No comic publisher has ever assembled a more formidable phalanx of films based on its characters than Marvel Comics, which has no fewer than five major motion pictures set for theatrical release during the next 18 months.

DC's Dark Knight Strikes Again was the top-selling comic for the third consecutive month, according to orders placed with Diamond US from pop culture stores. The initial raw order was over 171,000 copies, which was around 10% over initial orders on #2, and nearly as high as the initial orders on #1.

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

Free Comic Book Day is gaining strength as more publishers have agreed to participate and as the promotional heat picks up.

The December Top Ten Cool lists, which reflect how products actually sold through in pop culture stores, had big products selling big...

According to Variety , MTV has committed to a Spider-Man animated series to premiere in the second half of 2002.

WizKids has announced the details of its licensed Marvel collectible miniatures game, which uses a dial base system similar to the Mage Knight system.

Marvel improved its on-time percentages during December, but remains behind on a significant percentage of its top titles. Seven out of Marvel's top 25 titles scheduled for December did not ship during that month, a 28% late percentage.

Marvel's new hardcover program continues to draw retailer response. Here's a different take from a retailer who's more concerned about production quality than price -- Terry Allen of Bonanza Books and Comics in Modesto, California.

Taco Bell may have backed out of a major promotion with the Spider-Man film, but the giant fast food chain is currently involved in a month long Cardcaptors promotion.