On Saturday, May 4, Bookery Fantasy (Fairborn, OH) gave away thousands of free comics, introducing hundreds of new potential readers to the exciting world of illustrated adventure.

Marvel has announced final details of its May Insert program, which will encompass every comic the publisher will release that month to sample the additional readers that are expected to pick up comics as a result of the Spider-Man movie.

The American Family Association Website reported that Taco Bell shut down its Cardcaptors promotion in response to complaints that the 'clow cards' from Cardcaptors are 'similar in appearance to tarot cards used in occult practices.'

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.

We got a quick response to Ilan Strasser's comments on Marvel's book pricing yesterday. Tricia Hovorka, President of TalesofWonder.com, feels that Marvel's pricing represents a reasonable strategy and good value.

The CMAA contacted Marvel and the publisher admitted that putting the Code Seal of Approval on Wolverine #165 was 'a mistake' on the company's part. ICv2 has learned that Marvel has not been submitting books to the CMAA recently and other current issues that carry the code (e.g., Tangled Web #3) are also 'mistakes.'

All of Marvel's X-books except Ultimate took substantial jumps in sales between April and May, reflecting new creative teams...

Orders for the top comics took an upward tick in April, reflecting the typical seasonal direction now that the doldrums of first quarter are behind us. Ultimate X-Men #5 even came in above 100,000 in estimated comic store orders, the only title to do so in the last two months.

In an analysis of March orders to Diamond from comic stores, we've discovered what has long been talked about in general terms -- just how far comic sales have fallen from their once lofty heights.