The game market began a comeback in the third quarter after declines in most game categories in the first half of the year, ICv2 reports in the ICv2 Retailer Guide to Games #6.

Bates' topic this week is making money on the biggest characters there are.

Applause LLC plans to sell its name to a rival company Russ Berrie & Co. for $4 million.

This week Bates talks about the theory and practice of a recent store renovation.

Rembert Parker of Reader Copies in Anderson, Indiana saw Steven Bates' column on 'Extreme Makeovers' and sees an application of the concept to comics.

This week's topic --e xtreme makeovers, including the one George Lucas put on the original Star Wars trilogy for the new DVD release.

David Bigas of Wyldstar in Oshawa, Ontario saw our article on the Canadian Comic Expo 2004 and liked the show, but is concerned about the proliferation of bootlegs there.

Comic Images has acquired the trading card license for Madagascar.

Rik Deskin of Rain City Comics in Woodinville, Washington saw the news that there will be a vote to select the date for next year's Free Comic Book Day and sent us his thoughts.

With the San Diego Comic-Con International kicking off Wednesday night with an anticipated 75,000+ attendees expected for the weekend, the Acura Tennis Classic tennis tournament in town, and opening weekend at the Del Mar Race track, hotel rooms in San Diego are at an extreme premium this week, with Superbowl-style pricing.