamStrands Comics in Seattle, Washington feels that the damage will be localized, but substantial.

Warner Brothers' live action version of the Scooby Doo animated series earned an estimated $56.4 million at the box office in its debut weekend.

Although Editor-in-Chief Joe Quesada mentioned that he was 'perturbed that the The Brotherhood #1 was so under-ordered by retailers,' Jemas thanked retailers for taking a chance and investing in a new and different kind of comic.

Comic and graphic novel orders (dollars) ended up 19% in the second quarter vs. 2001, continuing the accelerating trend that began in the second half of last year.

Birds of Prey , Firefly , and a new version of the Twilight Zone are going to have to make up for the loss of a number of favorites.

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