Limited Edition Items Available from Participating Retailers at the Show

(New York, NY) - April 4, 2008 - PREVIEWS, the comic shop’s catalog, starts the convention season off with a bang as it offers three exciting, highly limited exclusives at New York Comic-Con (April 18-20)!

NYCC Attendees can look forward to Marvel Comics’ Iron Man: Legacy of Doom #1 Variant featuring a sketch cover by Ron Lim; an exclusive Iron Man Wacky Wobbler from Funko; and a Ultra Detail Figure’s Metal Gear Solid 2 Raiden Camouflage figure from Medicom Toys.

NYCC attendees are encouraged to visit retailers throughout the show floor to purchase the collectibles. For a complete list of retailers who will have the exclusive items, attendees can stop by the Diamond PREVIEWS booth (#1231).

“We’re excited to offer these exclusives to NYYC attendees” said Dan Manser, Director of Marketing for Diamond Comic Distributors, the publisher of PREVIEWS. “Each month, PREVIEWS offers some great fare for comic shop customers, a number of items which are exclusive that you won’t find anywhere else. It’s a natural for us to extend PREVIEWS Exclusives to the 2008 convention circuit.”

PREVIEWS NYCC EXCLUSIVES

NYCC 2008 Iron Man: Legacy of Doom #1 Sketch Variant

Featuring a special Ron Lim sketch cover exclusive to NYCC! A team of creators responsible for some of Iron Man’s most memorable adventures – writer David Michelinie and artists Bob Layton & Ron Lim – return to challenge the Armored Avenger in this first issue of a four-issue Marvel Comics series co-starring Doctor Doom. Available from selected retailers on the show floor.
• Limited to 5000 copies

NYCC 2008 Iron Man Mark 1 Armor Battle-Damaged Wobbler

Marvel’s High-Tech Hero goes super-deformed in this exclusive battle-damagaed NYCC edition Wacky Wobbler from Funko. Cast in vinyl and measures 7” tall. Available from selected retailers on the show floor.
• Limited to 1500 pieces

NYCC 2008 Ultra Detail Figure’s Raiden Metal Gear Solid 2 Stealth Camouflage Version

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the hit video game, this exclusive NYCC figure from Medicom features clear plastic for a stealth camouflage look. A must-have for any fan of the action-packed franchise as well as nostalgia-struck gamers from the NES-era. 7” tall features and features multiple points of articulation. Available from selected retailers on the show floor.
• Limited to 1400 pieces

Retailers attending the NYCC are encouraged to call Diamond directly to place orders for these exclusive items. Please note that Diamond will only have enough inventory on hand in New York to fill pre-orders from retailers to be sold at the show, and will not have additional inventory available for non-pre-order pick-ups. Retailers who plan on attending, but not exhibiting, will be able to order the exclusives from Diamond’s booth for delivery after the show. However, allocations may occur, especially as these items are intended for sale at conventions, and priority will be given to retailer exhibitor orders. Furthermore, if demand exceeds supply, product pre-ordered by exhibiting retailers may also be allocated.

25 Years of Delivering the Fun of Comic Books, Pop Culture to the World

This month, Diamond Comic Distributors celebrates its 25th year of operation, marking a quarter-century of serving specialty market retailers and suppliers.

In that time, comic books have grown from what adults once thought of as “kids' stuff” into a full-fledged entertainment medium attracting readers of all ages and generating hundreds of millions of dollars every year. And one of the forces behind that explosive popularity has been Diamond.

“All of us at Diamond are proud to have played a significant role in the evolution of the comic book industry over the last quarter-century,” said Diamond Founder, President and CEO Steve Geppi. “In 25 years, we've helped comic retailers develop into savvy entrepreneurs who now carry graphic novels, books, toys, apparel, DVDs, collectibles and other merchandise related to comics and pop-culture. We've also helped to transform the public’s indifference to comic books and graphic novels into serious acceptance of them as vehicles for literature, education and entertainment. It’s been an extraordinary journey for us, particularly when you consider our modest beginnings."

In 1973, Geppi bought his first comic book price guide, and realized that his long-standing hobby of collecting comic books could become a profitable undertaking. Gradually, he began selling his back issues and duplicates at flea markets, conventions and comic book shows.

The hobby turned into a business opportunity, as Geppi found that others shared his love and interest for old and new comics. In 1974, he left his job as a United States Postal Service letter carrier and opened his first store, Geppi’s Comic World, which operated out of the basement of a TV repair shop.

“I paid $100 a month for that half basement,” said Geppi, remembering his first cramped quarters. “Then I took over the whole basement and eventually moved upstairs.”

From that point on, Geppi’s retail business continued to expand. He opened two more stores in 1978, and a fourth location followed in 1980.

When a Baltimore, MD/Washington, DC-area distributor folded in 1982, Geppi – with the encouragement of other area retailers – filled the void by creating Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc. (named after the small, black diamonds that were found, at the time, on specialty market editions of Marvel Comics’ titles). Though he started with only a single warehouse and 17 customers, Geppi’s understanding of what retailers expected from a distributor helped him draft an effective business model, the tenets of which still guide Diamond 25 years later: build success by showing customers the respect they deserve, and supplying them with the best products and services possible.

Under Geppi’s guidance, Diamond’s family of employees helped nurture that small, local operation into the world’s largest distributor of English-language comics and related pop culture merchandise. Today, Diamond's monthly catalog, Previews, offers specialty retailers and consumers worldwide a limitless variety of comic books and graphic novels from Dark Horse Comics, DC Comics, Image Comics, Marvel Comics and many other world-famous publishers. Plus, Diamond handles a wealth of other comic- and pop culture-related product lines, including books, toys, games, DVDs, apparel, collectibles and much more.

“We number our retail customers among our most valued business partners,” Geppi noted. “Our success is a direct result of their success, because they entrust their businesses to us every day. We plan to thank them throughout the year with a variety of anniversary-related events that we'll announce in the coming weeks.”

In addition to helping comic and pop culture specialty retailers thrive over the last quarter-century, Diamond has worked hard to expand awareness of, and appreciation for, comic books. For example, the company administers Free Comic Book Day, an annual event held in comic shops the first Saturday each May. The event, during which thousands of participating retailers distribute millions of comics to anyone visiting their store, generates international media attention and entices new readers to check out what the medium has to offer.

Furthermore, Diamond administers the Comic Shop Locator Service, a unique tool that helps anyone in the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and Ireland find a comic shop in their area via a toll-free phone number (888-COMIC-BOOK) or the Service's website (www.comicshoplocator.com). Now entering its 11th year, the toll-free number has given out more than a million referrals to approximately 600,000 prospective comic readers, while the website component has directed countless consumers to comic shops.

“Nothing's more exciting to a lifelong comic fan like me than sharing my passion for comics with others,” said Geppi. “Every time someone visits a comic book shop on Free Comic Book Day, or through a reference from the Comic Shop Locator Service, it makes me feel great to know that Diamond played a part in getting them there. Not only is that person a potential customer for the retailer and the supplier, but they represent an opportunity to discover that comic books offer something for every taste!”

Utilizing the many benefits of the computer age, Diamond’s services have also expanded through the years, and now include a host of high-tech tools – including Diamond Online’s Retailer Services Area, Previews on Windows, Reorders Online and much more – an innovative trend that will continue in order to meet retailers’ needs for the next 25 years and beyond.

“When I look back at what Diamond has accomplished since its inception, it amazes me how many things have changed,” said Geppi. “But what amazes me even more is the creative ways in which we’ve adapted to those changes while remaining, essentially, the same. We continue to bring retailers the widest possible variety of products from a diverse selection of suppliers. We continue to help retailers sell those products with a full spectrum of support services and programs. And we strive to treat retailers with the respect they deserve as the people who make us successful.”

Diamond's commitment to growing the audience for comics and helping retailers meet the demands of that audience have earned it a unique place in the comic industry, as well as many local, national and international honors. Among them: an Entrepreneur of the Year for Maryland Award for Geppi, and an International Achievement Award from the U.S. Department of Commerce for Diamond.

“On behalf of everyone at Diamond, I want to thank our retailers and our suppliers for placing their faith in us month after month for the past 25 years. And I personally want to thank every Diamond employee – past and present – for their commitment and hard work over the years.”

Ghost Rider! Avengers! Civil War! Iron Man!

Marvel Universe: “Civil War” Iron Man Bust

A Diamond Select Release! With all of the Marvel Universe faced with a choice between breaking the law and registering their secret identities, Iron Man’s forces square off against Captain America and his Secret Avengers in this six-inch bust series! Second in the ongoing Civil War line designed and sculpted by Digger, this bust is limited to 2,000 pieces and features a hand-numbered base with matching box and Certificate of Authenticity.

Marvel Icons: Magneto Bust

A Diamond Select Release! An Art Asylum Design! Continuing the expanding Marvel Icons line, this latest bust features the master of magnetism — Magneto! This amazingly detailed and in-scale piece continues to deliver the very best heroes the Marvel Universe has to offer. Sculpted by Rudy Garcia and limited to 2,000 pieces, each bust features a hand-numbered base with matching box and Certificate of Authenticity. Window Box Package.

Marvel Origins: The Punisher Statue

A Diamond Select Release! Every superhero had to begin somewhere, and now those fateful moments are commemorated with the all-new Marvel Origins series! After his family was murdered, former police officer and soldier Frank Castle took up the mantle of the Punisher in his one-man war on crime. Sculpted by Gabriel Marquez and limited to 2,000 pieces, each 8” statue features a hand-numbered base with matching box and Certificate of Authenticity.

New Avengers: Captain America Statue

A Diamond Select Release! An Art Asylum Sculpt and Design! From the best-selling New Avengers comic, this New Avengers Captain America statue perfectly captures the patriotic hero as he leads the New Avengers into battle. Perfect for individual display, this eight inch statue can also be combined with the companion pieces to re-create the cover of New Avengers #1! Limited to 2,500 pieces and sculpted by Art Asylum, each statue features a hand-numbered base with matching box and Certificate of Authenticity.

Marvel Milestones: Ultimate Iron Man Statue

A Diamond Select Release! An Art Asylum Design! Given super-human abilities due to his mother’s accidental exposure to a revolutionary liquid armor, Tony Stark was born with heightened senses and phenomenally powerful brain.  Continuing his father’s studies in armor technology would later lead to the creation of Ultimate Iron Man and the Ultimates!  Sculpted by Digger, this impressive Ultimate Iron Man statue depicts the hero in his most iconic armor as he blasts toward his next battle. Limited to 2,500 pieces, this statue features a hand-numbered base with matching box and Certificate of Authenticity.

Minimates Series 15: Ghost Rider

A Diamond Select Release! Designed and Sculpted by Art Asylum! The Marvel Minimates strike with a vengeance with this all-new assortment of poseable 2” block figures, all based on characters from the upcoming Marvel movie blockbuster, Ghost Rider, starring Nicolas Cage as The Spirit of Vengeance! This series will include the following 2-packs: Blackheart / Ghost Rider, Roxanne / The Caretaker, “Stunt Show” Johnny Blaze / Mephistopheles, and the limited Johnny Blaze variant! Best of all, you don’t need to make a deal with you-know-who to collect them all!

Minimates Series 16: Avengers

A Diamond Select Release! DST and the inmates at the Art Asylum introduce the newest series in the Marvel Minimates collection.  Series 16 contains several fan-favorites and delivers more members of the much-requested Avengers!  Featuring the Minimate debut of Thor, this assortment consists of: Scarlet Witch & Quicksilver, She-Hulk & Wonder Man, Thor & Loki and the limited Bearded Thor!

Debut of Monthly Showcase for Urban Vinyls, Other Emerging Collector Toys Includes Two Previews Exclusives

(Baltimore, MD) -- January 24, 2007 - Beginning with its February 2007 issue, Previews — Diamond Comic Distributors' monthly catalog for comic shop retailers and readers — will add a new section spotlighting one of the most vibrant emerging trends in pop-culture collectibles: Designer Toys, all designed or inspired by a broad range of contemporary artists.

In addition to the print catalog, the new section can be accessed online as a PDF via the Previews website at http://previews.diamondcomics.com/support/previews_docs/DesignerToys/Feb07DesignerToys.pdf

The new section will also include an Artist Spotlight each month featuring hot artists and their views on the Designer Toy Genre. In future issues, Previews will focus on the D.I.Y. (Do-It-Yourself) branch of Designer Vinyl, as well as offer limited edition exclusives from some of the biggest artists from around the globe.

We anticipate the reception for these items to be overwhelming, seeing how this worldwide phenomenon continues to grow, crossing the lines between art, design, sports, music and entertainment," said Diamond Purchasing Director of New Business Development Kevin Winnik. "We are excited to work with such innovative and creative people and look forward to offering products that not only capture the imagination but explore what lies beyond.

Leading the section's debut will be two Previews Exclusive items: Joe Ledbetter's "Toxic Swamp Dog" Qee 8" Vinyl Figure (limited to just 504 pieces worldwide) from Toy2R; and Touma's "Baby Hellhound" 8" Black Version Plush (a variation on the famed artist's canine creation, limited to 500 pieces worldwide) from Play Imaginative.

The balance of the section contains equally diverse and unique items designed to attract discerning toy customers:

• In addition to Toy2R's Previews Exclusive, Joe Ledbetter's art also enlivens his 2.5" "Toxic Swamp" Series #2 Toys. The company also offers two new series of its Qee 2.5" figures, including "Spacebot" Series 1 & 2 toys designed by the artist Dalek, and the "Ox-Op" Series #3 toys with designs by Ledbetter, Gary Taxali, Junko Mizuno, Jeff Soto and many others. Toy2R is also soliciting Baby Qee 3" "Do-It-Yourself" Custom Angel Figures (which allows toy lovers to decorate their own blank figures) and 3.5" Devil Bear Vinyl Figures (featuring Devil versions of the Angel figures).
• Along with its Previews Exclusive, Play Imaginative unleashes a jet black version of the Dekoboko Boys Vinyl Figure Set, the first release of a new collaboration between two Japanese design collectives Devilrobots and Furi Furi. Play Imaginative also offers Series 3 of its popular Trexi Figures. These 3" canvas toys with articulated limbs and unique rotating heads that allow for multiple facial expressions have four brand-new heads — Egg, Horn, Cat, and Square — in rare and super-rare designs from artists and corporate brands alike, plus packaging art designed by Australian artist Jeremyville.
• From Dreamland Toyworks comes four Carl Jones' Hoodiez Vinyl Figures, 4-8 tall creations by one of the producers of the acclaimed Cartoon Network Adult Swim series The Boondocks, and the illustrator of Aaron McGruder's syndicated daily The Boondocks comic strip. Each character is limited in production to just 1,500 pieces; they are artworks that are not intended for children. Dreamland also treats horror lovers to the 8" "My Lil' Cthulhu" Vinyl Figure (created by Dork Tower creator John Kovalic and featuring two tiny victims that pull apart to show their insides) and a complementary Little Victims & Little Minions Vinyl Figure Set.
• Strangeco's MARS-1 "Invisible Plan" Mini-Figures brings a celebrated group of paintings of San Francisco artist MARS-1 to life as a set of 12 original, inter-dimensional beings cast in two color schemes. Strangeco also offers four Cactus Friends Vinyl Figures — Bastardino, Sabochan, Sandy and Polpettina — from the hot new art brand tokidoki created by Italian artist Simone Legno.
• Max Toy Company LLC offers Bwana Spoons' Edward the Gator Vinyl Figure, a 5.25" soft vinyl figure with a removable Butterfly Net, opening Shoulder Bag and articulation at the neck, arms, hands, legs and tail.
• Last year's Toy of the Year Awards Winner, Uglydolls follows up that success with three additions to its blockbuster line — Toodee, Big Toe and Ninja Ice Bat. Each is available as a 12 Plush, Clip-On, 7 Little Ugly, or 24 Plush.

The new section also offers designer toy enthusiasts a number of magazines dedicated to these new collectibles, and to related happenings in the worlds of art and pop-culture. These include such widely known publications as Juxtapoz (devoted to modern and underground art and style), Giant Robot (celebrating Asian and Asian-American pop-culture), Playtimes (examining the hottest urban vinyl toys and events), and Hi-Fructose Toysploitation (the critically acclaimed chronicle of "under-the-counter culture").

Readers will also find a host of books covering every facet of the designer toy/art toy trend in the new section, which offers volumes from Abrams, Harper Collins Publishers, Random House and Prestel Publishing this month.

All Designer Toys products offered in the February Previews are scheduled to ship beginning in April 2007. Please refer to the catalog for the Suggested Retail Prices of individual items.

"Imperial Briefing Room" Captures Classic Moment from A New Hope

(Baltimore, MD) -- October 17, 2006 -- Just in time to mark the 30th anniversary of one of the world's biggest film and merchandising franchises, Hasbro Toys will reunite the commanders of the Galactic Empire's most formidable weapon - and invite Star Wars fans everywhere to their meeting with the Star Wars: "Imperial Briefing Room" Previews Exclusive Action Figure Pack, the latest addition to a growing line of Previews Exclusive Star Wars toys offered by Diamond Comic Distributors.

The new set continues a successful relationship between Diamond and Hasbro Toys that has brought fans of the Star Wars films a number of toys and collectibles available exclusively through Diamond's monthly Previews catalog, including the best selling Jawa Sandcrawler and Bounty Hunter Action Figure Gift Set.

The 3.75"-tall figures in the Star Wars: "Imperial Briefing Room" set re-create the classic scene from Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope in which Grand Moff Tarkin and Darth Vader plot the demise of the Rebel Alliance with the Death Star's Imperial officers. In addition to Vader and Tarkin, the seven-figure set contains figures of Admiral Motti (loosening his collar as Vader chokes him with the Force), General Tagge, Chief Bast, Officer Cass, and Colonel Wulff Yularen, along with blasters and, for Vader, a lightsaber.

The set features window-box packaging designed to reproduce the Death Star briefing room from the film, and bears the distinctive "Previews Exclusive" logo on the front panel. It is scheduled to ship in January 2007, in plenty of time for fans and collectors to begin celebrating the 30th anniversary of Star Wars' original 1977 theatrical release.

Fans can find this and other great products based on today's most popular movie-based toys and merchandise at their local comic shop, or by contacting the Comic Shop Locator Service toll-free at 1-888-COMICBOOK (1-888-266- 4226) or online at http://comicshoplocator.com.

Kaiyodo's highly innovative "Revoltech" joint system takes action figures to a new level. The Neon Genesis Evangelion EVA-01, will be available in North America through Diamond Comic Distributors!

Kaiyodo’s highly innovative “Revoltech” joint system takes action figures to a new level. The Neon Genesis Evangelion EVA-01, will be available in North America through Diamond Comic Distributors!

Imported from Japan, the Revoltech Neon Genesis Evangelion EVA-01 is based on the famous anime series "Neon Genesis Evangelion." Unlike any other PVC action figure, the EVA-01 was designed with an innovative joint system that allows the figure to demonstrate poses that are incredibly dynamic and more realistic than ever before. The Eva Unit 01 comes equipped with a new type ratchet joint that will not only provide hyper posability but allow the figure to hold an action pose indefinitely.

The Eva Unit 01 is 6-inches tall and comes packaged with an umbilical cable, a bowie knife, a handgun, a rifle gun, a sword, one interchangeable head and a set of interchangeable hands.

Scheduled to ship in May 2006, this action figure has a suggested retail price of $22.00.

Fans can find this and other great products based on today's most popular Japanese imports at their local comics and hobby shops, or by contacting the Comic Shop Locator Service toll free at 1-888-COMICBOOK (1-888-266- 4226) or online at http://csls.diamondcomics.com/.

Imported from Japan and available exclusively through Previews, Square Enix brings fans the lead characters from the popular Playstation RPG, Final Fantasy X! These deluxe, highly detailed figures feature superb styling and decoration and are faithful to their in-game representation.

Imported from Japan and available exclusively through Previews, Square Enix brings fans the lead characters from the popular Playstation RPG, Final Fantasy X! These deluxe, highly detailed figures feature superb styling and decoration and are faithful to their in-game representation.

Throughout the years the characters of the Final Fantasy video games have evolved with each addition of the game. The characters have become more realistic and this holds true for the figures as well. Square Enix has done an outstanding job with bringing these popular characters to life.

The Final Fantasy X line of Play Arts features Auron (8.25" tall) Tidus (7.5" tall) and Yuna (7.25" tall). In addition to approximately 20 points of articulation the figures are highly detailed and expertly decorated. Fans will be excited to get their hands on these awesome action figures and statues.

Each Final Fantasy X figure ships in a collector's edition window box and comes equipped with a trademark weapon. Scheduled to ship in August 2006, each figure has a suggested retail price of $23.99.

Fans can find these and other great products based on today's most popular Japanese imports at their local comics shop, or by contacting the Comic Shop Locator Service toll free at 1-888-COMICBOOK (1-888-266- 4226) or online at http://csls.diamondcomics.com/.

When this pair teams up, you know something monumentally evil is about to be unveiled!

A Previews Exclusive! A Diamond Select Release!

Part of the first series of Street Fighter Minimates, these "Player 2"-inspired variants of Darkstalkers' Demitri and Morrigan feature each character's alternate costume. When this pair teams up, you know something monumentally evil is about to be unveiled! Only available through Previews, this exclusive two-pack is not to be missed!

For more information visit http://toychest.diamondcomics.com/

featuring popular characters as Mai Shiranui, Yuki Sakazaki and King.

For all fighting-game enthusiasts, Series 2 has finally arrived!

Introducing our second 4" King of Fighters Girls Figure Collection featuring popular characters as Mai Shiranui, Yuki Sakazaki and King. Don't miss out on this limited edition collection! Blister packaging. Scheduled to ship in March 2006.

For more information visit http://toychest.diamondcomics.com/

Four popular characters are featured from the animation series Ichigo Mashimaro.

Imported from Japan!

Four popular characters are featured from the animation series Ichigo Mashimaro currently airing in Japan. A variety of base, alternate, and "secret" designs for each of the four characters makes for a total of 12 figures to collect! Color variations are plenty, further adding to the collectibility of these Strawberry Marshmellow figures.

For more information visit http://toychest.diamondcomics.com/