Twitter Updates for 2009-08-31

• RT @SupermanHomepge: Mild Mannered Reviews – Wednesday Comics #8 http://bit.ly/4f6cyg #
• RT @red5comics: Toronto Fan Expo pics – Neozoic artists, plus an Atomic Robo costume. http://bit.ly/j7QVB #
• RT @GeekSyndicate: Rambo 5 gets a green light http://bit.ly/1446T0 #
• RT @ComicList: Xeric-Grant Funded "Seven Peaches" Sells Out – http://ping.fm/g0bwX #
• RT @comicgoodness: The Forbidden Planet International Blog Log #comics http://bit.ly/Yijde #
• RT @DC_NATION: DCU: The Source – Get a glimpse at Supergirl's double life in SUPERGIRL ANNUAL #1: http://bit.ly/1aism3 #
• RT @JeffLemire: My favorite Post-Apocalyptic comics a http://bit.ly/2WaxPJ #
• RT @brokenfrontier: Exclusive Preview: G-Man: Cape Crisis #2 – http://bit.ly/13wX1e #
• RT @comicmix: Review: 'Syncopated' edited by Brendan Burford http://bit.ly/5H4ZU #
• RT @CBGXtra: TONY ISABELLA reviews ANGEL: BLOOD & TRENCHES: http://bit.ly/rANfC #
• RT @CBCebulski: If you haven't heard, Disney's buying Marvel: http://bit.ly/cNYrA WTF!?!?! #
• RT @SCederlund: New blog post: Marvel now part of Disney? http://bit.ly/3OdHBe #
• RT @MajorSpoilers: Disney buys Marvel – FOR REALZ INTARDWEBZ! http://bit.ly/15b4uZ #
• RT @bleedingcool: New blog post: Disney Buy Marvel Comics http://bit.ly/18AQ04 #
• RT @SCederlund: Also, what does this mean for the Marvel rides at Universal's Island of Adventure theme parks? #
• RT @GeekSyndicate: WOW – Disney buys Marvel for $4 billion! http://bit.ly/49UaPd #
• RT @ronmarz: Wow, Disney & Marvel. Does this mean I get to do the Sojourn/Spider-man crossover that I, uh, never dreamed about? #
• RT @Panelfly: Marvel, bought by Disney http://bit.ly/18rk7G #
• RT @CBR: Disney Acquires Marvel Entertainment http://bit.ly/21VPQy #
• RT @comicmix: Disney Eats Marvel – Update 1 http://bit.ly/U4yPl #
• RT @RokkKrinn: Of course, does this mean that we might see a Pixar Spider-Man movie? #
• RT @SCederlund: How long until Garth Ennis gets to write his definitive Chip & Dale story? #
• RT @SCederlund: RT @Groonk: Wolverine's trademark hair shall now be ear-shaped. #disneybuysmarvel #
• RT @Groonk: new Marvel theme park will feature a Deadpool rollercoaster that constantly breaks the 4th dimension #disneybuysmarvel #
• RT @tompeyer: Holy shit RT @jst5150: Whoa! … Disney Acquires Marvel Entertainment http://bit.ly/21VPQy (via @CBR) #
• RT @hpkomic: McDuck Holdings and Stark Industries begin industrial warfare. IRON MAN VS GIZMODUCK. Written by Jeph Loeb. #disneybuysmarvel #
• RT @Lea_Ada_Franco: Looking forward to Disney Princesses Emma Frost, Crystal, Medusa, Storm and Northstar! #disneybuysmarvel #
• RT @TheJewishDream: "Beauty and the Hank McCoy" #DisneyBuysMarvel #
• RT @RokkKrinn: I guess this means that Boom won't be doing anymore Disney/Pixar comics, huh? Sure looks like it #
• RT @comicbooklive: Guess that fast-tracks the Runaways and Power Pack movies, huh? #disneybuysmarvel #
• RT @GailSimone: I've known the news for three minutes and I'm already tired of Disney/Marvel jokes. #
• RT @VentureComics: For those of you who may have missed my 3 a.m. tweet on Sunday morning, I redid our website. Take a look. http://bit … #
• RT @limaCAT: We demand Kim Possible drawn by Frank Cho @apesandbabes #disneybuysmarvel #
• RT @Newsarama: BREAKING – DISNEY TO ACQUIRE MARVEL: Robert A. Iger, president and CEO, .. http://bit.ly/4m40kT #disneybuysmarvel #
• RT @andeparks: Whoa. Joe Q won't be able to poke DC for their corporate support dollars anymore! #
• RT @SCederlund: Four words for you: Desperate Housewives- The Comic. #
• RT @CBGXtra: Disney/Marvel http://bit.ly/3tZDrg #
• RT @iFanboy: DISNEY ACQUIRES MARVEL COMICS – Discuss: http://bit.ly/SKVox #disneybuysmarvel #
• RT @RokkKrinn: Interview with Peter David about X-Factor being re-numbered: http://bit.ly/ozHrB #
• RT @INFECTEDPB503: EXACTLY! RT @GeminiAce: This is horrible news! Disney is buying Marvel Comics. Goddamn it! #disneybuysmarvel #
• RT @mtvsplashpage: Spider-Man Meets Sailor Moon? Kirsten Dunst Goes Anime For McG Music Video http://bit.ly/GRZCL #
• RT @MajorSpoilers: Ten Things You Didn't Know about the Disney/Marvel Deal http://bit.ly/34c8hk #disneybuysmarvel #
• RT @comicmix: Disney Eats Marvel – Update 2 http://bit.ly/47AEaP #disneybuysmarvel #
• RT @mtvsplashpage: 'The Green Hornet' Delayed To Winter 2010 http://bit.ly/156R9d #
• RT @Agent_M: Photo: @Marvel Comics Editor-in-Chief @JoeQuesada speaks truth! via @melapoo: http://bit.ly/r1ytF #
• RT @MajorSpoilers: Disney XD already running 20 hours of Marvel product #
• RT @brokenfrontier: Marvel Disney Call: Disney isn’t pretending to be more of an expert on comics than Marvel is. #
• RT @ronwlim: KACHING… Just sold all my Marvel stock #
• RT @brokenfrontier: Marvel/Disney: Listen to the live conference call here: http://bit.ly/t2Ujy #
• RT @JoeQuesada: Everybody take a deep breath, all your favorite comics remain unchanged and Tom Brevoort remains grouchy. #
• RT @MajorSpoilers: 59 million disney shares to be exchanged #
• RT @Agent_M: RT @Marvel: For everyone asking about Marvel/Disney news, here's the official word: http://is.gd/2Jst6 That's all right now, .. #
• RT @ronmarz: Well, the Marvel-Disney histrionics from the fanboys should be a pretty amusing spectator sport today. #
• RT @scifirules: Why fewer episodes will be better for Chuck's new season #scifi http://bit.ly/4avVs #
• RT @bleedingcool: New blog post: The Mouse Of Ideas – Thinking It Through http://bit.ly/yn1uI #
• RT @MajorSpoilers: 5 more paramount movies under Marvel/Paramount deal – after that, Disney will look at its options #
• RT @MajorSpoilers: "we believe in the team at Marvel, and see no need to upset the apple cart" – Disney #
• RT @BrianReed: All joking aside, the whole Disney/Marvel thing is pretty crazy exciting. #
• RT @JoeQuesada: It feels like Christmas morning. #
• RT @brokenfrontier: #marveldisneycall: Disney will look to broaden both companies’ position in publishing. #
• RT @SpeedsterSite: http://twitpic.com/fz35n – Barry Allen sketch by Ethan Van Sciver via Toronto Fan Expo #
• RT @Newsarama: VIDEO: Disney to Acquire Marvel for $4 Billion: Robert A. Iger, president and CEO, The Walt Disney ..http://bit.ly/NMpvv #
• RT @loveandcapes: Disney/Marvel– what the? And what does this mean for Boom? #
• RT @SpeedForceOrg: Disney/Marvel doesn't seem all that different from Warner Bros./DC when you think about it. Bugs vs. Mickey. #
• RT @ohsuperheroine: Blog Post: My Last Marvel/Disney Post (for now): The "Spider-Man And His Amazing Friends" theme.. http://bit.ly/iz5Kc #
• RT @CBCebulski: RT @Alejandrobot: The Times article on this whole deal has some good insights: http://bit.ly/y9LOZ #
• RT @CBGXtra: RT @AntiqueTrader FREE shipping on Shop.Collect.com orders placed by Sept. 2. http://bit.ly/gwLRs #
• RT @bleedingcool: New blog post: The Marvel/Disney Conference Call http://bit.ly/OXpIe #disneybuysmarvel #
• RT @andydiggle: Let's remember Disney owned Miramax when they made films like RESERVOIR DOGS, PULP FICTION, TRAINSPOTTING and THE CROW. #
• RT @Newsarama: POLL: Is Disney/Marvel Merger Good or Bad?: What is your initial reaction to the Disney/Marvel http://bit.ly/fOrUC #
• RT @VanetaRogers: I talk to folks in the comics industry about the Disney/Marvel deal – http://bit.ly/sSgoU #
• RT @Marvel: Disney to Acquire Marvel Entertainment http://is.gd/2Jz2H The official news on Marvel.com and link to the conference call #
• RT @ivanbrandon: one thing is for sure… how amazing would a pixar-made marvel movie be? #
• RT @ivanbrandon: also, disney needs to put in my last invoice, daddy needs a new pair of everything. #
• RT @Comixace: Just catching up on marvel Disney stuff at the Beat. Will be updating regularly as stuff comes in. #
• RT @tunegeek: RT @CNESEMAN: Disney owns ESPN, and Donald Duck isn't a Sports Center anchor. Relax people. #
• RT @mtvsplashpage: Joel Silver Hints At New 'Swamp Thing' Movie… In 3D? http://bit.ly/BC8wP #
• RT @comicsnews: Newsarama says comic industry insiders see plus for Marvel is Disney acquisition. http://bit.ly/14yWkW #
• RT @JoeQuesada: Some of your questions answered http://bit.ly/xSq7g #
• RT @DanSlott: Squirrel Girl on Toon Disney. Hey, it could happen. That's my one-and-only comment. Back to work… #
• RT @MajorSpoilers: New post: Review: The Red Circle: The Shield One-Shot (http://bit.ly/kR3Ud) #
• RT @SpeedForceOrg: So where does Disney/Marvel leave BOOM!'s Pixar & Muppet comics? http://bit.ly/1z5CZx #
• RT @bleedingcool: New blog post: Rodent Reaction – And A Little Unspinning http://bit.ly/sXztZ #
• RT @DarkHorseDeluxe: Dark Horse is now the biggest in the WORLD (that hasn't been bought out) http://bit.ly/4BspHv #
• RT @JAFlanagan: On twitter you get to see fans AND pros freak out about things they don't have all the info on. #
• RT @Robot6: The Mouse of Ideas: More on Disney's purchase of Marvel: As you've heard from CBR, pretty much every news http://bit.ly/xitVV #
• RT @Newsarama: Marvel/Disney Offer More Acquisition Details To Investors: A Monday morning conference call with Marvel http://bit.ly/pDs3u #
• RT @NewsaramaBlog: More Marvel-Disney Reaction Roundups: Wow, has it been a crazy morning in the comics industry! It was http://bit.ly/QRDTo #
• RT @DC_NATION: DCU: The Source – How about some JUSTICE LEAGUE: CRY FOR JUSTICE #3 pages?: http://bit.ly/wEMY4 #
• RT @MajorSpoilers: New post: Major Spoilers Poll of the Week: Disney buys Marvel (http://bit.ly/N1H9R) #
• RT @WindyCityCon: Press Release: Windy City Comicon Suits Up For Action #
• RT @CBR: Media & Wall Street Reaction to Disney/Marvel News http://bit.ly/R6Wdm #
• RT @iFanboy: New To Comics Glossary – This is the funniest piece of comics writing you'll read today. Easy. http://bit.ly/mp2iX #
• RT @Templesmith: Since everyone is asking about my thoughts on D buying M: It's capitalism, that's about it. #
• RT @CBR: Dynamite Titles On Sale September 2, 2009 http://bit.ly/tx4Bs #
• RT @malki: tremendous article by someone who Gets It http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6686606.html #
• RT @ComicGeekSpeak: Boy, are we glad we didn't release a new episode today. haha. #
• RT @CBR: "Batman: Arkham Asylum" Awarded a Guinness World Record http://bit.ly/13T0ts #
• RT @CBR: Ottley Makes A Difference on "Haunt" http://bit.ly/WAAcp #
• RT @CBR: Take Your Favorite "Archie" Comics Everywhere You Go On The Sony PSP http://bit.ly/1acZ01 #
• RT @mattfraction: i'm MUCH more stunned by the news that the Brian Jones death case is being reopened. #
• RT @slieber234: Twitterers are asking "What's #Whiteout about?" Go read the 1st issue of the comic for free! http://tinyurl.com/nmp9pj #
• RT @mtvsplashpage: Disney Acquires Marvel Comics, Provokes Stampede In Today's Twitter Report http://bit.ly/5cBxa #
• RT @mtvsplashpage: Guillermo Del Toro Eyes 'Deadman' Adaptation http://bit.ly/iGIF7 #
• RT @scifirules: The Real Batman To Return In 2010? [Batman Not Rip] #scifi http://bit.ly/rFc4D #
• Disney comic pitch: "Mickey Mouse: Origins" #disneybuysmarvel #disneycomicpitch #
• RT @Newsarama: More Industry Reaction to MARVEL/DISNEY: Newsarama is still canvassing the industry ranks seeking reac.. http://bit.ly/wBoSw #
• Disney comic pitch: "Pirates of the Caribbean: Marve; Zombies" #disneybuysmarvel #disneycomicpitch #
• Disney comic pitch: "Dark Reign: New Mickey Mouse Club" #disneybuysmarvel #disneycomicpitch #
• RT @SpeedForceOrg: Complete Flash issue of Super Powers at Crimson Lightning http://bit.ly/eNUft #
• RT @Marvel: Fan Expo Canada '09 Round-Up http://is.gd/2JQxX All the news from last weekend's big show, all in one spot! #
• RT @CBCebulski: Chris Samnee's M.O.D.U.C.K. is my favorite mash-up so far: http://twitpic.com/fzqqa #
• RT @JoeQuesada: My favorite part of this is that Bendis will be just shortly waking up to the news. #
• RT @BRIANMBENDIS: my dream of 'a bug's life' dissassembled just got a little closer to reality #
• RT @jeffparker: My non-thoughts on the Disney acquisition: http://bit.ly/13rXAk #
• RT @scifirules: Watch the new Stargate Universe trailer #scifi http://bit.ly/F5vjK #
• RT @BRIANMBENDIS: am i getting my hands on tron before rom? #
• RT @VanetaRogers: Other publishers and others react to Disney/Marvel news – http://bit.ly/JYgOo #
• RT @brokenfrontier: Disney/Marvel: Creators Respond – http://bit.ly/67OwW #disneybuysmarvel #
• RT @comicmix: The Point Radio: What Does Marvel/Disney Really Mean? http://bit.ly/2RoNgI #
• RT @CBR: Fan Expo: Darwyn Cooke http://bit.ly/xy42m #
• RT @jpalmiotti: congrats to all my marvel comic friends today. #
• RT @mtvsplashpage: Three Burning Questions Surrounding The Disney/Marvel Deal http://bit.ly/sbi9T #
• RT @comicmix: Disney Eats Marvel: The Analysis http://bit.ly/BcOwP #
• FB RT: Marv Wolfman As an Editor-in-Chief of Marvel and founding Editor of Disney Adventures, my thoughts: http://bit.ly/ORKiz #
• RT @CBR: Fan Expo: Aspen Comics http://bit.ly/37OMy #
• RT @CBCebulski: The Wall Street Journal weighs in on the Disney/Marvel merger: http://bit.ly/6yBVc #
• RT @DC_NATION: DCU: The Source – Close out the day with a first look at RED TORNADO #1: http://bit.ly/3mMF9G #
• RT @bleedingcool: New blog post: The Ten Questions Marvel And Disney Have To Answer http://bit.ly/PKHuN #
• RT @mtvsplashpage: Wow. The Toxic Avenger rang the opening bell for the New York Stock Exchange today?!? http://is.gd/2JZHd #
• RT @Marvel: Psych Ward: The Black Cat http://is.gd/2JZMy Marvel’s resident therapist examines the on-again, off-again master thief. #
• RT @ComicVine: Check out Inferiorego's 5 Returning Comic Cover Trends: http://bit.ly/6sU4j #
• RT @CBR: "Star Trek," "Watchmen" Dominate "SCREAM 2009" Nominations http://bit.ly/89×4y #
• RT @warrenellis: Hm. Have been instructed to make Bambi a member of the X-Men. #
• RT @lucasartsgames: Seems Amazon is having a huge sale on The Force Unleashed. Held out buying it? It's $10! http://bit.ly/tfu999 #
• RT @Marvel: Read five free digital comics for the week of August 31! http://is.gd/2K20z NEW AVENGERS: THE REUNION, UNCANNY X-MEN and more! #
• RT @Newsarama: 10 QUESTIONS the Marvel/Disney Acquisition Raises: So while the world still absorbs the news, .. http://bit.ly/2hilFp #
• RT @ComicList: ComicList: Marvel Comics for 09/02/2009 – http://ping.fm/pBTIw #
• RT @mtvsplashpage: Christian Bale's Batman Voice Was 'Over The Top,' Says 'Arkham Asylum' Actor Kevin Conroy http://bit.ly/3par5P #
• RT @ComicList: Justice League Cry For Justice #1 And 2 Sell Out – http://ping.fm/6i2TY #
• RT @GeekTyrant: Del Toro denies THE HOBBIT 3D rumors Admits 3D conversion http://su.pr/2Pff2E #
• RT @robotcomics: Steven Sander's was recently announced as the artist of Marvel's S.W.O.R.D. #
• RT @comicgoodness: Guillermo del Toro Developing Adaption of DC's Deadman #comics http://bit.ly/2qbOIO #
• RT @scifirules: Star Trek snags 17 Scream Awards nominations #scifi http://bit.ly/1Cx04T #
• RT @cskilpatrick: DId something happen today? Was there some news or something? #
• RT @JAFlanagan: If anyone wanted to buy me the Absolute V for Vendetta, I'm just letting you know I'm cool with that. #
• RT @mtvsplashpage: Rose McGowan Says She's 'Still Contracted To Do Red Sonja,' Hopes To Begin Filming In 2010 http://bit.ly/EkRJc #
• RT @comicmix: Disney Eats Marvel: The most disturbing image of the day (so far) http://bit.ly/12Xk0r #
• RT @comicart1: What the Disney/Marvel Deal Means: Will Pixar Develop Marvel … http://bit.ly/Xpm2M #
• RT @zudacomics: A brief word about some scheduled down time on the site tomorrow: http://bit.ly/11fjDN #
• RT @brokenfrontier: No Redemption: Mark Waid Talks Irredeemable http://bit.ly/9FFua #
• RT @CBR: J. Torres Talks "WALL-E" at BOOM! http://bit.ly/3nmcVi #
• RT @BRIANMBENDIS: if this merger has taught us anything is comedy writing isn't for everyone #
• RT @TitaniumRain: Please REPOST: An Open Letter to Comic Retailers- @AwakeningComic Update! http://bit.ly/tf2GC #
• RT @CBR: Industry Reaction to Disney/Marvel News http://bit.ly/yRtJ5 #
• RT @mtvsplashpage: Christian Bale Voted Most Popular Batman! http://bit.ly/lLWbH #
• RT @stephenchristy: CNN got the Stan Lee interview http://bit.ly/362S8p #
• RT @laura_hudson: My analysis of the Marvel/Disney merger, and what it means for us: http://bit.ly/7HFxI #
• RT @SpeedForceOrg: CBR & Mark Waid talk about "technology advancing faster than Velocity on a caffeine high" http://bit.ly/RwHvp #
• RT @comicsalliance: What does the Marvel/Disney merger really mean for you? We break it down: http://bit.ly/7HFxI ERROR #
• RT @comicmix: Jack Kirby draws Mickey Mouse as Disney gets Marvelized http://bit.ly/XQWxE #
• RT @ComicVine: Review: Jimmy Olsen Special #2: The Death of ____ ____. Pretty crazy stuff. http://bit.ly/iAcNt #
• RT @ComicList: Reactions To The Disney Purchase Of Marvel Comics – http://ping.fm/Jtmjy #
• RT @ComicGeekSpeak: In other news, Dreamworks Animation buys Defiant Comics. #
• RT @ComicVine: A couple takes on the Marvel/Disney deal in case you haven't had enough: http://bit.ly/3aRku and http://bit.ly/EB1j #
• RT @ComicList: Small Press Expo Announces Four New Guests for SPX 2009 –
  http://ping.fm/1b7GP #
• RT @comicnews: Disney CEO Explains the Reasoning Behind the Marvel Deal http://bit.ly/9KkxX #
• RT @VanetaRogers: My Disney/Marvel story made it to the front page of Yahoo News. Always cool to see comics news get mainstream exposure. #
• RT @comicart1: Stan Lee gives Disney-Marvel his blessing http://bit.ly/eeM0W #
• RT @TheNerdyBird: I feel strange when people who follow 10k+ people start following me. No one can possibly keep up with that. #
• RT @scifirules: The Last Temptation Of Jean-Claude Van Damme [Found Footage] #scifi http://bit.ly/3XN6X #
• RT @GeekSyndicate: Fantastic Four to get a reboot http://bit.ly/4gCLy0 #

Powered by Twitter Tools

What Disney-Marvel Means for More Deal Making – Deal Journal – WSJ

What Disney-Marvel Means for More Deal Making – Deal Journal – WSJ

* August 31, 2009, 3:05 PM ET

What Disney-Marvel Means for More Deal Making

Walt Disney’s $4 billion acquisition of Marvel Entertainment represents the kind of deal that the global financial crisis had practically silenced.

Disney says its primary reason for acquiring Marvel–and for paying a hefty premium for the creator of Spiderman, Daredevil and other popular comic characters–is that it simply liked the company and wanted its assets.

“This was a company that we admired that we saw growing right before our eyes, that we were impressed with,’” Disney chief Bob Iger told investors during a conference call Monday. “So it was not driven by anything other than continued interest in what Marvel is and what they have done and a continued desire at this company to look for great creativity, great creative people, great intellectual property.”

He added: “We don’t have any…problematic strategic holes. We did not have any situation that in any way suggested that this was a must-do deal.”

Under most circumstances, there would be nothing unusual about Iger’s comments. But this is no normal year. Until Disney announced its bid for Marvel this morning, August had been the slowest month for M&A deal volume since researcher Dealogic began keeping records in 1995.

And many of this year’s deals have been driven by the interests of near-term survival, not primarily by long-term growth. Pharmaceutical giants have acquired bio-technology companies to replenish badly depleted drug pipelines. Mergers in the energy, agriculture and home building sectors have been driven largely by a belief that bigger companies are better able to weather a global recession and falling commodity prices.

Then consider Baker Hughes’ $5.5 billion acquisition of BJ Services, also announced today. Baker Hughes said it needed BJ’s pumping operations to better compete in the oilfield business internationally, while BJ Services determined it could compete more effectively when combined with a larger company. Baker Hughes paid a 16% premium to BJ Services’ Friday closing price. Investors, worried that Baker Hughes overpaid, sent the stock tumbling 8.5% in afternoon trading.

Disney didn’t do much to sugar coat the 29% premium it is paying for Marvel. “We are acquiring a premium company at a premium set of assets, and for that I think you have to pay a full and fair price,’’ Disney Chief Financial Officer Tom Staggs said on the call. Disney shares fell 3%, mostly on concerns that the cash-stock deal would be dilutive in the near term.

For Disney, the deal means it can use Marvel’s Spidey and Hulk franchises to tap into an older, male audience. (Girls tend to like Disney more than boys.) Of course, Disney may have overpaid for Marvel. After all, how many more blockbusters can be created from Marvel’s library of 5,000 lesser known comic book characters?

And one deal does not a trend make. Still, Disney may have broached a psychological barrier in M&A by completing a deal that neither company says it needed to do. And it could signal that other companies with sizable cash reserves and strong balance sheets may start switching back to offense from defense. Perhaps the old normal is back.

UPDATE: Disney To Buy Marvel Enterprises For $4 Billion – Dow Jones Newswires

By Nat Worden

Of DOW JONES NEWSWIRES

NEW YORK -(Dow Jones)- Mickey Mouse, meet the X-Men.

The Walt Disney Co. (DIS) said Monday it agreed to buy Marvel Entertainment Inc. (MVL), the creator of Spider-Man, the X-Men and thousands of other characters, for about $4 billion in the company’s largest acquisition since it bought Pixar Animation Studios in 2006.

The deal opens a new chapter in Disney’s long history, adding a slew of new, globally recognized movie characters – such as Iron Man, Spider-Man, X-Men, Captain America, Fantastic Four and Thor – to its deep bench of classic and contemporary icons. It also adds countless lesser-known storylines and characters that Disney hopes to introduce to the world.

The deal marks the first big media deal since companies began hoarding cash last fall during the global financial crisis. Aside from the economic downturn, Disney’s move amounts to a rare display of confidence in an industry that’s muddling though a daunting transition to digital media amid growing doubts about its traditional business models.

Disney Chief Executive Robert Iger said during a conference call Monday that Marvel was an attractive target for Disney despite the challenges facing the media industry, such as the decline of DVD sales, that has hurt profitability at major film studios.

“They’re not bulletproof. They are not immune from the changes that we’re seeing, but they have established a footing that we think is more solid than what you typically see in the nonbranded non-character driven movie,” said Iger.

Disney shares were down 3.9% at $25.80 while Marvel shares jumped 25% to $ 48.32. Shares ofDreamWorks Animation SKG Inc. (DWA) were up 5% to $33.25 on the prospect of more acquisitions in media and entertainment.

“This is another sign that confidence is returning to the marketplace, ” said Miller Tabak analyst David Joyce.

The Disney-Marvel marriage fits with the strategy du jour for major media conglomerates such as Disney andTime Warner Inc. (TWX) of driving revenue from popular content over time across the globe and multiple technology and entertainment platforms.

Disney has a unique array of businesses to execute the strategy with its global sales and distribution infrastructure, its theme parks, its video game and merchandising businesses and its cable and broadcast TV networks. For its part, Marvel is a particularly attractive target for the company given its appeal to younger male audiences, while Disney has shown outsized strength with females through properties like Hannah Montana and the Jonas Brothers.

High Price For Premium Assets

Under the agreement, Marvel shareholders will receive $30 a share in cash plus about 0.745 Disney share for each Marvel share. Based on Friday’s closing prices, the deal is valued at $50 per Marvel share, about a 29% premium.

Miller Tabak’s Joyce noted that Disney is paying a steep valuation for Marvel, but he views the deal as a “good long-term strategic move” for the company.

“You can’t expect to pay a bargain price for premium assets,” said Disney Chief Financial Officer Tom Staggs. “Marvel is worth more inside Disney than outside Disney.”

During the conference call following the announcement, Staggs said the company will issue roughly 59 million Disney shares in order to consummate the deal, but the company plans to repurchase the same number of shares over the next year to avoid long-term dilution to its existing shareholders.

Staggs said he expects the deal to be dilutive to Disney shareholders in its fiscal 2010 by a a mid-single-digit percentage, but he expects it to be accretive to shareholders within two years.

The companies said the amount of cash and stock in the deal will be adjusted at closing so that the value of the Disney stock is at least 40% of the purchase price. Besides shareholder backing, the deal will require antitrust approval.

Moody’s Investors Service affirmed its rating on Disney’s debt despite the high cost of the deal, but said that its willingness to spend on acquisitions despite the uncertain economic outlook is inconsistent with the actions of its peers. The credit rating agency said that Disney is a weak A2-rated credit, but noted that the strategic benefit of the Marvel purchase and the ability to generate free-case flow should help improve the company’s debt profile.

Marvel has long-term production and distribution deals in place with Disney competitors, including Sony Corp.’s (SNE) Sony Entertainment, News Corp.’s ( NWSA) 20th Century Fox Films and Viacom Inc.’s (VIA) Paramount Pictures, which complicate the company’s strategic position.

News Corp., which is parent of Dow Jones & Co., publisher of this news service, declined to comment.Viacom and Sony weren’t immediately available to comment.

In many cases, it will take years before Disney can garner anything more than licensing fees from some key Marvel characters, but Staggs said those revenue are attractive and the company will have the option of ending those deals over time and integrating them into Disney.

Marvel Chief Executive Ike Perlmutter will continue to oversee the Marvel properties, which have branched out into animated television series and live- action films. Marvel earned a net profit of $206 million last fiscal year, up 47 percent from a year earlier, on revenue of $676 million.

-By Nat Worden, Dow Jones Newswires; 212-416-2472; nat.worden@dowjones .com

(Mike Barris contributed to this report.)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires
08-31-09 1309ET
Copyright (c) 2009 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

[Press] – GEORGE PEREZ TO HELP LAUNCH “ASSEMBLED! 2″ AT DRAGON*CON

GEORGE PEREZ TO HELP LAUNCH “ASSEMBLED! 2″ AT DRAGON*CON

Famed Avengers artist George Perez will join Editor Van Allen Plexico and contributors Joe Crowe, Keith R. A. DeCandido, and George Kopec in rolling out the new book, ASSEMBLED! 2, at the Comics and Popular Arts
Conference held as part of Dragon*Con in Atlanta, Georgia on Sept. 4, 2009.

Profits from the book go to the HERO Initiative charity for retired comics professionals!

The “Avengers Symposium on ASSEMBLED! 1 and 2” will be held at 1 p.m.  in the “Hanover H” room of the Hyatt Regency hotel. The official book release and a book signing session will follow in Dragon*Con Comics
Artists’ Alley.

“ASSEMBLED! 2 – Earth’s Mightiest Heroes and Villains” is the sequel to the very successful ASSEMBLED! and an intensive examination of all things Avengers. This book focuses on the “Big Three”– Thor, Iron Man, and Captain America– plus the “Big Two” villains, Ultron and Kang! What makes each of them tick? How have their relationships
toward one another evolved over the years, through events such as the Kree-Skrull War or Civil War? What might become of the Big Three in the future?

Additional chapters look at the recent IRON MAN movie plus YOUNG AVENGERS, AVENGERS FOREVER and more. And to top it all off, Marvel Executive Editor Tom Brevoort supplies a fascinating and quite surprising introduction.

The Jarvis Heads combine insightful analysis with humor and sometimes surprising opinions for a total package that will both inform and entertain.

Diamond Preview order info:
SEP091067 ASSEMBLED 2 GT EARTHS MIGHTIEST HEROES & FOES SC

Written by the Jarvis Heads of AvengersAssemble.net, created and edited by Van Allen Plexico, and with an introduction by Marvel Comics Executive Editor Tom Brevoort.

Cover by Anthony Schiavino
Book design by Danny Wall
Asst. Editor Joe Crowe.

Profits from the sale of this book benefit the HERO Initiative charity for retired comics professionals.

SEP091067 ASSEMBLED 2 GT EARTHS MIGHTIEST HEROES & FOES SC

A White Rocket Book. For more information, visit http://www.whiterocketbooks.com

Disney to Acquire Marvel Entertainment – MarketWatch

WTF?!?!?!?!

Coming soon Mickey and Spider-Man crossover

Disney to Acquire Marvel Entertainment – MarketWatch

Aug 31, 2009, 9:00 a.m. EST
Disney to Acquire Marvel Entertainment
Worldwide leader in family entertainment agrees to acquire Marvel and its portfolio of over 5,000 characters

BURBANK, Calif. & NEW YORK, Aug 31, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) — –Acquisition highlights Disney’s strategic focus on quality branded content, technological innovation and international expansion to build long-term shareholder value

–An investor conference call will take place at approximately 10:15 a.m. EDT / 7:15 a.m. PDT August 31, 2009. Details for the call are listed in the release.

Building on its strategy of delivering quality branded content to people around the world, The Walt Disney Company /quotes/comstock/13*!dis/quotes/nls/dis (DIS 26.84, -0.17, -0.63%) has agreed to acquire Marvel Entertainment, Inc. /quotes/comstock/13*!mvl/quotes/nls/mvl (MVL 38.65, +0.41, +1.07%) in a stock and cash transaction, the companies announced today.

Under the terms of the agreement and based on the closing price of Disney on August 28, 2009, Marvel shareholders would receive a total of $30 per share in cash plus approximately 0.745 Disney shares for each Marvel share they own. At closing, the amount of cash and stock will be adjusted if necessary so that the total value of the Disney stock issued as merger consideration based on its trading value at that time is not less than 40% of the total merger consideration.

Based on the closing price of Disney stock on Friday, August 28, the transaction value is $50 per Marvel share or approximately $4 billion.

“This transaction combines Marvel’s strong global brand and world-renowned library of characters including Iron Man, Spider-Man, X-Men, Captain America, Fantastic Four and Thor with Disney’s creative skills, unparalleled global portfolio of entertainment properties, and a business structure that maximizes the value of creative properties across multiple platforms and territories,” said Robert A. Iger, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company. “Ike Perlmutter and his team have done an impressive job of nurturing these properties and have created significant value. We are pleased to bring this talent and these great assets to Disney.”

“We believe that adding Marvel to Disney’s unique portfolio of brands provides significant opportunities for long-term growth and value creation,” Iger said.

“Disney is the perfect home for Marvel’s fantastic library of characters given its proven ability to expand content creation and licensing businesses,” said Ike Perlmutter, Marvel’s Chief Executive Officer. “This is an unparalleled opportunity for Marvel to build upon its vibrant brand and character properties by accessing Disney’s tremendous global organization and infrastructure around the world.”

Under the deal, Disney will acquire ownership of Marvel including its more than 5,000 Marvel characters. Mr. Perlmutter will oversee the Marvel properties, and will work directly with Disney’s global lines of business to build and further integrate Marvel’s properties.

The Boards of Directors of Disney and Marvel have each approved the transaction, which is subject to clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act, certain non-United States merger control regulations, effectiveness of a registration statement with respect to Disney shares issued in the transaction and other customary closing conditions. The agreement will require the approval of Marvel shareholders. Marvel was advised on the transaction by BofA Merrill Lynch.

Investor Conference Call:

An investor conference call will take place at approximately 10:15 a.m. EDT / 7:15 a.m. PDT today, August 31, 2009. To listen to the Webcast, turn your browser to http://corporate.disney.go.com/investors/presentations.html or dial in domestically at 800-260-8140 or internationally at 617-614-3672. For both dial-in numbers, the participant pass code is 51214527.

The discussion will be available via replay on the Disney investors website through September 14, 2009 at 7:00 PM EDT/4:00 PM PDT.

About The Walt Disney Company

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise with five business segments: media networks, parks and resorts, studio entertainment, interactive media and consumer products. Disney is a Dow 30 company with revenues of nearly $38 billion in its most recent fiscal year.

About Marvel Entertainment, Inc.

Marvel Entertainment, Inc. is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a library of over 5,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in licensing, entertainment (via Marvel Studios and Marvel Animation) and publishing (via Marvel Comics).

Forward-Looking Statements:

Certain statements in this communication may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements relate to a variety of matters, including but not limited to: the operations of the businesses of Disney and Marvel separately and as a combined entity; the timing and consummation of the proposed merger transaction; the expected benefits of the integration of the two companies; the combined company’s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements that are not historical fact. These statements are made on the basis of the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the management of Disney and Marvel regarding future events and are subject to significant risks and uncertainty. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Neither Disney nor Marvel undertakes any obligation to update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied. Such differences may result from a variety of factors, including but not limited to:

– legal or regulatory proceedings or other matters that affect the timing or ability to complete the transactions as contemplated;

– the possibility that the expected synergies from the proposed merger will not be realized, or will not be realized within the anticipated time period; the risk that the businesses will not be integrated successfully;

– the possibility of disruption from the merger making it more difficult to maintain business and operational relationships;

– the possibility that the merger does not close, including but not limited to, due to the failure to satisfy the closing conditions;

– any actions taken by either of the companies, including but not limited to, restructuring or strategic initiatives (including capital investments or asset acquisitions or dispositions);

– developments beyond the companies’ control, including but not limited to: changes in domestic or global economic conditions, competitive conditions and consumer preferences; adverse weather conditions or natural disasters; health concerns; international, political or military developments; and technological developments.

Additional factors that may cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements are set forth in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Disney for the year ended September 27, 2008, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on November 20, 2008, under the heading “Item 1A–Risk Factors” and in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Marvel for the year ended December 31, 2008, which was filed with the SEC on February 27, 2009, under the heading “Item 1A–Risk Factors,” and in subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K and other filings made with the SEC by each of Marvel and Disney.

Important Merger Information and Additional Information:

This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval. In connection with the proposed transaction, Disney and Marvel will file relevant materials with the SEC. Disney will file a Registration Statement on Form S-4 that includes a proxy statement of Marvel and which also constitutes a prospectus of Disney. Marvel will mail the proxy statement/prospectus to its stockholders. Investors are urged to read the proxy statement/prospectus regarding the proposed transaction when it becomes available, because it will contain important information. The proxy statement/prospectus and other documents that will be filed by Disney and Marvel with the SEC will be available free of charge at the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov, or by directing a request when such a filing is made to The Walt Disney Company, 500 South Buena Vista Street, Burbank, CA 91521-9722, Attention: Shareholder Services or by directing a request when such a filing is made to Marvel Entertainment, Inc., 417 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10016, Attention: Corporate Secretary.

Disney, Marvel, their respective directors and certain of their executive officers may be considered participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the proposed transaction. Information about the directors and executive officers of Marvel is set forth in its definitive proxy statement, which was filed with the SEC on March 24, 2009. Information about the directors and executive officers of Disney is set forth in its definitive proxy statement, which was filed with the SEC on January 16, 2009. Investors may obtain additional information regarding the interests of such participants by reading the proxy statement/prospectus Disney and Marvel will file with the SEC when it becomes available.

SOURCE: The Walt Disney Company

The Walt Disney Company
Zenia Mucha
Corporate Communications
818-560-5300
or
Jonathan Friedland
Corporate Communications
818-560-8306
or
Lowell Singer
Investor Relations
818-560-6601

Twitter Updates for 2009-08-30

• RT @SpeedForceOrg: Donna Troy is "one of those people a nickname doesn’t stick to, like Jean Grey" – Dan Didio #fanexpo http://is.gd/2GLcM #
• RT @SpeedForceOrg: New post: Flash News from Fan Expo: Rebirth, Series Launch & More http://bit.ly/13sGo2 #fanexpo #
• RT @ComicsBlips: Comic Book Moments of the Week for 08/26/09: #marvel http://bit.ly/p6shz #
• RT @comicart1: Fan Expo May Reach New Attendance Records http://bit.ly/vOnuj #
• RT @gerryconway: Mine too. RT @ericMesquivel: Thinking of @GerryConway & @MarvWolfman playing D&D together makes my head explode. #
• RT @Newsarama: Toronto Fan Expo 2009: Marvel's DARK REIGN Panel: Friday at Toronto's Fan Expo 2009, Marvel held a panel http://bit.ly/vOiIr #
• RT @GeekTyrant: Seth Rogan’s GREEN HORNET Film Moved Back 5 Months http://bit.ly/1J2rJM #
• Holy crap, I think almost all of my comic boxes are stuffed full! Luckily I have three short boxes left I haven't put together #
• RT @comicmix: Something Awful 'improves' Superman http://bit.ly/9RHYz #
• Follow my blog on Twitter! http://bit.ly/421I4e #
• RT @CBR: Fan Expo: Dan DiDio Presents the DCU http://bit.ly/6JFzz #
• RT @iFanboy: iFanboy POTW podcast #199 w/special guest @wood83 talking Batman + Robin, Flash: Rebirth, Fantastic Four : http://bit.ly/L6pp8 #
• RT @ComicGeekSpeak: Josh Neufeld's A.D. features a story about Leo McGovern, our guest in ep.74: http://bit.ly/RY2I2 #
• RT @scifirules: Adam Baldwin Singing Hero of Canton #scifi http://bit.ly/3uIdHB #
• RT @ArchaiaComics If you didn't notice, MOUSE GUARD: WINTER 1152 is on the NY TIMES Bestseller list for a 4th week http://tinyurl.com/mclf23 #
• Just added myself to the http://wefollow.com twitter directory! #
• Just added myself to the http://wefollow.com twitter directory under: #tupleo_ms #comicbooks #comics #comic #
• RT @iversecomics Next week is going to be a big week for iVerse. Lots of interesting stuff happening. #
• RT @CBR: Fan Expo: Guggenheim Hits The "Jackpot" http://bit.ly/riwbn #
• RT @CBR: Fan Expo: Black Talks “War of Gifts” http://bit.ly/4biZgF #
• RT @CBR: Fan Expo: Immonen on “X-Men: Pixie Strikes Back” http://bit.ly/7t0bK #
• RT @CBR: Fan Expo: "Stanley" Cup o’ Joe Comes to Canada http://bit.ly/aftHY #
• RT @BrentSpiner: I'm making my tweets permanent with http://bit.ly/FgNF3 #
• RT @scifirules: Beckinsale denies she's signed for Underworld 4 #scifi http://bit.ly/2ELyeq #
• RT @GailSimone: Serious question of the day. Does the comics industry really need gossamer? #
• RT @comicbox: In the box : Avant-Première VO : Irredeemable #6 http://bit.ly/pLnhH #
• RT @ErikJLarsen: Quit talking about the great comics you're going to do and start doing the great comics you said you're going to do. #
• RT @HeroesCon: Heroes Season 4 spoiler: A Sorority Clash http://bit.ly/14kFDf.. http://twit.ac/EQza #

Powered by Twitter Tools

Follow us on Twitter!

I just created a separate Twitter account for the blog (much to the joy of my “normal” friends), so I can more freely Tweet comic book news and rumors.  Check us out here:

http://twitter.com/tftlongbox

Twitter Updates for 2009-08-29

• RT @comicart1: Matthew Vaughn Wants to Direct "The Avengers" http://bit.ly/a7pfD #
• RT @bleedingcool: New blog post: Fan Expo A Go Go http://bit.ly/rJiPY #
• RT @bleedingcool: New blog post: Toronto FanExpo In TwitPics So Far… http://bit.ly/q4Yu5 #
• RT @scifirules: Eureka Gets Renewed, Goes For A Song In New Season [Eureka] #scifi http://bit.ly/uVHp8 #
• RT @ComicList: Green Lantern #45 REVIEW – http://ping.fm/eNWTp #
• RT @Newsarama: Toronto Fan Expo 2009 – DC NATION Panel: The con season continues with out neighbors up north this http://bit.ly/16jrAW #
• RT @CBR: Fan Expo: DC Nation Panel http://bit.ly/m04kC #
• RT @CBR: Fan Expo: Marvel’s Dark Reign Panel http://bit.ly/3OfRP #
• RT @CBR: Fan Expo: Gabrie & Allo on 2009 “What If?” Specials http://bit.ly/WlzND #
• RT @CBR: Fan Expo: "X-Factor" Turns 200 http://bit.ly/5pJtR #
• RT @RokkKrinn: New Blog Post: Flash: Rebirth #4 Review: http://bit.ly/MKEIt #

Powered by Twitter Tools

Twitter Updates for 2009-08-28

• RT @mtvsplashpage: SECRET IDENTITY: Who Should Play Sinestro In The 'Green Lantern' Movie? http://bit.ly/3bnKXr #
• RT @CBR: Stan Berkowitz Discusses Writing "Superman/Batman: Public Enemies" Screenplay http://bit.ly/w8df1 #
• RT @elizadushku: What's my name, what's my NAME?! That's right. @ElizaDushku on twitter. Tell your friends. #
• RT @scifirules: The Stargate Universe trailer hits theaters Friday #scifi http://bit.ly/zrcg2 #
• RT @scifirules: The Lastest Cloverfield 2 Viral Or A Monster Hoax [Cloverfield] #scifi http://bit.ly/143tZq #
• RT @MarkWaid: @wmduke Name one who swears to vote for it and brags that they've never even looked at it and never will. Name one. #
• RT @comicart1: Cowboy Bebop and Art | Bukisa.com http://bit.ly/z490F #
• RT @ibrill: In Toronto for Fan Expo. They have 24-hour SCTV station here, right? #
• RT @LegionBeyond: Next Legion Beyonder – up tomorrow! (Bzzzz) #LSH #LLL #
• Friday old friend, good to see you #
• RT @MykeNorten: @darthkramer Happy birthday! — Happy Birthday from me too! #
• RT @DC_NATION: DCU: The Source – Unveiling R.E.B.E.L.S. ANNUAL: STARRO THE CONQUEROR: http://bit.ly/gmqZ9 #
• RT @ComicGeekSpeak: CGS is in Toronto! Let FanExpo begin!! #
• RT @MajorSpoilers: New post: Interview: Stan Berkowitz (http://bit.ly/crYzH) #
• RT @CBR: Wanted 2, Green Lantern, Whiteout: August 28th Comic Reel http://bit.ly/5MDy2 #
• Beef jerky w/ caffeine? not sure if this would be good or not http://bit.ly/PoqUG #
• RT @comiXology: New Comics Thurs…err..Friday! – http://eepurl.com/dfWd #
• New MVP Program public website: http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/ #
• RT @SpeedForceOrg: New post: New Speedster Names http://speedforce.org/5358 #newspeedsters #
• RT @Ed_at_1E: Learn what all this #MVP bit is about and why we're proud of the title: RT @errant_sunset new mvp web site! http://bit.ly … #
• RT @DC_NATION: DCU: The Source – A slew of art and news from Editor Elisabeth Gehrlein: http://bit.ly/TFNzU #
• RT @SpeedForceOrg: New post: Speed Reading: Dezago on Casper, Undead Allies, Marvel vs. DC, and More http://speedforce.org/5263 #
• RT @comicmix: Review: 'Richard Stark's Parker: The Hunter' by Darwyn Cooke http://bit.ly/uuJga #
• RT @kmellon: Adobe apology: http://bit.ly/4naKQy #
• RT @MarkWaid: RT @huffingtonpost "OLIGARHY!" Glenn Beck has finally gone totally insane: http://bit.ly/1DvhDo #
• RT @scifirules: SG:U New poster revealed, details on upcoming webisodes, villains and heroes #scifi http://bit.ly/j83aS #
• RT @bleedingcool: New blog post: Bringing Back Batman From The Dead. Again. Again. Again. http://bit.ly/27buv #
• RT @comicart1: Arkham Asylum sets world record for 'Most Critically Acclaimed … http://bit.ly/uwuEi #
• RT @CBR: "DC Universe Online's" Green Lantern Revealed http://bit.ly/13JEnK #
• RT @SpeedForceOrg: 1,999 comments approved on http://speedforce.org ! Who wants to be #2,000? #
• RT @Marvel: We have 8 liveblogs lined up for this weekend's @FanExpoCanada! You can find 'em all right here: http://is.gd/2Esfr #
• RT @WildStorm: [Hank] Jealous! RT @ruckawriter Kate Beckinsale! http://twitpic.com/flnnh #
• bi-monthly comics shipment has arrived at home. Looking forward to reading threw Previews tonight #
• that should have been "through" spelling server is currently offline #
• RT @DC_NATION: DCU: The Source – Another BLACKEST NIGHT teaser — SUPERMAN-style: http://bit.ly/Qy0y5 #
• RT @mtvsplashpage: Animated 'Spawn' Series Headed Back To Hollywood, Says Todd McFarlane http://bit.ly/11BoI0 #
• RT @ComicList: AdHouse Books To Preview FCHS through Comics by comiXology – http://ping.fm/85wx1 #
• RT @NathanFillion: Do something today you've been afraid to do. A decision based on fear is the wrong decision. #
• RT @pulphope: I stopped following David Lynch, fired for lack of interesting tweeting. #
• RT @scifirules: V Shuts Down Production. Are The Aliens In Disguise Having Trouble? [V] #scifi http://bit.ly/17UsxH #
• RT @comicart1: Champions Online: A First-Glance, In-Depth Preview http://bit.ly/nlDRM #

Powered by Twitter Tools

[Press] – ComicBase Confidential Vol. 14 No. 1

ComicBase Confidential Vol. 14 No. 1

ComicBase 14 Arrives
World’s biggest comic book database gets new features including Cover View, expanded mobile support, and real-time market data

It’s our biggest release ever, and man, are we excited!

Whether you’re at your desk or on the road, from iPhones to Blu-ray-equipped PCs, ComicBase 14 has got you covered. With a bold new look, more than 35,000 additional issues, real-time pricing, and the slick new Cover View, ComicBase 14 lets you manage your comics like never before.
Main CB 14 Screen

The World’s Biggest Database of Comics—Mightier than Ever!

When you make the world’s largest database of comics, it’s always a challenge to put big numbers in perspective. For instance, in addition to over 150,000 content updates we made last year, we’ve added some 35,000 completely new comics to the database. How many is that? Well, if you had one copy of each of these and stacked them, the pile would be high enough to topple over onto a 30-story building.

And that’s just the new comics.

These join over 400,000 that we included with last year’s version giving you the most complete and detailed data anywhere on virtually every comic published in the English language since 1878—and including a growing number of comics from all over the world. And every week, ComicBase gives you updates on what’s new, what changed, and what it’s all worth. It’s the definitive guide to the world of comics.

Real-time Market Data

The revised main screen of ComicBase now includes a new information display giving you instant access to both your custom fields and price histories for the Professional and Archive versions of ComicBase. All versions now also include real-time displays showing the current market pricing (as well as market availability) for each comic via an instant link to our online comic book marketplace, Atomic Avenue.

Real Time

And of course, every version of ComicBase—from ComicBase Express to ComicBase Archive Edition—includes a year of free, weekly price and title updates for the entire database, keeping you current with the fast-changing world of comics.
Cover View

The new Cover View feature lets you see the covers for any title next to their issue information—so now you can find issues of a particular title you regret not buying by their cover. The Cover View feature also makes it easier to read longer notes and issue information, and you can choose the size of the view itself—from tiny thumbnails to gigantic image previews of each issue.
Cover View
Retooled Reporting
Reporting

Those same Cover View pictures now also appear on our retooled reports, from the Issue Checklist (which shows you what you have, what you’re missing and what everything’s worth) and Price List (which includes information on any or all of the issues in ComicBase). The new cover images make your report come to life as well as aiding in quick series and issue identification (and let’s face it: they just plain look cool!)

Themes

In addition to its streamlined, elegant new look, you can also make ComicBase 14 match your own personal style with custom themes. Whether you’re drawn to the clean techno-cool of the “Darkness” theme, the clear aesthetics of the “Zen” theme, or the fresh colors of “Wave”, we’ve got a look for you. Tinkerers and enthusiasts can even fully customize their own looks!

Themes

Expanded Mobile Support

Mobile

If you have the Professional or Archive editions of ComicBase 14, you can port your reports to a huge number of handheld and mobile devices, including the iPhone, Blackberry, Palm, Windows Mobile, or Symbian smart phones. ComicBase 14 now also fully supports laptops and netbooks, letting you easily view and manage your collection on the road or in multiple locations.

Oh, and if you happen to have an Amazon Kindle 2 or the new Kindle DX, you can port those reports to those devices, and see them in better detail, on a big, beautiful screen that you can carry like a paperback book!
ComicBase Archive Edition

As convenient and handy as mobile devices are, there’s nothing like viewing comic covers with all the size and color you’d get if you held the book itself in your hand. While all versions of ComicBase allow you to scan in and view your own covers, the amazing ComicBase Archive Edition now comes built-in with nearly a quarter of a million full-color cover images on 3 DVDs—a whopping 26 GB of content in all!

Better yet, the 1 year price and title update subscription that comes with every version of ComicBase also gives Archive Edition customers the exclusive ability to download covers in real time from our vast on-line image library. This includes not only the new covers from comics that shipped this week, but also new and upgraded images from older comics.
Making History Again: ComicBase 14 Blu-ray Archive Edition

Three years ago, ComicBase 11 was the first commercial software to ship on the Blu-ray Disk platform. Back then, only Blu-ray’s cutting-edge 25GB disks could hold the entire ComicBase picture library at full-size, nearly uncompressed format. Over the years since then, we’ve added so many pictures to the library (and upsized the quality and size of the existing images), that we’ve been forced to make history by offering the new ComicBase 14 Blu-ray Archive Edition: the first commercial PC product to ship in dual layer, 50 GB Blu-ray Disk format!

Compatible with most existing Blu-ray drives, the new version packs in twice as much data as before for the same cost as before. You’ll get the entire ComicBase image library on a single Blu-ray Disk at nearly uncompressed quality, along with four quarterly updates (on Blu-ray) plus the downloads and updates available to other Archive Edition users.

Current owners Blu-ray Archive Edition will automatically have any remaining updates on their subscription sent out in the new 50 GB format at no additional charge.
How to Get It

ComicBase 14 is available now, and you can order online at www.comicbase.com.

If you’re the owner of an registered version of ComicBase whose update subscription is still in effect, you’ll see a registration number and download link for ComicBase 14 already set up for you on your Registrations page at www.comicbase.com.

All ComicBase users should also check our our great upgrade specials by clicking the “Renew/Upgrade” button found on that page (upgrading extends your subscription and entitles you to all program and data updates throughout the year).

Of course, you can always just give us a call at 408-266-6883. We’re happy to answer your questions, as well as help you get you going on the greatest ComicBase ever!
Get the Best for Less — Archive Edition Upgrade Specials Through October 1st!
Get Archive Edition

Until October 1st, registered users of any previous version of ComicBase Professional or Archive Edition can upgrade to the $299 ComicBase 14 Archive Edition for just $99.95—a savings of 66% off the new price! (and up to $50 less than the normal upgrade price!)

Next Page »