MARVEL, ARCHIE OFFER HALLOWEEN ASHCANS THROUGH DIAMOND

Press Release

Marvel Comics and Archie Comics are joining forces with Diamond Comic Distributors to help retailers and their customers celebrate All Hallows Eve in style with a pair of Halloween ashcans, both of which are sold in bundles of 25 and feature some of the publishers’ most beloved characters on fun- and fear-filled adventures.

For decades, Marvel and Archie titles have provided retailers with top-notch comics entertainment for their customers, and these titles are no exception. Sized to fit easily in most shopping (or trick-or-treat) bags, these ashcans – which can be used as giveaways and bag-stuffers, distributed in lieu of candy on Halloween night, or sold to customers who want to distribute them to children in their neighborhoods – are ideal for that purpose. They include:

· Spidey & The Mini-Marvels Halloween Ashcan 2003 Bundle (JUL030003J): Featuring the “Mini-Marvel” versions of Spider-Man and Venom, this 24-page ashcan is perfect for giving to all the little Spideys, Hulks, and Wolverines that are sure to come knocking on your door this Halloween!

· Archie Halloween Ashcan 2003: Archie & Friends in Monsterbash 2003 Bundle (JUL030002J): Set at Riverdale High’s big Halloween dance – MonsterBash 2003 – this 16-page, full-color mini-comic will follow Archie and the gang as the students vie for the coveted titles of King and Queen of the Ghouls. But amid the dancing lurks danger as someone – some thing – from the gang’s past returns…for Archie!