|
ComicBookNetworkEmag Archives Index
|
|
| << February25, 2006 - [ComicBookNetwork E-Mag] CBEM 564.09 |
February25, 2006 - [ComicBookNetwork E-Mag] CBEM 564.11 >> |
|
+++++ Excerpts From Marvel Entertaiment's 4Q Conference Call DOW JONES NEWSWIRES February 23, 2006 2:51 p.m. The following are excerpts from Marvel Entertainment Inc.'s (MVL) fourth-quarter conference call. Earlier Thursday, the comic book company reported that fourth- quarter earnings fell 14% on a pretax charge of $12.5 million to terminate a licensing deal early. Marvel raised its forecast for 2006 revenue and earnings per share, but left its earnings forecast constant. On the call with analysts were Vice Chairman Peter Cruneo; Chief Financial Officer Ken West; and Chief Creative Officer Ari Avad. On Revenue Guidance WEST: With respect to the guidance for 2006, as you know and we just discussed the fact that we are taking the master toy license, which was terminated, and all the production related activities and direct sales inhouse for the year. And as a result, of course, we have the implied impact of increased revenue. The contribution of which has offsetting impacts. Certainly there's a higher margin of direct sales. And there are also incremental costs associated with amortizing and promoting and carrying these inventory levels. And all of those are mixed to go as a result generating down to approximately the same level of anticipated net income. On Buybacks CALLER: Does the Board at this point in time have any intention of re-upping that buyback once this one is extinguished or is this kind of it at this point in time? CUNEO: Well, as Ken indicated earlier, the Board is certainly very interested in continuing to buy back our stock. We would do this, of course, at opportunistic prices. This is not a complete open program. And so the board is constantly evaluating where we are in the stock buyback, vis-a-vis the prices and the financial condition of the company. So, this is always on the board's priority list and gets constant attention. But I don't think there's anything that we can tell you specifically today. On The Hulk ARAD: Hulk was, as we all know was a Universal project and has been in development for quite a while. Like all of our movies, all of our contracts, movies have to meet a specific release date. And if principal photography does not meet a certain date, then we get our properties back. Same thing as Ironman with New Line. So as time in development was taking its course we entered into discussions with Universal. There was a realization that it would be quite difficult for them to make this principal photography date. And give Marvel an opportunity to recoup our rights. In return, Universal will be the distributor for Hulk. But we'll do it on our terms, which will give us all rights all licensing, all revenues and an advantageous position on of one of our prime properties. We are very aggressive in development on Hulk. And actually, it's the same situation with Ironman that we got back from New Line. Again they couldn't make the principal photography date, and gave us an opportunity to recoup and regroup and this is also in development. On Hasbro CUNEO: With regard to Hasbro. We should talk a little bit about the broad aspects of our arrangement. For example, the royalty rates associated with the Hasbro deal are lower than what we had with Toy Biz Worldwide. However, there are two other major factors that in evaluating who our new partner would be that convinced Marvel that the Hasbro deal would be at least as good, if not a better deal than we had with Toy Biz Worldwide. The first is the overall worldwide clout that Hasbro has. Toy Biz Worldwide dealt exclusively with distributors internationally. So of course, Toy Biz Worldwide and Marvel, therefore, lost a piece of the action in the sense of using two step distribution. In the case of Hasbro, of course, they still use some two-step distribution, but it's very, very small on a worldwide basis. So that will, alone, increase the sales. Also Hasbro is committed to certain minimum promotional levels, with regard to advertising, et cetera, on our products, which we did not have with Toy Biz Worldwide. So, we think the combination of Hasbro's tremendous clout internationally, and of course in the United States, along with increased advertising levels is going to produce volumes that are substantially higher than we had with Toy Biz Worldwide. And we think although the royalty rates are lower that we should on a net basis, in terms of royalties to Marvel, be at least in the same area as Toy Biz Worldwide but probably better. +++++ CBLDF Rocks NYCC With Quesada, Smith, Miller & Wildstorm! The first New York Comic-Con starts today with a stellar guest list and a blockbuster lineup of CBLDF events to raise money for free speech! SATURDAY! AFTER HOURS: CBLDF Rock Show, Featuring Quesada, Smith & Friends! Joe Quesada, Editor in Chief of Marvel Comics, and his band Idlechatter will headline a rock and roll show featuring the finest music talents of the New York comics scene to benefit the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund at Snitch in New York City. The top stars of the comics and media worlds will be on hand, including writer/director Kevin Smith, who will be introducing the show! 8-11 p.m. Snitch 59 W 21st St, 2nd Floor Located between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue $15 donation at the door, $10 for card carrying CBLDF members. 18 yrs. and over for event with ID Marvel Editor in Chief Joe Quesada, and his band, Idlechatter will show off their musical prowess at a benefit concert for the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. Opening for Idlechatter will be special guests M-16, featuring some of Marvel's finest behind the scenes talent, and Skelter, featuring DC's Michael Wright, Nachie Castro, & Greg Ross. The evening will be introduced by writer/director Kevin Smith and will be loaded with extra surprises! AT THE SHOW: CBLDF Presents: Iron Gelatometti LIVE! At NYCC 6:00 PM At NYCC The heavyweight cartooning titans of WildStorm face off in the very first live presentation of Iron Gelatometti. Come see Jim Lee, Ale Garza, Carlos D'Anda and friends wage the art battle of the year! In one hour these powerhouse artists will blast out stellar drawings of your favorite superheroes to be auctioned off at the end to benefit the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund! You'll also be able to bid on amazing items from the CBLDF's auction archive. Support free speech and witness blockbuster art made before your eyes at the New York Comic-Con! SUNDAY! AT THE SHOW: CBLDF Presents: Speaking Freely with Frank Miller 1:00 PM At NYCC! For nearly three decades, Frank Miller has been redefining comics, media, and the place each enjoys in the wider cultural conversation. From the reinvigoration of Batman and Daredevil to the whole cloth creation of Sin City as a 21st Century blockbuster franchise, Miller always makes a mark on the media he touches. Join him as he is interviewed by CBLDF Executive Director Charles Brownstein for a free-wheeling discussion of his creative life as one of the strongest voices in popular culture. This interview will be followed by a special auction of Frank Miller rarities from the CBLDF Auction Archive. A must see for every Miller fan! Also be sure to visit the CBLDF at booth 120 for a great mix of signed books to benefit the Fund and some surprise events so limited that we can't announce them in this space! For more information on New York Comic-Con, please visit http://www.nycomiccon.com +++++ From Jim McCann at Marvel Comics http://www.marvel.com Bianchi's Variant Squadron Supreme #1 Cover Revealed Spinning out of the fan-favorite Supreme Power series is the new ongoing series Squadron Supreme. And in order to make Squadron Supreme #1 a "supreme" launch, Marvel is releasing a variant cover as well as a variant sketch cover by superstar artist Simone Bianchi. No longer a MAX title, Squadron Supreme will continue the story of the Supreme Universe started in Supreme Power. The original Squadron Supreme ended up ruling the world. Does the creative team of J. Michael Straczynski and Gary Frank have a similar fate in store for this incarnation of the Squadron Supreme? The cast of Supreme Power, including Hyperion, Nighthawk, Blur, Power Princess, Doctor Spectrum and others are being joined by a new group of super heroes to form the Squadron Supreme. The US government is looking to use the team to destroy threats both domestic and abroad, but Mark Milton's constant insubordination may lead the government to have to deal with the ever-growing threat of Hyperion, instead. In order to spread the word about the launch of Squadron Supreme, Marvel is placing 4 preview pages from the first issue in several of the publisher's top selling titles. Not only is Squadron Supreme getting a variant cover, a variant sketch cover, and previews in top-selling books, but a Squadron Supreme poster is being released as well. Be sure to make your comic experience "supreme" with the launch of Squadron Supreme this March. SQUADRON SUPREME #1 (JAN062014) Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI Pencils & Cover by GARY FRANK 32 PGS./Parental Advisory ...$2.99 FOC - 3/2, On Sale - 3/22/2006 SQUADRON SUPREME #1 BIANCHI VARIANT (DEC058377D) Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI Pencils & Cover by GARY FRANK 32 PGS./Parental Advisory ...$2.99 FOC - 3/2, On Sale - 3/22/2006 SQUADRON SUPREME #1 BIANCHI SKETCH VARIANT (DEC058378J) Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI Pencils & Cover by GARY FRANK 32 PGS./Parental Advisory ...$2.99 FOC - 3/2, On Sale - 3/22/2006 SQUADRON SUPREME POSTER (DEC052085) 24"x36"/ FC ...$6.99 Giant Size Ms. Marvel Sells Out Giant Size Ms. Marvel #1 has sold out at Diamond and Carol Danvers continues the comeback of a lifetime in her new ongoing series Ms. Marvel beginning this March. Ms. Marvel has always struggled with mediocrity, but after seeing her potential realized in the House of M, Carol Danvers decides she is going to be the best super hero she can be. Her conviction is going to be put to the test right out the gate as an alien invasion of the Brood threatens to destroy Earth and only Ms. Marvel stands in their way. But is it really an invasion or are the Brood looking to hide from something even more sinister than themselves? Written by Brian Reed (Spider-Woman: Origin) with pencils by searing-hot newcomer Roberto De La Torre and Michael Turner providing a variant cover to issue #1, Ms. Marvel is ready to take its rightful place among the comic elite. Giant Size Ms. Marvel #1 sold out at Diamond so be sure to get your copies of Ms. Marvel #1 and its variant covers by Michael Turner quickly before they're gone. MS. MARVEL #1 (JAN062040D) Written by BRIAN REED Penciled by ROBERTO DE LA TORRE Cover by FRANK CHO 32 PGS./T+ SUGGESTED FOR TEENS AND UP ...$2.99 On Sale - 3/1/2006 MS. MARVEL #1 TURNER VARIANT (DEC058186D) Written by BRIAN REED Penciled by ROBERTO DE LA TORRE Cover by FRANK CHO 32 PGS./T+ SUGGESTED FOR TEENS AND UP ...$2.99 On Sale - 3/1/2006 MS. MARVEL #1 SKETCH VARIANT (DEC058187J) Written by BRIAN REED Penciled by ROBERTO DE LA TORRE Cover by FRANK CHO 32 PGS./T+ SUGGESTED FOR TEENS AND UP ...$2.99 On Sale - 3/1/2006 Hulk SMASH Sales, Gets Second Printing By Popular Demand! Fans around the world agree, PLANET HULK is a hit. In its first week on sale, Incredible Hulk #92 sold-out! This epic story destined to return Hulk to greatness, is being hailed as a legendary storyline that comic fans will be talking about for years to come! Did you miss it? Want to get a copy for a friend? Fear not, True Believers! Marvel is pleased to announce that we are going back to press on this sold-out issue with an all-new cover by superstar artist Bryan Hitch! And the best news? It will be in stores just in time for part two in Incredible Hulk #93! Want an sneak peek at the new cover? Here it is! INCREDIBLE HULK #92 SECOND PRINTING BRYAN HITCH VARIANT Written by GREG PAK Penciled by CARLO PAGULAYAN Cover by BRYAN HITCH 32 PGS./T+ SUGGESTED FOR TEENS AND UP ...$2.99 FOC - 3/2, On Sale - 3/22/2006 INCREDIBLE HULK #93 Written by GREG PAK Penciled by CARLO PAGULAYAN Cover by LADR?„?NN 32 PGS./T+ SUGGESTED FOR TEENS AND UP ...$2.99 FOC - 3/2, On Sale - 3/22/2006 Seeing Double: Spidey and Black Cat Take on Two Lizards in Sensational Spider-Man #24 What can be worse than being stalked by the Lizard? The answer is two Lizards looking to tear you limb from limb. Sensational Spider-Man #24 continues the "Feral" storyline where Spider-Man finds his more animalistic foes becoming more bestial. Some help shows up in the form of his ex- girlfriend the Black Cat, but when Felicia begins to succumb to the same effects, Spider-Man finds himself in deep trouble. Mike Rutschky of SilverBulletComics.com says part 1 of "Feral" in Sensational Spider-Man #23 is "entertaining.I'll definitely be there for the next issue." Adam Messano of WellReadPress.com calls it "an intriguing story by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa." Formerly a Marvel Knights title, Sensational Spider- Man has made an impressive debut with both fans and retailers. Sensational Spider-Man #23 has sold out at Diamond thanks to the sensational new title and the new creative team of Aguirre-Sacasa and Medina. And if you're in New York City this weekend, be sure to meet the writer behind Sensational Spider-Man, Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, at the New York Comic Con. Aguirre-Sacasa will be making a signing appearance at the Marvel booth this Sunday, February 25th, from 11-1pm. Be sure to get your hands on part 2 of "Feral" in Sensational Spider-Man #24 while you can because if these preview pages are any indication, it's going to go fast. MARVEL KNIGHTS SPIDER-MAN #24 Written by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa Pencils & Cover by Angel Medina 32 PGS./T+ SUGGESTED FOR TEENS AND UP ...$2.99 On Sale - 3/8/2006 Road to Civil War off to Amazing Start with Amazing Spider-Man #529 Despite a huge overprint, Amazing Spider-Man #529 sold out Tuesday afternoon from Diamond. Fans should note that retailers should be fully stocked on the first print, but Marvel is rushing the same Bryan Hitch cover, noted as a second printing, back to press. This issue not only starts the road to Civil War, but also is the first appearance of Spider-Man's new "Iron Spider" costume. "If this is any indication of sales for the Civil War event, we are off to a tremendous start," says Marvel's Vice President of Sales David Gabriel. "Retailers should check their orders on New Avengers: Illuminati Special and Fantastic Four #536, the next chapters on the road to Civil War. "Thanks to retailers and fans for making Amazing Spider-Man #529 an instant success." AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #529 SECOND PRINTING Diamond Code Should Be Available and Open Thursday Morning Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI Pencils & Cover by RON GARNEY 32 PGS./T+ SUGGESTED FOR TEENS AND UP ...$2.50 FOC - 2/28, On Sale - 3/15/2006 NEW AVENGERS ILLUMINATI (JAN062042) Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS Penciled by ALEX MALEEV Cover by GABRIELE DELL'OTTO 48 PGS./Rated A ...$3.99 FOC - 3/9, On Sale - 3/29/2006 FANTASTIC FOUR #536 (JAN062022) Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI Pencils & Cover by MIKE MCKONE A mysterious object has fallen from the heavens to crash in the Midwest, and Reed Richards has been called in to try to piece together the mystery surrounding it. What is it--and how will it lead into CIVIL WAR and the return of a Marvel mainstay? 32 PGS./Rated A ...$2.99 FOC - 3/9, On Sale - 3/29/2006 +++++ From THE PULSE by Heidi MacDonald and Jennifer Contino at: http://www.comicon.com/pulse/ NOMINATIONS FOR THE 2006 JOE SHUSTER AWARDS FOR CANADIAN COMIC BOOK CREATORS ANNOUNCED February 20, 2006 The Shuster Awards are named in honour of JOE SHUSTER, the Canadian-born co-creator of Superman. (1914-1992). The Shuster Awards are currently presented at the annual Paradise Comics Toronto Comicon (April 28-30, 2006). All nominees in each category are for work and/or achievements from the previous calendar year. (2006 awards will be for work published in 2005). Outstanding Canadian Comic Book Writer Note: For the purpose of defining writer vs. cartoonist, writers who also drew their own stories are classified as cartoonists, not writers. However, a cartoonist can be nominated for writer if someone else drew the work in question. - SAMM BARNES Doctor Spectrum 5-6, Spectacular Spider-Man 23-26 & Strange 4-6 (with/avec J. Michael Straczynski) (Marvel Comics) - IAN BOOTHBY Futurama 22, Simpsons Comics 102-108, 110-111, 113, Futurama/Simpsons: Crossover Crisis Part Two 1-2 (Bongo Comics) - RAY FAWKES (with/avec Hans Rodionoff - USA) Mnemovore 1-6 (DC Comics/Vertigo) - JOE O'BRIEN & TY TEMPLETON, (co-writers) Revolution on the Planet of the Apes 1 (Mr. Comics) - J. TORRES Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight 190-191, Teen Titans Go! 15-26 (DC Comics) Love As A Foreign Language 2, 3 (Oni Press) Outstanding Canadian Comic Book Artist An artist is someone who illustrated someone else's story (not their own), and has worked in any medium ---- such as pencil, ink, paint, collage, etc. - ADRIAN ALPHONA, Runaways Vol. 2 1-6, 9-11 (Marvel Comics) - DALE EAGLESHAM, Villains United 1-2, 4-6 (DC Comics) - DAVID FINCH, New Avengers 2-6, 11-13 (Marvel Comics) - PIA GUERRA, Y: The Last Man 30-31, 36-39 (DC/Vertigo), Spider-Man Unlimited 10 (Marvel) - IGOT KORDEY, Smoke 1-3 (IDW) - THIERRY LABROSSE, Morea Tome 4: Un parfum d'eternite (Editions Soleil) - JACQUES LAMONTAGNE, Les Druides Tome.1: Le Mystere des Oghams (Editions Soleil) Outstanding Canadian Comic Book Cartoonist (Writer/Artist) A Cartoonist is someone who wrote and illustrated their own work. If someone else wrote the work they are only eligible as Artist, if someone else drew the work they are only eligible as Writer. - SCOTT CHANTLER, Northwest Passage 1 (Oni Press) - DARWYN COOKE, Solo 5 (DC Comics) - BRYAN LEE O'MALLEY, Scott Pilgrim Vol. 2: Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (Oni Press) - SETH, Wimbledon Green: The Greatest Comic Book Collector in the World (Drawn & Quarterly) - LEIF TANDE, Morlac (Editions de la Pasteque) Outstanding Canadian Comic Book Publisher The company should have published the work under their own company name, not under the umbrella of an American company and had the book distributed nationally and/or internationally. - DRAWN & QUARTERLY, www.drawnandquarterly.com - EDITIONS DE LA PASTEQUE, www.lapasteque.com - EDITIONS PREMIERES LIGNES, www.premiereslignes.com - SPEAKEASY COMICS, www.speakeasycomics.com - UDON COMICS, www.capcomcomics.com, www.udoncomics.com Outstanding International Comic Book Creator Canadian fans can now nominate their favorite International Comic Book Creator who had work published during the previous calendar year. Please note: this will be a write-in category on the ballot. All names will be tallied and the creator with the highest votes will be selected. Harry Kremer Outstanding Canadian Comic Book Retailer Award Shops are nominated by the Canadian public and a separate Retailer Award Committee will review all materials received and select a store that has shown merit in a variety of categories. Named after the late Harry Kremer, original owner of Now & Then Books (in Kitchener, Ontario) http://shusterawards.com/download/SHUSTER_AWARDS_retailer.pdf The Canadian Comic Book Creator Hall of Fame A career achievement award honouring Canadian comic book creators for their contributions to comic books. Inductees are selected by a panel of Canadian historians.. Inductees will be announced in March 2006 VOTING BEGINS MARCH 4, 2006 VOTING FINISHES MIDNIGHT APRIL 7, 2006 www.shusterawards.com shusterawards@yahoo.ca Shuster Awards 16 Northumberland Street Toronto, Ontario M6H 1P7 PH: 416-535-6710 Fax: 416-536-9892 WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON APRIL 29, 2006 @ 7 :30 PM at the Paradise Comics Toronto Comicon www.torontocomicon.com Thanks for subscribing to the Comic Book Network Electronic Magazine (CBEM) --------------------------->Disclaimer<--------------------------- This is an ANNOUNCE only mailing list, only the Editor can send messages to the list. No one else has access to the subscriber list. Replies to these messages will be received by the Editor ONLY, so you must CC: individual contributors if you want them to get your E-Mail. The E-mail to the E-mag MAY be used in future issues at the Editor's discretion UNLESS you specifically request that they not be. It is our policy to withhold names and/or Addresses, by request only, from letters of comment. All contributors are required to use their real name and have a valid Email address for their columns to be published. Send Email comments to: ComicBkNet@aol.com Material for inclusion in the Emag - press releases, solicitations, column submissions, Letters to the Editor, guesses for the trivia contest should be sent to ComicBkNet@aol.com The EDITOR, not the submitter, has final approval and edit rights on ALL material. Printed comic books and advanced copies for review in the Emag should be sent via US Mail or UPS to David L. LeBlanc 84 Heather Circle Jefferson, MA 01522-1419 TO Subscribe send a message FROM the intended address to: ComicBookNetworkEmag-subscribe@yahoogroups.com TO Unsubscribe send a message FROM the address to be dropped to: ComicBookNetworkEmag-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com You may also unsubscribe from the Egroups Web page at the short cut below. Shortcut URL to the Egroup page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ComicBookNetworkEmag All contents COPYRIGHT 2006 The Comic Book Network. This messages may be reproduced only in its original form, and in its entirety for non-commercial purposes. Contact the original author(s) or the Editor for permission to use individual items. Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ComicBookNetworkEmag/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: ComicBookNetworkEmag-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ |
|
| << February25, 2006 - [ComicBookNetwork E-Mag] CBEM 564.09 |
February25, 2006 - [ComicBookNetwork E-Mag] CBEM 564.11 >> |
|
ComicBookNetworkEmag Archives Index
|
|
|
Archives powered by Zinester's Mailing List Service
Details on ComicBookNetworkEmag |
Browse for more newsletters at Zinester's Ezine Directory
Managed by Zinester's Mailing List Management |