ICv2 has released its 2004 market reports in the ICv2 Retailers Guide to Games #7, and the over-all market for CCGs, miniature games, board and family games, and roleplaying games was weak in 2004.

This week Bates offers his recommendations for making the most out of Free Comic Book Day

Marvel's Peter Cuneo announced that the publisher had reached a distribution agreement with the 7-Eleven convenience store chain that would more than double the number of current outlets for Marvel comics.

Hasbro released its Q4 and full year 2004 results on Monday, reporting that weakness in its U.S. Toys and Games segments weakened sales and earnings vs. expectations.

Decipher has laid off a substantial number of employees, concentrated in its game studio.

Ron Catapano of Comics Plus in Mount Holly, New Jersey saw the news that Marvel is reprinting X-23 #1 and seized the opportunity to make a number of suggestions to both of the Big Two.

This week, Bates looks at the top comics from 2005 and finds the common element.

Sponsoring companies and their free comics have been announced for Free Comic Book Day, the huge comic store promotional event scheduled for May 7th.

Steven Bates of Bookery Fantasy in Fairborn, Ohio saw the news on the casting of Lex Luthor and had a reaction.

Random House Worldwide CEO Peter Olson, in his year-end letter to employees, said the company's future plans '...may include direct sales online of our books to readers as a complement to our existing sales channels.'