Marvel Enterprises 916666: Weitere 100 % auf ein Jahr!!! - 500 Beiträge pro Seite
eröffnet am 08.02.03 23:59:22 von
neuester Beitrag 07.07.04 13:41:51 von
neuester Beitrag 07.07.04 13:41:51 von
Beiträge: 143
ID: 693.720
ID: 693.720
Aufrufe heute: 0
Gesamt: 4.219
Gesamt: 4.219
Aktive User: 0
Top-Diskussionen
| Titel | letzter Beitrag | Aufrufe |
|---|---|---|
| vor 43 Minuten | 9089 | |
| vor 54 Minuten | 6700 | |
| vor 1 Stunde | 5034 | |
| heute 19:33 | 4744 | |
| vor 1 Stunde | 4665 | |
| heute 19:10 | 4136 | |
| vor 1 Stunde | 3574 | |
| vor 1 Stunde | 3217 |
Meistdiskutierte Wertpapiere
| Platz | vorher | Wertpapier | Kurs | Perf. % | Anzahl | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 1. | 17.773,00 | -0,65 | 229 | |||
| 2. | 2. | 147,89 | -2,26 | 113 | |||
| 3. | 5. | 6,7310 | -3,94 | 81 | |||
| 4. | 4. | 2.390,36 | +0,39 | 77 | |||
| 5. | 3. | 6,4640 | -2,78 | 57 | |||
| 6. | 20. | 15,530 | -4,88 | 50 | |||
| 7. | 8. | 7,4600 | -1,58 | 45 | |||
| 8. | 15. | 26,94 | +0,15 | 40 |
Feedback
Denke es ist an der Zeit, einen neuen Thread zu eröffnen, um auf ein Unternehmen mit enormem Potential aufmerksam zu machen.
Leider in Deutschland bislang kaum beachtet, entwickelt sich die amerikanische „Marvel Enterprises“ WKN 916666 immer mehr zu einer wahren Goldgrube. Vor wenigen Jahren mit dem Verkauf von Comics noch nahe der Pleite, hat sich das Unternehmen inzwischen aufgrund geänderter Unternehmensstrategie in die schwarzen Zahlen vorgearbeitet. Immer mehr steht der Vertrieb der Lizenzrechte der mehr als 4000 Comiccharakteren im Vordergrund. Hat Marvel an Kinohits wie z. B. „Men in Black“ bislang kaum profitiert, so ist man sich inzwischen des Potentials der Comic - Helden bewußt und schließt deutlich verbesserte Verträge mit den Filmproduzenten.
Der Durchbruch kam mit dem Sommer - Blockbuster 2002 „Spiderman“, der weltweit über 800 Mio $ einspielte. Der Erfolg ermutigte die Produzenten, neue Projekte anzugehen. So erscheint nächste Woche in den USA „Daredevil“ (Der Dämon) in 3300 Kinosälen gleichzeitig, die Erwartungen hier liegen bei etwa 150 Mio $. Zwei weitere Filme kommen 2003 ins Kino: Die Fortsetzung des Hits „X-Men“ im Mai und „Hulk“ im Juni. Diese dürften noch deutlich mehr Dollar einspielen. Dabei verdient Marvel auch an Merchandisingartikeln wie Spiderman-Bettwäsche oder Hulk - Puppen. Weitere Filmprojekte sind bereits in Vorbereitung für 2004 (Spiderman 2, Fantastic Four) oder in Planung.
Solche Filme treffen genau den Geschmack der Zuschauer nach Action und Science Fiction, vor allem in den USA. Die moderne Filmtechnologie trägt entscheidend dazu bei, dass diese Filme mit den Hulk oder Spiderman Filmen aus den 70er und 80er nicht zu vergleichen sind. Superheldenfilme liegen voll im Trend. Langsam werden auch Analysten auf Marvel aufmerksam. Ganz aktuell der Bericht unten aus „CCN / Money“!
Mein Tip: Die Aktie schafft weitere 100 % auf ein Jahr!!
Pow! Bam! Can Marvel keep soaring?
The company hopes to surpass last year`s success with three new films, including "Daredevil".
February 7, 2003: 3:19 PM EST
By Paul R. La Monica, CNN/Money Senior Writer
NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - This is shaping up to be the year of the comic book movie. And that`s great news for Marvel Enterprises.
"Daredevil", starring J. Lo`s latest squeeze, Ben Affleck, and "Alias" hottie Jennifer Garner hits theaters Valentine`s Day. The sequel to the wildly successful "X-Men" is due out in May and the eagerly anticipated Hulk movie is coming out in June. (And yes, Lou Ferrigno does have a cameo.)
Marvel stands to benefit since it owns the licenses to all of these comic book characters. But, can its stock duplicate the superhuman 136 percent surge of last year? Marvel (MVL: Research, Estimates) had a fantastic 2002, thanks almost entirely to the success of "Spider-Man", the top-grossing film last year.
Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck square off in Daredevil
Marvel has yet to report full-year figures for 2002, but it pre-announced in January, saying it was expecting sales of $280 million to $285 million, about a 55 percent increase from 2001, and earnings excluding preferred dividend payments of between $28 and $31 million, or at least 40 cents a share. This would mark the company`s first annual profit after five consecutive years of losses.
Sharing with Hollywood
The company has transformed itself from one that relied heavily on a money-losing toy business to one that reaps rewards when Hollywood uses its characters in movies or television shows. For example, Marvel has a 50-50 joint venture with Sony (Spider-Man`s distributor) to share the merchandising revenues from movie products and is also getting a cut of the box-office from the film as well as video and DVD sales.
This wasn`t the case when the first X-Men movie came out in 2000; Marvel`s previous management team simply negotiated a flat fee to use the characters. (For more about Marvel`s turnaround, read: Are there $$$ in Spider-Man`s web?)
Of course Marvel, like any entertainment company, is dependent on hits. So, if any of this year`s comic book movies flop that does not bode well for the company.
But, so far, investors seem to be betting the public hasn`t lost its appetite for costumed heroes. Shares of Marvel are off to a good start, up 23 percent so far in 2003. Based on the company`s guidance, the year could be better than last year since the company has licensing agreements for "Daredevil", "X-Men 2" and "The Hulk" that are similar to what it had with Sony for "Spider-Man". (Fox Entertainment Group is the distributor of "Daredevil" and "X-Men 2". Universal is releasing "The Hulk").
It also has a licensing deal with video game publisher Activision, recently extended until 2009, that gives Activision the right to create games based on characters from the Spider-Man, X-Men, Fantastic Four and Iron Man comics, as well as an option to buy the rights to games based on movies or TV shows featuring these characters.
As a result, Marvel expects net income to be between $42 and $45 million, equal to 57 to 62 cents a share, or about a 50 percent increase in earnings per share from expected 2002 results.
Pow! Take that, vile debt!
The company`s balance sheet, which was seen as a problem last year, is looking a lot nicer as well. Long-term debt stood at about $150 million at the end of December, according to Natexis Bleichroeder analyst Robert Routh. That`s down from $182 million at the beginning of 2002. Cash has increased from $22 million to more than $50 million.
But, perhaps the biggest change from last year is that New York-based Marvel has slashed the dividends it had to pay owners of the company`s preferred stock.
After Marvel emerged from bankruptcy in 1998, Vice Chairman Isaac Perlmutter (who merged his company, Toy Biz, with Marvel), director Shelly Greenhaus and investment bank Morgan Stanley received preferred stock that paid them quarterly dividends, payments that cut Marvel`s earnings by an average of $16.3 million a year.
But in November, Perlmutter, Greenhaus and Morgan Stanley converted their preferred shares, which account for 85 percent of the total preferred share count, to common stock. As a result, the company`s preferred dividend payments will be reduced to about $2.7 million a year. That $13.6 million in savings flows right to the bottom line.
The company`s newfound success has attracted the interest of Wall Street. A year ago, no analysts followed the stock. Now Routh and an analyst at Thomas Weisel cover it. Their consensus earnings estimate for 2003 is for 59 cents a share. So, at current levels, the stock trades at about 18.6 times 2003 forecasts, or less than half its expected growth rate of about 47 percent in EPS for the year.
Routh thinks the stock has more upside because there are more movies featuring Marvel characters in the works. The Spider-Man sequel, the "Amazing Spider-Man", will be released in 2004 (with a screenplay by Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Michael Chabon, no less). Movies based on The Punisher and The Fantastic Four are also in development. Routh does not own shares of the stock and Natexis Bleichroeder has no investment banking relationship with Marvel.
Given the changes to the balance sheet and the fact that the company now is in a position to make money off the numerous films, cartoons and video games based on its characters, it looks like not even the likes of the Green Goblin, Magneto or Dr. Doom could sabotage Marvel`s progress.
Gruß Pepita
Leider in Deutschland bislang kaum beachtet, entwickelt sich die amerikanische „Marvel Enterprises“ WKN 916666 immer mehr zu einer wahren Goldgrube. Vor wenigen Jahren mit dem Verkauf von Comics noch nahe der Pleite, hat sich das Unternehmen inzwischen aufgrund geänderter Unternehmensstrategie in die schwarzen Zahlen vorgearbeitet. Immer mehr steht der Vertrieb der Lizenzrechte der mehr als 4000 Comiccharakteren im Vordergrund. Hat Marvel an Kinohits wie z. B. „Men in Black“ bislang kaum profitiert, so ist man sich inzwischen des Potentials der Comic - Helden bewußt und schließt deutlich verbesserte Verträge mit den Filmproduzenten.
Der Durchbruch kam mit dem Sommer - Blockbuster 2002 „Spiderman“, der weltweit über 800 Mio $ einspielte. Der Erfolg ermutigte die Produzenten, neue Projekte anzugehen. So erscheint nächste Woche in den USA „Daredevil“ (Der Dämon) in 3300 Kinosälen gleichzeitig, die Erwartungen hier liegen bei etwa 150 Mio $. Zwei weitere Filme kommen 2003 ins Kino: Die Fortsetzung des Hits „X-Men“ im Mai und „Hulk“ im Juni. Diese dürften noch deutlich mehr Dollar einspielen. Dabei verdient Marvel auch an Merchandisingartikeln wie Spiderman-Bettwäsche oder Hulk - Puppen. Weitere Filmprojekte sind bereits in Vorbereitung für 2004 (Spiderman 2, Fantastic Four) oder in Planung.
Solche Filme treffen genau den Geschmack der Zuschauer nach Action und Science Fiction, vor allem in den USA. Die moderne Filmtechnologie trägt entscheidend dazu bei, dass diese Filme mit den Hulk oder Spiderman Filmen aus den 70er und 80er nicht zu vergleichen sind. Superheldenfilme liegen voll im Trend. Langsam werden auch Analysten auf Marvel aufmerksam. Ganz aktuell der Bericht unten aus „CCN / Money“!
Mein Tip: Die Aktie schafft weitere 100 % auf ein Jahr!!
Pow! Bam! Can Marvel keep soaring?
The company hopes to surpass last year`s success with three new films, including "Daredevil".
February 7, 2003: 3:19 PM EST
By Paul R. La Monica, CNN/Money Senior Writer
NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - This is shaping up to be the year of the comic book movie. And that`s great news for Marvel Enterprises.
"Daredevil", starring J. Lo`s latest squeeze, Ben Affleck, and "Alias" hottie Jennifer Garner hits theaters Valentine`s Day. The sequel to the wildly successful "X-Men" is due out in May and the eagerly anticipated Hulk movie is coming out in June. (And yes, Lou Ferrigno does have a cameo.)
Marvel stands to benefit since it owns the licenses to all of these comic book characters. But, can its stock duplicate the superhuman 136 percent surge of last year? Marvel (MVL: Research, Estimates) had a fantastic 2002, thanks almost entirely to the success of "Spider-Man", the top-grossing film last year.
Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck square off in Daredevil
Marvel has yet to report full-year figures for 2002, but it pre-announced in January, saying it was expecting sales of $280 million to $285 million, about a 55 percent increase from 2001, and earnings excluding preferred dividend payments of between $28 and $31 million, or at least 40 cents a share. This would mark the company`s first annual profit after five consecutive years of losses.
Sharing with Hollywood
The company has transformed itself from one that relied heavily on a money-losing toy business to one that reaps rewards when Hollywood uses its characters in movies or television shows. For example, Marvel has a 50-50 joint venture with Sony (Spider-Man`s distributor) to share the merchandising revenues from movie products and is also getting a cut of the box-office from the film as well as video and DVD sales.
This wasn`t the case when the first X-Men movie came out in 2000; Marvel`s previous management team simply negotiated a flat fee to use the characters. (For more about Marvel`s turnaround, read: Are there $$$ in Spider-Man`s web?)
Of course Marvel, like any entertainment company, is dependent on hits. So, if any of this year`s comic book movies flop that does not bode well for the company.
But, so far, investors seem to be betting the public hasn`t lost its appetite for costumed heroes. Shares of Marvel are off to a good start, up 23 percent so far in 2003. Based on the company`s guidance, the year could be better than last year since the company has licensing agreements for "Daredevil", "X-Men 2" and "The Hulk" that are similar to what it had with Sony for "Spider-Man". (Fox Entertainment Group is the distributor of "Daredevil" and "X-Men 2". Universal is releasing "The Hulk").
It also has a licensing deal with video game publisher Activision, recently extended until 2009, that gives Activision the right to create games based on characters from the Spider-Man, X-Men, Fantastic Four and Iron Man comics, as well as an option to buy the rights to games based on movies or TV shows featuring these characters.
As a result, Marvel expects net income to be between $42 and $45 million, equal to 57 to 62 cents a share, or about a 50 percent increase in earnings per share from expected 2002 results.
Pow! Take that, vile debt!
The company`s balance sheet, which was seen as a problem last year, is looking a lot nicer as well. Long-term debt stood at about $150 million at the end of December, according to Natexis Bleichroeder analyst Robert Routh. That`s down from $182 million at the beginning of 2002. Cash has increased from $22 million to more than $50 million.
But, perhaps the biggest change from last year is that New York-based Marvel has slashed the dividends it had to pay owners of the company`s preferred stock.
After Marvel emerged from bankruptcy in 1998, Vice Chairman Isaac Perlmutter (who merged his company, Toy Biz, with Marvel), director Shelly Greenhaus and investment bank Morgan Stanley received preferred stock that paid them quarterly dividends, payments that cut Marvel`s earnings by an average of $16.3 million a year.
But in November, Perlmutter, Greenhaus and Morgan Stanley converted their preferred shares, which account for 85 percent of the total preferred share count, to common stock. As a result, the company`s preferred dividend payments will be reduced to about $2.7 million a year. That $13.6 million in savings flows right to the bottom line.
The company`s newfound success has attracted the interest of Wall Street. A year ago, no analysts followed the stock. Now Routh and an analyst at Thomas Weisel cover it. Their consensus earnings estimate for 2003 is for 59 cents a share. So, at current levels, the stock trades at about 18.6 times 2003 forecasts, or less than half its expected growth rate of about 47 percent in EPS for the year.
Routh thinks the stock has more upside because there are more movies featuring Marvel characters in the works. The Spider-Man sequel, the "Amazing Spider-Man", will be released in 2004 (with a screenplay by Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Michael Chabon, no less). Movies based on The Punisher and The Fantastic Four are also in development. Routh does not own shares of the stock and Natexis Bleichroeder has no investment banking relationship with Marvel.
Given the changes to the balance sheet and the fact that the company now is in a position to make money off the numerous films, cartoons and video games based on its characters, it looks like not even the likes of the Green Goblin, Magneto or Dr. Doom could sabotage Marvel`s progress.
Gruß Pepita
Langsam werden auch Analysten auf Marvel aufmerksam.
Das würde ich als fürchterliche Drohung auffassen und sofort meine Gewinne mitnehmen.
Wenn die "strong buy" brüllen, dann kracht das Teil sofort in den Keller.
Ansonsten, viel Glück damit!
Das würde ich als fürchterliche Drohung auffassen und sofort meine Gewinne mitnehmen.
Wenn die "strong buy" brüllen, dann kracht das Teil sofort in den Keller.
Ansonsten, viel Glück damit!
Das Ding habe ich schon beobachtet, als alter Comicfan, wies auf 0.80 Eurocent stand. Nur habe ich Arschloch nicht gekauft
paule2 sagt es quasi. Das Teil scheint nicht besonders guenstig. Wo soll das noch hinsteigen.
Nochmal kurzgefasst wie es sein sollte: Man kauft, wenn es uebel ausieht in Hoffnung auf bessere Zeiten. Man verkauft, wenn alles rosig ist. Wo is wohl MVL jetzt.
Natuerlich kann es immernoch weitersteigen und der chart sieht auch gut aus,aber man weiss nie wo das Hoch ist, und Uebertreibung kennt keine Grenzen and der Boerse. Ach ja, und ich bin nicht allwissend.
Nochmal kurzgefasst wie es sein sollte: Man kauft, wenn es uebel ausieht in Hoffnung auf bessere Zeiten. Man verkauft, wenn alles rosig ist. Wo is wohl MVL jetzt.
Natuerlich kann es immernoch weitersteigen und der chart sieht auch gut aus,aber man weiss nie wo das Hoch ist, und Uebertreibung kennt keine Grenzen and der Boerse. Ach ja, und ich bin nicht allwissend.
Nicht besonders billig? Kommt immer drauf an wohin die Firma in Zukunft geht. Soll doch jeder selbst entscheiden ob die Planungen für die Zukunft (im Bericht unten erwähnt) Marvel Geld einbringen oder nicht. Meiner Meinung nach stehen wir hier erst am Anfang einer ganz großen Entwicklung! Der Hype wird durch Werbung und Medien immer mehr angefacht. Man spricht schon von einer zweiten "Disney" - Aktie (natürlich verglichen mit deren besseren Zeiten). Aber lest selbst:
The Marvel Movies for 2004 & More!
Sunday, February 9, 2003 11:17 CST
Marvel Studios` Avi Arad told the Chicago Sun-Times what movies the company is working on for the year 2004.
In addition to the Spider-Man sequel, the studio plans to release The Punisher, Namor: The Sub-Mariner and quite possibly either The Fantastic Four or Ghost Rider.
Arad has said he`d love to cast George Clooney as Fantastic Four`s leader, Mr. Fantastic. There`s another A-list star he`s set his sights on for a future Marvel project.
"Tom Cruise. I would love to have him for `Iron Man.` If he wanted it, he could definitely be my Tony Stark."
Arad, of course, mentioned there`s even a Daredevil sequel waiting to be green-lighted should the first film prove to be a powerhouse. And he is in talks with Jennifer Garner to spin off her character Elektra into her own film franchise.
"It`s in the script phase, but Jennifer says she`s already attached. She had a great experience making `Daredevil` and is looking forward to returning to the role," Arad added.
Gruß Pepita
The Marvel Movies for 2004 & More!
Sunday, February 9, 2003 11:17 CST
Marvel Studios` Avi Arad told the Chicago Sun-Times what movies the company is working on for the year 2004.
In addition to the Spider-Man sequel, the studio plans to release The Punisher, Namor: The Sub-Mariner and quite possibly either The Fantastic Four or Ghost Rider.
Arad has said he`d love to cast George Clooney as Fantastic Four`s leader, Mr. Fantastic. There`s another A-list star he`s set his sights on for a future Marvel project.
"Tom Cruise. I would love to have him for `Iron Man.` If he wanted it, he could definitely be my Tony Stark."
Arad, of course, mentioned there`s even a Daredevil sequel waiting to be green-lighted should the first film prove to be a powerhouse. And he is in talks with Jennifer Garner to spin off her character Elektra into her own film franchise.
"It`s in the script phase, but Jennifer says she`s already attached. She had a great experience making `Daredevil` and is looking forward to returning to the role," Arad added.
Gruß Pepita
Trading Spotlight
2002:
Spiderman
2003:
Daredevil
X-Men 2
Hulk
2004:
Spiderman 2
The Punisher
Namor: The submariner
Fantastic Four
2005:
Iron Man
Ghost Rider
Silver Surfer?
Daredevil 2 ?
Hulk 2 ?
Denke die Liste läßt sich beliebig fortsetzen. Der Hulk - Hauptdarsteller bekam eine Vertrag für zwei weitere Fortsetzungen. Die Filme werden mit Top - Schauspielern besetzt. Sehe auch in den nächsten Jahren viel Potential für Marvel.
Gruß Pepita
Spiderman
2003:
Daredevil
X-Men 2
Hulk
2004:
Spiderman 2
The Punisher
Namor: The submariner
Fantastic Four
2005:
Iron Man
Ghost Rider
Silver Surfer?
Daredevil 2 ?
Hulk 2 ?
Denke die Liste läßt sich beliebig fortsetzen. Der Hulk - Hauptdarsteller bekam eine Vertrag für zwei weitere Fortsetzungen. Die Filme werden mit Top - Schauspielern besetzt. Sehe auch in den nächsten Jahren viel Potential für Marvel.
Gruß Pepita
Was für Fans und Interessierte:
http://www.superherohype.com/cgi-bin/news/fullnews.cgi?newsi…
Gruß Pepita
http://www.superherohype.com/cgi-bin/news/fullnews.cgi?newsi…
Gruß Pepita
#2: Nicht nur Analysten werden aufmerksam, auch Fonds und Banken decken sich langsam ein. Wie so oft springen aber die meisten erst viel später auf den Zug. Der fährt gerade erst los...
Gruß Pepita
Good news for shorts!
by: bob911117 (48/M/New Jersey) 02/18/03 01:30 pm
Msg: 63588 of 63603
Just checked Bloomberg -- 2 new institutions for MVL took positions in December filings
Kern Capital - over 1 million shares
Oppenheimer Funds - around 600,000 shares.
With those positions, I guess they think it must be a good stock...Wonder why???
Its comforting to know that institutions will be supporting MVL when it has small dips like last week to increase their positions
Gruß Pepita
Good news for shorts!
by: bob911117 (48/M/New Jersey) 02/18/03 01:30 pm
Msg: 63588 of 63603
Just checked Bloomberg -- 2 new institutions for MVL took positions in December filings
Kern Capital - over 1 million shares
Oppenheimer Funds - around 600,000 shares.
With those positions, I guess they think it must be a good stock...Wonder why???
Its comforting to know that institutions will be supporting MVL when it has small dips like last week to increase their positions
Montag kommen die Zahlen!
Gruß Pepita
Marvel to Report Q4 Financial Results and Host Webcast on March 3
Monday February 24, 5:48 pm ET
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 24, 2003--Marvel Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: MVL - News) announced today that it will release financial results for the fourth quarter and the full year ended December 31, 2002 at 4:00 p.m. EST on Monday, March 3 and will host a webcast that day at 4:30 p.m. EST. On the webcast Marvel`s management team will provide an overview of its financial results, operations, pipeline of entertainment projects featuring Marvel characters as well as review its financial guidance.
WEBCAST URL: www.marvel.com (select "Investor Relations") or www.vcall.com. An archived version of the webcast will be available for 30 days.
With a library of over 4,700 proprietary characters, Marvel Enterprises, Inc. is one of the world`s most prominent character-based entertainment companies. Marvel`s operations are focused in four areas: entertainment (Marvel Studios), licensing, comic book publishing and toys (Toy Biz). Marvel facilitates the creation of entertainment projects, including feature films, television and dvd/home video based on its characters and also licenses its characters for use in a wide range of consumer products and services including video and computer games, apparel, collectibles, snack foods and promotions. Marvel`s characters and plot lines are created by its comic book division which continues to maintain a leadership position in the U.S. and worldwide while also serving as an invaluable source of intellectual property. For additional information visit the Marvel Web site at http://www.marvel.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact:
Jaffoni & Collins, New York
Investor Relations Contact:
Richard Land, David Collins
212/835-8500
mvl@jcir.com.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Source: Marvel Enterprises, Inc.
Gruß Pepita
Marvel to Report Q4 Financial Results and Host Webcast on March 3
Monday February 24, 5:48 pm ET
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 24, 2003--Marvel Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: MVL - News) announced today that it will release financial results for the fourth quarter and the full year ended December 31, 2002 at 4:00 p.m. EST on Monday, March 3 and will host a webcast that day at 4:30 p.m. EST. On the webcast Marvel`s management team will provide an overview of its financial results, operations, pipeline of entertainment projects featuring Marvel characters as well as review its financial guidance.
WEBCAST URL: www.marvel.com (select "Investor Relations") or www.vcall.com. An archived version of the webcast will be available for 30 days.
With a library of over 4,700 proprietary characters, Marvel Enterprises, Inc. is one of the world`s most prominent character-based entertainment companies. Marvel`s operations are focused in four areas: entertainment (Marvel Studios), licensing, comic book publishing and toys (Toy Biz). Marvel facilitates the creation of entertainment projects, including feature films, television and dvd/home video based on its characters and also licenses its characters for use in a wide range of consumer products and services including video and computer games, apparel, collectibles, snack foods and promotions. Marvel`s characters and plot lines are created by its comic book division which continues to maintain a leadership position in the U.S. and worldwide while also serving as an invaluable source of intellectual property. For additional information visit the Marvel Web site at http://www.marvel.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact:
Jaffoni & Collins, New York
Investor Relations Contact:
Richard Land, David Collins
212/835-8500
mvl@jcir.com.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Source: Marvel Enterprises, Inc.
Es ist ein gutes Gefühl auf einer Aktie zu sitzen die stetig nach oben läuft obwohl sie, vor allem hierzulande kaum einer kennt. Niemand scheint sich für eine Firma zu interessieren, die phantastische Aussichten auf Wachstum, Gewinn und Bekanntheit hat. Deren Story gerade erst anfängt. Montag kommen neue Geschäftszahlen. Im Vorfeld steigt die Aktie wieder rund 10 %, das läßt auf wiederum hervorragende Ergebnisse hoffen. Es interessiert hier niemanden. Wahrscheinlich habt Ihr alle bessere Aktien im Depot. Ich gönne sie Euch. Ich glaube Marvel kann noch nichtmal ein Irakkrieg was anhaben.
Daredevil, eigentlich nur eine Randfigur im Marveluniversum, ist bislang mit über 70 Millionen $ der erfolgreichste Film 2003 in den USA. Die richtigen Knaller mit X-Men 2 und Hulk kommen aber im Sommer erst noch! Und Marvel verdient fleißig mit, wird immer bekannter und verdient auch noch an dem ganzen Spielzeugkram.
Ok, Ihr könnt natürlich auch erst 2004 auf den Zug aufspringen, wenn dann mit Spiderman 2 und einigen anderen Top Kinofilmen Marvel endgültig zum Entertainmentgiganten herangereift ist. Oder wenn plötzlich eine Übernahme durch einen der ganz Großen der Branche (Sony, Universal usw.?) angekündigt wird.
Ich freue mich dann auf meinen günstigen Einstandskurs, lese meine alten Comics "Die Fantastischen Vier" mal wieder durch und rechne mir aus, wieviel ich bei einem Kurs von 30 $ Ende 2004 verdient habe, so rund 500 %...
Gruß Pepita
Daredevil, eigentlich nur eine Randfigur im Marveluniversum, ist bislang mit über 70 Millionen $ der erfolgreichste Film 2003 in den USA. Die richtigen Knaller mit X-Men 2 und Hulk kommen aber im Sommer erst noch! Und Marvel verdient fleißig mit, wird immer bekannter und verdient auch noch an dem ganzen Spielzeugkram.
Ok, Ihr könnt natürlich auch erst 2004 auf den Zug aufspringen, wenn dann mit Spiderman 2 und einigen anderen Top Kinofilmen Marvel endgültig zum Entertainmentgiganten herangereift ist. Oder wenn plötzlich eine Übernahme durch einen der ganz Großen der Branche (Sony, Universal usw.?) angekündigt wird.
Ich freue mich dann auf meinen günstigen Einstandskurs, lese meine alten Comics "Die Fantastischen Vier" mal wieder durch und rechne mir aus, wieviel ich bei einem Kurs von 30 $ Ende 2004 verdient habe, so rund 500 %...
Gruß Pepita
Falls irgendjemand in diesem Board sich auch für Aktien interessiert, was ich beim Lesen der Überschriften der meisten aktiven Threads bald nicht mehr glaube, dann sagt mir doch bitte welche Aktien habt Ihr denn im Depot? Womit kann man momentan mehr Gewinn rausholen als mit Marvel? Habe noch Bargeld und meine es ernst. Sagts mir bitte... Wenn keiner antwortet werde ich den Rest wohl auch noch in Marvel investieren und mit den ganzen Gewinnen leben müssen. Dafür verkrafte ich auch die Selbstgespräche hier.
Gruß Pepita
Gruß Pepita
naja, es ist schon beachtlich, dass ueberhaupt ein paar Leute hier geantwortet haben. Normalerweise kriegt man hier zu hierzulande unbekannten Aktien garkeine Resonanz! Das hab ich schon oft selber erlebt. CHTR und XOXO, waren sogar im Nasdaq 100, hab froehlich geshortet, aber niemand hats hier interessiert.
Ariminios, aber Du scheinst Dich für Marvel zu interessieren, hast hier schon mal geantwortet, auch wenn Du nicht überzeugt bist. Hast Du Dich denn mit der Aktie auseinandergesetzt oder basiert Deine Meinung ganz einfach auf dem Chartverlauf? Übrigens, die 50 Tageslinie ist dreimal von oben getestet worden und immer ist MVL wieder weiter gestiegen.
Gruß Pepita
Gruß Pepita
Eigentlich bin ich neutral eingestellt zu der Aktie, also ich weiss nicht was damit passiert. Aber wenn sie ein neues Hoch macht, dann gehts bestimmt weiter!
Und wieder eine aktuelle Meldung die die hervorragenden Aussichten dieser Aktie aufzeigt:
Press Release Source: Marvel Enterprises, Inc.
Marvel Proves Heroic at the Box Office
Wednesday February 26, 8:50 am ET
Daredevil is Third Consecutive Marvel Studios Motion Picture Release to Capture Top Box Office Position
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 26, 2003--Marvel Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: MVL - News)
Film Successes Drive Revenues and Consumer Impressions From Box
ADVERTISEMENT
Office, DVD/VHS, Video Games, Toys, Licensing and Comic Books
As Daredevil boasts its second consecutive week at the top of the domestic box office charts, grossing $70.5 million since its February 14 release, Marvel Studios, a division of Marvel Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: MVL - News), proves its library of more than 4,700 characters have major drawing power in Hollywood.
To date, Marvel character-based movies including Spider-Man, X-Men, Blade, Blade 2 and Daredevil have generated more than $1.5 billion in box office sales worldwide.
Daredevil, which was produced by 20th Century Fox/New Regency in association with Marvel Studios, stars Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner, Michael Clarke Duncan and Colin Farrell. Daredevil boasted the largest non-sequel opening in February history earning $42.5 million at the box office in spite of major winter storms along the East Coast. The success of Daredevil - which does not rank among the top 30-selling monthly Marvel comics -- as well as the incredible success of the Blade movies, proves that lesser-known Marvel characters have the potential to become blockbuster movie franchises.
"The Marvel Universe is now a proven commodity within Hollywood. The bottom line is all of our characters - no matter how `big` they may seem - can translate into great movie franchises," said Avi Arad Marvel Studios CEO. "We are five for five with record-breaking box office successes and have two more Marvel releases slated for this summer. It`s a testament to the broad appeal of these characters before mainstream audiences outside of the core comic fans. These super heroes have been successful within the Marvel pantheon for decades; it only makes sense that their translations to the big screen are just as fruitful."
Marvel`s biggest success story and the largest grossing film of 2002, Spider-Man (from Columbia Pictures/Marvel Studios), grossed more than $800 million in worldwide box office receipts, catapulting it to the position of one of the top-grossing films of all-time, only to then set sales records for the DVD release.
The 2003 summer will usher two more Marvel movies to the silver screen. X2, the sequel to the $294 million X-Men picture, will be released by 20th Century Fox on May 2, further securing the franchise`s prominence. X2 will star Academy Award winners Halle Berry and Ian McKellan as well as Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart and Famke Janssen. On June 20th, Universal Studios will release The Hulk, directed by Academy Award nominee Ang Lee and starring Academy Award winner Jennifer Connolly and Eric Bana. Additional Marvel movies slated for release include Spider-Man 2, The Fantastic Four, Namor, Iron Man, The Punisher, and Werewolf By Night.
Marvel-ous Carry Over
Marvel Enterprises has proven its ability to synergize high profile movie events across all divisions as evidenced by the success of merchandise, comic book and toy sales in the wake of recent film releases. Across all product categories, from traditional apparel to newer categories such as video games and the Company`s Toy Biz toy lines, Marvel has created and met an overwhelming demand for products based on its highly visible characters. As these franchise entertainment events go through their natural life cycles, Marvel is positioned to continue to capitalize on their success through DVD/video sales, pay-per-view offerings, cable and broadcast TV rights and sequels.
About Marvel
With a library of over 4,700 proprietary characters, Marvel Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: MVL - News) is one of the world`s most prominent character-based entertainment companies. Marvel`s operations are focused in three areas: entertainment (Marvel Studios) and licensing, comic book publishing and toys (Toy Biz). Marvel facilitates the creation of entertainment projects, including feature films, DVD/home video, video games and television based on its characters and also licenses its characters for use in a wide range of consumer products and services including apparel, collectibles, snack foods and promotions. Marvel`s characters are created by its comic book division, which continues to expand its leadership position in the U.S. and worldwide while also serving as an invaluable source of intellectual property. For additional information visit http://www.marvel.com
Gruß Pepita
Press Release Source: Marvel Enterprises, Inc.
Marvel Proves Heroic at the Box Office
Wednesday February 26, 8:50 am ET
Daredevil is Third Consecutive Marvel Studios Motion Picture Release to Capture Top Box Office Position
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 26, 2003--Marvel Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: MVL - News)
Film Successes Drive Revenues and Consumer Impressions From Box
ADVERTISEMENT
Office, DVD/VHS, Video Games, Toys, Licensing and Comic Books
As Daredevil boasts its second consecutive week at the top of the domestic box office charts, grossing $70.5 million since its February 14 release, Marvel Studios, a division of Marvel Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: MVL - News), proves its library of more than 4,700 characters have major drawing power in Hollywood.
To date, Marvel character-based movies including Spider-Man, X-Men, Blade, Blade 2 and Daredevil have generated more than $1.5 billion in box office sales worldwide.
Daredevil, which was produced by 20th Century Fox/New Regency in association with Marvel Studios, stars Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner, Michael Clarke Duncan and Colin Farrell. Daredevil boasted the largest non-sequel opening in February history earning $42.5 million at the box office in spite of major winter storms along the East Coast. The success of Daredevil - which does not rank among the top 30-selling monthly Marvel comics -- as well as the incredible success of the Blade movies, proves that lesser-known Marvel characters have the potential to become blockbuster movie franchises.
"The Marvel Universe is now a proven commodity within Hollywood. The bottom line is all of our characters - no matter how `big` they may seem - can translate into great movie franchises," said Avi Arad Marvel Studios CEO. "We are five for five with record-breaking box office successes and have two more Marvel releases slated for this summer. It`s a testament to the broad appeal of these characters before mainstream audiences outside of the core comic fans. These super heroes have been successful within the Marvel pantheon for decades; it only makes sense that their translations to the big screen are just as fruitful."
Marvel`s biggest success story and the largest grossing film of 2002, Spider-Man (from Columbia Pictures/Marvel Studios), grossed more than $800 million in worldwide box office receipts, catapulting it to the position of one of the top-grossing films of all-time, only to then set sales records for the DVD release.
The 2003 summer will usher two more Marvel movies to the silver screen. X2, the sequel to the $294 million X-Men picture, will be released by 20th Century Fox on May 2, further securing the franchise`s prominence. X2 will star Academy Award winners Halle Berry and Ian McKellan as well as Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart and Famke Janssen. On June 20th, Universal Studios will release The Hulk, directed by Academy Award nominee Ang Lee and starring Academy Award winner Jennifer Connolly and Eric Bana. Additional Marvel movies slated for release include Spider-Man 2, The Fantastic Four, Namor, Iron Man, The Punisher, and Werewolf By Night.
Marvel-ous Carry Over
Marvel Enterprises has proven its ability to synergize high profile movie events across all divisions as evidenced by the success of merchandise, comic book and toy sales in the wake of recent film releases. Across all product categories, from traditional apparel to newer categories such as video games and the Company`s Toy Biz toy lines, Marvel has created and met an overwhelming demand for products based on its highly visible characters. As these franchise entertainment events go through their natural life cycles, Marvel is positioned to continue to capitalize on their success through DVD/video sales, pay-per-view offerings, cable and broadcast TV rights and sequels.
About Marvel
With a library of over 4,700 proprietary characters, Marvel Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: MVL - News) is one of the world`s most prominent character-based entertainment companies. Marvel`s operations are focused in three areas: entertainment (Marvel Studios) and licensing, comic book publishing and toys (Toy Biz). Marvel facilitates the creation of entertainment projects, including feature films, DVD/home video, video games and television based on its characters and also licenses its characters for use in a wide range of consumer products and services including apparel, collectibles, snack foods and promotions. Marvel`s characters are created by its comic book division, which continues to expand its leadership position in the U.S. and worldwide while also serving as an invaluable source of intellectual property. For additional information visit http://www.marvel.com
Gruß Pepita
Das muß man sich nochmal in Ruhe durchlesen. Und dann überlegt mal was das für MARVELs Zukunft bedeutet...
Gruß Pepita
The success of Daredevil - which does not rank among the top 30-selling monthly Marvel comics -- as well as the incredible success of the Blade movies, proves that lesser-known Marvel characters have the potential to become blockbuster movie franchises.
"The Marvel Universe is now a proven commodity within Hollywood. The bottom line is all of our characters - no matter how `big` they may seem - can translate into great movie franchises," said Avi Arad Marvel Studios CEO. "We are five for five with record-breaking box office successes and have two more Marvel releases slated for this summer.
Gruß Pepita
The success of Daredevil - which does not rank among the top 30-selling monthly Marvel comics -- as well as the incredible success of the Blade movies, proves that lesser-known Marvel characters have the potential to become blockbuster movie franchises.
"The Marvel Universe is now a proven commodity within Hollywood. The bottom line is all of our characters - no matter how `big` they may seem - can translate into great movie franchises," said Avi Arad Marvel Studios CEO. "We are five for five with record-breaking box office successes and have two more Marvel releases slated for this summer.
Schlußkurs heute in NY 11,08 $, wieder + 3%.
Gruß Pepita
Gruß Pepita
Hey benefactor, danke für die Farbe in diesem Thread. Sieht toll aus, besonders der Chartverlauf. Hast Du denn eine Meinung zu Marvel? Und was sagen Dir die Indikatoren?
Gruß Pepita
Gruß Pepita
Mavel hat einen intakten Aufwärtstrend. Kaufen würde ich allerdings nicht mehr.
Zwar von gestern, aber auch interessant. Sony wird sich gerne an Marvel erinnern...
Gruß Pepita
Reuters
Marvel sues over Sony Pictures Spider-Man deal
Tuesday February 25, 9:03 pm ET
NEW YORK, Feb 25 (Reuters) - Comic book publisher Marvel Enterprises Inc. (NYSE:MVL - News) on Tuesday said the unit that licenses its legendary cast of characters has filed suit over a Spider-Man licensing deal with Sony Pictures Entertainment.
Marvel, whose 4,700 comic book characters are licensed to promote snack foods, clothing and entertainment, said it filed the complaint under seal in a California Superior Court to protect its intellectual property rights.
A press release issued by the company did not specify against whom the suit was filed, but it said Marvel holds the licensing agreement with Sony Corp.`s (Tokyo:6758.T - News) Sony Pictures Entertainment and SPE Spider-Man GP Inc.
"Spider-Man," the highest-grossing film of 2002, played a huge role in Sony Pictures` recent success, and a sequel to the movie is in the works.
"Spider-Man" is based on a Marvel character created by artist Stan Lee, who last year launched a lawsuit against Marvel seeking a bigger cut of the profits from the commercial success of his characters, which also include Daredevil, X-Men and The Incredible Hulk.
Marvel recently raised its revenue outlook for the year based on the blockbuster success of the first "Spider-Man" movie. The company did not expect the lawsuit to have a material negative impact on its financial results or guidance for this year and beyond.
Marvel said the lawsuit is "not an attempt to stop production of the Spider-Man sequel slated for May 2004" or a move to affect any merchandising deals related to the movie.
It said its operations could be positively impacted if the lawsuit is successfully resolved, but provided no more detail.
A spokesman for Marvel could not be reached for comment, which a Sony Pictures spokeswoman did not immediately return calls.
Gruß Pepita
Reuters
Marvel sues over Sony Pictures Spider-Man deal
Tuesday February 25, 9:03 pm ET
NEW YORK, Feb 25 (Reuters) - Comic book publisher Marvel Enterprises Inc. (NYSE:MVL - News) on Tuesday said the unit that licenses its legendary cast of characters has filed suit over a Spider-Man licensing deal with Sony Pictures Entertainment.
Marvel, whose 4,700 comic book characters are licensed to promote snack foods, clothing and entertainment, said it filed the complaint under seal in a California Superior Court to protect its intellectual property rights.
A press release issued by the company did not specify against whom the suit was filed, but it said Marvel holds the licensing agreement with Sony Corp.`s (Tokyo:6758.T - News) Sony Pictures Entertainment and SPE Spider-Man GP Inc.
"Spider-Man," the highest-grossing film of 2002, played a huge role in Sony Pictures` recent success, and a sequel to the movie is in the works.
"Spider-Man" is based on a Marvel character created by artist Stan Lee, who last year launched a lawsuit against Marvel seeking a bigger cut of the profits from the commercial success of his characters, which also include Daredevil, X-Men and The Incredible Hulk.
Marvel recently raised its revenue outlook for the year based on the blockbuster success of the first "Spider-Man" movie. The company did not expect the lawsuit to have a material negative impact on its financial results or guidance for this year and beyond.
Marvel said the lawsuit is "not an attempt to stop production of the Spider-Man sequel slated for May 2004" or a move to affect any merchandising deals related to the movie.
It said its operations could be positively impacted if the lawsuit is successfully resolved, but provided no more detail.
A spokesman for Marvel could not be reached for comment, which a Sony Pictures spokeswoman did not immediately return calls.
Und auch heute wieder positive Nachrichten über MVL! Der nächste Film ist in Planung.
Gruß Pepita
Reuters
Fox plans movie for "Daredevil`s" Elektra
Thursday February 27, 2:09 pm ET
LOS ANGELES, Feb 27 (Reuters) - She`s alive!
Elektra, the beautiful but deadly comic book heroine at the center of hit action movie "Daredevil," will make a comeback to the movies even after being left for dead in the first film.
ADVERTISEMENT
Film studio Twentieth Century Fox let the secret out of the bag late on Wednesday, saying Jennifer Garner of TV`s "Alias" will reprise her role as the high-kicking and knife-wielding Elektra in a new film still being developed by the studio.
The movie has yet to be named, but Fox did say it will be set in time after the events that led to Elektra`s apparent demise in "Daredevil."
In a statement, Fox said the script is being developed, and other details were undisclosed.
A spokeswoman for Fox declined to comment further.
"Daredevil" stars Ben Affleck as the New York City superhero who was blinded as a child and developed heightened senses of sound, touch and smell. He uses his powers to fight crime boss Kingpin and maniacal hitman Bullseye.
The film has raked in $70 million at U.S. and Canadian box offices and topped the charts in two weeks in release.
Elektra is the daughter of a wealthy industrialist who falls in love with Daredevil`s daytime alter ego, Matt Murdock. But when her father is killed, she blames Daredevil, setting up a duel between the pair.
Elektra first appeared in Marvel Enterprises Inc.`s (NYSE:MVL - News) "Daredevil" comics in 1980. She possesses no superhuman abilities, but is a master of martial arts and uses a pair of three-pronged daggers, or sai, with all the skill of a deadly assassin.
Twentieth Century Fox is the film studio division of News Corp Ltd.`s (Australia:NCP.AX - News; NYSE:NWS - News) Fox Entertainment Group Inc. (NYSE:FOX - News).
Gruß Pepita
Reuters
Fox plans movie for "Daredevil`s" Elektra
Thursday February 27, 2:09 pm ET
LOS ANGELES, Feb 27 (Reuters) - She`s alive!
Elektra, the beautiful but deadly comic book heroine at the center of hit action movie "Daredevil," will make a comeback to the movies even after being left for dead in the first film.
ADVERTISEMENT
Film studio Twentieth Century Fox let the secret out of the bag late on Wednesday, saying Jennifer Garner of TV`s "Alias" will reprise her role as the high-kicking and knife-wielding Elektra in a new film still being developed by the studio.
The movie has yet to be named, but Fox did say it will be set in time after the events that led to Elektra`s apparent demise in "Daredevil."
In a statement, Fox said the script is being developed, and other details were undisclosed.
A spokeswoman for Fox declined to comment further.
"Daredevil" stars Ben Affleck as the New York City superhero who was blinded as a child and developed heightened senses of sound, touch and smell. He uses his powers to fight crime boss Kingpin and maniacal hitman Bullseye.
The film has raked in $70 million at U.S. and Canadian box offices and topped the charts in two weeks in release.
Elektra is the daughter of a wealthy industrialist who falls in love with Daredevil`s daytime alter ego, Matt Murdock. But when her father is killed, she blames Daredevil, setting up a duel between the pair.
Elektra first appeared in Marvel Enterprises Inc.`s (NYSE:MVL - News) "Daredevil" comics in 1980. She possesses no superhuman abilities, but is a master of martial arts and uses a pair of three-pronged daggers, or sai, with all the skill of a deadly assassin.
Twentieth Century Fox is the film studio division of News Corp Ltd.`s (Australia:NCP.AX - News; NYSE:NWS - News) Fox Entertainment Group Inc. (NYSE:FOX - News).
Der chart sieht ziemlich gefaehrlich aus. Die letzten zwei Candles da sind uebel, dann vielleicht eine SKS. Es muss morgen oder uebermorgen Richtung 12, sonst ist erstmal finito...
Und wieder die tägliche gute Nachricht zu Marvel, die das Potential aufzeigt. Dabei kommt der Film erst im Juni in die Kinos...
Gruß Pepita
Hulk leads onslaught of superhero toys
February 28, 2003
FAVORITE THINGS BY DENISE I. O`NEAL Advertisement
Toy Biz introduced an onslaught of action figure superheroes and villains at the International Toy Fair last week.
"The appeal of action figures differs from young to old," said Jesse Falcon, director of product development for Toy Biz. "Little kids like the idea of replicating the play scenario of their favorite characters while adults appreciate the aesthetics of the sculpt."
A division of Marvel Entertainment, the toy company`s breakout product by far is a series of action figures and accessories based on the upcoming movie, "The Hulk."
The Hulk character is based on The Incredible Hulk, the Marvel Comics alter ego of Dr. Bruce Banner. The muscled green giant, who bounds about in shredded clothing (ripped when morphing from Banner to the hulking hero), has been updated for today`s savvy kids.
"I think kids are attracted to the Hulk because he is a misunderstood hero, and they can empathize with him," said Falcon. "The Hulk and Spider-man have transgressed from superheroes to Americana. Their images are ingrained into our consciousness."
"The Hulk" will feature a 15-foot Hulk digitally created by George Lucas` special effects company.
"The movie is like a version of WWE meets Godzilla," said Falcon.
Toy Biz, remaining faithful to the new big-screen character, has created a series of toys replicating The Hulk`s sound and actions. Hulk related items due out in the Spring include:
*Electronic Hulk Hands ($19.99) allow the young and young at heart to role play. The hands have sound chips that imitate the Hulk`s roar.
*The electronically enhanced 13-inch Battle Action Hulk ($16.99) kicks and punches opponents while emitting electronic sounds.
*The Hulk Movie Electronic Rage Cage ($24.99) is a playset with breakaway walls and special sound effects. Included with the set is an eight inch Hulk action figure with muscle-pumping and vest-ripping action.
*Hulk Movie Smash n` Go vehicles ($6.99) feature a Hulk on a Rubble with Punching Action and Hulk on a Tank with Smashing Action.
*Hulk Movie Action Figures, Assortment I and II are two sets of posable figures based on action scenes from the movie, $7.99 each.
*The Hulk Movie Water Cannon ($24.99) and Hulk Movie Water Gun ($14.99) will arrive in time to beat the heat this summer.
*Other summer releases include a 13-inch Stretch N` Roar Hulk posable figure ($24.99). Pull any part of the Hulk`s body and he speaks or makes a roaring sound.
*When kids don the Hulk Movie Mask with Voice Changer ($14.99), their own voices transform into that of a raging Hulk.
*Hulk Movie Action Figures, Assortment III and IV ($7.99 each) are additional sets of posable figures based on action scenes from the movie.
Gruß Pepita
Hulk leads onslaught of superhero toys
February 28, 2003
FAVORITE THINGS BY DENISE I. O`NEAL Advertisement
Toy Biz introduced an onslaught of action figure superheroes and villains at the International Toy Fair last week.
"The appeal of action figures differs from young to old," said Jesse Falcon, director of product development for Toy Biz. "Little kids like the idea of replicating the play scenario of their favorite characters while adults appreciate the aesthetics of the sculpt."
A division of Marvel Entertainment, the toy company`s breakout product by far is a series of action figures and accessories based on the upcoming movie, "The Hulk."
The Hulk character is based on The Incredible Hulk, the Marvel Comics alter ego of Dr. Bruce Banner. The muscled green giant, who bounds about in shredded clothing (ripped when morphing from Banner to the hulking hero), has been updated for today`s savvy kids.
"I think kids are attracted to the Hulk because he is a misunderstood hero, and they can empathize with him," said Falcon. "The Hulk and Spider-man have transgressed from superheroes to Americana. Their images are ingrained into our consciousness."
"The Hulk" will feature a 15-foot Hulk digitally created by George Lucas` special effects company.
"The movie is like a version of WWE meets Godzilla," said Falcon.
Toy Biz, remaining faithful to the new big-screen character, has created a series of toys replicating The Hulk`s sound and actions. Hulk related items due out in the Spring include:
*Electronic Hulk Hands ($19.99) allow the young and young at heart to role play. The hands have sound chips that imitate the Hulk`s roar.
*The electronically enhanced 13-inch Battle Action Hulk ($16.99) kicks and punches opponents while emitting electronic sounds.
*The Hulk Movie Electronic Rage Cage ($24.99) is a playset with breakaway walls and special sound effects. Included with the set is an eight inch Hulk action figure with muscle-pumping and vest-ripping action.
*Hulk Movie Smash n` Go vehicles ($6.99) feature a Hulk on a Rubble with Punching Action and Hulk on a Tank with Smashing Action.
*Hulk Movie Action Figures, Assortment I and II are two sets of posable figures based on action scenes from the movie, $7.99 each.
*The Hulk Movie Water Cannon ($24.99) and Hulk Movie Water Gun ($14.99) will arrive in time to beat the heat this summer.
*Other summer releases include a 13-inch Stretch N` Roar Hulk posable figure ($24.99). Pull any part of the Hulk`s body and he speaks or makes a roaring sound.
*When kids don the Hulk Movie Mask with Voice Changer ($14.99), their own voices transform into that of a raging Hulk.
*Hulk Movie Action Figures, Assortment III and IV ($7.99 each) are additional sets of posable figures based on action scenes from the movie.
Ok Ariminios,
dann wollen wir mal sehen ob die 12 $ nicht schneller drin sind als gedacht. Heute gehts schonmal im Plus los bei 11,23 $. Montag sollen die (wahrscheinlich guten ) Geschäftszahlen rauskommen. Mittelfristig sehe ich bis Juni die 15 - 17 $ kommen. Grund: Sowohl bei Spiderman als auch bei Daredevil stieg die Aktie im Vorfeld des Kinostarts stark an. Und im Mai und Juni stehen uns mit X-Men 2 und Hulk zwei richtig große Filme bevor. Danach allerdings könnte es erstmal für einige Wochen vorbei sein mit dem Aufwärtstrend, da erst für Anfang 2004 mit Spiderman 2 der nächste Film (von 3 - 4 in 2004) ansteht. Aber vielleicht gibts ja noch die eine oder andere positive Überraschung. Ende 2004 halte ich Kurse um 30 $ für möglich:
Stetig steigende Zahl von Kinofilmen, dabei wird in der Regel der Geschmack des Publikums nach Action und Science Fiction getroffen.
Risiko der Kinofilme liegt bei Produzenten. Marvel verkauft nur die Rechte an den Figuren.
Bisherige Erfolge lassen neue Projekte schneller entstehen. Eine Vielzahl von Filmen ist in Arbeit oder geplant. Der Sättigungsgrad der Zuschauer ist dabei noch lange nicht erreicht.
Ansteigender Bekanntheitsgrad der Marvel - Figuren und damit steigender Verkauf von Merchandising Produkten (siehe z.B. Beitrag zuvor zu Hulk)
Ansteigende Auflage der Marvel Comics durch nachwachsende Comicgenerationen.
Firma schreibt schwarze Zahlen nach Fastbankrott vor 2 - 3 Jahren!
Gruß Pepita
dann wollen wir mal sehen ob die 12 $ nicht schneller drin sind als gedacht. Heute gehts schonmal im Plus los bei 11,23 $. Montag sollen die (wahrscheinlich guten ) Geschäftszahlen rauskommen. Mittelfristig sehe ich bis Juni die 15 - 17 $ kommen. Grund: Sowohl bei Spiderman als auch bei Daredevil stieg die Aktie im Vorfeld des Kinostarts stark an. Und im Mai und Juni stehen uns mit X-Men 2 und Hulk zwei richtig große Filme bevor. Danach allerdings könnte es erstmal für einige Wochen vorbei sein mit dem Aufwärtstrend, da erst für Anfang 2004 mit Spiderman 2 der nächste Film (von 3 - 4 in 2004) ansteht. Aber vielleicht gibts ja noch die eine oder andere positive Überraschung. Ende 2004 halte ich Kurse um 30 $ für möglich:
Stetig steigende Zahl von Kinofilmen, dabei wird in der Regel der Geschmack des Publikums nach Action und Science Fiction getroffen.
Risiko der Kinofilme liegt bei Produzenten. Marvel verkauft nur die Rechte an den Figuren.
Bisherige Erfolge lassen neue Projekte schneller entstehen. Eine Vielzahl von Filmen ist in Arbeit oder geplant. Der Sättigungsgrad der Zuschauer ist dabei noch lange nicht erreicht.
Ansteigender Bekanntheitsgrad der Marvel - Figuren und damit steigender Verkauf von Merchandising Produkten (siehe z.B. Beitrag zuvor zu Hulk)
Ansteigende Auflage der Marvel Comics durch nachwachsende Comicgenerationen.
Firma schreibt schwarze Zahlen nach Fastbankrott vor 2 - 3 Jahren!
Gruß Pepita
Möchte Euch nicht die Meinung eines Users vorenthalten aus dem Yahoo - Board zu MVL, in dem übrigends eine rege Diskussion täglich zu MVL stattfindet.
Gruß Pepita
Nice thing about MVL--the stock
by: york1675 02/28/03 09:46 am
Msg: 64927 of 64931
The way MVL management is running its business and managing steadily improving financial results is a beautiful to behold. Ike and team are masters. One thing that I think is great, is that given the fabulous run we`ve had with MVL stock in the past two years, it`s still an under followed company and not on most investors` radar screen.
For example, BusinessWeek today talks about how Disney can double in two years. WSJ discusses Microsofts and ERTS interest in Sega. NOBODY has yet come out in financial press touting the positive nature of MVL`s products and finances. Yet, the stock is up several hundred percent in the past three years. One of the biggest NYSE winners in 2002. This is while Disney has declined and Sega is on life support. Should we get a real good article in say Barrons and better analyst coverage, up, up and away.
This is really one sweet company. I honestly never thought it would turn out this well when I bought two plus years ago. I bought for the turnaround, but didn`t realize that Ike and team were such outstanding managers. Where recently I thought $11-$12 would be fair value and a sale price, it`s now clear that there is still MUCH upside to MVL stock based on excellent fundamentals and top and bottom line growth in a bad economy.
What is fair value? Not really sure right now. But given the new and substantial list of institutional investors getting into MVL, who can easily absorb Whipporwill and most other sellers, MVL is NOT a stock to be sold now. MORE GAINS TO COME.
Hand in there and best of luck all.
York1675 (the real one)
Gruß Pepita
Nice thing about MVL--the stock
by: york1675 02/28/03 09:46 am
Msg: 64927 of 64931
The way MVL management is running its business and managing steadily improving financial results is a beautiful to behold. Ike and team are masters. One thing that I think is great, is that given the fabulous run we`ve had with MVL stock in the past two years, it`s still an under followed company and not on most investors` radar screen.
For example, BusinessWeek today talks about how Disney can double in two years. WSJ discusses Microsofts and ERTS interest in Sega. NOBODY has yet come out in financial press touting the positive nature of MVL`s products and finances. Yet, the stock is up several hundred percent in the past three years. One of the biggest NYSE winners in 2002. This is while Disney has declined and Sega is on life support. Should we get a real good article in say Barrons and better analyst coverage, up, up and away.
This is really one sweet company. I honestly never thought it would turn out this well when I bought two plus years ago. I bought for the turnaround, but didn`t realize that Ike and team were such outstanding managers. Where recently I thought $11-$12 would be fair value and a sale price, it`s now clear that there is still MUCH upside to MVL stock based on excellent fundamentals and top and bottom line growth in a bad economy.
What is fair value? Not really sure right now. But given the new and substantial list of institutional investors getting into MVL, who can easily absorb Whipporwill and most other sellers, MVL is NOT a stock to be sold now. MORE GAINS TO COME.
Hand in there and best of luck all.
York1675 (the real one)
Wen es interessiert, kann auch gerne selber reinschauen:
http://messages.yahoo.com/?action=q&board=MVL
Gruß Pepita
http://messages.yahoo.com/?action=q&board=MVL
Gruß Pepita
Marvel Enterprises, Inc. will broadcast its earnings event on Monday, 03/03/2003 at 4:30 PM Eastern. This call can be accessed at http://www.vcall.com/EventPage.asp?ID=83357
Gruß Pepita
Gruß Pepita
This is Mondays` Investor`s Business Daily News.
A (Super) Heroic Effort To Turn Things Around
BY ADELIA CELLINI LINECKER
INVESTOR`S BUSINESS DAILY
http://www.investors.com/editorial/newamer.asp?v=3/2
With all the "bang-zoom!" it can muster, Marvel Enterprises Inc. (MVL) is lifting a page from its comic-book universe.
Just as Peter Parker morphed from a 98-pound weakling into Spider-Man, Marvel has transformed itself from a bankrupt toy maker into a profitable entertainment firm.
Spidey himself played a key role in the comeback. Last year`s movie based on the legendary comic-book hero grossed $822 million and fueled sales of nearly 2 million videogames.
But there`s more to this turnaround story than one blockbuster flick about a guy who harnesses the skills of an arachnid.
Marvel Chief Executive Allen Lipson says his firm is fundamentally different than it was when it emerged from bankruptcy in 1998.
The biggest change is that Marvel shed its capital-intensive toy-making plants in favor of selling licenses to its 4,700 characters.
"Marvel today is a much more focused company," Lipson said. "We recognize today that we are an entertainment company that is based on our intellectual property."
The previous incarnation of Marvel took form in 1989, when Ron Perelman bought the company and made it into a corporate giant producing trading cards and toys.
The hope was that Marvel would reap a windfall from the period`s comic-book craze, which drove investors to pour money into comics believing they were sure-bet collectors items.
Marvel even considered funding its own movies. The strategy seemed to work for a while.
Then the comic-book craze ended - and Marvel began bleeding red ink. The firm lost money each year between 1997 and 2001.
Its best writers and artists jumped ship to DC Comics and boutique publishers. Soon the comic-book story lines at Marvel turned sappy and predictable. Even Marvel fans didn`t want to buy the comics.
The company ended up filing for bankruptcy in 1996.
Marvel had no choice but to explore new business ideas. It was taken out of bankruptcy by Ike Perl-mutter, owner of Toy Biz, which held rights to make toys based on Marvel characters.
Toy Biz was later made a unit of Marvel. After that, Marvel began to shift its focus from toys to licensing. Perlmutter hired a new management team, including Joe Quesada as editor in chief and Avi Arad as head of the film and TV division.
The first order of business was to revive the publishing business. Under previous managers, Marvel`s comic-book market share had fallen to 33% in 2000 from 70% in the early `90s.
But Quesada`s talent, coupled with his ability to bring back fan-favorite writers and artists, turned things around. Rather than churning out volume after volume of mediocre stories, Quesada and his posse focused on fewer and better stories.
Today, Marvel`s market share has edged back up to almost 40%.
Meanwhile, the success of "Spider-Man" helped Marvel patch up its financial wounds. For one thing, it brought a quick infusion of cash to help pay manufacturing costs, says analyst Robert Routh of Natexis Bleichroeder Inc.
"As a result of the `Spider-Man` movie success, they were able to realize enough revenue that they were able to fix their capital structure," he said.
When Marvel came out of bankruptcy it had roughly $250 million in debt. Now that figure is down to $150 million.
"Spider-Man" also gave Arad and Lipson more negotiating clout. Under the old regime, Marvel simply sold the rights to use its characters in movies.
The firm usually made a couple of million dollars off the deal - not much, considering the hundreds of millions movies can bring in.
"That`s life," Arad said. "You have to pay your dues. You have to learn how to walk before you can run. Today we would not make a movie without gross participation."
Under the new plan, Marvel licenses the rights and gets a share of gross profits from the movies and just about everything else associated with them - toys, videogames, TV spinoffs, DVDs.
Arad himself has considerable clout these days because he proved to studios and investors that he and Marvel could make movies that people wanted to see.
His first try - "Blade," the 1998 release starring Wesley Snipes - grossed $70 million. Two years later, "X-Men" took in $157 million. More recently, "Daredevil" hauled in $70.3 million in its first 10 days.
"I love taking small characters and making them into huge franchises," Arad said during a chat in his toy-crammed office in Santa Monica, Calif. "The comic books are source materials. Bringing in the caliber of people we do gives us the opportunity to make quality movies."
Company officials hope to see similar success with "X-Men II," slated for release in May, and "The Hulk," scheduled to come out in June.
But some observers are cautious about Marvel`s long-term outlook. The concern is that moviegoers might grow tired of superhero-inspired movies. That`s what happened to the "Batman" movie franchise.
Lipson and Arad sound confident Marvel won`t suffer the same fate.
"We`re diversified enough," Lipson said. "We can do comedies such as `Men In Black,` horror and sci-fi."
Analyst Routh says Marvel has enough depth in its character universe to sustain long-term growth.
"The company is conservative in its projections," he said. "They have a tendency to underpromise and overdeliver. They know who they were and that Wall Street still has a bad taste in their mouth."
Marvel is due to report fourth-quarter and 2002 earnings Monday. Analysts polled by First Call expect full-year profit to come in at 42 cents a share vs. a loss of $1.27 in 2001.
Earnings this year are seen rising 40% to 59 cents a share.
One major change that might stir the pot: Marvel is ripe for a buyout given its improved finances and healthy backlog of movie projects, Routh says.
"I think someone will buy the company in the next two or three years," he said. "It could make sense for a larger studio . . . to buy them. Possibly Viacom could also buy them."
A key obstacle would be the movie deals Marvel already has with rival studios such as Fox.
And Arad, who proudly wears two rings - one engraved with a spider web and another with "X-Men" - says it won`t be easy for a buyer to get him out of the driver`s seat at Marvel Studios.
"They`re going to have to drag me out of here," he said.
Gruß Pepita
A (Super) Heroic Effort To Turn Things Around
BY ADELIA CELLINI LINECKER
INVESTOR`S BUSINESS DAILY
http://www.investors.com/editorial/newamer.asp?v=3/2
With all the "bang-zoom!" it can muster, Marvel Enterprises Inc. (MVL) is lifting a page from its comic-book universe.
Just as Peter Parker morphed from a 98-pound weakling into Spider-Man, Marvel has transformed itself from a bankrupt toy maker into a profitable entertainment firm.
Spidey himself played a key role in the comeback. Last year`s movie based on the legendary comic-book hero grossed $822 million and fueled sales of nearly 2 million videogames.
But there`s more to this turnaround story than one blockbuster flick about a guy who harnesses the skills of an arachnid.
Marvel Chief Executive Allen Lipson says his firm is fundamentally different than it was when it emerged from bankruptcy in 1998.
The biggest change is that Marvel shed its capital-intensive toy-making plants in favor of selling licenses to its 4,700 characters.
"Marvel today is a much more focused company," Lipson said. "We recognize today that we are an entertainment company that is based on our intellectual property."
The previous incarnation of Marvel took form in 1989, when Ron Perelman bought the company and made it into a corporate giant producing trading cards and toys.
The hope was that Marvel would reap a windfall from the period`s comic-book craze, which drove investors to pour money into comics believing they were sure-bet collectors items.
Marvel even considered funding its own movies. The strategy seemed to work for a while.
Then the comic-book craze ended - and Marvel began bleeding red ink. The firm lost money each year between 1997 and 2001.
Its best writers and artists jumped ship to DC Comics and boutique publishers. Soon the comic-book story lines at Marvel turned sappy and predictable. Even Marvel fans didn`t want to buy the comics.
The company ended up filing for bankruptcy in 1996.
Marvel had no choice but to explore new business ideas. It was taken out of bankruptcy by Ike Perl-mutter, owner of Toy Biz, which held rights to make toys based on Marvel characters.
Toy Biz was later made a unit of Marvel. After that, Marvel began to shift its focus from toys to licensing. Perlmutter hired a new management team, including Joe Quesada as editor in chief and Avi Arad as head of the film and TV division.
The first order of business was to revive the publishing business. Under previous managers, Marvel`s comic-book market share had fallen to 33% in 2000 from 70% in the early `90s.
But Quesada`s talent, coupled with his ability to bring back fan-favorite writers and artists, turned things around. Rather than churning out volume after volume of mediocre stories, Quesada and his posse focused on fewer and better stories.
Today, Marvel`s market share has edged back up to almost 40%.
Meanwhile, the success of "Spider-Man" helped Marvel patch up its financial wounds. For one thing, it brought a quick infusion of cash to help pay manufacturing costs, says analyst Robert Routh of Natexis Bleichroeder Inc.
"As a result of the `Spider-Man` movie success, they were able to realize enough revenue that they were able to fix their capital structure," he said.
When Marvel came out of bankruptcy it had roughly $250 million in debt. Now that figure is down to $150 million.
"Spider-Man" also gave Arad and Lipson more negotiating clout. Under the old regime, Marvel simply sold the rights to use its characters in movies.
The firm usually made a couple of million dollars off the deal - not much, considering the hundreds of millions movies can bring in.
"That`s life," Arad said. "You have to pay your dues. You have to learn how to walk before you can run. Today we would not make a movie without gross participation."
Under the new plan, Marvel licenses the rights and gets a share of gross profits from the movies and just about everything else associated with them - toys, videogames, TV spinoffs, DVDs.
Arad himself has considerable clout these days because he proved to studios and investors that he and Marvel could make movies that people wanted to see.
His first try - "Blade," the 1998 release starring Wesley Snipes - grossed $70 million. Two years later, "X-Men" took in $157 million. More recently, "Daredevil" hauled in $70.3 million in its first 10 days.
"I love taking small characters and making them into huge franchises," Arad said during a chat in his toy-crammed office in Santa Monica, Calif. "The comic books are source materials. Bringing in the caliber of people we do gives us the opportunity to make quality movies."
Company officials hope to see similar success with "X-Men II," slated for release in May, and "The Hulk," scheduled to come out in June.
But some observers are cautious about Marvel`s long-term outlook. The concern is that moviegoers might grow tired of superhero-inspired movies. That`s what happened to the "Batman" movie franchise.
Lipson and Arad sound confident Marvel won`t suffer the same fate.
"We`re diversified enough," Lipson said. "We can do comedies such as `Men In Black,` horror and sci-fi."
Analyst Routh says Marvel has enough depth in its character universe to sustain long-term growth.
"The company is conservative in its projections," he said. "They have a tendency to underpromise and overdeliver. They know who they were and that Wall Street still has a bad taste in their mouth."
Marvel is due to report fourth-quarter and 2002 earnings Monday. Analysts polled by First Call expect full-year profit to come in at 42 cents a share vs. a loss of $1.27 in 2001.
Earnings this year are seen rising 40% to 59 cents a share.
One major change that might stir the pot: Marvel is ripe for a buyout given its improved finances and healthy backlog of movie projects, Routh says.
"I think someone will buy the company in the next two or three years," he said. "It could make sense for a larger studio . . . to buy them. Possibly Viacom could also buy them."
A key obstacle would be the movie deals Marvel already has with rival studios such as Fox.
And Arad, who proudly wears two rings - one engraved with a spider web and another with "X-Men" - says it won`t be easy for a buyer to get him out of the driver`s seat at Marvel Studios.
"They`re going to have to drag me out of here," he said.
Gruß Pepita
Ganz aktuell die Jahreszahlen 2003. Habe sie noch gar nicht gelesen. Kommentare erwünscht.
Gruß Pepita
Marvel Completes Strategic Transformation in 2002 and Raises 2003 Guidance for Net Income, EBITDA And EPS
Monday March 3, 4:01 pm ET
- Global Sales of Marvel-Licensed Consumer Products Exceeded $2 Billion in 2002 -
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 3, 2003-- Marvel Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: MVL - News), a global provider of entertainment content, today reported financial results for its fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2002 and raised its financial guidance for 2003. Marvel`s 2002 results and strong 2003 prospects mark its successful transformation to a licensing-driven business focused on entertainment media (film, comics, TV, video games, online, toys, etc.) and consumer products and promotions.
The year 2002, with the launch of Spider-Man: The Movie, also marked the debut of improved feature film economics that provide Marvel the potential for substantial royalty income, based on the success of films featuring its characters.
Q4 Overview:
Reflecting particularly strong contributions from licensing and toys, Q4 net sales rose 74% to $86.5 million, EBITDA increased 136% to $24.8 million and free cash flow increased $33.6 million to $33.1 million. Reflecting previously announced one-time, non-cash charges principally related to the Convertible Preferred Stock exchange offer in November and the early retirement of a bank loan, Marvel reported a Q4 2002 net loss applicable to common stockholders of $48.7 million, or $1.03 per share. Excluding these one-time, non-cash charges, Marvel would have reported Q4 earnings applicable to common stockholders of $12.4 million, or $0.19 per share.
Q4 results included approximately $4.3 million in royalty income from DVD/video sales of Spider-Man: The Movie and approximately $6.7 million in EBITDA from Marvel`s equity interest in net income from the Spider-Man: The Movie licensing joint venture with Sony. Initial royalties related to the DVD/video sales were recognized earlier than the previous forecast of Q1 2003.
Marvel President and CEO, Allen Lipson, commented, "In 2002 Marvel re-emerged as one of the leading providers of entertainment content for global media and consumer products, demonstrating that Marvel`s reach goes well beyond our comic books and legions of fans. A telling illustration of Marvel`s reach is our estimate, based on the reported sales of our licensees, that more than $2 billion worth of Marvel character licensed consumer products were purchased at retail in 2002. This figure excludes over $1.4 billion in Spider-Man: The Movie ticket and DVD/video sales. Tens of millions of people around the world saw Spider-Man: The Movie and many millions more read our comic book offerings, played Marvel character video games, or purchased or received Marvel branded toys or licensed products. We are now able to leverage our intellectual property across multiple revenue streams and benefit from the related consumer exposure and project synergies. With three films, six video game titles, several TV series, untold numbers of licensed products slated for release in 2003, and a growing pipeline of entertainment events and products for 2004 and beyond, we look forward to continued future success within our business model.
"The influence, power and consumer reach of the entire Marvel character universe was again showcased by the success of the recent release of the Fox feature film, DareDevil, which has amassed over $84 million in box office revenues just in the U.S. during its first 17 days of release. Importantly, DareDevil generated approximately $42.5 million in domestic box office revenue its first weekend, more than doubling the previous box office record for a President`s Day weekend release, despite a bitter snowstorm in the Northeast. This performance continues an impressive streak of Marvel character-based feature films achieving blockbuster opening weekends and underscores Marvel`s rich history of timeless storytelling and creativity with a broad demographic reach. We continue to prove that all of our characters, even those less well known, are unrivaled in their power to entertain and captivate consumers through both entertainment projects and consumer products."
Marvel Enterprises, Inc.
Divisional Revenue/EBITDA
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Three Months Twelve Months
(in millions) Ended Ended
December 31, December 31, YTD %
2002 2001 2002 2001 Change
------------------------------- ------------- --------------- --------
Licensing: Net Sales $28.2 $17.4 $79.6 $40.0 + 99 %
------------------------------- ------ ------ ------- ------- --------
EBITDA (1) $26.1 $9.2 $69.4 $25.1 + 176 %
------------------------------- ------ ------ ------- ------- --------
Publishing: Net Sales $16.7 $15.3 $64.5 $49.5 +30 %
------------------------------- ------ ------ ------- ------- --------
EBITDA (2) $5.2 $8.5 $19.5 $17.6 + 11 %
------------------------------- ------ ------ ------- ------- --------
Toys: Net Sales $41.6 $16.9 $155.0 $91.7 + 69 %
------------------------------- ------ ------ ------- ------- --------
EBITDA (3) $1.6 $(4.7) $14.5 $0.4 + 3525 %
------------------------------- ------ ------ ------- ------- --------
Corporate: Net Sales -- -- -- --
------------------------------- ------ ------ ------- ------- --------
EBITDA (4) (5) $(8.1) $(2.5) $(17.3) $(12.5) N/A
------------------------------- ------ ------ ------- ------- --------
TOTAL NET SALES $86.5 $49.6 $299.1 $181.2 + 65 %
------------------------------- ------ ------ ------- ------- --------
TOTAL EBITDA $24.8 $10.5 $86.1 $30.6 + 181 %
------------------------------- ------ ------ ------- ------- --------
(1) Toy licensing royalties from Toy Biz Worldwide Ltd. (reported in Licensing segment) totaled $14.8 million and $21.8 million in the fourth quarter and twelve months of 2002, respectively, and $1.6 million and $3.2 million in the fourth quarter and twelve months of 2001, respectively.
(2) 2001 Q4 and full year Publishing EBITDA reflects an income item of approximately $3.5 million from the reversal of administrative claim accruals that are no longer required related to the bankruptcy of Marvel Entertainment Group.
(3) 2002 Q4 and full year Toys EBITDA results include charges of $2.5 million and $3.4 million, respectively, for the planned discontinuance of the Spectra Star division and charges of $4.8 million and $7.9 million, respectively, related to the accelerated write-off of prepaid royalty advances related to the Lord of the Rings toy license.
(4) 2002 Q4 and full year Corporate EBITDA results include reserves totaling approximately $4.4 million for estimated settlement values associated with three litigation matters.
(5) Twelve months 2001 Corporate EBITDA results include a $3 million charge from a litigation settlement regarding a 1994 toy license between the Company and The Coleman Company.
Divisional Review
Net sales in the Licensing Division, Marvel`s principal source of profit and cash flow, increased approximately 62% to $28.2 million in Q4 from $17.4 million in the prior year period. In addition to revenue associated with Spider-Man: The Movie noted above, the division benefited from strong demand for Marvel character-based consumer goods including video games, and toy lines sold by Toy Biz Worldwide, a Marvel licensee. As evidenced by the growing demand for Marvel-related merchandise, net sales in the licensing division increased 99% or $39.6 million to $79.6 million in 2002 from $40.0 million in 2001, and EBITDA increased by $44.3 million to $69.4 million for the year. This improvement reflects a combination of new licenses, improving licensing terms and new license categories as well as substantial royalties above guaranteed advance payments from existing agreements.
Marvel`s Publishing Division net sales increased 9% to $16.7 million in the fourth quarter and 30% in 2002 over 2001. The improvements are due to renewed interest in comics, supported by Marvel`s creative enhancements and growing profile, as well as a full-year contribution of Marvel`s re-launched graphic novel (trade paperback) offerings which amounted to $15.5 million in sales in 2002 compared to $5.3 million in 2001.
Marvel`s Toy Division sales increased 146% to $41.6 million in Q4 2002 compared to sales of $16.9 million in the year ago period. The increase is attributable to continued strong sales success of Marvel`s Spider-Man: The Movie action figure line which is developed and sold by Marvel`s Toy Biz Division. Full year revenues increased 69% in 2002 due principally to the contribution of Spider-Man: The Movie toys, which generated over $100 million in total revenue for Marvel in the period. In contrast, in fiscal 2003 the bulk of Marvel character-based toys will be produced and sold by Marvel`s licensee, Toy Biz Worldwide, and recorded as a royalty income contribution within Marvel`s licensing segment. This shift from in-house production to licensing will lead to a previously disclosed decline in toy revenue, but no anticipated decline in the Company`s overall EBITDA.
Balance Sheet Improvements in 2002:
In November, Marvel exchanged approximately 85% of its 8% convertible preferred shares for 24.5 million shares of Marvel common stock, reducing future annualized paid in-kind dividends by approximately $14.5 million. Additionally, utilizing growing cash flows, Marvel prepaid the balance of a three-year $37 million term loan which was initiated in December 2001. Marvel had approximately $53.7 million in cash and $151.0 million in 12% Senior Notes as of December 31, 2002, or net debt of $97.3 million. This compares to cash of $21.6 million and debt of $188.0 million at December 31, 2001, or net debt of $166.4 million, and reflects Marvel`s improving free cash flows.
Mr. Lipson commented on Marvel`s strategy for 2003 and beyond, "From a business standpoint, our focus continues to be on maximizing profits and free cash flow while minimizing capital risk and investment. Our capital expenditure budget remains a very modest $2-$3 million in 2003, allowing us to accumulate our free cash flows for the repayment of our high yield debt, when callable, in June 2004. We remain committed to leveraging our vast pipeline of intellectual property across a growing array of consumer and entertainment markets, and we will continue to minimize capital investments of any kind. This efficient business model is built upon the teaming of our incomparable portfolio of entertainment content and our tremendous creative talents in comic publishing, entertainment development and toy design and development, with a broad and diversified base of world-class partners that are committed to our characters and to ensuring high quality output and timely development. Though unique in the entertainment realm, we believe our strategy is ideally suited for Marvel to continue building on our successful transformation to yield strong year-over-year financial performance with expected variability in quarter-over-quarter comparisons."
Pro Forma Comparison:
The following pro forma comparison excludes a number of non-recurring and non-cash items in order to derive a more useful comparison of year-over-year operating results. Please review the footnotes below which reflect assumptions and adjustments that were made to arrive at the pro forma figures:
Marvel Enterprises, Inc.
Pro Forma Comparison
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Quarter Ended Twelve Months Ended
December 31, 2002 December 31, 2002
(in millions, except Pro Forma Reported Pro Forma Reported
per share data)
---------------------------------- ----------------- -----------------
Net sales $86.5 $86.5 $299.1 $299.1
---------------------------------- ----------------- -----------------
EBITDA $24.8 $24.8 $86.1 $86.1
---------------------------------- ----------------- -----------------
Interest expense (1) $4.8 $14.0 $20.5 $41.7
---------------------------------- ----------------- -----------------
Income before income taxes $18.2 $8.9 $59.8 $38.7
---------------------------------- ----------------- -----------------
Income tax provision (2) $1.5 $1.9 $5.0 $11.9
---------------------------------- ----------------- -----------------
Net income (2) (3) $16.7 $7.2 $54.8 $22.6
---------------------------------- ----------------- -----------------
Net income attributable to common
stock (4) $16.0 $(48.7) $41.9 $(45.5)
---------------------------------- ----------------- -----------------
Net income per share attributable
to common stock (4) $ 0.25 $ (1.03) $ 0.86 $ (1.18)
---------------------------------- ----------------- -----------------
Weighted average number of
Diluted common shares (4) 67.8 47.3 63.4 38.5
---------------------------------- ----------------- -----------------
(1) Pro forma excludes non-cash expense of $9.2 million and $21.2 million in Q4 and the full year, respectively, from amortization of non-cash HSBC loan costs and warrants, warrants issued to Isaac Perlmutter for his bank loan guarantee, and from senior note offering costs.
(2) Pro forma excludes non-cash charges applicable to the utilization of pre-acquisition NOLs for the three-months and year ended December 31, 2002. These charges represent the estimated current cash tax provision for state and foreign taxes.
(3) Pro forma results for Q4 2002 excludes a non-cash tax benefit of $200,000 and also full year 2002 excludes a one-time, non-cash, after-tax charge of $4.2 million, initially recorded in the first quarter, related to the implementation of FAS 142.
(4) Excludes a one-time, non-cash preferred stock dividend of $55.3 million in the fourth quarter and full year 2002 related to Marvel`s exchange offer for its 8% convertible preferred stock. The dividend reflects the value of the issuance of 6.2 million shares of Marvel common stock (valued at $8.95 per share), which was in excess of the conversion terms of the convertible preferred stock.
Marvel Character Feature Film Line-Up
Release dates and development timing are not within Marvel`s control
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Film/Character Studio/Distributor Targeted
Release Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------
DareDevil New Regency/Fox February 14,
2003
----------------------------------------------------------------------
X2 (X-Men Sequel) Fox May 2, 2003
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Incredible Hulk Universal June 20, 2003
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Punisher Artisan 2004 (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Spider-Man II Sony/Columbia May 7, 2004
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Iron Fist Artisan 2004 (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ghost Rider Paramount 2004 (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Deathlok Paramount 2004 (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Elektra New Regency/Fox 2005 (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
DareDevil sequel New Regency/Fox 2005 (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Dr. Strange Miramax 2005 (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Namor Universal 2005 (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Fantastic 4 Fox TBD (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Silver Surfer Fox TBD (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Iron Man New Line TBD (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Blade III New Line TBD (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Prime Universal TBD
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Denotes new or adjusted release timing
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Marvel Character Video Game and Online Game Line-Up:
(development/release schedule timing are outside Marvel`s control)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Marvel Character/Property Publisher Release Date (2)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Blade Activision 2000, 2002
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Spider-Man Activision 2001, 2002,
2005/2006 (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
X-Men Activision 2001, 2002, 2003
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Marvel vs Capcom Capcom 2002, 2003
----------------------------------------------------------------------
DareDevil Encore 2003
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Iron Man Activision 2002
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Incredible Hulk Universal
Interactive 2003
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Punisher THQ Inc. 2003
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Wolverine Activision 2003
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Elektra Encore 2004
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Fantastic Four Activision In development
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Captain America THQ Inc. TBD
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Nick Fury THQ Inc. TBD
----------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Marvel Universe (3) Universal
Interactive 2006 (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Denotes new or adjusted release timing
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Actual and potential timing of release
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Online Massive Multi-Player Persistent Universe Game
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Updated Financial Guidance: Based on stronger than expected performances across the company and notwithstanding the early realization of approximately $4.3 million in Spider-Man The Movie revenues in Q4 `02 from Q1 `03, Marvel is raising its Q1 and full-year 2003 guidance as reflected in the table below. The substantial increase in Q1 guidance reflects license royalties expected to be earned associated with contracts executed well in advance of Marvel`s earlier expectations, including expected contributions from Marvel`s toy licensee for action figures and accessories (principally from the Hulk toy line). Accordingly, Marvel is raising its full year EBITDA guidance range by $4 million to $92-$97 million. As previously noted, Q1 and fiscal 2003 guidance also reflects contributions associated with Marvel`s recently amended video game agreement with Activision.
Marvel estimates that approximately 10% of EBITDA guidance for 2003 is directly attributable to royalties the Company anticipates from the three Marvel-character feature films slated for 2003 release. Contributions from these films, excluding The Hulk, for which there is a gross participation cap on the first film (no cap on any sequels), are expected to continue into 2004 and beyond. Marvel`s guidance also includes expected contributions from a growing array of consumer product and toy licenses; a growing lineup of TV exposures from first run series; continued growth in the Company`s comic book and trade paperback business; and an unprecedented lineup of six Marvel character video game releases on all of the major game platforms.
Marvel`s guidance is based on management`s current view of business trends and expectations for all operating divisions. Marvel cautions investors that changes in the timing of entertainment projects and licensing opportunities and their relative success as well as timing of revenue recognition for entertainment and licensing revenue streams, could have a material impact on quarterly and full year results.
Marvel Enterprises, Inc. - Updated Q1 and Full-Year 2003 Guidance
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(in millions - except per New Previous New
share amounts) Q1 2003 Q1 2003 FY 2003
Guidance Guidance Guidance
----------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
Total revenues $80 - $85 $67 - $72 $215 -$220
----------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
EBITDA $45 - $50 $22 - $27 $92 - $97
----------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
Net income (3) $27 - $31 $10 - $14 $50 - $54
----------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
EPS attributable to common
stock (1) (2) (3) $0.36 - $0.41 $0.15 - $0.19 $0.64 -$0.69
----------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
Weighted average diluted
common shares 73.7 73.1 73.7
----------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
Free cash flow $23 - $28 $16 - $20 $69 - $74
----------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
Free cash flow per share $0.31 -$0.38 $0.22 - $0.29 $0.94 -$1.00
----------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
(in millions - except per share Previous Actual Actual
amounts) FY 2003 Q1 2002 FY 2002
Guidance
----------------------------------------------------- -------- -------
Total revenues $205 - $215 $57.2 $299.1
----------------------------------------------------- -------- -------
EBITDA $88 - $93 $10.3 $86.1
----------------------------------------------------- -------- -------
Net income (3) $42 - $45 $1.0 $26.8
----------------------------------------------------- -------- -------
EPS attributable to common stock (1)
(2) (3) $0.57 - $0.62 ($0.09) $0.32
----------------------------------------------------- -------- -------
Weighted average diluted common shares
69.7 34.4 44.0
----------------------------------------------------- -------- -------
Free cash flow $69 - $74 $3.1 $91.8
----------------------------------------------------- -------- -------
Free cash flow per share
$0.99 - $1.06 $0.09 $2.09
----------------------------------------------------- -------- -------
(see accompanying footnotes)
(1) Full-year 2002 net income per share attributable to common stock excludes a $55.3 million non-cash charge related to the completion of Marvel`s Preferred Share exchange offer (described above).
(2) Q1 2003 and FY 2003 net income attributable to common stock includes approximately $700,000 and $2.7 million in preferred stock dividends, respectively. Q1 2002 and FY 2002 net income attributable to common stock includes approximately $4.1 million and $12.8 million (excluding the above one-time, non-cash charge of $55.3 million) in preferred stock dividends respectively.
(3) Q1 and FY 2002 net income excludes the impact of the non-cash SFAS 142 impairment charge of $4.6 million and $4.2 million, respectively.
About Marvel Enterprises
Marvel Enterprises, Inc. is leading global character-based entertainment company that has developed and owns a library of over 4,700 characters which have entertained generations around the world for over 60 years. Marvel`s operations are focused in entertainment and consumer product licensing and comic book publishing. Marvel`s creative teams support the development of feature films (and DVD/home video); video games, TV series and toy lines based on its characters, and Marvel licenses its characters for a broad and growing range of consumer products and services including apparel, collectibles, foods and promotions. Marvel`s comic book division is a leading publisher in the global marketplace while also serving as an invaluable source of intellectual property. Marvel`s Toy Biz division is a recognized creative force and leader in toy design, sales and marketing, developing and overseeing both licensee and in-house toy lines. For additional information visit http://www.marvel.com.
Except for historical information contained herein, the statements in this news release regarding the Company`s plans are forward-looking statements that are dependent upon certain risks and uncertainties, including the Company`s potential inability to successfully implement its business strategy, a decrease in the level of media exposure or popularity of the Company`s characters resulting in declining revenues from products based on those characters, the timing of releases and the decisions to proceed with feature films and TV series based on the Company`s characters, the lack of commercial success of entertainment projects based on the Company`s characters, the lack of commercial success of properties owned by major entertainment companies that have granted the Company toy licenses, the lack of consumer acceptance of new product introductions, the imposition of quotas or tariffs on toys manufactured in China as a result of a deterioration in trade relations between the U.S. and China, changing consumer preferences, production delays or shortfalls, continued pressure by certain of the Company`s major retail customers to significantly reduce their toy inventory levels, the impact of competition and changes to the competitive environment on the Company`s products and services, the ability of the Company`s licensees to successfully market and sell the licensed products, changes in technology and changes in governmental regulation and the continued financial stability of major licensees of the Company. Those and other risks and uncertainties are described in the Company`s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company`s Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Marvel assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.
-0-
Marvel Enterprises, Inc.
Summary Consolidated Statements Of Operations
(in thousands, except per share data)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
December 31, December 31,
2002 2001 2002 2001
------------------------------------------------ ---------------------
Net sales $86,507 $49,594 $299,046 $181,224
-------------------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
Cost of sales 37,940 18,795 142,103 88,709
-------------------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
Gross profit 48,567 30,799 156,943 92,515
-------------------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
Selling, general and
administrative expenses 30,612 23,704 85,800 62,048
-------------------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
Pre-acquisition litigation
charge (1) ---- ---- ---- 3,000
-------------------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
Administrative claims
payable no longer required ---- (3,474) ---- (3,474)
-------------------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
Equity in net income (loss)
of joint venture (2) 6,676 (55) 13,802 (325)
-------------------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
Other income 203 ---- 1,170 ----
-------------------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
EBITDA (3) 24,834 10,514 86,115 30,616
-------------------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
Depreciation and
amortization 1,791 1,578 5,433 5,559
-------------------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
Amortization of goodwill and
other intangibles 84 5,983 339 23,764
-------------------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
Operating income 22,959 2,953 80,343 1,293
-------------------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
Interest expense, including
amortization
of debt discount (4) 14,015 5,328 41,667 28,119
-------------------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
Income (loss) before income
taxes 8,944 (2,375) 38,676 (26,826)
-------------------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
Income tax provision
(benefit) (5) 1,947 (5,742) 11,902 647
-------------------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
Income (loss) before
cumulative effect of change
in accounting principle and
extraordinary gain 6,997 3,367 26,774 (27,473)
-------------------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
Cumulative effect of change
in accounting principle,
net of taxes (222) ---- 4,164 ----
-------------------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
Extraordinary gain, net of
income tax provision ---- 19,093 ----- 32,738
-------------------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
Net income $7,219 $22,460 $22,610 $5,265
-------------------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
Preferred dividend
requirement (6) 55,916 4,077 68,132 16,034
-------------------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
Net (loss) income
attributable to common
stock $(48,697) $18,383 $(45,522) $(10,769)
-------------------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
Diluted loss per common
share from continuing
operations $(1.04) $(0.02) $(1.07) $(1.27)
-------------------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
Diluted (loss) income per
common share after
cumulative effect of change
in accounting principle and
extraordinary gain $(1.03) $0.53 $(1.18) $(0.31)
-------------------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
Weighted average number of
diluted common shares 47,278 34,763 38,514 34,322
-------------------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
(1) Reflects a $3 million litigation charge related to a 1994 toy license between Toy Biz and The Coleman Company.
(2) Marvel`s share of revenues, net of expenses, from its licensing joint venture with Sony for Spider-Man: The Movie.
(3) EBITDA is defined as earnings before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, extraordinary gain, interest expense, income taxes, and depreciation and amortization. EBITDA does not represent net income or cash flows from operations as those terms are defined by generally accepted accounting principles. EBITDA does not necessarily indicate whether cash flows will be sufficient to fund cash needs.
(4) Q4 and FY 2002 interest expense include, respectively, $1.5 million and $9.4 million in non-cash items related to the amortization of HSBC credit facility costs, warrants issued to Isaac Perlmutter and senior note offering costs. The amounts also include $7.7 and $11.8 million in non-cash loan costs amortization that were accelerated into Q4 and FY 2002 as a result of Marvel`s prepayments, in August 2002 and December 2002, of its bank debt.
(5) Q4 and FY 2002 estimated cash state and foreign taxes amount to $0 and $1.0 million, respectively. The remaining provision represents non-cash provisions relating to the use of net operating loss carry forwards incurred in the operating period before the bankruptcy and are available to offset current year taxable income.
(6) Q4 and FY 2002 include a one-time, non-cash preferred stock dividend of $55.3 million related to Marvel`s exchange offer for its 8% convertible preferred stock. The dividend reflected the value of the issuance of 6.2 million shares of Marvel common stock (valued at $8.95) in excess of conversion terms of the convertible preferred.
MARVEL ENTERPRISES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands)
December 31, December 31,
2002 2001
-------------------------
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $53,690 $21,591
Accounts receivable, net 43,420 35,648
Inventories, net 16,036 20,916
Income tax receivable ----- 334
Amounts due from joint venture 2,102 ----
Deferred financing costs 667 9,144
Prepaid expenses and other 6,700 12,594
-------------------------
Total current assets 122,615 100,227
Molds, tools and equipment, net 6,997 8,076
Product and package design costs, net 859 2,218
Accounts receivable, non-current portion 17,284 11,890
Goodwill, net 365,604 380,675
Other intangibles, net 649 988
Deferred charges and other assets 65 139
Deferred financing costs, net 3,446 13,357
-------------------------
Total assets $517,519 $517,570
=========================
LIABILITIES, CUMULATIVE CONVERTIBLE EXCHANGEABLE
REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS` EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $11,607 $13,052
Accrued expenses and other 48,371 35,146
Current portion of credit facility ------ 6,172
Administrative claims payable 1,303 3,500
Unsecured creditors payable 3,034 5,239
Deferred revenue 25,696 7,128
-------------------------
Total current liabilities 90,011 70,237
-------------------------
Senior Notes 150,962 150,962
Long term portion of credit facility ------ 30,828
Accrued rent 897 1,064
Deferred revenue, non-current portion ------ 14,546
-------------------------
Total liabilities 241,870 267,637
-------------------------
Cumulative convertible exchangeable
redeemable preferred stock 32,780 207,975
-------------------------
Stockholders` equity
Common stock 685 421
Additional paid-in capital 486,106 238,769
Accumulated deficit (208,419) (162,897)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (2,548) (1,380)
-------------------------
Total stockholders` equity before
treasury stock 275,824 74,913
Treasury stock (32,955) (32,955)
-------------------------
Total stockholders` equity 242,869 41,958
-------------------------
Total liabilities, cumulative
convertible exchangeable redeemable
preferred stock and stockholders`
equity $517,519 $517,570
=========================
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact:
Jaffoni & Collins, New York
Richard Land, David Collins
212/835-8500, mvl@jcir.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Source: Marvel Entertainment
Gruß Pepita
Marvel Completes Strategic Transformation in 2002 and Raises 2003 Guidance for Net Income, EBITDA And EPS
Monday March 3, 4:01 pm ET
- Global Sales of Marvel-Licensed Consumer Products Exceeded $2 Billion in 2002 -
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 3, 2003-- Marvel Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: MVL - News), a global provider of entertainment content, today reported financial results for its fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2002 and raised its financial guidance for 2003. Marvel`s 2002 results and strong 2003 prospects mark its successful transformation to a licensing-driven business focused on entertainment media (film, comics, TV, video games, online, toys, etc.) and consumer products and promotions.
The year 2002, with the launch of Spider-Man: The Movie, also marked the debut of improved feature film economics that provide Marvel the potential for substantial royalty income, based on the success of films featuring its characters.
Q4 Overview:
Reflecting particularly strong contributions from licensing and toys, Q4 net sales rose 74% to $86.5 million, EBITDA increased 136% to $24.8 million and free cash flow increased $33.6 million to $33.1 million. Reflecting previously announced one-time, non-cash charges principally related to the Convertible Preferred Stock exchange offer in November and the early retirement of a bank loan, Marvel reported a Q4 2002 net loss applicable to common stockholders of $48.7 million, or $1.03 per share. Excluding these one-time, non-cash charges, Marvel would have reported Q4 earnings applicable to common stockholders of $12.4 million, or $0.19 per share.
Q4 results included approximately $4.3 million in royalty income from DVD/video sales of Spider-Man: The Movie and approximately $6.7 million in EBITDA from Marvel`s equity interest in net income from the Spider-Man: The Movie licensing joint venture with Sony. Initial royalties related to the DVD/video sales were recognized earlier than the previous forecast of Q1 2003.
Marvel President and CEO, Allen Lipson, commented, "In 2002 Marvel re-emerged as one of the leading providers of entertainment content for global media and consumer products, demonstrating that Marvel`s reach goes well beyond our comic books and legions of fans. A telling illustration of Marvel`s reach is our estimate, based on the reported sales of our licensees, that more than $2 billion worth of Marvel character licensed consumer products were purchased at retail in 2002. This figure excludes over $1.4 billion in Spider-Man: The Movie ticket and DVD/video sales. Tens of millions of people around the world saw Spider-Man: The Movie and many millions more read our comic book offerings, played Marvel character video games, or purchased or received Marvel branded toys or licensed products. We are now able to leverage our intellectual property across multiple revenue streams and benefit from the related consumer exposure and project synergies. With three films, six video game titles, several TV series, untold numbers of licensed products slated for release in 2003, and a growing pipeline of entertainment events and products for 2004 and beyond, we look forward to continued future success within our business model.
"The influence, power and consumer reach of the entire Marvel character universe was again showcased by the success of the recent release of the Fox feature film, DareDevil, which has amassed over $84 million in box office revenues just in the U.S. during its first 17 days of release. Importantly, DareDevil generated approximately $42.5 million in domestic box office revenue its first weekend, more than doubling the previous box office record for a President`s Day weekend release, despite a bitter snowstorm in the Northeast. This performance continues an impressive streak of Marvel character-based feature films achieving blockbuster opening weekends and underscores Marvel`s rich history of timeless storytelling and creativity with a broad demographic reach. We continue to prove that all of our characters, even those less well known, are unrivaled in their power to entertain and captivate consumers through both entertainment projects and consumer products."
Marvel Enterprises, Inc.
Divisional Revenue/EBITDA
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Three Months Twelve Months
(in millions) Ended Ended
December 31, December 31, YTD %
2002 2001 2002 2001 Change
------------------------------- ------------- --------------- --------
Licensing: Net Sales $28.2 $17.4 $79.6 $40.0 + 99 %
------------------------------- ------ ------ ------- ------- --------
EBITDA (1) $26.1 $9.2 $69.4 $25.1 + 176 %
------------------------------- ------ ------ ------- ------- --------
Publishing: Net Sales $16.7 $15.3 $64.5 $49.5 +30 %
------------------------------- ------ ------ ------- ------- --------
EBITDA (2) $5.2 $8.5 $19.5 $17.6 + 11 %
------------------------------- ------ ------ ------- ------- --------
Toys: Net Sales $41.6 $16.9 $155.0 $91.7 + 69 %
------------------------------- ------ ------ ------- ------- --------
EBITDA (3) $1.6 $(4.7) $14.5 $0.4 + 3525 %
------------------------------- ------ ------ ------- ------- --------
Corporate: Net Sales -- -- -- --
------------------------------- ------ ------ ------- ------- --------
EBITDA (4) (5) $(8.1) $(2.5) $(17.3) $(12.5) N/A
------------------------------- ------ ------ ------- ------- --------
TOTAL NET SALES $86.5 $49.6 $299.1 $181.2 + 65 %
------------------------------- ------ ------ ------- ------- --------
TOTAL EBITDA $24.8 $10.5 $86.1 $30.6 + 181 %
------------------------------- ------ ------ ------- ------- --------
(1) Toy licensing royalties from Toy Biz Worldwide Ltd. (reported in Licensing segment) totaled $14.8 million and $21.8 million in the fourth quarter and twelve months of 2002, respectively, and $1.6 million and $3.2 million in the fourth quarter and twelve months of 2001, respectively.
(2) 2001 Q4 and full year Publishing EBITDA reflects an income item of approximately $3.5 million from the reversal of administrative claim accruals that are no longer required related to the bankruptcy of Marvel Entertainment Group.
(3) 2002 Q4 and full year Toys EBITDA results include charges of $2.5 million and $3.4 million, respectively, for the planned discontinuance of the Spectra Star division and charges of $4.8 million and $7.9 million, respectively, related to the accelerated write-off of prepaid royalty advances related to the Lord of the Rings toy license.
(4) 2002 Q4 and full year Corporate EBITDA results include reserves totaling approximately $4.4 million for estimated settlement values associated with three litigation matters.
(5) Twelve months 2001 Corporate EBITDA results include a $3 million charge from a litigation settlement regarding a 1994 toy license between the Company and The Coleman Company.
Divisional Review
Net sales in the Licensing Division, Marvel`s principal source of profit and cash flow, increased approximately 62% to $28.2 million in Q4 from $17.4 million in the prior year period. In addition to revenue associated with Spider-Man: The Movie noted above, the division benefited from strong demand for Marvel character-based consumer goods including video games, and toy lines sold by Toy Biz Worldwide, a Marvel licensee. As evidenced by the growing demand for Marvel-related merchandise, net sales in the licensing division increased 99% or $39.6 million to $79.6 million in 2002 from $40.0 million in 2001, and EBITDA increased by $44.3 million to $69.4 million for the year. This improvement reflects a combination of new licenses, improving licensing terms and new license categories as well as substantial royalties above guaranteed advance payments from existing agreements.
Marvel`s Publishing Division net sales increased 9% to $16.7 million in the fourth quarter and 30% in 2002 over 2001. The improvements are due to renewed interest in comics, supported by Marvel`s creative enhancements and growing profile, as well as a full-year contribution of Marvel`s re-launched graphic novel (trade paperback) offerings which amounted to $15.5 million in sales in 2002 compared to $5.3 million in 2001.
Marvel`s Toy Division sales increased 146% to $41.6 million in Q4 2002 compared to sales of $16.9 million in the year ago period. The increase is attributable to continued strong sales success of Marvel`s Spider-Man: The Movie action figure line which is developed and sold by Marvel`s Toy Biz Division. Full year revenues increased 69% in 2002 due principally to the contribution of Spider-Man: The Movie toys, which generated over $100 million in total revenue for Marvel in the period. In contrast, in fiscal 2003 the bulk of Marvel character-based toys will be produced and sold by Marvel`s licensee, Toy Biz Worldwide, and recorded as a royalty income contribution within Marvel`s licensing segment. This shift from in-house production to licensing will lead to a previously disclosed decline in toy revenue, but no anticipated decline in the Company`s overall EBITDA.
Balance Sheet Improvements in 2002:
In November, Marvel exchanged approximately 85% of its 8% convertible preferred shares for 24.5 million shares of Marvel common stock, reducing future annualized paid in-kind dividends by approximately $14.5 million. Additionally, utilizing growing cash flows, Marvel prepaid the balance of a three-year $37 million term loan which was initiated in December 2001. Marvel had approximately $53.7 million in cash and $151.0 million in 12% Senior Notes as of December 31, 2002, or net debt of $97.3 million. This compares to cash of $21.6 million and debt of $188.0 million at December 31, 2001, or net debt of $166.4 million, and reflects Marvel`s improving free cash flows.
Mr. Lipson commented on Marvel`s strategy for 2003 and beyond, "From a business standpoint, our focus continues to be on maximizing profits and free cash flow while minimizing capital risk and investment. Our capital expenditure budget remains a very modest $2-$3 million in 2003, allowing us to accumulate our free cash flows for the repayment of our high yield debt, when callable, in June 2004. We remain committed to leveraging our vast pipeline of intellectual property across a growing array of consumer and entertainment markets, and we will continue to minimize capital investments of any kind. This efficient business model is built upon the teaming of our incomparable portfolio of entertainment content and our tremendous creative talents in comic publishing, entertainment development and toy design and development, with a broad and diversified base of world-class partners that are committed to our characters and to ensuring high quality output and timely development. Though unique in the entertainment realm, we believe our strategy is ideally suited for Marvel to continue building on our successful transformation to yield strong year-over-year financial performance with expected variability in quarter-over-quarter comparisons."
Pro Forma Comparison:
The following pro forma comparison excludes a number of non-recurring and non-cash items in order to derive a more useful comparison of year-over-year operating results. Please review the footnotes below which reflect assumptions and adjustments that were made to arrive at the pro forma figures:
Marvel Enterprises, Inc.
Pro Forma Comparison
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Quarter Ended Twelve Months Ended
December 31, 2002 December 31, 2002
(in millions, except Pro Forma Reported Pro Forma Reported
per share data)
---------------------------------- ----------------- -----------------
Net sales $86.5 $86.5 $299.1 $299.1
---------------------------------- ----------------- -----------------
EBITDA $24.8 $24.8 $86.1 $86.1
---------------------------------- ----------------- -----------------
Interest expense (1) $4.8 $14.0 $20.5 $41.7
---------------------------------- ----------------- -----------------
Income before income taxes $18.2 $8.9 $59.8 $38.7
---------------------------------- ----------------- -----------------
Income tax provision (2) $1.5 $1.9 $5.0 $11.9
---------------------------------- ----------------- -----------------
Net income (2) (3) $16.7 $7.2 $54.8 $22.6
---------------------------------- ----------------- -----------------
Net income attributable to common
stock (4) $16.0 $(48.7) $41.9 $(45.5)
---------------------------------- ----------------- -----------------
Net income per share attributable
to common stock (4) $ 0.25 $ (1.03) $ 0.86 $ (1.18)
---------------------------------- ----------------- -----------------
Weighted average number of
Diluted common shares (4) 67.8 47.3 63.4 38.5
---------------------------------- ----------------- -----------------
(1) Pro forma excludes non-cash expense of $9.2 million and $21.2 million in Q4 and the full year, respectively, from amortization of non-cash HSBC loan costs and warrants, warrants issued to Isaac Perlmutter for his bank loan guarantee, and from senior note offering costs.
(2) Pro forma excludes non-cash charges applicable to the utilization of pre-acquisition NOLs for the three-months and year ended December 31, 2002. These charges represent the estimated current cash tax provision for state and foreign taxes.
(3) Pro forma results for Q4 2002 excludes a non-cash tax benefit of $200,000 and also full year 2002 excludes a one-time, non-cash, after-tax charge of $4.2 million, initially recorded in the first quarter, related to the implementation of FAS 142.
(4) Excludes a one-time, non-cash preferred stock dividend of $55.3 million in the fourth quarter and full year 2002 related to Marvel`s exchange offer for its 8% convertible preferred stock. The dividend reflects the value of the issuance of 6.2 million shares of Marvel common stock (valued at $8.95 per share), which was in excess of the conversion terms of the convertible preferred stock.
Marvel Character Feature Film Line-Up
Release dates and development timing are not within Marvel`s control
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Film/Character Studio/Distributor Targeted
Release Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------
DareDevil New Regency/Fox February 14,
2003
----------------------------------------------------------------------
X2 (X-Men Sequel) Fox May 2, 2003
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Incredible Hulk Universal June 20, 2003
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Punisher Artisan 2004 (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Spider-Man II Sony/Columbia May 7, 2004
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Iron Fist Artisan 2004 (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ghost Rider Paramount 2004 (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Deathlok Paramount 2004 (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Elektra New Regency/Fox 2005 (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
DareDevil sequel New Regency/Fox 2005 (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Dr. Strange Miramax 2005 (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Namor Universal 2005 (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Fantastic 4 Fox TBD (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Silver Surfer Fox TBD (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Iron Man New Line TBD (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Blade III New Line TBD (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Prime Universal TBD
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Denotes new or adjusted release timing
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Marvel Character Video Game and Online Game Line-Up:
(development/release schedule timing are outside Marvel`s control)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Marvel Character/Property Publisher Release Date (2)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Blade Activision 2000, 2002
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Spider-Man Activision 2001, 2002,
2005/2006 (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
X-Men Activision 2001, 2002, 2003
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Marvel vs Capcom Capcom 2002, 2003
----------------------------------------------------------------------
DareDevil Encore 2003
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Iron Man Activision 2002
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Incredible Hulk Universal
Interactive 2003
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Punisher THQ Inc. 2003
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Wolverine Activision 2003
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Elektra Encore 2004
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Fantastic Four Activision In development
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Captain America THQ Inc. TBD
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Nick Fury THQ Inc. TBD
----------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Marvel Universe (3) Universal
Interactive 2006 (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Denotes new or adjusted release timing
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Actual and potential timing of release
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Online Massive Multi-Player Persistent Universe Game
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Updated Financial Guidance: Based on stronger than expected performances across the company and notwithstanding the early realization of approximately $4.3 million in Spider-Man The Movie revenues in Q4 `02 from Q1 `03, Marvel is raising its Q1 and full-year 2003 guidance as reflected in the table below. The substantial increase in Q1 guidance reflects license royalties expected to be earned associated with contracts executed well in advance of Marvel`s earlier expectations, including expected contributions from Marvel`s toy licensee for action figures and accessories (principally from the Hulk toy line). Accordingly, Marvel is raising its full year EBITDA guidance range by $4 million to $92-$97 million. As previously noted, Q1 and fiscal 2003 guidance also reflects contributions associated with Marvel`s recently amended video game agreement with Activision.
Marvel estimates that approximately 10% of EBITDA guidance for 2003 is directly attributable to royalties the Company anticipates from the three Marvel-character feature films slated for 2003 release. Contributions from these films, excluding The Hulk, for which there is a gross participation cap on the first film (no cap on any sequels), are expected to continue into 2004 and beyond. Marvel`s guidance also includes expected contributions from a growing array of consumer product and toy licenses; a growing lineup of TV exposures from first run series; continued growth in the Company`s comic book and trade paperback business; and an unprecedented lineup of six Marvel character video game releases on all of the major game platforms.
Marvel`s guidance is based on management`s current view of business trends and expectations for all operating divisions. Marvel cautions investors that changes in the timing of entertainment projects and licensing opportunities and their relative success as well as timing of revenue recognition for entertainment and licensing revenue streams, could have a material impact on quarterly and full year results.
Marvel Enterprises, Inc. - Updated Q1 and Full-Year 2003 Guidance
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(in millions - except per New Previous New
share amounts) Q1 2003 Q1 2003 FY 2003
Guidance Guidance Guidance
----------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
Total revenues $80 - $85 $67 - $72 $215 -$220
----------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
EBITDA $45 - $50 $22 - $27 $92 - $97
----------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
Net income (3) $27 - $31 $10 - $14 $50 - $54
----------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
EPS attributable to common
stock (1) (2) (3) $0.36 - $0.41 $0.15 - $0.19 $0.64 -$0.69
----------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
Weighted average diluted
common shares 73.7 73.1 73.7
----------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
Free cash flow $23 - $28 $16 - $20 $69 - $74
----------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
Free cash flow per share $0.31 -$0.38 $0.22 - $0.29 $0.94 -$1.00
----------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
(in millions - except per share Previous Actual Actual
amounts) FY 2003 Q1 2002 FY 2002
Guidance
----------------------------------------------------- -------- -------
Total revenues $205 - $215 $57.2 $299.1
----------------------------------------------------- -------- -------
EBITDA $88 - $93 $10.3 $86.1
----------------------------------------------------- -------- -------
Net income (3) $42 - $45 $1.0 $26.8
----------------------------------------------------- -------- -------
EPS attributable to common stock (1)
(2) (3) $0.57 - $0.62 ($0.09) $0.32
----------------------------------------------------- -------- -------
Weighted average diluted common shares
69.7 34.4 44.0
----------------------------------------------------- -------- -------
Free cash flow $69 - $74 $3.1 $91.8
----------------------------------------------------- -------- -------
Free cash flow per share
$0.99 - $1.06 $0.09 $2.09
----------------------------------------------------- -------- -------
(see accompanying footnotes)
(1) Full-year 2002 net income per share attributable to common stock excludes a $55.3 million non-cash charge related to the completion of Marvel`s Preferred Share exchange offer (described above).
(2) Q1 2003 and FY 2003 net income attributable to common stock includes approximately $700,000 and $2.7 million in preferred stock dividends, respectively. Q1 2002 and FY 2002 net income attributable to common stock includes approximately $4.1 million and $12.8 million (excluding the above one-time, non-cash charge of $55.3 million) in preferred stock dividends respectively.
(3) Q1 and FY 2002 net income excludes the impact of the non-cash SFAS 142 impairment charge of $4.6 million and $4.2 million, respectively.
About Marvel Enterprises
Marvel Enterprises, Inc. is leading global character-based entertainment company that has developed and owns a library of over 4,700 characters which have entertained generations around the world for over 60 years. Marvel`s operations are focused in entertainment and consumer product licensing and comic book publishing. Marvel`s creative teams support the development of feature films (and DVD/home video); video games, TV series and toy lines based on its characters, and Marvel licenses its characters for a broad and growing range of consumer products and services including apparel, collectibles, foods and promotions. Marvel`s comic book division is a leading publisher in the global marketplace while also serving as an invaluable source of intellectual property. Marvel`s Toy Biz division is a recognized creative force and leader in toy design, sales and marketing, developing and overseeing both licensee and in-house toy lines. For additional information visit http://www.marvel.com.
Except for historical information contained herein, the statements in this news release regarding the Company`s plans are forward-looking statements that are dependent upon certain risks and uncertainties, including the Company`s potential inability to successfully implement its business strategy, a decrease in the level of media exposure or popularity of the Company`s characters resulting in declining revenues from products based on those characters, the timing of releases and the decisions to proceed with feature films and TV series based on the Company`s characters, the lack of commercial success of entertainment projects based on the Company`s characters, the lack of commercial success of properties owned by major entertainment companies that have granted the Company toy licenses, the lack of consumer acceptance of new product introductions, the imposition of quotas or tariffs on toys manufactured in China as a result of a deterioration in trade relations between the U.S. and China, changing consumer preferences, production delays or shortfalls, continued pressure by certain of the Company`s major retail customers to significantly reduce their toy inventory levels, the impact of competition and changes to the competitive environment on the Company`s products and services, the ability of the Company`s licensees to successfully market and sell the licensed products, changes in technology and changes in governmental regulation and the continued financial stability of major licensees of the Company. Those and other risks and uncertainties are described in the Company`s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company`s Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Marvel assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.
-0-
Marvel Enterprises, Inc.
Summary Consolidated Statements Of Operations
(in thousands, except per share data)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
December 31, December 31,
2002 2001 2002 2001
------------------------------------------------ ---------------------
Net sales $86,507 $49,594 $299,046 $181,224
-------------------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
Cost of sales 37,940 18,795 142,103 88,709
-------------------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
Gross profit 48,567 30,799 156,943 92,515
-------------------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
Selling, general and
administrative expenses 30,612 23,704 85,800 62,048
-------------------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
Pre-acquisition litigation
charge (1) ---- ---- ---- 3,000
-------------------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
Administrative claims
payable no longer required ---- (3,474) ---- (3,474)
-------------------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
Equity in net income (loss)
of joint venture (2) 6,676 (55) 13,802 (325)
-------------------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
Other income 203 ---- 1,170 ----
-------------------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
EBITDA (3) 24,834 10,514 86,115 30,616
-------------------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
Depreciation and
amortization 1,791 1,578 5,433 5,559
-------------------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
Amortization of goodwill and
other intangibles 84 5,983 339 23,764
-------------------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
Operating income 22,959 2,953 80,343 1,293
-------------------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
Interest expense, including
amortization
of debt discount (4) 14,015 5,328 41,667 28,119
-------------------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
Income (loss) before income
taxes 8,944 (2,375) 38,676 (26,826)
-------------------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
Income tax provision
(benefit) (5) 1,947 (5,742) 11,902 647
-------------------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
Income (loss) before
cumulative effect of change
in accounting principle and
extraordinary gain 6,997 3,367 26,774 (27,473)
-------------------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
Cumulative effect of change
in accounting principle,
net of taxes (222) ---- 4,164 ----
-------------------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
Extraordinary gain, net of
income tax provision ---- 19,093 ----- 32,738
-------------------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
Net income $7,219 $22,460 $22,610 $5,265
-------------------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
Preferred dividend
requirement (6) 55,916 4,077 68,132 16,034
-------------------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
Net (loss) income
attributable to common
stock $(48,697) $18,383 $(45,522) $(10,769)
-------------------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
Diluted loss per common
share from continuing
operations $(1.04) $(0.02) $(1.07) $(1.27)
-------------------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
Diluted (loss) income per
common share after
cumulative effect of change
in accounting principle and
extraordinary gain $(1.03) $0.53 $(1.18) $(0.31)
-------------------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
Weighted average number of
diluted common shares 47,278 34,763 38,514 34,322
-------------------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
(1) Reflects a $3 million litigation charge related to a 1994 toy license between Toy Biz and The Coleman Company.
(2) Marvel`s share of revenues, net of expenses, from its licensing joint venture with Sony for Spider-Man: The Movie.
(3) EBITDA is defined as earnings before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, extraordinary gain, interest expense, income taxes, and depreciation and amortization. EBITDA does not represent net income or cash flows from operations as those terms are defined by generally accepted accounting principles. EBITDA does not necessarily indicate whether cash flows will be sufficient to fund cash needs.
(4) Q4 and FY 2002 interest expense include, respectively, $1.5 million and $9.4 million in non-cash items related to the amortization of HSBC credit facility costs, warrants issued to Isaac Perlmutter and senior note offering costs. The amounts also include $7.7 and $11.8 million in non-cash loan costs amortization that were accelerated into Q4 and FY 2002 as a result of Marvel`s prepayments, in August 2002 and December 2002, of its bank debt.
(5) Q4 and FY 2002 estimated cash state and foreign taxes amount to $0 and $1.0 million, respectively. The remaining provision represents non-cash provisions relating to the use of net operating loss carry forwards incurred in the operating period before the bankruptcy and are available to offset current year taxable income.
(6) Q4 and FY 2002 include a one-time, non-cash preferred stock dividend of $55.3 million related to Marvel`s exchange offer for its 8% convertible preferred stock. The dividend reflected the value of the issuance of 6.2 million shares of Marvel common stock (valued at $8.95) in excess of conversion terms of the convertible preferred.
MARVEL ENTERPRISES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands)
December 31, December 31,
2002 2001
-------------------------
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $53,690 $21,591
Accounts receivable, net 43,420 35,648
Inventories, net 16,036 20,916
Income tax receivable ----- 334
Amounts due from joint venture 2,102 ----
Deferred financing costs 667 9,144
Prepaid expenses and other 6,700 12,594
-------------------------
Total current assets 122,615 100,227
Molds, tools and equipment, net 6,997 8,076
Product and package design costs, net 859 2,218
Accounts receivable, non-current portion 17,284 11,890
Goodwill, net 365,604 380,675
Other intangibles, net 649 988
Deferred charges and other assets 65 139
Deferred financing costs, net 3,446 13,357
-------------------------
Total assets $517,519 $517,570
=========================
LIABILITIES, CUMULATIVE CONVERTIBLE EXCHANGEABLE
REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS` EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $11,607 $13,052
Accrued expenses and other 48,371 35,146
Current portion of credit facility ------ 6,172
Administrative claims payable 1,303 3,500
Unsecured creditors payable 3,034 5,239
Deferred revenue 25,696 7,128
-------------------------
Total current liabilities 90,011 70,237
-------------------------
Senior Notes 150,962 150,962
Long term portion of credit facility ------ 30,828
Accrued rent 897 1,064
Deferred revenue, non-current portion ------ 14,546
-------------------------
Total liabilities 241,870 267,637
-------------------------
Cumulative convertible exchangeable
redeemable preferred stock 32,780 207,975
-------------------------
Stockholders` equity
Common stock 685 421
Additional paid-in capital 486,106 238,769
Accumulated deficit (208,419) (162,897)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (2,548) (1,380)
-------------------------
Total stockholders` equity before
treasury stock 275,824 74,913
Treasury stock (32,955) (32,955)
-------------------------
Total stockholders` equity 242,869 41,958
-------------------------
Total liabilities, cumulative
convertible exchangeable redeemable
preferred stock and stockholders`
equity $517,519 $517,570
=========================
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact:
Jaffoni & Collins, New York
Richard Land, David Collins
212/835-8500, mvl@jcir.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Source: Marvel Entertainment
Oh Gott, das sind ja tolle Zahlen, noch besser als ich es erwartet habe. Diese Firma ist einfach einmalig!!! Absolut strong buy!!!
Nachbörslich explodiert der Kurs gerade. Die Zahlen kamen direkt nach Börsenschluss in USA. BID $12.00/share
ASK $12.38/share. Morgen wird es nochmal kräftig nach oben gehen bei extrem hohen Umsätzen. Muß jetzt nochmal die News lesen...
Gruß Pepita
Nachbörslich explodiert der Kurs gerade. Die Zahlen kamen direkt nach Börsenschluss in USA. BID $12.00/share
ASK $12.38/share. Morgen wird es nochmal kräftig nach oben gehen bei extrem hohen Umsätzen. Muß jetzt nochmal die News lesen...
Gruß Pepita
Ariminios, was sagst Du jetzt? Das mit Richtung 12 $ ging schneller als gedacht. Was sagst Du denn zu den Zahlen 2002? Und erst zu den Aussichten für die nächsten Jahre...?
Gruß Pepita
Gruß Pepita
Und wer immer noch glaubt das wars der wird eines besseren belehrt. Hier eine aktualisierte Liste mit geplanten Filmprojekten in den nächsten Jahren. Bereits in 2003 wird Marvel mit 3 Filmen vertreten sein, aber 2004 sind es deren fünf (mindestens)! Wahhhhnnsinnnn.....!!!!!
Gruß Pepita
Film/Character Studio/Distributor Targeted
Release Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------
DareDevil New Regency/Fox February 14,
2003
----------------------------------------------------------------------
X2 (X-Men Sequel) Fox May 2, 2003
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Incredible Hulk Universal June 20, 2003
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Punisher Artisan 2004 (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Spider-Man II Sony/Columbia May 7, 2004
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Iron Fist Artisan 2004 (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ghost Rider Paramount 2004 (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Deathlok Paramount 2004 (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Elektra New Regency/Fox 2005 (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
DareDevil sequel New Regency/Fox 2005 (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Dr. Strange Miramax 2005 (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Namor Universal 2005 (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Fantastic 4 Fox TBD (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Silver Surfer Fox TBD (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Iron Man New Line TBD (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Blade III New Line TBD (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Prime Universal TBD
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Denotes new or adjusted release timing
Gruß Pepita
Film/Character Studio/Distributor Targeted
Release Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------
DareDevil New Regency/Fox February 14,
2003
----------------------------------------------------------------------
X2 (X-Men Sequel) Fox May 2, 2003
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Incredible Hulk Universal June 20, 2003
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Punisher Artisan 2004 (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Spider-Man II Sony/Columbia May 7, 2004
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Iron Fist Artisan 2004 (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ghost Rider Paramount 2004 (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Deathlok Paramount 2004 (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Elektra New Regency/Fox 2005 (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
DareDevil sequel New Regency/Fox 2005 (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Dr. Strange Miramax 2005 (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Namor Universal 2005 (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Fantastic 4 Fox TBD (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Silver Surfer Fox TBD (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Iron Man New Line TBD (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Blade III New Line TBD (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Prime Universal TBD
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Denotes new or adjusted release timing
Q4 2002: es wurden 19 Cent verdient pro Aktie, erwartet wurden 13 Cent! Morgen geht die Post ab. Und das heißt tiefschwarze Zahlen für 2003!!! Yeahhh!!! Bin mit über 2000 Stück dabei! Schade das sich keiner dafür interessiert. Mir gehts trotzdem richtig gut. Und das bei dem Marktumfeld.
Gruß Pepita
Gruß Pepita
Nachbörslich jetzt schon 12,10 $. Über 1,5 Mio Aktien gehandelt!!! $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Gruß Pepita
Gruß Pepita
Der amerikanische Medienkonzern und Comic-Verleger Marvel Enterprises Inc. hat die Ergebnisse für das abgelaufene vierte Quartal bekannt gegeben. Zu den Marken von Mavel zählen beispielsweise Spider-Man, X-Men oder Captain America.
Der Fehlbetrag im vierten Quartal lag bei 48,7 Mio. Dollar oder 1,03 Dollar je Aktie verglichen mit einem Gewinn von 18,4 Mio. Dollar oder 53 Cents je Aktie im Vorjahresquartal. Exklusive Abschreibungen und Sonderaufwendungen fiel ein Gewinn an von 12,4 Mio. Dollar oder 19 Cents je Aktie. Die Analystenerwartungen von 13 Cents je Aktie konnten damit deutlich übertroffen werden. Der Umsatz stieg um 74 Prozent auf 86,5 Mio. Dollar.
Im ersten Quartal erwartet das Unternehmen einen Gewinn von 36-41 Cents je Aktie und einen Umsatz von 80-85 Mio. Dollar. Die bisherige Prognose hatte bei nur 15-19 Cents je Aktie respektive 67-72 Mio. Dollar gelegen.
Im laufenden Fiskaljahr 2003 soll der Gewinn bei 64-69 Cents je Aktie liegen und der Umsatz bei 215-220 Mio. Dollar. Dies ist ebenfalls mehr als bisher erwartet.
Die Aktie notierte schloss bei 11,75 Dollar und notierte nachbörslich bei 12,44 Dollar.
Wertpapiere des Artikels:
MARVEL ENTERPRISES DL-,01
Autor: (© wallstreet:online AG / SmartHouse Media GmbH),08:26 04.03.2003
Gruß Pepita
Der Fehlbetrag im vierten Quartal lag bei 48,7 Mio. Dollar oder 1,03 Dollar je Aktie verglichen mit einem Gewinn von 18,4 Mio. Dollar oder 53 Cents je Aktie im Vorjahresquartal. Exklusive Abschreibungen und Sonderaufwendungen fiel ein Gewinn an von 12,4 Mio. Dollar oder 19 Cents je Aktie. Die Analystenerwartungen von 13 Cents je Aktie konnten damit deutlich übertroffen werden. Der Umsatz stieg um 74 Prozent auf 86,5 Mio. Dollar.
Im ersten Quartal erwartet das Unternehmen einen Gewinn von 36-41 Cents je Aktie und einen Umsatz von 80-85 Mio. Dollar. Die bisherige Prognose hatte bei nur 15-19 Cents je Aktie respektive 67-72 Mio. Dollar gelegen.
Im laufenden Fiskaljahr 2003 soll der Gewinn bei 64-69 Cents je Aktie liegen und der Umsatz bei 215-220 Mio. Dollar. Dies ist ebenfalls mehr als bisher erwartet.
Die Aktie notierte schloss bei 11,75 Dollar und notierte nachbörslich bei 12,44 Dollar.
Wertpapiere des Artikels:
MARVEL ENTERPRISES DL-,01
Autor: (© wallstreet:online AG / SmartHouse Media GmbH),08:26 04.03.2003
Gruß Pepita
Wahnsinn. Es geht jeden Tag weiter. Wieder eine tolle Nachricht von Marvel, die die Aktionäre stets auf dem Laufenden halten. Das ist nicht bei jeder Aktie üblich.
Jetzt kommts: Geplant ist ein Marvel - Land, analog zu Disneyland, genannt Marvel`s Adventure City an den Niagarafällen. Zeigt doch wie "in" Marvels Superhelden zur Zeit vor allem in USA sind. Marvel verkauft die Lizenzen. Hat also keinerlei Risiko, aber der Bekanntheitsgrad wächst. Was hat diese Firma noch alles in der Schublade? Strong buy!!
Marvel, die zweite Disney: Gar nicht mehr so abwegig...!!!
Gruß Pepita
Press Release Source: Marvel
Canadian Niagara Group Secures License to Develop First Marvel-Inspired `Retail-Tainment` Site at Niagara Falls Number One Entertainment Destination
Wednesday March 5, 10:44 am ET
Marvel`s Adventure City
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 5, 2003-- Unique Venture Reaching 12 Million Yearly Visitors To Include
Attraction-Based Rides And Exclusive Merchandise Featuring Marvel`s
Most Popular Super Heroes(TM)
ADVERTISEMENT
Hot off the heels of Marvel`s most recent record-breaking blockbuster success, 20th Century Fox`s Daredevil, the Canadian Niagara Group has announced plans to launch the world`s first "retail-tainment" destination based on the world-famous Marvel comic book characters -- Marvel`s Adventure City.
The site, scheduled to open at the 20-acre Falls Avenue Complex in Niagara Falls, May 2003, coincides with a summer Marvel movie charge led by the highly anticipated sequel to 20th Century Fox`s The X-Men (May 2, 2003) as well as the debut of Marvel`s next movie franchise, Universal Studios` The Hulk (June 20, 2003). For the project, Marvel Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: MVL - News) has licensed its core super heroes to Canadian Niagara Group who will be responsible for all financing and construction costs for the approximately 30,000 square foot structure. Marvel`s Adventure City will feature attraction-based rides and games as well as a retail center containing exclusive Marvel merchandise. The retail-tainment facility will be the cornerstone attraction at Niagara Falls` only entertainment destination, which is visited by 12 million tourists per year.
"I believe this is the first retail-tainment site of its kind," said Paul Gitter, Vice President Consumer Products/Retail Development for Marvel Enterprises, Inc., "Never before has there been a branded destination that combines the interactive entertainment of a theme park with merchandise of a fine retail store in a moderately sized location at such a low cost to the consumer. Marvel`s Adventure City extends the Marvel brand to the retail level and offers consumers a complete Marvel experience from the moment they enter the location until the time that they leave."
Marvel`s Adventure City is being created by Forrec, the same company that designed LEGOLAND and Marvel`s popular Super Hero Island at Universal Studios Orlando Theme Park`s Islands of Adventure -- where the Marvel themed rides consistently rank among the top-rated attractions. The design will resemble a virtual Marvel Universe highlighted by rides and attractions featuring some of the Company`s best known super heroes including: Spider-Man(TM), The Incredible Hulk(TM), The X-Men(TM) and the newly introduced pre-school property Spider-Man and Friends(TM).
About Canadian Niagara Group
Canadian Niagara Hotels and Entertainment is a wholly owned Canadian company operating the Falls Avenue destination in Niagara Falls, Canada. Its hotels include the Sheraton on the Falls, Brock Plaza, Skyline Inn and Hampton Inn at the Falls.
About Marvel Enterprises
Marvel Enterprises, Inc. is leading global character-based entertainment company that has developed and owns a library of over 4,700 characters which have entertained generations around the world for over 60 years. Marvel`s operations are focused in entertainment and consumer product licensing and comic book publishing. Marvel`s creative teams support the development of feature films (and DVD/home video); video games, TV series and toy lines based on its characters, and Marvel licenses its characters for a broad and growing range of consumer products and services including apparel, collectibles, foods and promotions. Marvel`s comic book division is a leading publisher in the global marketplace while also serving as an invaluable source of intellectual property. Marvel`s Toy Biz division is a recognized creative force and leader in toy design, sales and marketing, developing and overseeing both licensee and in-house toy lines. For additional information visit http://www.marvel.com.
Except for historical information contained herein, the statements in this news release regarding the Company`s plans are forward-looking statements that are dependent upon certain risks and uncertainties, including the Company`s potential inability to successfully implement its business strategy, a decrease in the level of media exposure or popularity of the Company`s characters resulting in declining revenues from products based on those characters, the timing of releases and the decisions to proceed with feature films and TV series based on the Company`s characters, the lack of commercial success of entertainment projects based on the Company`s characters, the lack of commercial success of properties owned by major entertainment companies that have granted the Company toy licenses, the lack of consumer acceptance of new product introductions, the imposition of quotas or tariffs on toys manufactured in China as a result of a deterioration in trade relations between the U.S. and China, changing consumer preferences, production delays or shortfalls, continued pressure by certain of the Company`s major retail customers to significantly reduce their toy inventory levels, the impact of competition and changes to the competitive environment on the Company`s products and services, the ability of the Company`s licensees to successfully market and sell the licensed products, changes in technology and changes in governmental regulation and the continued financial stability of major licensees of the Company. Those and other risks and uncertainties are described in the Offer to Exchange and in the Company`s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company`s Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Marvel assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.
Jetzt kommts: Geplant ist ein Marvel - Land, analog zu Disneyland, genannt Marvel`s Adventure City an den Niagarafällen. Zeigt doch wie "in" Marvels Superhelden zur Zeit vor allem in USA sind. Marvel verkauft die Lizenzen. Hat also keinerlei Risiko, aber der Bekanntheitsgrad wächst. Was hat diese Firma noch alles in der Schublade? Strong buy!!
Marvel, die zweite Disney: Gar nicht mehr so abwegig...!!!
Gruß Pepita
Press Release Source: Marvel
Canadian Niagara Group Secures License to Develop First Marvel-Inspired `Retail-Tainment` Site at Niagara Falls Number One Entertainment Destination
Wednesday March 5, 10:44 am ET
Marvel`s Adventure City
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 5, 2003-- Unique Venture Reaching 12 Million Yearly Visitors To Include
Attraction-Based Rides And Exclusive Merchandise Featuring Marvel`s
Most Popular Super Heroes(TM)
ADVERTISEMENT
Hot off the heels of Marvel`s most recent record-breaking blockbuster success, 20th Century Fox`s Daredevil, the Canadian Niagara Group has announced plans to launch the world`s first "retail-tainment" destination based on the world-famous Marvel comic book characters -- Marvel`s Adventure City.
The site, scheduled to open at the 20-acre Falls Avenue Complex in Niagara Falls, May 2003, coincides with a summer Marvel movie charge led by the highly anticipated sequel to 20th Century Fox`s The X-Men (May 2, 2003) as well as the debut of Marvel`s next movie franchise, Universal Studios` The Hulk (June 20, 2003). For the project, Marvel Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: MVL - News) has licensed its core super heroes to Canadian Niagara Group who will be responsible for all financing and construction costs for the approximately 30,000 square foot structure. Marvel`s Adventure City will feature attraction-based rides and games as well as a retail center containing exclusive Marvel merchandise. The retail-tainment facility will be the cornerstone attraction at Niagara Falls` only entertainment destination, which is visited by 12 million tourists per year.
"I believe this is the first retail-tainment site of its kind," said Paul Gitter, Vice President Consumer Products/Retail Development for Marvel Enterprises, Inc., "Never before has there been a branded destination that combines the interactive entertainment of a theme park with merchandise of a fine retail store in a moderately sized location at such a low cost to the consumer. Marvel`s Adventure City extends the Marvel brand to the retail level and offers consumers a complete Marvel experience from the moment they enter the location until the time that they leave."
Marvel`s Adventure City is being created by Forrec, the same company that designed LEGOLAND and Marvel`s popular Super Hero Island at Universal Studios Orlando Theme Park`s Islands of Adventure -- where the Marvel themed rides consistently rank among the top-rated attractions. The design will resemble a virtual Marvel Universe highlighted by rides and attractions featuring some of the Company`s best known super heroes including: Spider-Man(TM), The Incredible Hulk(TM), The X-Men(TM) and the newly introduced pre-school property Spider-Man and Friends(TM).
About Canadian Niagara Group
Canadian Niagara Hotels and Entertainment is a wholly owned Canadian company operating the Falls Avenue destination in Niagara Falls, Canada. Its hotels include the Sheraton on the Falls, Brock Plaza, Skyline Inn and Hampton Inn at the Falls.
About Marvel Enterprises
Marvel Enterprises, Inc. is leading global character-based entertainment company that has developed and owns a library of over 4,700 characters which have entertained generations around the world for over 60 years. Marvel`s operations are focused in entertainment and consumer product licensing and comic book publishing. Marvel`s creative teams support the development of feature films (and DVD/home video); video games, TV series and toy lines based on its characters, and Marvel licenses its characters for a broad and growing range of consumer products and services including apparel, collectibles, foods and promotions. Marvel`s comic book division is a leading publisher in the global marketplace while also serving as an invaluable source of intellectual property. Marvel`s Toy Biz division is a recognized creative force and leader in toy design, sales and marketing, developing and overseeing both licensee and in-house toy lines. For additional information visit http://www.marvel.com.
Except for historical information contained herein, the statements in this news release regarding the Company`s plans are forward-looking statements that are dependent upon certain risks and uncertainties, including the Company`s potential inability to successfully implement its business strategy, a decrease in the level of media exposure or popularity of the Company`s characters resulting in declining revenues from products based on those characters, the timing of releases and the decisions to proceed with feature films and TV series based on the Company`s characters, the lack of commercial success of entertainment projects based on the Company`s characters, the lack of commercial success of properties owned by major entertainment companies that have granted the Company toy licenses, the lack of consumer acceptance of new product introductions, the imposition of quotas or tariffs on toys manufactured in China as a result of a deterioration in trade relations between the U.S. and China, changing consumer preferences, production delays or shortfalls, continued pressure by certain of the Company`s major retail customers to significantly reduce their toy inventory levels, the impact of competition and changes to the competitive environment on the Company`s products and services, the ability of the Company`s licensees to successfully market and sell the licensed products, changes in technology and changes in governmental regulation and the continued financial stability of major licensees of the Company. Those and other risks and uncertainties are described in the Offer to Exchange and in the Company`s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company`s Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Marvel assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.
Marvel und kein Ende...
Gruß Pepita
Jemas to speak publicly
by: ejj104 03/05/03 11:11 am
Msg: 65767 of 65779
For anyone intersted and in the area...
The Princeton, NJ public library will be hosting an event (targeting a teen and adult audience) on Saturday, March 29 @ 2 p.m. in which Bill Jemas will be talking about Marvel and the comics industry in general. Just thought some of you might like to know about this unique opportunity. Here is the event description:
"Princeton resident Bill Jemas, Marvel Enterpirses Inc.s` president and chief operating officer, is bringing Captain America, Thor, Iron Man, the Wasp, Giant-Man and many other Marvel Comics characters to the library for a special program. Jemas, who has taken a lead role in the company`s creative process, will share his insights on the comic book industry and invite a closer look at the serious side of Captain America`s stories."
Gruß Pepita
Jemas to speak publicly
by: ejj104 03/05/03 11:11 am
Msg: 65767 of 65779
For anyone intersted and in the area...
The Princeton, NJ public library will be hosting an event (targeting a teen and adult audience) on Saturday, March 29 @ 2 p.m. in which Bill Jemas will be talking about Marvel and the comics industry in general. Just thought some of you might like to know about this unique opportunity. Here is the event description:
"Princeton resident Bill Jemas, Marvel Enterpirses Inc.s` president and chief operating officer, is bringing Captain America, Thor, Iron Man, the Wasp, Giant-Man and many other Marvel Comics characters to the library for a special program. Jemas, who has taken a lead role in the company`s creative process, will share his insights on the comic book industry and invite a closer look at the serious side of Captain America`s stories."
Marvel in allen Zeitungen der USA...
Gruß Pepita
Posted on Wed, Mar. 05, 2003
Movie division saves comic company from brink of destruction
By GEORGE M. THOMAS
Knight Ridder Newspapers
Following your friendly neighborhood "Spider-Man" into theaters this year: "Daredevil," now in its second week as the country`s most watched film, a second installment of the "X-Men" on May 2 and Marvel`s own not-so-jolly green giant, "The Hulk," on June 20.
From its near demise a few years ago, Marvel has emerged stronger than ever, thanks primarily to a burgeoning movie division.
But will it be too much of a good thing?
It may be too soon to tell, said Milo George, managing editor of the Comics Journal, a trade publication based in Seattle. But he points to a past, when Marvel would go through high points in its comics division, exploit that popularity to the hilt, then suddenly implode. George wonders if the home of Spidey, the Fantastic Four and others could find itself in the same position with its films.
But those associated with the new "Daredevil" movie, which stars Ben Affleck as a blind New York City lawyer by day and an avenging vigilante by night, said there`s little to worry about in Marvel`s movie universe.
"The Punisher," "Fantastic Four" and "Iron Man" are in development for movie theaters and several lesser-known properties -- "Brother Voodoo" and "Strikeforce Morituri" on the Sci-Fi Channel and "Night Thrasher" on UPN -- are on the small screen.
"The timing is just right. Marvel as a company is just exploding right now," said Joe Quesada, editor in chief for the comics company. "Our publishing division is going gangbusters; it just makes sense that our movies do gangbusters."
Avi Arad, president of Marvel Studios and "Daredevil`s" executive producer, said taking some creative control will prevent future movie disappointments.
Marvel brought in Arad, who is based on the West Coast, to be the caretaker for all of its properties as they navigate the maze from conception to release.
"When I was a kid growing up, it drove me crazy because I only read Marvel Comics. I never read DC Comics, and I was always waiting for these movies," said Mark Steven Johnson, "Daredevil`s" director. "They were such natural things and no one could get them going."
Arad suggested that it`s a matter of patience, timing and respecting the characters more than anything else.
"We pick our shots," he said. "What we`re really mostly interested in is taking great stories, the right writer, director and casting opportunity, and we go and make a movie."
So far those shots have paid off in significant ways. "Blade" cut into the box office with two successful films. "X-Men" grabbed more than $157 million during its 2000 run and Marvel`s ultimate character, "Spider-Man," snared $404 million last year at the box office and $215 million in DVD sales.
"Spider-Man" has been especially important to the company`s financial resuscitation. Its cut of Spidey`s theatrical and home video earnings allowed it to alter its financial outlook for 2002 and 2003 and to repay a significant bank loan early, according to a news release.
But where it shows most is in the company`s stock, which traded at a 52-week low of $3.97 just last July. It closed last week at $9.86, an improvement of almost 150 percent.
And Marvel`s characters are uniquely suited to allow the genre to grow, according to those associated with "Daredevil."
"It`s a different form of literature," Arad said. "These are graphic novels and storyboards essentially....Most of the stories are about people with problems. Our guys and gals always have problems -- a life-stinks-and-then-you-die kind of thing.
"And it`s about people who have been given a gift, a curse -- a real responsibility. They`ve endured a problem, a childhood, an issue, like all of us. They are so relatable because we`ve all been through that. We cannot all be heroes. (But) a hero gives us this moment of wish fulfillment and hope."
The basic humanity of the characters and their diversity give Marvel reason to believe that it has finally found a way of translating them to the movies.
"We do stories in a multitude of different genres, and that`s the beauty of the Marvel universe," Quesada said.
Marvel intends to ensure the movies` continued popularity through careful planning. Part of that involves choosing the right people to work on the movies.
For example, "Spider-Man" director Sam Raimi loved the character as a child. Ditto for Johnson and "Daredevil."
"I`m not the traditional choice to direct this movie," said Johnson, whose previous directing effort was the dramedy "Simon Birch." "And I know why I got it in the end was because of my passion.
"They don`t just go to the big, obvious action directors. They really are pairing these up with people who feel like these characters are their family."
Gruß Pepita
Posted on Wed, Mar. 05, 2003
Movie division saves comic company from brink of destruction
By GEORGE M. THOMAS
Knight Ridder Newspapers
Following your friendly neighborhood "Spider-Man" into theaters this year: "Daredevil," now in its second week as the country`s most watched film, a second installment of the "X-Men" on May 2 and Marvel`s own not-so-jolly green giant, "The Hulk," on June 20.
From its near demise a few years ago, Marvel has emerged stronger than ever, thanks primarily to a burgeoning movie division.
But will it be too much of a good thing?
It may be too soon to tell, said Milo George, managing editor of the Comics Journal, a trade publication based in Seattle. But he points to a past, when Marvel would go through high points in its comics division, exploit that popularity to the hilt, then suddenly implode. George wonders if the home of Spidey, the Fantastic Four and others could find itself in the same position with its films.
But those associated with the new "Daredevil" movie, which stars Ben Affleck as a blind New York City lawyer by day and an avenging vigilante by night, said there`s little to worry about in Marvel`s movie universe.
"The Punisher," "Fantastic Four" and "Iron Man" are in development for movie theaters and several lesser-known properties -- "Brother Voodoo" and "Strikeforce Morituri" on the Sci-Fi Channel and "Night Thrasher" on UPN -- are on the small screen.
"The timing is just right. Marvel as a company is just exploding right now," said Joe Quesada, editor in chief for the comics company. "Our publishing division is going gangbusters; it just makes sense that our movies do gangbusters."
Avi Arad, president of Marvel Studios and "Daredevil`s" executive producer, said taking some creative control will prevent future movie disappointments.
Marvel brought in Arad, who is based on the West Coast, to be the caretaker for all of its properties as they navigate the maze from conception to release.
"When I was a kid growing up, it drove me crazy because I only read Marvel Comics. I never read DC Comics, and I was always waiting for these movies," said Mark Steven Johnson, "Daredevil`s" director. "They were such natural things and no one could get them going."
Arad suggested that it`s a matter of patience, timing and respecting the characters more than anything else.
"We pick our shots," he said. "What we`re really mostly interested in is taking great stories, the right writer, director and casting opportunity, and we go and make a movie."
So far those shots have paid off in significant ways. "Blade" cut into the box office with two successful films. "X-Men" grabbed more than $157 million during its 2000 run and Marvel`s ultimate character, "Spider-Man," snared $404 million last year at the box office and $215 million in DVD sales.
"Spider-Man" has been especially important to the company`s financial resuscitation. Its cut of Spidey`s theatrical and home video earnings allowed it to alter its financial outlook for 2002 and 2003 and to repay a significant bank loan early, according to a news release.
But where it shows most is in the company`s stock, which traded at a 52-week low of $3.97 just last July. It closed last week at $9.86, an improvement of almost 150 percent.
And Marvel`s characters are uniquely suited to allow the genre to grow, according to those associated with "Daredevil."
"It`s a different form of literature," Arad said. "These are graphic novels and storyboards essentially....Most of the stories are about people with problems. Our guys and gals always have problems -- a life-stinks-and-then-you-die kind of thing.
"And it`s about people who have been given a gift, a curse -- a real responsibility. They`ve endured a problem, a childhood, an issue, like all of us. They are so relatable because we`ve all been through that. We cannot all be heroes. (But) a hero gives us this moment of wish fulfillment and hope."
The basic humanity of the characters and their diversity give Marvel reason to believe that it has finally found a way of translating them to the movies.
"We do stories in a multitude of different genres, and that`s the beauty of the Marvel universe," Quesada said.
Marvel intends to ensure the movies` continued popularity through careful planning. Part of that involves choosing the right people to work on the movies.
For example, "Spider-Man" director Sam Raimi loved the character as a child. Ditto for Johnson and "Daredevil."
"I`m not the traditional choice to direct this movie," said Johnson, whose previous directing effort was the dramedy "Simon Birch." "And I know why I got it in the end was because of my passion.
"They don`t just go to the big, obvious action directors. They really are pairing these up with people who feel like these characters are their family."
Zwar schon etwas älter, zeigt aber die Dimension des Films Hulk der uns im Sommer erwartet.
Gruß Pepita
Press Release Source: Universal Studios Consumer Products Group
Universal Pictures Announces Incredible Promotional Program for Its Highly-Anticipated Summer Release `The Hulk`
Wednesday February 5, 10:35 am ET
UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., Feb. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Pictures today announced an incredible line-up of promotional partners for its highly- anticipated summer release, "The Hulk," acclaimed filmmaker Ang Lee`s ("Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon") bigscreen version of one of Marvel Comics` most memorable and popular superhero series. The film`s domestic promotional campaign will break onto retail shelves in May 2003 with partners including Pepsi, Hershey Food Corporation, Kraft Foods, ConAgra`s Grocery and Snack Foods Group brands, and The Glad Products Company.
ADVERTISEMENT
The film, produced in association with Marvel Entertainment Group, stars Eric Bana ("Chopper," "Black Hawk Down"), Academy Award®-winner Jennifer Connolly ("A Beautiful Mind"), Nick Nolte ("The Thin Red Line"), Sam Elliot ("The Contender," "We Were Soldiers") and Josh Lucas ("Sweet Home Alabama"). The Valhalla Motion Pictures/Good Machine Production will hit theatres June 20.
"For The Summer Event Movie of 2003, we have an appropriately Hulk-sized promotional campaign with an incredible roster of promotional partners," said Beth Goss, executive vice president, The Brand Group. "And all of our Hulk partners have stepped up to the plate with the kind of unique creative campaigns that are sure to generate excitement at retail this summer."
Pepsi will offer an instant win promotion on 150 million packages of Mountain Dew, Code Red and Sierra Mist. Consumers can win grand HULK-Sized prizes including a "Hulked-Out Home Entertainment Center" that features a 56" wide screen TV, sound system, DVD player, Hulk X-box and "The Hulk" video game. Secondary prizes include a Hulk X-Box and "The Hulk" video game or a year`s supply of Mountain Dew. The program will be supported with in store point-of-sale displays.
Hershey Foods is offering a comprehensive larger-than-life program to deliver added value across multiple brands and packtypes through bonus offerings, heavy merchandising, display vehicles and web activities from April through June 2003.
HULK-sized and HULK-themed packaged candy and displays will be offered for brands including Reese`s®, Hershey®`s Kisses®, Miniatures®, York®, Nuggets(TM), Nuggets(TM) with Almonds and Rolo®. The program is further extended to include Hershey`s most popular six-packs, King and bonus Giant bars. Hershey will also offer green colored, green apple flavored HULK Twizzlers®, Giant Green Bubble Yum® bubble gum balls, green Hershey®`s chocolate syrup and Jolly Rancher® HULK-shaped Gummies.
To generate both consumer interest and sales, Hershey will offer a HULK-ed UP Sweepstakes where consumers have the chance to win a HUMMER H-1 and thousands of other HULK-ed UP prizes. Consumers can also collect King Size HULK bar wrappers to get a Free HULK tee shirt.
As the pre-eminent packaged goods sponsor, Kraft Foods will offer 16 unique HULK products on over 30 million packages. Brands include Nilla® Wafers, Ritz® crackers, Ritz Bits® sandwiches, Oreo® cookies, Kraft Cheese Nips®, Kraft® Singles Cheese Slices, Taco Bell® green shells, Kraft Miracle Whip®, Jell-O® ready-to-eat and dry puddings and Post® Cereals. The program will be supported with point-of-service displays, green food items, a special Hulk cereal, sweepstake overlays, as well as premium lenticular cards in crackers and Taco Shells. Kraft® Singles will offer a Hulk T-Shirt on specially marked packages.
This summer, Con Agra Foods will feature "Cookout Heroes," a barbecue theme tying several brands together under one umbrella to promote "The Hulk." Nearly 40 million packages of Con Agra Food`s Banquet frozen dinners, entrees and prepared chicken will carry HULK graphics and a sweepstakes opportunity with a grand prize trip to Universal Studios` Islands of Adventure theme park to ride "The Hulk" Roller Coaster. Participating brands include Banquet (Frozen Dinners, Entrees and Prepared Chicken), Manwich, Chef Boyardee, Gulden`s Mustard, Butterball Fresh Chicken, Hunt`s Ketchup and BBQ, VanCamp`s Beans, Armour Hot Dogs, Pam non-stick cooking spray, Eckrich Smoked Sausage and Inland Valley frozen potatoes. In addition to the grand prize, daily prizes will be awarded on the on-line instant-win game ( www.cookoutheroes.com ) which includes movie tickets to see "The Hulk" and ConAgra Foods product coupons. The promotion will be supported with in-store point of sale displays and a national FSI.
In addition to the on-line promotion, ConAgra will also offer account specific programs in top retail accounts across the country. These programs will feature a variety of tactics and prizes, including trips for four to Islands of Adventure, HULK Coleman outdoor cooking grills, HULK bicycles, HULK-sized green coolers, in-store shopping sprees, "The Hulk" movie tickets, HULK hats, HULK tee shirts and Marvel comics subscriptions.
ConAgra Foods Snack Foods Group brands Slim Jim, Pemmican and David Seeds are offering three different HULK-sized promotions that will have consumers seeing green! Slim Jim will feed the hunger of consumers with a HULK-sized canister and meat stick -- the longest Slim Jim meat stick on the market! Slim Jim`s sweepstakes will offer the chance to "Win a HULK `Wreck` Room" and an additional 250 winners will take home HULK video games.
Pemmican invites health-conscious consumers to HULK up at home and "Win a Personal Gym" (grand prize), with 100 additional consumers winning HULK workout wear.
David Seeds will ask consumers to find the one green seed game piece in select packages to "Win a Revved Up HULK Power Pack" complete with a Honda motorcycle, ATV and personal watercraft. In addition, 100 winners finding the red seed game piece will receive a remote control HULK Monster Truck. The brand promotions are being supported with public relations and millions of impressions via point of sale displays and on-pack presence.
The Glad Products Company will support The Hulk with a free movie ticket offer via Hollywood Movie Magic on specially marked packages of GLAD® Sandwich Bags, GLAD® Cling Wrap, GLADWARE® containers and GLAD® trash bags. The promotion will be supported with in-store shipper displays and a link to "The Hulk" website from Glad`s website ( www.glad.com ).
Acclaimed filmmaker Ang Lee`s concept for his film adaptation of the classic Marvel Comics series, "The Hulk," combines all the elements of a blockbuster visual effects-intensive superhero movie with the brooding romance and tragedy of Universal`s classic horror films. In depicting "The Hulk" as both a superhero and a monster, a wish fulfillment and a nightmare, Lee and his team have stayed true to the early subversive spirit of the character created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, while completely updating "The Hulk" and projecting it into the dangers and aspirations of contemporary times.
Eric Bana ("Black Hawk Down") stars as scientist Bruce Banner, whose inner demons transform him in the aftermath of a catastrophic experiment. Academy Award® winner Jennifer Connelly ("A Beautiful Mind") portrays Betty Ross, whose scientific genius unwittingly helps unleash The Hulk; Nick Nolte ("The Thin Red Line") plays Banner`s brilliant father, who passes on a tragic legacy to his son, and Sam Elliott ("The Contender") portrays the commander of a top-secret military research center.
"The Hulk" ( www.thehulk.com ) is licensed by Universal Studios Consumer Products Group (USCPG), which is responsible for global licensing and retail strategies as well as building brand recognition. USCPG is a unit of Universal Pictures, a division of Vivendi UNIVERSAL Entertainment (VUE) ( www.universalstudios.com ), the U.S.-based film, television and recreation entity of Vivendi Universal (NYSE: V - News), a global media and communications company.
TACO BELL is a registered trademark owned and licensed by Taco Bell Corp.
For further information please contact: Debbie Jackman of Universal Studios Consumer Products Group, +1-818-777-3188
(So ähnlich in grün sieht der Hulk aus...)
Gruß Pepita
Press Release Source: Universal Studios Consumer Products Group
Universal Pictures Announces Incredible Promotional Program for Its Highly-Anticipated Summer Release `The Hulk`
Wednesday February 5, 10:35 am ET
UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., Feb. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Pictures today announced an incredible line-up of promotional partners for its highly- anticipated summer release, "The Hulk," acclaimed filmmaker Ang Lee`s ("Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon") bigscreen version of one of Marvel Comics` most memorable and popular superhero series. The film`s domestic promotional campaign will break onto retail shelves in May 2003 with partners including Pepsi, Hershey Food Corporation, Kraft Foods, ConAgra`s Grocery and Snack Foods Group brands, and The Glad Products Company.
ADVERTISEMENT
The film, produced in association with Marvel Entertainment Group, stars Eric Bana ("Chopper," "Black Hawk Down"), Academy Award®-winner Jennifer Connolly ("A Beautiful Mind"), Nick Nolte ("The Thin Red Line"), Sam Elliot ("The Contender," "We Were Soldiers") and Josh Lucas ("Sweet Home Alabama"). The Valhalla Motion Pictures/Good Machine Production will hit theatres June 20.
"For The Summer Event Movie of 2003, we have an appropriately Hulk-sized promotional campaign with an incredible roster of promotional partners," said Beth Goss, executive vice president, The Brand Group. "And all of our Hulk partners have stepped up to the plate with the kind of unique creative campaigns that are sure to generate excitement at retail this summer."
Pepsi will offer an instant win promotion on 150 million packages of Mountain Dew, Code Red and Sierra Mist. Consumers can win grand HULK-Sized prizes including a "Hulked-Out Home Entertainment Center" that features a 56" wide screen TV, sound system, DVD player, Hulk X-box and "The Hulk" video game. Secondary prizes include a Hulk X-Box and "The Hulk" video game or a year`s supply of Mountain Dew. The program will be supported with in store point-of-sale displays.
Hershey Foods is offering a comprehensive larger-than-life program to deliver added value across multiple brands and packtypes through bonus offerings, heavy merchandising, display vehicles and web activities from April through June 2003.
HULK-sized and HULK-themed packaged candy and displays will be offered for brands including Reese`s®, Hershey®`s Kisses®, Miniatures®, York®, Nuggets(TM), Nuggets(TM) with Almonds and Rolo®. The program is further extended to include Hershey`s most popular six-packs, King and bonus Giant bars. Hershey will also offer green colored, green apple flavored HULK Twizzlers®, Giant Green Bubble Yum® bubble gum balls, green Hershey®`s chocolate syrup and Jolly Rancher® HULK-shaped Gummies.
To generate both consumer interest and sales, Hershey will offer a HULK-ed UP Sweepstakes where consumers have the chance to win a HUMMER H-1 and thousands of other HULK-ed UP prizes. Consumers can also collect King Size HULK bar wrappers to get a Free HULK tee shirt.
As the pre-eminent packaged goods sponsor, Kraft Foods will offer 16 unique HULK products on over 30 million packages. Brands include Nilla® Wafers, Ritz® crackers, Ritz Bits® sandwiches, Oreo® cookies, Kraft Cheese Nips®, Kraft® Singles Cheese Slices, Taco Bell® green shells, Kraft Miracle Whip®, Jell-O® ready-to-eat and dry puddings and Post® Cereals. The program will be supported with point-of-service displays, green food items, a special Hulk cereal, sweepstake overlays, as well as premium lenticular cards in crackers and Taco Shells. Kraft® Singles will offer a Hulk T-Shirt on specially marked packages.
This summer, Con Agra Foods will feature "Cookout Heroes," a barbecue theme tying several brands together under one umbrella to promote "The Hulk." Nearly 40 million packages of Con Agra Food`s Banquet frozen dinners, entrees and prepared chicken will carry HULK graphics and a sweepstakes opportunity with a grand prize trip to Universal Studios` Islands of Adventure theme park to ride "The Hulk" Roller Coaster. Participating brands include Banquet (Frozen Dinners, Entrees and Prepared Chicken), Manwich, Chef Boyardee, Gulden`s Mustard, Butterball Fresh Chicken, Hunt`s Ketchup and BBQ, VanCamp`s Beans, Armour Hot Dogs, Pam non-stick cooking spray, Eckrich Smoked Sausage and Inland Valley frozen potatoes. In addition to the grand prize, daily prizes will be awarded on the on-line instant-win game ( www.cookoutheroes.com ) which includes movie tickets to see "The Hulk" and ConAgra Foods product coupons. The promotion will be supported with in-store point of sale displays and a national FSI.
In addition to the on-line promotion, ConAgra will also offer account specific programs in top retail accounts across the country. These programs will feature a variety of tactics and prizes, including trips for four to Islands of Adventure, HULK Coleman outdoor cooking grills, HULK bicycles, HULK-sized green coolers, in-store shopping sprees, "The Hulk" movie tickets, HULK hats, HULK tee shirts and Marvel comics subscriptions.
ConAgra Foods Snack Foods Group brands Slim Jim, Pemmican and David Seeds are offering three different HULK-sized promotions that will have consumers seeing green! Slim Jim will feed the hunger of consumers with a HULK-sized canister and meat stick -- the longest Slim Jim meat stick on the market! Slim Jim`s sweepstakes will offer the chance to "Win a HULK `Wreck` Room" and an additional 250 winners will take home HULK video games.
Pemmican invites health-conscious consumers to HULK up at home and "Win a Personal Gym" (grand prize), with 100 additional consumers winning HULK workout wear.
David Seeds will ask consumers to find the one green seed game piece in select packages to "Win a Revved Up HULK Power Pack" complete with a Honda motorcycle, ATV and personal watercraft. In addition, 100 winners finding the red seed game piece will receive a remote control HULK Monster Truck. The brand promotions are being supported with public relations and millions of impressions via point of sale displays and on-pack presence.
The Glad Products Company will support The Hulk with a free movie ticket offer via Hollywood Movie Magic on specially marked packages of GLAD® Sandwich Bags, GLAD® Cling Wrap, GLADWARE® containers and GLAD® trash bags. The promotion will be supported with in-store shipper displays and a link to "The Hulk" website from Glad`s website ( www.glad.com ).
Acclaimed filmmaker Ang Lee`s concept for his film adaptation of the classic Marvel Comics series, "The Hulk," combines all the elements of a blockbuster visual effects-intensive superhero movie with the brooding romance and tragedy of Universal`s classic horror films. In depicting "The Hulk" as both a superhero and a monster, a wish fulfillment and a nightmare, Lee and his team have stayed true to the early subversive spirit of the character created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, while completely updating "The Hulk" and projecting it into the dangers and aspirations of contemporary times.
Eric Bana ("Black Hawk Down") stars as scientist Bruce Banner, whose inner demons transform him in the aftermath of a catastrophic experiment. Academy Award® winner Jennifer Connelly ("A Beautiful Mind") portrays Betty Ross, whose scientific genius unwittingly helps unleash The Hulk; Nick Nolte ("The Thin Red Line") plays Banner`s brilliant father, who passes on a tragic legacy to his son, and Sam Elliott ("The Contender") portrays the commander of a top-secret military research center.
"The Hulk" ( www.thehulk.com ) is licensed by Universal Studios Consumer Products Group (USCPG), which is responsible for global licensing and retail strategies as well as building brand recognition. USCPG is a unit of Universal Pictures, a division of Vivendi UNIVERSAL Entertainment (VUE) ( www.universalstudios.com ), the U.S.-based film, television and recreation entity of Vivendi Universal (NYSE: V - News), a global media and communications company.
TACO BELL is a registered trademark owned and licensed by Taco Bell Corp.
For further information please contact: Debbie Jackman of Universal Studios Consumer Products Group, +1-818-777-3188
(So ähnlich in grün sieht der Hulk aus...)
Heute Schluß bei 12,19 $, wieder neues ATH!!! Da haben in der letzten Stunde noch einige groß eingekauft. Weiter strong buy, na klar...
Gruß Pepita
Gruß Pepita
Glueckwunsch! Besser kann es wohl nicht laufen!
Gestern Schluß bei 12,70$, wieder ATH. Wird mir selber langsam unheimlich. Es sollen bald auch Optionsscheine rauskommen: Wenn der Kurs 10 Tage über 12,50 $ liegt werden sie für 2,10 § gehandelt und laufen bis September. D.h. ab 14,60 $ wird dann an den Optis verdient. Wer glaubt nicht das die Firma in einem halben Jahr 16 - 17 $ min. Wert ist? Nach den Sommerereignissen (Hulk, X2, neue Quartalszahlen...) Also 100 % Chance, die Chance für zu spät gekommene?
Gruß Pepita
Gruß Pepita
Bis jetzt hast du ja Glück gehabt.
Ich hoffe, du hast dich nach unten abgesichert. Solche Schätzchen, die volkswirtschaftlichen Nonsens produzieren, kann es auch mal verdammt schnell komplett zerreißen, wenn eine Produktion daneben geht. Da geht so einer Mini-Firma ganz schnell das Licht aus.
Der steigende Euro frißt eh schon einen Teil der wunderbaren Gewinne.
Also, Stop-Kurs setzen und laufen lassen. Ein paar Unverbesserliche werden schon noch aufspringen.
Gruß paule2
Ich hoffe, du hast dich nach unten abgesichert. Solche Schätzchen, die volkswirtschaftlichen Nonsens produzieren, kann es auch mal verdammt schnell komplett zerreißen, wenn eine Produktion daneben geht. Da geht so einer Mini-Firma ganz schnell das Licht aus.
Der steigende Euro frißt eh schon einen Teil der wunderbaren Gewinne.
Also, Stop-Kurs setzen und laufen lassen. Ein paar Unverbesserliche werden schon noch aufspringen.
Gruß paule2
Und wieder, wie fast täglich, eine gute Nachricht. Marvel wächst weltweit, und das sehr schnell. Überall kommen die Superhelden gut an. Besonders die Japaner waren beim Film Spiderman völlig aus dem Häuschen.
Jetzt steigt kein geringerer als PEPSI ins Geschäft mit ein. Zahlt fleißig Lizenzgebühren an Marvel und steigert gleichzeitig den Bekanntheitsgrad weiter durch hunderttausende mit Marvels Comic-Helden bedruckter Coldosen!
Außerdem will UNIVERSAL STUDIOS in Japan einen Freizeitpark mit einer 3D Spiderman Attraktion ausstatten, analog zu dem Renner im Orlandopark USA.
Marvel worldwide...
Gruß Pepita
Dow Jones Business News
Universal Studios Japan Gets Marvel Spider-Man License
Monday March 10, 7:18 am ET
NEW YORK -(Dow Jones)- Marvel Enterprises Inc. (NYSE:MVL - News) entered a promotional agreement with Vivendi Universal`s Universal Studios in Japan and Pepsico Inc.`s (PEP) Pepsi-Cola International (NYSE:PEP - News) division.
ADVERTISEMENT
In a press release Monday, comic book publisher Marvel Enterprises said Pepsi- Cola will launch "hundreds of thousands" of Marvel-themed soft drink packages throughout Europe, Asia and other territories. Pepsi-Cola will release the projects, which will feature characters like X-Men, Daredevil and Silver Surfer, in several international territories this spring.
Meanwhile, Universal Studios Japan will license the Spider-Man character to create a theme-park attraction similar to The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man featured at Universal Studios Islands of Adventure in Orlando. The 3-D motion simulator ride is currently the number one attraction at the Orlando-based park.
Financial terms of the deals weren`t disclosed.
Marvel Enterprises` NYSE-listed stock closed Friday at $12.70, up 24 cents, or 1.9%. Pepsico`s shares closed at $38.50, up 85 cents, or 2.3%, on the Big Board. NYSE-listed shares of Vivendi closed at $12.76, down 80 cents, or 5.9%.
Jetzt steigt kein geringerer als PEPSI ins Geschäft mit ein. Zahlt fleißig Lizenzgebühren an Marvel und steigert gleichzeitig den Bekanntheitsgrad weiter durch hunderttausende mit Marvels Comic-Helden bedruckter Coldosen!
Außerdem will UNIVERSAL STUDIOS in Japan einen Freizeitpark mit einer 3D Spiderman Attraktion ausstatten, analog zu dem Renner im Orlandopark USA.
Marvel worldwide...
Gruß Pepita
Dow Jones Business News
Universal Studios Japan Gets Marvel Spider-Man License
Monday March 10, 7:18 am ET
NEW YORK -(Dow Jones)- Marvel Enterprises Inc. (NYSE:MVL - News) entered a promotional agreement with Vivendi Universal`s Universal Studios in Japan and Pepsico Inc.`s (PEP) Pepsi-Cola International (NYSE:PEP - News) division.
ADVERTISEMENT
In a press release Monday, comic book publisher Marvel Enterprises said Pepsi- Cola will launch "hundreds of thousands" of Marvel-themed soft drink packages throughout Europe, Asia and other territories. Pepsi-Cola will release the projects, which will feature characters like X-Men, Daredevil and Silver Surfer, in several international territories this spring.
Meanwhile, Universal Studios Japan will license the Spider-Man character to create a theme-park attraction similar to The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man featured at Universal Studios Islands of Adventure in Orlando. The 3-D motion simulator ride is currently the number one attraction at the Orlando-based park.
Financial terms of the deals weren`t disclosed.
Marvel Enterprises` NYSE-listed stock closed Friday at $12.70, up 24 cents, or 1.9%. Pepsico`s shares closed at $38.50, up 85 cents, or 2.3%, on the Big Board. NYSE-listed shares of Vivendi closed at $12.76, down 80 cents, or 5.9%.
Habt ihr schon gesehen: Im deutschen Fernsehen solltet ihr nicht immer die Werbung wegzappen. Es läuft hin und wieder der DAREDEVIL Trailer. Kinostart bei uns ist Donnerstag 20. März.
Inzwischen hat DAREDEVIL insgesamt über 100 Millionen Dollar eingespielt und ist somit seine Produktionskosten von 84 Millionen $ längst wert. Dabei ist er in Europa außer in England noch gar nicht angelaufen. Mit den Ergebnissen aus dem Rest der Welt kommen wir locker über 200 Millionen!!! Und das ohne DVDs usw.!!!! Die kommen noch hinzu. Hätte niemand gedacht bei einem Superheld "aus der 2. Reihe". Die großen (Hulk, X-Men, Spiderman 2) kommen ja bald auch noch...
Strongest Buy!!
Gruß Pepita
Inzwischen hat DAREDEVIL insgesamt über 100 Millionen Dollar eingespielt und ist somit seine Produktionskosten von 84 Millionen $ längst wert. Dabei ist er in Europa außer in England noch gar nicht angelaufen. Mit den Ergebnissen aus dem Rest der Welt kommen wir locker über 200 Millionen!!! Und das ohne DVDs usw.!!!! Die kommen noch hinzu. Hätte niemand gedacht bei einem Superheld "aus der 2. Reihe". Die großen (Hulk, X-Men, Spiderman 2) kommen ja bald auch noch...
Strongest Buy!!
Gruß Pepita
Hallo paule2.
Also mit Glück hat das glaub ich nichts zu tun. Es wäre dumm von mir wenn ich nicht in diese Firma investiert wäre. Das Geschäftsmodell hat mich von Anfang an überzeugt. So gut wie keine Kosten, aber durch immer neue Vermarktungsideen enorme wiederkehrende Lizenzeinnahmen. Man macht sich einfach das bereits vorhandene Potential (4700 Comic Charactere) zunutze. Deshalb auch das schnelle und starke Wachstum der Firma. Die Zeit ist einfach reif für Marvel.
Seht Euch die Märkte an. Seht Euch den DAX an. Heute irgendwo bei 2300 Punkten. Ein Krieg ist vor der Tür. Auch der amerikanischen Wirtschaft gehts schlecht. Trotzdem gibt es da eine Aktie die steigt und steigt, weil sie jeden Cent Wert ist. Das ist kein Luftschloss. Da ist enormes Potential dahinter. Viele Firmen, es werden immer mehr, haben es erkannt und reissen Marvel die Lizenzen aus der Hand. Auch große wie UNIVERSAL PICTURES, PEPSI, FOX Entertainment, SONY...
Bereits jetzt sind bestimmte HULK - Spielzeuge restlos ausverkauft. Hulk wird gigantisch. Das wird der Sommer Blockbuster 2003. Vielleicht noch größer als Spiderman.
Aber ich schweife zu sehr ab. Natürlich setze ich Stoploss bei Aktien, nicht nur bei Marvel. Das mit dem volkswirtschaftlichen Nonsens habe ich nicht verstanden. Meinst Du die Filmindustrie, die Kinos, die Spielzeuggeschäfte, die Werbung, die Comiczeitschriften, die Internetspiele? Alles Nonsens? Genau das ist es was in dieser Zeit läuft. Den wenn es den Menschen schlecht geht, dann wollen sie wenigstens ab und zu etwas Spaß haben, im Kino, TV, Internet usw.
Die Gefahr mit den Flops sehe ich nicht. Erstens wären dann die Produktionsfirmen die dummen. Marvel kassiert für die Lizenzen. Aber gerade DAREDEVIL, den eigentlich kaum einer kennt, ist ein Renner. Das hat viele überzeugt. Dadurch werden mehr Projekte angegangen. Diese Filme werden professionell vermarktet mit Werbung (z.B. kam die erste Werbung für Hulk bereits im Februar in der Quarterpause des Superbowl Endspiels, das schaut fast jeder in USA und kostet ein Vermögen) und Merchandising. Dabei zeigt sich Marvel äußerst kreativ.
Mini Firma würde ich das auch nicht mehr nennen. Schaust Du nur auf die Trades in Frankfurt? Klar, da ist so gut wie kein Handel. Das ist eine Amerikanische Aktie und es werden täglich mehrere hunderttausend bis einige Millionen Aktien gehandelt, Handelsvolumen um 10 Millionen $ pro Tag.
Mit dem starken Euro gebe ich Dir recht, paule2. Das hat mich rund 8% meines Gewinns (fast 90 % seit letzten Herbst) gekostet. Ärgerlich. Aber ich kenne leider keine bessere Aktie momentan. Aber wenn Du jetzt einsteigst, dann Zahlst Du ja auch entsprechend weniger in Euro für die Aktie. Und wer sagt denn das der Euro auch weiterhin stärker wird? Vielleicht gehts bald in die andere Richtung. Ein kurzer Krieg, dann stark fallende Ölpreise und die amerikanische Wirtschaft wird kräftig angekurbelt.
Ich bleibe dabei. Schade nur das so viele ander sich die Gelegenheit entgehen lassen oder meinen die Aktie wäre längst zu teuer. Es wird (sehr konservativ) von Firmenseite Ende 2003 ein Gewinn von bis zu 69 Cents erwartet. Das denke ich ist viel zu wenig. Auch frühere Prognosen wurden stets zu niedrig angegeben. Ich rechne mit bis zu 1 $ bis Ende des Jahres. Und dabei kostet die Aktie jetzt aktuell 12,80 $ (wieder gestiegen).
Gruß Pepita
Also mit Glück hat das glaub ich nichts zu tun. Es wäre dumm von mir wenn ich nicht in diese Firma investiert wäre. Das Geschäftsmodell hat mich von Anfang an überzeugt. So gut wie keine Kosten, aber durch immer neue Vermarktungsideen enorme wiederkehrende Lizenzeinnahmen. Man macht sich einfach das bereits vorhandene Potential (4700 Comic Charactere) zunutze. Deshalb auch das schnelle und starke Wachstum der Firma. Die Zeit ist einfach reif für Marvel.
Seht Euch die Märkte an. Seht Euch den DAX an. Heute irgendwo bei 2300 Punkten. Ein Krieg ist vor der Tür. Auch der amerikanischen Wirtschaft gehts schlecht. Trotzdem gibt es da eine Aktie die steigt und steigt, weil sie jeden Cent Wert ist. Das ist kein Luftschloss. Da ist enormes Potential dahinter. Viele Firmen, es werden immer mehr, haben es erkannt und reissen Marvel die Lizenzen aus der Hand. Auch große wie UNIVERSAL PICTURES, PEPSI, FOX Entertainment, SONY...
Bereits jetzt sind bestimmte HULK - Spielzeuge restlos ausverkauft. Hulk wird gigantisch. Das wird der Sommer Blockbuster 2003. Vielleicht noch größer als Spiderman.
Aber ich schweife zu sehr ab. Natürlich setze ich Stoploss bei Aktien, nicht nur bei Marvel. Das mit dem volkswirtschaftlichen Nonsens habe ich nicht verstanden. Meinst Du die Filmindustrie, die Kinos, die Spielzeuggeschäfte, die Werbung, die Comiczeitschriften, die Internetspiele? Alles Nonsens? Genau das ist es was in dieser Zeit läuft. Den wenn es den Menschen schlecht geht, dann wollen sie wenigstens ab und zu etwas Spaß haben, im Kino, TV, Internet usw.
Die Gefahr mit den Flops sehe ich nicht. Erstens wären dann die Produktionsfirmen die dummen. Marvel kassiert für die Lizenzen. Aber gerade DAREDEVIL, den eigentlich kaum einer kennt, ist ein Renner. Das hat viele überzeugt. Dadurch werden mehr Projekte angegangen. Diese Filme werden professionell vermarktet mit Werbung (z.B. kam die erste Werbung für Hulk bereits im Februar in der Quarterpause des Superbowl Endspiels, das schaut fast jeder in USA und kostet ein Vermögen) und Merchandising. Dabei zeigt sich Marvel äußerst kreativ.
Mini Firma würde ich das auch nicht mehr nennen. Schaust Du nur auf die Trades in Frankfurt? Klar, da ist so gut wie kein Handel. Das ist eine Amerikanische Aktie und es werden täglich mehrere hunderttausend bis einige Millionen Aktien gehandelt, Handelsvolumen um 10 Millionen $ pro Tag.
Mit dem starken Euro gebe ich Dir recht, paule2. Das hat mich rund 8% meines Gewinns (fast 90 % seit letzten Herbst) gekostet. Ärgerlich. Aber ich kenne leider keine bessere Aktie momentan. Aber wenn Du jetzt einsteigst, dann Zahlst Du ja auch entsprechend weniger in Euro für die Aktie. Und wer sagt denn das der Euro auch weiterhin stärker wird? Vielleicht gehts bald in die andere Richtung. Ein kurzer Krieg, dann stark fallende Ölpreise und die amerikanische Wirtschaft wird kräftig angekurbelt.
Ich bleibe dabei. Schade nur das so viele ander sich die Gelegenheit entgehen lassen oder meinen die Aktie wäre längst zu teuer. Es wird (sehr konservativ) von Firmenseite Ende 2003 ein Gewinn von bis zu 69 Cents erwartet. Das denke ich ist viel zu wenig. Auch frühere Prognosen wurden stets zu niedrig angegeben. Ich rechne mit bis zu 1 $ bis Ende des Jahres. Und dabei kostet die Aktie jetzt aktuell 12,80 $ (wieder gestiegen).
Gruß Pepita
Keiner traut Marvel, richtig? Ihr habt Angst. Angst die Aktie könnte tief, tief fallen, so wie alle die anderen Aktien, so wie der DAX usw. Die Bären haben die Überhand. Wir befinden uns in einer Baisse. Keiner traut einer Aktie die steigt und steigt. Da muß doch irgendwas faul sein!?
Was meint ihr. Wäre der Aktienmarkt zur Zeit deutlich positiver gestimmt, würden bestimmt noch viel mehr in Marvel investieren. Aber das ist der Markt nicht. Und Marvel steigt und steigt...
Trotzdem sage ich Euch: Auch jetzt kann man noch locker einsteigen bei Marvel. Ihr werdet Euch noch ärgern wie schnell Marvel weiter steigen wird. Natürlich kommt auch mal wieder ein Rückschlag, den gibts immer.
Aber manche erkennen einen Trend nichtmal wenn er schon da ist. In USA ist Marvel total in. Nur hier in Deutschland interessiert sich (noch) kaum einer dafür. Aber bald kommt der Trend auch hierzulande immer stärker in fahrt. Wie so oft Dinge aus den USA zu uns rüberkommen.
Ihr werdet sehen, Marvel wird auch in Europa und Deutschland richtig Einzug halten. Ich bin jetzt schon dabei.
Gruß Pepita
Was meint ihr. Wäre der Aktienmarkt zur Zeit deutlich positiver gestimmt, würden bestimmt noch viel mehr in Marvel investieren. Aber das ist der Markt nicht. Und Marvel steigt und steigt...
Trotzdem sage ich Euch: Auch jetzt kann man noch locker einsteigen bei Marvel. Ihr werdet Euch noch ärgern wie schnell Marvel weiter steigen wird. Natürlich kommt auch mal wieder ein Rückschlag, den gibts immer.
Aber manche erkennen einen Trend nichtmal wenn er schon da ist. In USA ist Marvel total in. Nur hier in Deutschland interessiert sich (noch) kaum einer dafür. Aber bald kommt der Trend auch hierzulande immer stärker in fahrt. Wie so oft Dinge aus den USA zu uns rüberkommen.
Ihr werdet sehen, Marvel wird auch in Europa und Deutschland richtig Einzug halten. Ich bin jetzt schon dabei.
Gruß Pepita
Is ja gut. du wirst schon noch Käufer finden, die dir deine Stücke abnehmen.
Und wieder was neues zu Marvel, wie fast jeden Tag. Man gewöhnt sich dran. Allerdings heute geht der Kurs erstmal zurück. Völlig normal bei dem Marktumfeld.
Gruß Pepita
Press Release Source: Rexall Sundown, Inc.
New Sundown Kids(TM) Vitamins Feature Marvel(TM) Super Heroes(TM) To Help Children Meet Their Nutritional Goals
Tuesday March 11, 8:59 am ET
Spider-Man(TM), Hulk(TM) and Captain America(TM) Come to the Rescue in Multi-Vitamin Form and Go Online to Spread Important Nutritional News
BOCA RATON, Fla., March 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Sundown Kids(TM) vitamins and Marvel`s popular Super Heroes(TM) have joined forces to help parents improve their children`s diets by making it fun to take a daily multivitamin and learn important nutritional information too! Introducing three all-new daily multivitamin formulas created in the shapes of Spider-Man, Hulk and Captain America, Sundown Kids has taken its nutritional message on-line in a fun format that not only provides entertainment, but education as well.
ADVERTISEMENT
"With the incidence of childhood obesity and lack of proper eating habits at an all-time high, and children spending less time exercising, parents are more concerned than ever about their children`s nutritional needs. Sundown Kids helps to address this concern by offering quality and great tasting multivitamins kids will want to take," said Irina Lorenzi, Vice President, Marketing, Vitamins, Minerals, Herbals and Supplements, Rexall Sundown, Inc., which manufactures and distributes Sundown Kids. "At the same time, by incorporating the Marvel Super Heroes in an extremely visual, interactive website that children will want to visit, we believe that we can deliver nutritional information not only to parents, but to children as well."
By logging onto www.sundownkids.com , parents and kids will not only learn about the importance of healthy eating habits but also will have a great time! This highly interactive and extremely visual website features a "Kids Zone," including fun-to-play games, activities, e-cards and wallpapers -- all featuring Spider-Man, Hulk and Captain America. Plus, there is a link to www.marvel.com , where their favorite Super Heroes reside. Parents can see the latest promotions, such as the Super Hero stickers, now available inside Sundown Kids cartons. Or, they can sign up for a free membership in "Sundown`s Healthy Appreciation Program," which offers nutritional information along with valuable coupons.
What`s the bottom line for parents? "Sundown Kids is meeting the increasing demands of the important children`s nutritional market by delivering no-hassle, great tasting vitamins that provide essential nutrients and that kids will happily consume," Ms. Lorenzi added.
Sundown Kids` Marvel Super Heroes multivitamins are available in two chewable formulas -- Complete and Extra C, and in a unique gelatin-free gummy form that tastes like popular sour gummy candies kids love. All feature an assortment of three great-tasting flavors -- cherry, grape and orange.
Sundown Kids(TM) is a national brand of Rexall Sundown, Inc., which is a subsidiary of Royal Numico, N.V. Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, Rexall Sundown develops, markets and manufactures a wide array of vitamins, minerals, herbals and specialty nutritional supplements under such popular brand names as Rexall®, Osteo Bi-Flex®, and Carb Solutions(TM), among others. Visit the Company websites at www.rexallsundown.com and www.sundownkids.com .
With a library of over 4,700 proprietary characters, Marvel Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: MVL - News) is one of the world`s most prominent character-based entertainment companies. Marvel`s operations are focused in three areas: entertainment (Marvel Studios) and licensing, comic book publishing, and toys (Toy Biz). Marvel facilitates the creation of entertainment projects, including feature films, DVD/home video, video games and television based on its characters and also licenses its characters for use in a wide range of consumer products and services including apparel, collectibles, snack foods and promotions. Marvel`s characters are created by its comic book division, which continues to expand its leadership position in the U.S. and worldwide while also serving as an invaluable source of intellectual property. For additional information visit the Marvel website at http://www.marvel.com.
Marvel, Spider-Man, Hulk, Captain America and the distinctive likenesses thereof are trademarks of Marvel Characters, Inc., and are used with permission. Copyright (C)2003 Marvel Characters, Inc. All rights reserved. www.marvel.com
Gruß Pepita
Press Release Source: Rexall Sundown, Inc.
New Sundown Kids(TM) Vitamins Feature Marvel(TM) Super Heroes(TM) To Help Children Meet Their Nutritional Goals
Tuesday March 11, 8:59 am ET
Spider-Man(TM), Hulk(TM) and Captain America(TM) Come to the Rescue in Multi-Vitamin Form and Go Online to Spread Important Nutritional News
BOCA RATON, Fla., March 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Sundown Kids(TM) vitamins and Marvel`s popular Super Heroes(TM) have joined forces to help parents improve their children`s diets by making it fun to take a daily multivitamin and learn important nutritional information too! Introducing three all-new daily multivitamin formulas created in the shapes of Spider-Man, Hulk and Captain America, Sundown Kids has taken its nutritional message on-line in a fun format that not only provides entertainment, but education as well.
ADVERTISEMENT
"With the incidence of childhood obesity and lack of proper eating habits at an all-time high, and children spending less time exercising, parents are more concerned than ever about their children`s nutritional needs. Sundown Kids helps to address this concern by offering quality and great tasting multivitamins kids will want to take," said Irina Lorenzi, Vice President, Marketing, Vitamins, Minerals, Herbals and Supplements, Rexall Sundown, Inc., which manufactures and distributes Sundown Kids. "At the same time, by incorporating the Marvel Super Heroes in an extremely visual, interactive website that children will want to visit, we believe that we can deliver nutritional information not only to parents, but to children as well."
By logging onto www.sundownkids.com , parents and kids will not only learn about the importance of healthy eating habits but also will have a great time! This highly interactive and extremely visual website features a "Kids Zone," including fun-to-play games, activities, e-cards and wallpapers -- all featuring Spider-Man, Hulk and Captain America. Plus, there is a link to www.marvel.com , where their favorite Super Heroes reside. Parents can see the latest promotions, such as the Super Hero stickers, now available inside Sundown Kids cartons. Or, they can sign up for a free membership in "Sundown`s Healthy Appreciation Program," which offers nutritional information along with valuable coupons.
What`s the bottom line for parents? "Sundown Kids is meeting the increasing demands of the important children`s nutritional market by delivering no-hassle, great tasting vitamins that provide essential nutrients and that kids will happily consume," Ms. Lorenzi added.
Sundown Kids` Marvel Super Heroes multivitamins are available in two chewable formulas -- Complete and Extra C, and in a unique gelatin-free gummy form that tastes like popular sour gummy candies kids love. All feature an assortment of three great-tasting flavors -- cherry, grape and orange.
Sundown Kids(TM) is a national brand of Rexall Sundown, Inc., which is a subsidiary of Royal Numico, N.V. Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, Rexall Sundown develops, markets and manufactures a wide array of vitamins, minerals, herbals and specialty nutritional supplements under such popular brand names as Rexall®, Osteo Bi-Flex®, and Carb Solutions(TM), among others. Visit the Company websites at www.rexallsundown.com and www.sundownkids.com .
With a library of over 4,700 proprietary characters, Marvel Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: MVL - News) is one of the world`s most prominent character-based entertainment companies. Marvel`s operations are focused in three areas: entertainment (Marvel Studios) and licensing, comic book publishing, and toys (Toy Biz). Marvel facilitates the creation of entertainment projects, including feature films, DVD/home video, video games and television based on its characters and also licenses its characters for use in a wide range of consumer products and services including apparel, collectibles, snack foods and promotions. Marvel`s characters are created by its comic book division, which continues to expand its leadership position in the U.S. and worldwide while also serving as an invaluable source of intellectual property. For additional information visit the Marvel website at http://www.marvel.com.
Marvel, Spider-Man, Hulk, Captain America and the distinctive likenesses thereof are trademarks of Marvel Characters, Inc., and are used with permission. Copyright (C)2003 Marvel Characters, Inc. All rights reserved. www.marvel.com
Und heute gibts diese News. Die Lizenzeinnahmen steigen täglich...
Gruß Pepita
Dow Jones Business News
Marvel Enterprises in Strategic Promotion Pacts
Thursday March 13, 10:18 am ET
NEW YORK (Dow Jones)--Marvel Enterprises Inc. signed strategic agreements to promote the company`s productions.
In a press release Thursday, Marvel said it granted Upper Deck Entertainment the global license to create collectible trading cards and games featuring the popular Marvel heroes. The arrangement provides Marvel an upfront guarantee as well as royalty fees. The first products are scheduled to hit shelves in June.
ADVERTISEMENT
Master Lock, a padlocks and security products company, will use Marvel characters for a national contest and promotion.
Additionally, Marvel strengthened its licensing and promotional programs through deals with the costume maker Disguise Inc. and Leading Edge Promotions Inc., which in partnership with bowling equipment manufacturer Brunswick Corp. (NYSE:BC - News) will sponsor Marvel-branded bowling clubs.
Shares of Marvel recently traded at $12.49, up 28 cents, or 2.3%, on composite volume of 106,300 shares. Average daily volume is 604,275 shares.
Gruß Pepita
Dow Jones Business News
Marvel Enterprises in Strategic Promotion Pacts
Thursday March 13, 10:18 am ET
NEW YORK (Dow Jones)--Marvel Enterprises Inc. signed strategic agreements to promote the company`s productions.
In a press release Thursday, Marvel said it granted Upper Deck Entertainment the global license to create collectible trading cards and games featuring the popular Marvel heroes. The arrangement provides Marvel an upfront guarantee as well as royalty fees. The first products are scheduled to hit shelves in June.
ADVERTISEMENT
Master Lock, a padlocks and security products company, will use Marvel characters for a national contest and promotion.
Additionally, Marvel strengthened its licensing and promotional programs through deals with the costume maker Disguise Inc. and Leading Edge Promotions Inc., which in partnership with bowling equipment manufacturer Brunswick Corp. (NYSE:BC - News) will sponsor Marvel-branded bowling clubs.
Shares of Marvel recently traded at $12.49, up 28 cents, or 2.3%, on composite volume of 106,300 shares. Average daily volume is 604,275 shares.
Neuer Höchststand 13,19 $ !!! Marvel ist nicht aufzuhalten. Jetzt steigen auch Institutionelle ein. Heute eine Empfehlung: Southwest Securities - Strong Buy - Sets $16 price target
Na, bereut Ihr jetzt nicht schon viel früher eingestiegen zu sein? Oder ist da draussen nur einer der meinem Rat gefolgt ist? Wäre schön wenn sich mal jemand äußert.
Gruß Pepita
Na, bereut Ihr jetzt nicht schon viel früher eingestiegen zu sein? Oder ist da draussen nur einer der meinem Rat gefolgt ist? Wäre schön wenn sich mal jemand äußert.
Gruß Pepita
Ok, ging wohl doch etwas schnell voran, Schlusskurs bei 12,98$ heute. Dauert noch ein wenig bis wir die 13$ nachhaltig hinter uns lassen. Trotzdem: Strong buy!!!
Gruß Pepita
Gruß Pepita
Was soll ich sagen: 13,51$
Gruß Pepita
Gruß Pepita
Und, hast du deine Blase mit einem Stop abgesichert?
Solche Schätzchen zerreißt es bei den ersten schlechten Nachrichten.
Solche Schätzchen zerreißt es bei den ersten schlechten Nachrichten.
he fast 14 $, siehs ein Paule, wir haben Unrecht!
Das neueste vom Tage:
Gruß Pepita
Press Release Source: Marvel Enterprises, Inc.
Marvel Forces Conversion of 8% Convertible Preferred Stock into Marvel Common Stock
Wednesday March 19, 7:04 am ET
Eliminates Preferred Dividends of at Least $2.7 Million Per Year Through 2011
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 19, 2003--Marvel Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: MVL - News):
ADVERTISEMENT
Accretive to FY `03 EPS by $0.02 - $0.03
Eliminates Cash Redemption Obligation of at Least $33 Million in 2011
Marvel Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: MVL - News), a global provider of entertainment content, today announced that it is converting all remaining approximately 3.3 million outstanding shares of its 8% Cumulative Convertible Exchangeable Preferred Stock (OTC BB: MVLEP; CUSIP No. 57383M207) at the stated conversion rate of 1.039 shares of Marvel Common Stock for each share of Convertible Preferred Stock.
The conversion is expected to be accretive to FY 2003 earnings per diluted share guidance by approximately $0.02-$0.03 by eliminating the Convertible Preferred Stock`s burden of mandatory paid-in-kind dividends, currently amounting to approximately $0.7 million on a quarterly basis, or approximately $2.7 million annually. The conversion will increase the trading float and liquidity of Marvel`s common stock as well as extinguish Marvel`s obligation to redeem any remaining preferred stock for $10.00 per share in cash in 2011.
Pursuant to the terms of the Convertible Preferred Stock, Marvel is able to force the conversion of all outstanding Convertible Preferred Stock following the completion of 10 consecutive trading days in which Marvel`s Common Stock closes above $11.55 per share. Tuesday, March 18 marked the 10th consecutive day of trading in which Marvel`s closing share price met this criterion. Marvel will issue approximately 3.4 million shares of Common Stock in the conversion. No one-time charges are required for this action, as the conversion is taking place at the stated conversion ratio of the Convertible Preferred Stock.
About Marvel Enterprises
Marvel Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: MVL - News) is a leading global character-based entertainment company that has developed and owns a library of more than 4,700 characters which have entertained generations around the world for over 60 years. Marvel`s operations are focused in entertainment and consumer product licensing and comic book publishing. Marvel Studios supports the development of feature films, DVD/video products and TV series. Marvel`s creative team also supports the creation of video games and toy lines based on its characters as well as for a broad and growing range of consumer products and services including apparel, collectibles, foods and promotions. Marvel`s comic book division is a leading publisher in the global marketplace while also serving as an invaluable source of intellectual property. Marvel`s Toy Biz division is a recognized creative force and leader in toy design, sales and marketing, developing and overseeing both licensee and in-house toy lines. For additional information visit http://www.marvel.com.
Except for historical information contained herein, the statements in this news release regarding the Company`s plans are forward-looking statements that are dependent upon certain risks and uncertainties, including the Company`s potential inability to successfully implement its business strategy, a decrease in the level of media exposure or popularity of the Company`s characters resulting in declining revenues from products based on those characters, the timing of releases and the decisions to proceed with feature films and TV series based on the Company`s characters, the lack of commercial success of entertainment projects based on the Company`s characters, the lack of commercial success of properties owned by major entertainment companies that have granted the Company toy licenses, the lack of consumer acceptance of new product introductions, the imposition of quotas or tariffs on toys manufactured in China as a result of a deterioration in trade relations between the U.S. and China, changing consumer preferences, production delays or shortfalls, continued pressure by certain of the Company`s major retail customers to significantly reduce their toy inventory levels, the impact of competition and changes to the competitive environment on the Company`s products and services, the ability of the Company`s licensees to successfully market and sell the licensed products, changes in technology and changes in governmental regulation and the continued financial stability of major licensees of the Company. Those and other risks and uncertainties are described in the Company`s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company`s Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Marvel assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.
Gruß Pepita
Press Release Source: Marvel Enterprises, Inc.
Marvel Forces Conversion of 8% Convertible Preferred Stock into Marvel Common Stock
Wednesday March 19, 7:04 am ET
Eliminates Preferred Dividends of at Least $2.7 Million Per Year Through 2011
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 19, 2003--Marvel Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: MVL - News):
ADVERTISEMENT
Accretive to FY `03 EPS by $0.02 - $0.03
Eliminates Cash Redemption Obligation of at Least $33 Million in 2011
Marvel Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: MVL - News), a global provider of entertainment content, today announced that it is converting all remaining approximately 3.3 million outstanding shares of its 8% Cumulative Convertible Exchangeable Preferred Stock (OTC BB: MVLEP; CUSIP No. 57383M207) at the stated conversion rate of 1.039 shares of Marvel Common Stock for each share of Convertible Preferred Stock.
The conversion is expected to be accretive to FY 2003 earnings per diluted share guidance by approximately $0.02-$0.03 by eliminating the Convertible Preferred Stock`s burden of mandatory paid-in-kind dividends, currently amounting to approximately $0.7 million on a quarterly basis, or approximately $2.7 million annually. The conversion will increase the trading float and liquidity of Marvel`s common stock as well as extinguish Marvel`s obligation to redeem any remaining preferred stock for $10.00 per share in cash in 2011.
Pursuant to the terms of the Convertible Preferred Stock, Marvel is able to force the conversion of all outstanding Convertible Preferred Stock following the completion of 10 consecutive trading days in which Marvel`s Common Stock closes above $11.55 per share. Tuesday, March 18 marked the 10th consecutive day of trading in which Marvel`s closing share price met this criterion. Marvel will issue approximately 3.4 million shares of Common Stock in the conversion. No one-time charges are required for this action, as the conversion is taking place at the stated conversion ratio of the Convertible Preferred Stock.
About Marvel Enterprises
Marvel Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: MVL - News) is a leading global character-based entertainment company that has developed and owns a library of more than 4,700 characters which have entertained generations around the world for over 60 years. Marvel`s operations are focused in entertainment and consumer product licensing and comic book publishing. Marvel Studios supports the development of feature films, DVD/video products and TV series. Marvel`s creative team also supports the creation of video games and toy lines based on its characters as well as for a broad and growing range of consumer products and services including apparel, collectibles, foods and promotions. Marvel`s comic book division is a leading publisher in the global marketplace while also serving as an invaluable source of intellectual property. Marvel`s Toy Biz division is a recognized creative force and leader in toy design, sales and marketing, developing and overseeing both licensee and in-house toy lines. For additional information visit http://www.marvel.com.
Except for historical information contained herein, the statements in this news release regarding the Company`s plans are forward-looking statements that are dependent upon certain risks and uncertainties, including the Company`s potential inability to successfully implement its business strategy, a decrease in the level of media exposure or popularity of the Company`s characters resulting in declining revenues from products based on those characters, the timing of releases and the decisions to proceed with feature films and TV series based on the Company`s characters, the lack of commercial success of entertainment projects based on the Company`s characters, the lack of commercial success of properties owned by major entertainment companies that have granted the Company toy licenses, the lack of consumer acceptance of new product introductions, the imposition of quotas or tariffs on toys manufactured in China as a result of a deterioration in trade relations between the U.S. and China, changing consumer preferences, production delays or shortfalls, continued pressure by certain of the Company`s major retail customers to significantly reduce their toy inventory levels, the impact of competition and changes to the competitive environment on the Company`s products and services, the ability of the Company`s licensees to successfully market and sell the licensed products, changes in technology and changes in governmental regulation and the continued financial stability of major licensees of the Company. Those and other risks and uncertainties are described in the Company`s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company`s Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Marvel assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.
DAREDEVIL"
Heiße Luft in rotem Leder
Von Andreas Borcholte
Superhelden haben Konjunktur im US-Kino, weshalb auch die neueste Leinwandversion eines Marvel-Comics zum Kassenerfolg wurde. Künstlerisch jedoch lässt "Daredevil" vieles zu wünschen übrig.
20th Century Fox
Comic-Held "Daredevil" (Ben Affleck): Fast so steif wie Val Kilmer als "Batman"
Hätte man "Spider-Man" nie gesehen, könnte man "Daredevil" recht aufregend finden: Ein muskulöser Held schwingt sich von Wolkenkratzer zu Wolkenkratzer und führt in spektakulären Kampfszenen Bösewichte ihrer rechtmäßigen Bestimmung zu. Das Ganze mit den Mitteln des modernen Kinos visualisiert - fertig ist das Action-Adventure für Jedermann, auch jenen, der noch nie zuvor ein Comicheft von Marvel in der Hand gehalten hat.
Pech also für Regisseur Mark Steven Johnson, der mit "Daredevil" seinen zweiten Film drehte, dass es "Spider-Man" gab und seit seinem Siegeszug durch die Kinosäle der Welt als Blaupause für nachfolgende Leinwand-Superhelden dient. Eine Blaupause, an der sich nicht nur die demnächst anlaufenden Marvel-Filme "X-Men 2" und "Hulk" abgleichen lassen müssen, sondern auch die mit Spannung erwarteten "Matrix"-Fortsetzungen. Vermutlich ist "Daredevil" nur der erste der Post-"Spider-Man"-Filme, der an der hohen Messlatte kläglich scheitert.
20th Century Fox
Gelungene Nebenrollen: Michael Clarke Duncan und Colin Farrell als Schurken
"Daredevil", 1964 von Stan Lee und dem Zeichner Bill Everett erdacht und in den achtziger Jahren von Frank Miller verfeinert, ist einer der interessantesten und vielschichtigsten Helden des Marvel-Universums. Der seit seiner Kindheit blinde Matt Murdock, bei Tag Anwalt der Armen und Schwachen im New Yorker Slum "Hell`s Kitchen", bei Nacht erbarmungsloser Jäger auf den Spuren jener Verbrecher, die der Justiz entwischen, leidet nicht nur an seinem physischen Handicap. Die Seelenqual, das Böse auf der Welt nur mit Gegengewalt besiegen zu können, zerfrisst den religiös erzogenen Helden und lässt ihn regelmäßig zur Beichte gehen.
Wie "Spider-Man" wird auch "Daredevil" in seiner Jugend traumatisiert. Der kleine Matt findet nicht nur heraus, wie sein angebeteter Vater sich finsteren Machenschaften hingibt, er wird auch Zeuge der brutalen Ermordung seines Erziehers durch den sehr großen und bösen Gangsterboss "Kingpin".
20th Century Fox
Anwalt bei Tag, Rächer bei Nacht: Matt Murdock (Ben Affleck) wird von inneren Dämonen getrieben
Auf der panischen Flucht vor dem Unsagbaren gerät Matt in einen Unfall und kommt dabei mit radioaktiven Chemikalien in Berührung. Als er im Krankenhaus erwacht, kann er zwar nicht mehr sehen, doch seine restlichen Sinne sind derart verstärkt, dass er sich mittels Schallresonanz ein Bild von seiner Umwelt machen kann. Rachsucht und ein ausgeprägtes Bewusstsein für Ungerechtigkeit verführen ihn dazu, Jura zu studieren und nebenbei seine Super-Sinne und diverse fernöstliche Kampftechniken zu trainieren. Als "Daredevil" jagt er fortan nachts jene Schurken, die tagsüber mit den Paragrafen des Rechtstaats nicht zu fassen sind. Zuweilen verhängt er auch die Todesstrafe.
20th Century Fox
Spektakuläre Kampfszenen: Elektra und "Daredevil" messen ihre Kräfte
"Daredevil" ist kein klassischer Superheld. Seine Begabung ist sinnlich, nicht physisch, so dass er ein ganzes Arsenal von Schmerzmitteln braucht, um die Blessuren seiner nächtlichen Aktivitäten zu lindern. Schlafen muss der Mann mit dem Supergehör wie ein Vampir in einem schallisolierten Wassertank, um überhaupt zur Ruhe zu kommen. Dem moralisch zwiespältigen Doppelleben entsprechend zieren sein sündhaft rotes Kostüm zwei Teufelshörner. Der "Mann ohne Angst", so der Slogan des Comics, ist eben ein wahrer Teufelskerl und Justitia nicht so blind wie man glauben möchte.
Die offensichtlichen Parallelen zum aktuellen politischen Gebaren der US-Regierung, die Saddam Hussein an den Kragen will, Völkerrecht hin oder her, passen natürlich erst im Nachhinein auf Johnsons Film, der wohl kaum mehr sein möchte, als ein gutes Action-Abenteuer, in dem es um Gut gegen Böse geht.
Dass er es nicht ist, liegt vor allem am Hauptdarsteller. Eine beinahe faustische Figur wie "Daredevil" verlangt - Comic hin oder her - nach einem Charakterdarsteller, nicht nach einem Sonnyboy mit Straßencharme wie Ben Affleck. Der "Pearl Harbor"-Star mag als Luftwaffen-Held oder smarter Großstädter in romantischen Komödien eine gute Figur machen, als "Daredevil" wirkt er fast so steif wie einst Val Kilmer als "Batman" - und das nicht nur wegen der schlecht sitzenden Ledermontur.
Reuters
"Daredevil"-Geliebte Elektra (Jennifer Garner): Scharfkantige Erotik
Zumindest die Nebenrollen sind gut besetzt, lassen den wahren Star des Films aber umso blasser aussehen. Der "Green Mile"-Riese Michael Clarke Duncan verkörpert den Ober-Schurken "Kingpin" mit maliziöser Bosheit und dicker Zigarre, der irische Shooting Star Colin Farrell gibt den irren Attentäter "Bullseye" mit überbordender Spielfreude und angemessener Überzeichnung inklusive irrem Augenrollen. Selbst die wohl schwierigste Figur der Comic-Saga, die von Frank Miller als psychotische Schönheit mit mörderischen Fähigkeiten und Ambitionen charakterisierte "Daredevil"-Gefährtin Elektra, wird von der "Alias"-Amazone Jennifer Garner mit scharfkantiger Erotik trefflich dargestellt. Doch das alles bietet kaum Trost: Zur Unzulänglichkeit der Hauptfigur gesellen sich ärgerliche Schludrigkeiten und Vereinfachungen, die die Story unlogisch und unausgegoren erscheinen lassen. Zwar hält sich Johnson sehr eng an die Comicvorlage und entwirft ein schmutzig-düsteres New York, das sich von der zuweilen poliert wirkenden Hollywood-Kulisse "Spider-Mans" wohltuend abgrenzt.
Doch auch wenn "Daredevil" nicht im obligatorischen Happy End mündet und damit der Tragik des Comics gerecht wird, so wird der blinde Rächer doch weniger als moralische fragwürdige Figur, denn als strahlender Held gezeichnet, der den Law- und Order-Gelüsten der Terrorismus-geschädigten Nation Amerika Genüge tut. Da wird die mordlustige Farbe des Kostüms oft unnötigerweise zum Feuerwehrrot der Helden des 11. Septembers. "Daredevil" schluckt zwar eifrig seine Medikamente, scheint aber an echten Schmerzen nicht zu leiden - weder physisch noch psychisch.
Nicht alle diese Mankos kann man Affleck anlasten, denn vor allem die Story zerfasert nach der straff erzählten Initiations-Geschichte schnell ins Belanglose. Kampfszene reiht sich bieder an Actionsequenz - bis zum beeindruckend langweiligen, aber haarsträubend unlogischen Finale. Vieles davon wirkt bekannt und geradezu dreist aus "Spider-Man" und "Matrix" abgekupfert, etwa wenn sich "Daredevil" mittels seines zerlegbaren Blindenstocks von Gebäude zu Gebäude schwingt oder Pistolenkugeln mit dem inzwischen oft kopierten Zurückbiegen des Oberkörpers pariert.
Hölzern, uninspiriert und unfreiwillig komisch wirkt dieser Superhelden-Film, der nichtsdestotrotz zumindest Amerika einen beachtlichen Erfolg an der Kinokasse vorweisen konnte. Im Europa dieser Tage dürfte sich der Kinobesucher allerdings mehr nach Subtext als nach effektheischenden Schauwerten sehnen. Amüsant immerhin: Fast alle Marvel-Größen, sogar Kevin Smith, treten in kurzen Cameos auf.
"Daredevil". USA 2002. Regie: Mark Steven Johnson; Buch: Mark Steven Johnson; Darsteller: Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner, Colin Farrell, Michael Clarke Duncan, Jon Favreau; Produktion: Marvel Entertainment, New Regency Pictures, 20th Century Fox; Verlieh: 20th Century Fox; Länge: 103 Min.; Start: 20. März 2003
Gruß Pepita
Heiße Luft in rotem Leder
Von Andreas Borcholte
Superhelden haben Konjunktur im US-Kino, weshalb auch die neueste Leinwandversion eines Marvel-Comics zum Kassenerfolg wurde. Künstlerisch jedoch lässt "Daredevil" vieles zu wünschen übrig.
20th Century Fox
Comic-Held "Daredevil" (Ben Affleck): Fast so steif wie Val Kilmer als "Batman"
Hätte man "Spider-Man" nie gesehen, könnte man "Daredevil" recht aufregend finden: Ein muskulöser Held schwingt sich von Wolkenkratzer zu Wolkenkratzer und führt in spektakulären Kampfszenen Bösewichte ihrer rechtmäßigen Bestimmung zu. Das Ganze mit den Mitteln des modernen Kinos visualisiert - fertig ist das Action-Adventure für Jedermann, auch jenen, der noch nie zuvor ein Comicheft von Marvel in der Hand gehalten hat.
Pech also für Regisseur Mark Steven Johnson, der mit "Daredevil" seinen zweiten Film drehte, dass es "Spider-Man" gab und seit seinem Siegeszug durch die Kinosäle der Welt als Blaupause für nachfolgende Leinwand-Superhelden dient. Eine Blaupause, an der sich nicht nur die demnächst anlaufenden Marvel-Filme "X-Men 2" und "Hulk" abgleichen lassen müssen, sondern auch die mit Spannung erwarteten "Matrix"-Fortsetzungen. Vermutlich ist "Daredevil" nur der erste der Post-"Spider-Man"-Filme, der an der hohen Messlatte kläglich scheitert.
20th Century Fox
Gelungene Nebenrollen: Michael Clarke Duncan und Colin Farrell als Schurken
"Daredevil", 1964 von Stan Lee und dem Zeichner Bill Everett erdacht und in den achtziger Jahren von Frank Miller verfeinert, ist einer der interessantesten und vielschichtigsten Helden des Marvel-Universums. Der seit seiner Kindheit blinde Matt Murdock, bei Tag Anwalt der Armen und Schwachen im New Yorker Slum "Hell`s Kitchen", bei Nacht erbarmungsloser Jäger auf den Spuren jener Verbrecher, die der Justiz entwischen, leidet nicht nur an seinem physischen Handicap. Die Seelenqual, das Böse auf der Welt nur mit Gegengewalt besiegen zu können, zerfrisst den religiös erzogenen Helden und lässt ihn regelmäßig zur Beichte gehen.
Wie "Spider-Man" wird auch "Daredevil" in seiner Jugend traumatisiert. Der kleine Matt findet nicht nur heraus, wie sein angebeteter Vater sich finsteren Machenschaften hingibt, er wird auch Zeuge der brutalen Ermordung seines Erziehers durch den sehr großen und bösen Gangsterboss "Kingpin".
20th Century Fox
Anwalt bei Tag, Rächer bei Nacht: Matt Murdock (Ben Affleck) wird von inneren Dämonen getrieben
Auf der panischen Flucht vor dem Unsagbaren gerät Matt in einen Unfall und kommt dabei mit radioaktiven Chemikalien in Berührung. Als er im Krankenhaus erwacht, kann er zwar nicht mehr sehen, doch seine restlichen Sinne sind derart verstärkt, dass er sich mittels Schallresonanz ein Bild von seiner Umwelt machen kann. Rachsucht und ein ausgeprägtes Bewusstsein für Ungerechtigkeit verführen ihn dazu, Jura zu studieren und nebenbei seine Super-Sinne und diverse fernöstliche Kampftechniken zu trainieren. Als "Daredevil" jagt er fortan nachts jene Schurken, die tagsüber mit den Paragrafen des Rechtstaats nicht zu fassen sind. Zuweilen verhängt er auch die Todesstrafe.
20th Century Fox
Spektakuläre Kampfszenen: Elektra und "Daredevil" messen ihre Kräfte
"Daredevil" ist kein klassischer Superheld. Seine Begabung ist sinnlich, nicht physisch, so dass er ein ganzes Arsenal von Schmerzmitteln braucht, um die Blessuren seiner nächtlichen Aktivitäten zu lindern. Schlafen muss der Mann mit dem Supergehör wie ein Vampir in einem schallisolierten Wassertank, um überhaupt zur Ruhe zu kommen. Dem moralisch zwiespältigen Doppelleben entsprechend zieren sein sündhaft rotes Kostüm zwei Teufelshörner. Der "Mann ohne Angst", so der Slogan des Comics, ist eben ein wahrer Teufelskerl und Justitia nicht so blind wie man glauben möchte.
Die offensichtlichen Parallelen zum aktuellen politischen Gebaren der US-Regierung, die Saddam Hussein an den Kragen will, Völkerrecht hin oder her, passen natürlich erst im Nachhinein auf Johnsons Film, der wohl kaum mehr sein möchte, als ein gutes Action-Abenteuer, in dem es um Gut gegen Böse geht.
Dass er es nicht ist, liegt vor allem am Hauptdarsteller. Eine beinahe faustische Figur wie "Daredevil" verlangt - Comic hin oder her - nach einem Charakterdarsteller, nicht nach einem Sonnyboy mit Straßencharme wie Ben Affleck. Der "Pearl Harbor"-Star mag als Luftwaffen-Held oder smarter Großstädter in romantischen Komödien eine gute Figur machen, als "Daredevil" wirkt er fast so steif wie einst Val Kilmer als "Batman" - und das nicht nur wegen der schlecht sitzenden Ledermontur.
Reuters
"Daredevil"-Geliebte Elektra (Jennifer Garner): Scharfkantige Erotik
Zumindest die Nebenrollen sind gut besetzt, lassen den wahren Star des Films aber umso blasser aussehen. Der "Green Mile"-Riese Michael Clarke Duncan verkörpert den Ober-Schurken "Kingpin" mit maliziöser Bosheit und dicker Zigarre, der irische Shooting Star Colin Farrell gibt den irren Attentäter "Bullseye" mit überbordender Spielfreude und angemessener Überzeichnung inklusive irrem Augenrollen. Selbst die wohl schwierigste Figur der Comic-Saga, die von Frank Miller als psychotische Schönheit mit mörderischen Fähigkeiten und Ambitionen charakterisierte "Daredevil"-Gefährtin Elektra, wird von der "Alias"-Amazone Jennifer Garner mit scharfkantiger Erotik trefflich dargestellt. Doch das alles bietet kaum Trost: Zur Unzulänglichkeit der Hauptfigur gesellen sich ärgerliche Schludrigkeiten und Vereinfachungen, die die Story unlogisch und unausgegoren erscheinen lassen. Zwar hält sich Johnson sehr eng an die Comicvorlage und entwirft ein schmutzig-düsteres New York, das sich von der zuweilen poliert wirkenden Hollywood-Kulisse "Spider-Mans" wohltuend abgrenzt.
Doch auch wenn "Daredevil" nicht im obligatorischen Happy End mündet und damit der Tragik des Comics gerecht wird, so wird der blinde Rächer doch weniger als moralische fragwürdige Figur, denn als strahlender Held gezeichnet, der den Law- und Order-Gelüsten der Terrorismus-geschädigten Nation Amerika Genüge tut. Da wird die mordlustige Farbe des Kostüms oft unnötigerweise zum Feuerwehrrot der Helden des 11. Septembers. "Daredevil" schluckt zwar eifrig seine Medikamente, scheint aber an echten Schmerzen nicht zu leiden - weder physisch noch psychisch.
Nicht alle diese Mankos kann man Affleck anlasten, denn vor allem die Story zerfasert nach der straff erzählten Initiations-Geschichte schnell ins Belanglose. Kampfszene reiht sich bieder an Actionsequenz - bis zum beeindruckend langweiligen, aber haarsträubend unlogischen Finale. Vieles davon wirkt bekannt und geradezu dreist aus "Spider-Man" und "Matrix" abgekupfert, etwa wenn sich "Daredevil" mittels seines zerlegbaren Blindenstocks von Gebäude zu Gebäude schwingt oder Pistolenkugeln mit dem inzwischen oft kopierten Zurückbiegen des Oberkörpers pariert.
Hölzern, uninspiriert und unfreiwillig komisch wirkt dieser Superhelden-Film, der nichtsdestotrotz zumindest Amerika einen beachtlichen Erfolg an der Kinokasse vorweisen konnte. Im Europa dieser Tage dürfte sich der Kinobesucher allerdings mehr nach Subtext als nach effektheischenden Schauwerten sehnen. Amüsant immerhin: Fast alle Marvel-Größen, sogar Kevin Smith, treten in kurzen Cameos auf.
"Daredevil". USA 2002. Regie: Mark Steven Johnson; Buch: Mark Steven Johnson; Darsteller: Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner, Colin Farrell, Michael Clarke Duncan, Jon Favreau; Produktion: Marvel Entertainment, New Regency Pictures, 20th Century Fox; Verlieh: 20th Century Fox; Länge: 103 Min.; Start: 20. März 2003
Gruß Pepita
Fox Gets More Time For MVL Char. Rights
by: megladon2 (M/Miami) 03/21/03 02:27 pm
Msg: 68376 of 68386
WASHINGTON (Dow Jones)--Marvel Enterprises Inc. said Friday it gave Twentieth Century Fox Film Corp. more time to exercise its rights over some Marvel comic characters as part of a lawsuit settlement.
Comic book publisher Marvel reported the settlement with Twentieth Century Fox in a press release March 3, saying both parties resolved their differences over the syndicated television series Mutant X.
Twentieth Century Fox filed a suit April 1, 2001, against Marvel syndicator Tribune Entertainment and Fireworks Entertainment, alleging that Mutant X violated Twentieth Century Fox`s exclusive rights to Marvel`s popular X-Men character group.
Marvel said in its annual report filed Friday with the Securities and Exchange Commission (News - Websites) that Twentieth Century Fox was given more time to "exploit" its rights in the X-Men, Daredevil, and Fantastic Four properties. The filing didn`t say when Twentieth Century Fox`s initial rights over the characters was slated to expire.
Also as part of the settlement, the company expanded its relationship with Twentieth Century Fox under which both parties will negotiate up to three film and television deals for additional Marvel properties during the next two years.
The filing didn`t provide financial terms of the settlement.
Marvel, New York, publishes comic books and makes toys based on Marvel Entertainment`s more than 3,500 characters. The company also licenses its characters for use in movies, TV shows, clothing and video games.
Twentieth Century Fox is a unit of Fox Entertainment Group .
Gruß Pepita
by: megladon2 (M/Miami) 03/21/03 02:27 pm
Msg: 68376 of 68386
WASHINGTON (Dow Jones)--Marvel Enterprises Inc. said Friday it gave Twentieth Century Fox Film Corp. more time to exercise its rights over some Marvel comic characters as part of a lawsuit settlement.
Comic book publisher Marvel reported the settlement with Twentieth Century Fox in a press release March 3, saying both parties resolved their differences over the syndicated television series Mutant X.
Twentieth Century Fox filed a suit April 1, 2001, against Marvel syndicator Tribune Entertainment and Fireworks Entertainment, alleging that Mutant X violated Twentieth Century Fox`s exclusive rights to Marvel`s popular X-Men character group.
Marvel said in its annual report filed Friday with the Securities and Exchange Commission (News - Websites) that Twentieth Century Fox was given more time to "exploit" its rights in the X-Men, Daredevil, and Fantastic Four properties. The filing didn`t say when Twentieth Century Fox`s initial rights over the characters was slated to expire.
Also as part of the settlement, the company expanded its relationship with Twentieth Century Fox under which both parties will negotiate up to three film and television deals for additional Marvel properties during the next two years.
The filing didn`t provide financial terms of the settlement.
Marvel, New York, publishes comic books and makes toys based on Marvel Entertainment`s more than 3,500 characters. The company also licenses its characters for use in movies, TV shows, clothing and video games.
Twentieth Century Fox is a unit of Fox Entertainment Group .
Gruß Pepita
@pepita:
Man sollte sich nicht in Aktien verlieben.
Man sollte sich nicht in Aktien verlieben.
@beovoxx
Danke für den Tip.
@all
Wieder neuer Höchststand, 13.53$. Dazu weitere Strong Buy Einstufungen diverser amerikanischer Analysten. Denke, die Rally bei Marvel geht min. bis Juni erstmal weiter, denn
Start X-Men 2 Anfang Mai
Zahlen 1. Quartal 2003 Mitte Mai
Start Hulk Anfang Juni
Gruß Pepita
Danke für den Tip.
@all
Wieder neuer Höchststand, 13.53$. Dazu weitere Strong Buy Einstufungen diverser amerikanischer Analysten. Denke, die Rally bei Marvel geht min. bis Juni erstmal weiter, denn
Start X-Men 2 Anfang Mai
Zahlen 1. Quartal 2003 Mitte Mai
Start Hulk Anfang Juni
Gruß Pepita
13,73$
Gruß Pepita
Gruß Pepita
Press Release Source: Marvel Enterprises, Inc.
Marvel Enterprises -MVL- to Present at Banc of America Conference on April 3
Friday March 28, 7:01 am ET
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 28, 2003--Marvel Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE:MVL - News), a global provider of entertainment content, today announced that Chief Executive Officer, Allen Lipson, and Chief Financial Officer, Kenneth West will participate in an audio webcast in conjunction with the 2003 Banc of America Consumer Conference to be held at the Palace Hotel in New York, NY on Thursday, April 3, 2003 at 3:30 p.m. EST.
Live Webcast and Replay:
Messrs. Lipson and West will discuss recent business developments and market opportunities. To listen to the webcast, please visit www.marvel.com (select "Investor Relations"). Real Player or Windows Media Player are required. Following the conference, the webcast will be available through Friday, April 18, 2003 at www.marvel.com (select "Investor Relations").
About Marvel Enterprises
Marvel Enterprises, Inc. is leading global character-based entertainment company that has developed and owns a library of over 4,700 characters which have entertained generations around the world for over 60 years. Marvel`s operations are focused in entertainment and consumer product licensing and comic book publishing. Marvel`s creative teams at its Marvel Studios, Marvel Comics and Toy Biz divisions support the development of feature films (and DVD/video); video games, TV series and toy lines based on its characters. Marvel also licenses its characters for use in a broad and growing range of consumer products and services including apparel, collectibles, foods and promotions. Marvel Comics is a leading global comics publisher and an invaluable source of intellectual property; Marvel Studios works with studios to develop feature film and entertainment projects and Toy Biz is a recognized creative force and leader in toy design, sales and marketing that develops and oversees both licensee and in-house toy lines. For additional information visit http://www.marvel.com.
Gruß Pepita
Marvel Enterprises -MVL- to Present at Banc of America Conference on April 3
Friday March 28, 7:01 am ET
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 28, 2003--Marvel Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE:MVL - News), a global provider of entertainment content, today announced that Chief Executive Officer, Allen Lipson, and Chief Financial Officer, Kenneth West will participate in an audio webcast in conjunction with the 2003 Banc of America Consumer Conference to be held at the Palace Hotel in New York, NY on Thursday, April 3, 2003 at 3:30 p.m. EST.
Live Webcast and Replay:
Messrs. Lipson and West will discuss recent business developments and market opportunities. To listen to the webcast, please visit www.marvel.com (select "Investor Relations"). Real Player or Windows Media Player are required. Following the conference, the webcast will be available through Friday, April 18, 2003 at www.marvel.com (select "Investor Relations").
About Marvel Enterprises
Marvel Enterprises, Inc. is leading global character-based entertainment company that has developed and owns a library of over 4,700 characters which have entertained generations around the world for over 60 years. Marvel`s operations are focused in entertainment and consumer product licensing and comic book publishing. Marvel`s creative teams at its Marvel Studios, Marvel Comics and Toy Biz divisions support the development of feature films (and DVD/video); video games, TV series and toy lines based on its characters. Marvel also licenses its characters for use in a broad and growing range of consumer products and services including apparel, collectibles, foods and promotions. Marvel Comics is a leading global comics publisher and an invaluable source of intellectual property; Marvel Studios works with studios to develop feature film and entertainment projects and Toy Biz is a recognized creative force and leader in toy design, sales and marketing that develops and oversees both licensee and in-house toy lines. For additional information visit http://www.marvel.com.
Gruß Pepita
Mein Tip zu Anfang dieses Threads war: Weitere 100% auf ein Jahr.
Die Aktie Marvel Enterprises stand am 7.2.2003 auf 10,88$ Schlusskurs.
Heute, am 01.04., also nichtmal 2 Monate später, haben wir soeben die 14$ Marke nach oben durchbrochen. Das sind rund 30% Gewinn!!!
30% Gewinn, trotz der allgemein schlechten Stimmung an den Börsen.
30% Gewinn, trotz des ausgebrochenen Irak Krieges.
30% Gewinn, trotz des bereits vorher starken Anstiegs der Marvelaktie (kommt von ca. 5$ im letzten Sommer)
30% Gewinn, obwohl viele sagen die Aktie ist schon viel zu weit gelaufen da steige ich jetzt nicht mehr ein.
Wars das jetzt?
Nein, ich halte weiter an den 100% auf ein Jahr fest, obwohl wenns so weiterläuft es wohl auch 200 % werden können. Diese Firma ist noch für so manche positive Überraschung gut, und vor allem im nächsten Quartal wird so richtig die Post abgehen.
Daher noch ein Tip: Marvel steht Ende Mai auf 18 $ !!! (Das sind nochmal rund 30% vom heutigen Kurs)
Gruß Pepita
Die Aktie Marvel Enterprises stand am 7.2.2003 auf 10,88$ Schlusskurs.
Heute, am 01.04., also nichtmal 2 Monate später, haben wir soeben die 14$ Marke nach oben durchbrochen. Das sind rund 30% Gewinn!!!
30% Gewinn, trotz der allgemein schlechten Stimmung an den Börsen.
30% Gewinn, trotz des ausgebrochenen Irak Krieges.
30% Gewinn, trotz des bereits vorher starken Anstiegs der Marvelaktie (kommt von ca. 5$ im letzten Sommer)
30% Gewinn, obwohl viele sagen die Aktie ist schon viel zu weit gelaufen da steige ich jetzt nicht mehr ein.
Wars das jetzt?
Nein, ich halte weiter an den 100% auf ein Jahr fest, obwohl wenns so weiterläuft es wohl auch 200 % werden können. Diese Firma ist noch für so manche positive Überraschung gut, und vor allem im nächsten Quartal wird so richtig die Post abgehen.
Daher noch ein Tip: Marvel steht Ende Mai auf 18 $ !!! (Das sind nochmal rund 30% vom heutigen Kurs)
Gruß Pepita
Schluß heute bei 14,06$
Gruß Pepita
Gruß Pepita
Am 31.12.2002 stand Marvel noch bei 8,98 $. Heute am 3.4.2003 bei rund 14 $ (Zwischenzeitliches ATH bereits bei 14,35 $), d.h. Marvel hat in 2003 bereits 56 % zugelegt!!!
Ok, alles klar sagt ihr, Finger weg, viel zu teuer. Vielleicht gibt es wirklich günstigere Aktien. Habe auch einen hier im Board umstrittenen Börsenbrief angefragt und nach der Meinung zu Marvel gefragt. Antwort: Es gibt billigere Aktien. Dieser Börsenbrief ist mit seinem Musterdepot im Jahre 2003 mit 2,5% im Minus (Stand 27.3.2003), wohlgemerkt ein Depot von "Fachleuten" ausgewählt, und das eher spekulativ.
Was sagt uns das: Es kommt an den Börsen nicht nur darauf an ob eine Aktie günstig ist oder nicht, es muss auch eine gewisse Nachfrage da sein. Und die gibt es nur wenn die Story stimmt. Das ist bei Marvel eindeutig der Fall.
Die Zeitschrift "Der Aktionär" hat Anfang 2002 mal von Marvel als Aktientip berichtet:
"(Die Aktie von Marvel Enterprises, dem Verlagshaus, das Comics und Spielfiguren rund um die Superhelden Spider-Man, Hulk und X-Men vermarktet, kennt seit Oktober 2001 nur eine Richtung: steil gen Norden. Im Bereich von 10 Euro können erste Gewinnmitnahmen in Erwägung gezogen werden. Den Stopp-Loss-Kurs haben wir deutlich von 5,60 auf 6,70 Euro angehoben. Diese Maßnahme soll der Gewinnabsicherung (die Aktie hat seit unserer Empfehlung Ende Januar um 84 Prozent zugelegt) dienen.)"
Danach gings erstmal bergab auf bis unter 5 $. Auf die Frage an "Der Aktionär" warum danach nie wieder was von Marvel zu lesen war gabs bis heute keine Antwort. Wer letzten Sommer trotzdem eingestiegen war hat heute ein plus von ca. 180 %!!!
So kann es weitergehen...
Gruß Pepita
Ok, alles klar sagt ihr, Finger weg, viel zu teuer. Vielleicht gibt es wirklich günstigere Aktien. Habe auch einen hier im Board umstrittenen Börsenbrief angefragt und nach der Meinung zu Marvel gefragt. Antwort: Es gibt billigere Aktien. Dieser Börsenbrief ist mit seinem Musterdepot im Jahre 2003 mit 2,5% im Minus (Stand 27.3.2003), wohlgemerkt ein Depot von "Fachleuten" ausgewählt, und das eher spekulativ.
Was sagt uns das: Es kommt an den Börsen nicht nur darauf an ob eine Aktie günstig ist oder nicht, es muss auch eine gewisse Nachfrage da sein. Und die gibt es nur wenn die Story stimmt. Das ist bei Marvel eindeutig der Fall.
Die Zeitschrift "Der Aktionär" hat Anfang 2002 mal von Marvel als Aktientip berichtet:
"(Die Aktie von Marvel Enterprises, dem Verlagshaus, das Comics und Spielfiguren rund um die Superhelden Spider-Man, Hulk und X-Men vermarktet, kennt seit Oktober 2001 nur eine Richtung: steil gen Norden. Im Bereich von 10 Euro können erste Gewinnmitnahmen in Erwägung gezogen werden. Den Stopp-Loss-Kurs haben wir deutlich von 5,60 auf 6,70 Euro angehoben. Diese Maßnahme soll der Gewinnabsicherung (die Aktie hat seit unserer Empfehlung Ende Januar um 84 Prozent zugelegt) dienen.)"
Danach gings erstmal bergab auf bis unter 5 $. Auf die Frage an "Der Aktionär" warum danach nie wieder was von Marvel zu lesen war gabs bis heute keine Antwort. Wer letzten Sommer trotzdem eingestiegen war hat heute ein plus von ca. 180 %!!!
So kann es weitergehen...
Gruß Pepita
Und weiter gehts, das nächste Filmprojekt steht an.
Gruß Pepita
Press Release Source: Marvel Studios
Thomas Jane is ``The Punisher``
Friday April 4, 8:02 am ET
Artisan Pictures And Marvel Studios Tap Actor To Play Title Role In Feature Film Production Based On One Of Marvel`s Best Selling Comic Book Series
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 4, 2003-- Written And Directed By Jonathan Hensleigh, The Production Is
Currently Casting Other Roles And Will Begin Production in July Of
2003 And Arrive In Theatres During Summer 2004
ADVERTISEMENT
Thomas Jane is "The Punisher!" Artisan Pictures and Marvel Studios announced today that Thomas Jane has been cast in the title role of "The Punisher," the feature film production of Marvel Comics` immensely popular comic book series of the same name.
The film is being produced by Marvel Studios` CEO Avi Arad ("Spider-Man," "X-Men," "Daredevil," "The Hulk") and producer Gale Anne Hurd ("The Hulk," "Aliens," "The Terminator") with renowned screenwriter Jonathan Hensleigh writing and directing. With the project`s other major roles currently being cast, "The Punisher" will commence principal photography in early July 2003 and the event film will arrive in theatres during the summer of 2004. Artisan Pictures President of Production, Richard Saperstein and Marvel`s Arad made the announcement.
"The Punisher" rises out of the ongoing Artisan and Marvel joint venture designed to develop, produce and distribute Marvel character based programming across all media with profits generated from each project shared equally after distribution fees are incurred. In addition to "The Punisher," the two entities are in active development on the big screen adaptation of the venerable character, "Iron Fist."
"The Punisher" tells the story of FBI undercover agent, Frank Castle, who until now has beat considerable odds. A former Special Forces operative, he is finally moving out of the field and into a desk job -- and a normal life with his wife and son. Then Castle`s world is shaken to its core by a nightmare he has longed feared: his family is executed as a repercussion from his final undercover assignment. With unparalleled intensity, ferocious intelligence and fearless actions, Castle seeks to punish the murderers -- and finds the one thing he least expected: redemption.
Marvel Comics` "The Punisher" made his first appearance over 25 years ago as a supporting character. The hero proved so popular with readers that he could not be contained in a peripheral role and by the 1990`s he was starring in as many as three titles a month. In 2000, "The Punisher" reemerged as one of Marvel Comics` highest selling solo books and remains a top seller for the Company.
Commented Marvel Studios` Arad, "Although Frank Castle is a tough-as-nails vigilante, he is, at his very core, an extremely tortured soul, a victim of survivor`s guilt. Thomas Jane, being a character actor, is going to have all the dimension necessary to bring to life the depth of a character who is both the hero and the victim with the physicality of a Super Hero®. By signing Thomas, we follow the Marvel tradition of bringing art-house actors in to tackle our complex characters. We are very excited to have him as part of our family."
Added Artisan`s Saperstein, "Thomas is a very talented and focused actor who possesses both the physical and dramatic qualities we were hoping to find in our Punisher. He brings with him an intensity and strength that we believe will help to define the character and energize the film."
Noted producer Gale Anne Hurd, "Thomas is one of our finest actors and comes from the indie world, as have other actors who`ve assumed Super Hero roles so successfully such as Tobey Maguire (`Spider-Man`) and Eric Bana (`The Hulk`). We are thrilled that an actor of this caliber will be our Punisher."
Thomas Jane is a versatile actor with a wide range of strong performances to his credit. Jane can next be seen in the upcoming Warner Bros.` film, Dreamcatcher, starring alongside Morgan Freeman and in the title role of Stander for director Bronwen Hughes. Jane starred opposite Cameron Diaz in Columbia Pictures` "The Sweetest Thing." Prior to that, Jane starred as legendary baseball player Mickey Mantle in HBO`s acclaimed film "61*." Additional credits for Jane include roles in Lions Gate`s "Under Suspicion," Warner Brothers` "Deep Blue Sea," 20th Century Fox`s "The Thin Red Line" and New Line`s "Boogie Nights."
"The Punisher`s" writer and director Jonathan Hensleigh has written some of the genre`s most notable action films including "The Rock," "Armageddon," "Jumanji" and "Die Hard: With a Vengeance." Hensleigh also executive produced "Armageddon" as well as "Gone in Sixty Seconds" and "Con Air."
Gale Anne Hurd, whose next project is the epic Super Hero tent pole release from Universal, "The Hulk," directed by Ang Lee, has produced such box office hits as "Armageddon," "Terminator," "Aliens," "The Abyss," "Terminator 2: Judgment Day," "The Ghost and the Darkness," "The Relic" and "Dante`s Peak."
Artisan Entertainment CEO, Amir J. Malin and Avi Arad, CEO of Marvel Studios originally negotiated the overall joint venture between Artisan and Marvel.
Artisan Entertainment Executive Vice President, Patrick Gunn, who oversees all Marvel projects at Artisan, and Artisan Pictures Director of Development, Rachel Murray are shepherding "The Punisher" at the studio. Marvel Studios` Executive Vice President, Kevin Feige will oversee "The Punisher" on behalf of the Company, Vice President of Production, Ari Arad will co-produce. Artisan`s Legal & Business Affairs department handled negotiations on behalf of the studio. Jane is represented by ICM, manager Julie Yorn of the Firm and attorney Brian Wolf of Ziffren, Brittenham, Branca and Fischer.
Gruß Pepita
Press Release Source: Marvel Studios
Thomas Jane is ``The Punisher``
Friday April 4, 8:02 am ET
Artisan Pictures And Marvel Studios Tap Actor To Play Title Role In Feature Film Production Based On One Of Marvel`s Best Selling Comic Book Series
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 4, 2003-- Written And Directed By Jonathan Hensleigh, The Production Is
Currently Casting Other Roles And Will Begin Production in July Of
2003 And Arrive In Theatres During Summer 2004
ADVERTISEMENT
Thomas Jane is "The Punisher!" Artisan Pictures and Marvel Studios announced today that Thomas Jane has been cast in the title role of "The Punisher," the feature film production of Marvel Comics` immensely popular comic book series of the same name.
The film is being produced by Marvel Studios` CEO Avi Arad ("Spider-Man," "X-Men," "Daredevil," "The Hulk") and producer Gale Anne Hurd ("The Hulk," "Aliens," "The Terminator") with renowned screenwriter Jonathan Hensleigh writing and directing. With the project`s other major roles currently being cast, "The Punisher" will commence principal photography in early July 2003 and the event film will arrive in theatres during the summer of 2004. Artisan Pictures President of Production, Richard Saperstein and Marvel`s Arad made the announcement.
"The Punisher" rises out of the ongoing Artisan and Marvel joint venture designed to develop, produce and distribute Marvel character based programming across all media with profits generated from each project shared equally after distribution fees are incurred. In addition to "The Punisher," the two entities are in active development on the big screen adaptation of the venerable character, "Iron Fist."
"The Punisher" tells the story of FBI undercover agent, Frank Castle, who until now has beat considerable odds. A former Special Forces operative, he is finally moving out of the field and into a desk job -- and a normal life with his wife and son. Then Castle`s world is shaken to its core by a nightmare he has longed feared: his family is executed as a repercussion from his final undercover assignment. With unparalleled intensity, ferocious intelligence and fearless actions, Castle seeks to punish the murderers -- and finds the one thing he least expected: redemption.
Marvel Comics` "The Punisher" made his first appearance over 25 years ago as a supporting character. The hero proved so popular with readers that he could not be contained in a peripheral role and by the 1990`s he was starring in as many as three titles a month. In 2000, "The Punisher" reemerged as one of Marvel Comics` highest selling solo books and remains a top seller for the Company.
Commented Marvel Studios` Arad, "Although Frank Castle is a tough-as-nails vigilante, he is, at his very core, an extremely tortured soul, a victim of survivor`s guilt. Thomas Jane, being a character actor, is going to have all the dimension necessary to bring to life the depth of a character who is both the hero and the victim with the physicality of a Super Hero®. By signing Thomas, we follow the Marvel tradition of bringing art-house actors in to tackle our complex characters. We are very excited to have him as part of our family."
Added Artisan`s Saperstein, "Thomas is a very talented and focused actor who possesses both the physical and dramatic qualities we were hoping to find in our Punisher. He brings with him an intensity and strength that we believe will help to define the character and energize the film."
Noted producer Gale Anne Hurd, "Thomas is one of our finest actors and comes from the indie world, as have other actors who`ve assumed Super Hero roles so successfully such as Tobey Maguire (`Spider-Man`) and Eric Bana (`The Hulk`). We are thrilled that an actor of this caliber will be our Punisher."
Thomas Jane is a versatile actor with a wide range of strong performances to his credit. Jane can next be seen in the upcoming Warner Bros.` film, Dreamcatcher, starring alongside Morgan Freeman and in the title role of Stander for director Bronwen Hughes. Jane starred opposite Cameron Diaz in Columbia Pictures` "The Sweetest Thing." Prior to that, Jane starred as legendary baseball player Mickey Mantle in HBO`s acclaimed film "61*." Additional credits for Jane include roles in Lions Gate`s "Under Suspicion," Warner Brothers` "Deep Blue Sea," 20th Century Fox`s "The Thin Red Line" and New Line`s "Boogie Nights."
"The Punisher`s" writer and director Jonathan Hensleigh has written some of the genre`s most notable action films including "The Rock," "Armageddon," "Jumanji" and "Die Hard: With a Vengeance." Hensleigh also executive produced "Armageddon" as well as "Gone in Sixty Seconds" and "Con Air."
Gale Anne Hurd, whose next project is the epic Super Hero tent pole release from Universal, "The Hulk," directed by Ang Lee, has produced such box office hits as "Armageddon," "Terminator," "Aliens," "The Abyss," "Terminator 2: Judgment Day," "The Ghost and the Darkness," "The Relic" and "Dante`s Peak."
Artisan Entertainment CEO, Amir J. Malin and Avi Arad, CEO of Marvel Studios originally negotiated the overall joint venture between Artisan and Marvel.
Artisan Entertainment Executive Vice President, Patrick Gunn, who oversees all Marvel projects at Artisan, and Artisan Pictures Director of Development, Rachel Murray are shepherding "The Punisher" at the studio. Marvel Studios` Executive Vice President, Kevin Feige will oversee "The Punisher" on behalf of the Company, Vice President of Production, Ari Arad will co-produce. Artisan`s Legal & Business Affairs department handled negotiations on behalf of the studio. Jane is represented by ICM, manager Julie Yorn of the Firm and attorney Brian Wolf of Ziffren, Brittenham, Branca and Fischer.
Und weiter tolle Verdienstaussichten für Marvel:
Press Release Source: Marvel Enterprises, Inc.
Marvel Enterprises, Inc. Mounts Its Biggest Movie Licensing and Merchandising Program by Joining Forces with Universal Studios Consumer Products Group for the Hulk
Tuesday April 8, 8:10 am ET
More Than 300 Licensees Worldwide To Create Products Based on Universal Pictures` Big Screen Version of One of Marvel Comics` Most Popular Super Heroes(R)
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 8, 2003-- Marvel Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: MVL - News), and Universal Studios Consumer Products Group, have built a massive worldwide licensing program for the June 20 release of one of the summer`s most anticipated movie events - Universal Pictures` The Hulk. With a roster of more than 300 licensees worldwide consisting of industry leaders including Toy Biz Worldwide, Harper Collins, Upper Deck Entertainment and Vivendi Universal Games, unique products based on this larger-than-life production will be breaking onto retail shelves around the world this summer.
"The Hulk is one of the most highly anticipated movies for this summer and certainly one of the most high-profile Marvel movies ever to be released. The merchandising program already established for The Hulk is larger than the licensing program that was in place for Spider-Man last year, making it our largest licensing program for a theatrical release to date," said Russ Brown, Executive Vice President, Consumer Products, Promotions & Media Sales. "The potential success of this program has already started to be realized with the overwhelming sales of Toy Biz Worldwide`s Hulk toy line, which continues to track as well or better than last year`s top-selling Spider-Man merchandise. We are optimistic that all of the Hulk-based merchandise will have similar success."
Tim Rothwell, SVP, Universal Studios Consumer Products Group added, "From a retail perspective, The Hulk has dominant positioning at every major retailer worldwide kicking off this summer and moving through Holiday 2003. Not often does a brand have such an unprecedented global appeal and worldwide acceptance as The Hulk does, from licensing to promotions to retail."
Leading The Hulk merchandise barrage is master toy licensee, Toy Biz Worldwide, which is producing the complete, highly-articulated action figure line as well as several must-have accessories including the already top-selling Electronic Hulk Hands. The Hulk products have already started hitting retail shelves. A complete licensee list is available upon request.
The Hulk licensing program is one of the biggest campaigns in Marvel`s history and follows on the heels of a banner year for the Company`s licensing division in 2002 as net sales increased 99% to $79.6 million from $40 million in 2001 (as recently reported in Marvel`s fourth quarter and year-end December 31, 2002 report).
Universal Pictures presents in association with Marvel Entertainment Group a Valhalla Motion Pictures/Good Machine Production of an Ang Lee film, The Hulk. Acclaimed filmmaker Ang Lee`s concept for his film adaptation of the classic Marvel Comics series, The Incredible Hulk(TM), combines all the elements of a blockbuster visual effects-intensive Super Hero movie with the brooding romance and tragedy of Universal`s classic horror films. In depicting The Hulk as both a Super Hero and a monster, a wish fulfillment and a nightmare, Lee and his team have stayed true to the early subversive spirit of the character created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, while completely updating The Hulk and projecting it into the dangers and aspirations of contemporary times.
Eric Bana stars as scientist Bruce Banner, whose inner demons transform him in the aftermath of a catastrophic experiment. Bana plays both the human Banner and - through groundbreaking visual effects technology provided by the Oscar®-winning Industrial Light and Magic - the superhuman Hulk. Jennifer Connelly portrays Betty Ross, whose scientific genius unwittingly helps unleash The Hulk; Nick Nolte plays Banner`s brilliant father, who unwittingly passes on a tragic legacy to his son, and Sam Elliot portrays the commander of a top-secret military research center.
Gruß Pepita
Press Release Source: Marvel Enterprises, Inc.
Marvel Enterprises, Inc. Mounts Its Biggest Movie Licensing and Merchandising Program by Joining Forces with Universal Studios Consumer Products Group for the Hulk
Tuesday April 8, 8:10 am ET
More Than 300 Licensees Worldwide To Create Products Based on Universal Pictures` Big Screen Version of One of Marvel Comics` Most Popular Super Heroes(R)
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 8, 2003-- Marvel Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: MVL - News), and Universal Studios Consumer Products Group, have built a massive worldwide licensing program for the June 20 release of one of the summer`s most anticipated movie events - Universal Pictures` The Hulk. With a roster of more than 300 licensees worldwide consisting of industry leaders including Toy Biz Worldwide, Harper Collins, Upper Deck Entertainment and Vivendi Universal Games, unique products based on this larger-than-life production will be breaking onto retail shelves around the world this summer.
"The Hulk is one of the most highly anticipated movies for this summer and certainly one of the most high-profile Marvel movies ever to be released. The merchandising program already established for The Hulk is larger than the licensing program that was in place for Spider-Man last year, making it our largest licensing program for a theatrical release to date," said Russ Brown, Executive Vice President, Consumer Products, Promotions & Media Sales. "The potential success of this program has already started to be realized with the overwhelming sales of Toy Biz Worldwide`s Hulk toy line, which continues to track as well or better than last year`s top-selling Spider-Man merchandise. We are optimistic that all of the Hulk-based merchandise will have similar success."
Tim Rothwell, SVP, Universal Studios Consumer Products Group added, "From a retail perspective, The Hulk has dominant positioning at every major retailer worldwide kicking off this summer and moving through Holiday 2003. Not often does a brand have such an unprecedented global appeal and worldwide acceptance as The Hulk does, from licensing to promotions to retail."
Leading The Hulk merchandise barrage is master toy licensee, Toy Biz Worldwide, which is producing the complete, highly-articulated action figure line as well as several must-have accessories including the already top-selling Electronic Hulk Hands. The Hulk products have already started hitting retail shelves. A complete licensee list is available upon request.
The Hulk licensing program is one of the biggest campaigns in Marvel`s history and follows on the heels of a banner year for the Company`s licensing division in 2002 as net sales increased 99% to $79.6 million from $40 million in 2001 (as recently reported in Marvel`s fourth quarter and year-end December 31, 2002 report).
Universal Pictures presents in association with Marvel Entertainment Group a Valhalla Motion Pictures/Good Machine Production of an Ang Lee film, The Hulk. Acclaimed filmmaker Ang Lee`s concept for his film adaptation of the classic Marvel Comics series, The Incredible Hulk(TM), combines all the elements of a blockbuster visual effects-intensive Super Hero movie with the brooding romance and tragedy of Universal`s classic horror films. In depicting The Hulk as both a Super Hero and a monster, a wish fulfillment and a nightmare, Lee and his team have stayed true to the early subversive spirit of the character created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, while completely updating The Hulk and projecting it into the dangers and aspirations of contemporary times.
Eric Bana stars as scientist Bruce Banner, whose inner demons transform him in the aftermath of a catastrophic experiment. Bana plays both the human Banner and - through groundbreaking visual effects technology provided by the Oscar®-winning Industrial Light and Magic - the superhuman Hulk. Jennifer Connelly portrays Betty Ross, whose scientific genius unwittingly helps unleash The Hulk; Nick Nolte plays Banner`s brilliant father, who unwittingly passes on a tragic legacy to his son, and Sam Elliot portrays the commander of a top-secret military research center.
Gruß Pepita
Wahnsinn in welchem Tempo Marvel News herausbringt. Das nenn´ ich Public relation...
Gruß Pepita
Ultimate Marvel Mania` Spring Break
by: InternationaManOfMystery (M/New York) 04/10/03 11:20 am
Msg: 70095 of 70142
Marvel Comics` Legendary Super-Heroes Spring to Life at Universal Studios Hollywood`s `Ultimate Marvel Mania` Spring Break Celebration, April 12 - 27
Iconic Super-Heroes Include Spider-Man, Wolverine, Magneto, Captain America,
Storm, Dr. Doom, Green Goblin and DareDevil in His First-Ever
Theme Park Appearance
UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., April 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Marvel Comics` legendary super-heroes spring to life during Universal Studios Hollywood`s "Ultimate Marvel Mania" Spring Break Celebration, April 12 to 27, featuring colorful processions, an X-Men Training Academy show for budding super-heroes and dazzling stunts performed by DareDevil in his first-ever theme park appearance.
Marking his world premiere debut at Universal Studios Hollywood, DareDevil will catapult himself more than 30 feet in the air, sliding mid-air between roof tops before joining his fellow Marvel super-heroes, Spider-Man, Wolverine, Magneto, Captain America, Storm, Dr. Doom and the Green Goblin in exciting character meet and greets.
Highlights of the Celebration will include a festive Marvel super-hero procession and special X-Men Training Academy show in which guests will master necessary super-hero techniques required to fight a succession of evil villains and learn trade secrets from Storm on how to create a real snow storm.
The world`s first glimpse of some of the original movie props from Universal Pictures` summer blockbuster, "The Hulk," opening June 20 will also be on display during the "Ultimate Marvel Mania" Spring Break celebration.
Marvel mania continues at Universal`s signature attraction "Spider-Man Rocks," a musical stage performance of rock-n-roll, theatrics and pyrotechnics that brings the arachnid super-hero spinning to life.
Guests attending the "Ultimate Marvel Mania" celebration may take advantage of Universal Studios Hollywood`s popular "Buy A Day, Get A Year" ticket offer, inviting guests to enjoy the magic of the world`s largest movie studio and theme park with a free annual admission pass with every full-priced admission ticket purchased. The special ticket program continues through April 30.
Universal Studios Hollywood, the world`s largest movie studio and theme park, Featuring such unique and ground-breaking attractions as "Jurassic Park--The Ride," "Terminator 2: 3D," "The Mummy Returns: Chamber of Doom," "Spider-Man Rocks," the world-renowned behind-the-scenes "Studio Tour" and opening Memorial Day weekend, the all-new "Shrek 4-D" attraction, Universal Studios Hollywood is the world`s largest movie studio and theme park.
Universal CityWalk is a unique dining and shopping promenade adjacent to Universal Studios Hollywood featuring 65 entertainment-themed restaurants, clubs, shops and movie theaters.
Universal Studios Hollywood ( www.universalstudioshollywood.com ) is a unit of Universal Parks & Resorts, a division of Vivendi UNIVERSAL Entertainment (VUE) ( www.universalstudios.com ), the U.S.-based film, television and recreation entity of Vivendi Universal, a global media and communications company.
Gruß Pepita
Ultimate Marvel Mania` Spring Break
by: InternationaManOfMystery (M/New York) 04/10/03 11:20 am
Msg: 70095 of 70142
Marvel Comics` Legendary Super-Heroes Spring to Life at Universal Studios Hollywood`s `Ultimate Marvel Mania` Spring Break Celebration, April 12 - 27
Iconic Super-Heroes Include Spider-Man, Wolverine, Magneto, Captain America,
Storm, Dr. Doom, Green Goblin and DareDevil in His First-Ever
Theme Park Appearance
UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., April 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Marvel Comics` legendary super-heroes spring to life during Universal Studios Hollywood`s "Ultimate Marvel Mania" Spring Break Celebration, April 12 to 27, featuring colorful processions, an X-Men Training Academy show for budding super-heroes and dazzling stunts performed by DareDevil in his first-ever theme park appearance.
Marking his world premiere debut at Universal Studios Hollywood, DareDevil will catapult himself more than 30 feet in the air, sliding mid-air between roof tops before joining his fellow Marvel super-heroes, Spider-Man, Wolverine, Magneto, Captain America, Storm, Dr. Doom and the Green Goblin in exciting character meet and greets.
Highlights of the Celebration will include a festive Marvel super-hero procession and special X-Men Training Academy show in which guests will master necessary super-hero techniques required to fight a succession of evil villains and learn trade secrets from Storm on how to create a real snow storm.
The world`s first glimpse of some of the original movie props from Universal Pictures` summer blockbuster, "The Hulk," opening June 20 will also be on display during the "Ultimate Marvel Mania" Spring Break celebration.
Marvel mania continues at Universal`s signature attraction "Spider-Man Rocks," a musical stage performance of rock-n-roll, theatrics and pyrotechnics that brings the arachnid super-hero spinning to life.
Guests attending the "Ultimate Marvel Mania" celebration may take advantage of Universal Studios Hollywood`s popular "Buy A Day, Get A Year" ticket offer, inviting guests to enjoy the magic of the world`s largest movie studio and theme park with a free annual admission pass with every full-priced admission ticket purchased. The special ticket program continues through April 30.
Universal Studios Hollywood, the world`s largest movie studio and theme park, Featuring such unique and ground-breaking attractions as "Jurassic Park--The Ride," "Terminator 2: 3D," "The Mummy Returns: Chamber of Doom," "Spider-Man Rocks," the world-renowned behind-the-scenes "Studio Tour" and opening Memorial Day weekend, the all-new "Shrek 4-D" attraction, Universal Studios Hollywood is the world`s largest movie studio and theme park.
Universal CityWalk is a unique dining and shopping promenade adjacent to Universal Studios Hollywood featuring 65 entertainment-themed restaurants, clubs, shops and movie theaters.
Universal Studios Hollywood ( www.universalstudioshollywood.com ) is a unit of Universal Parks & Resorts, a division of Vivendi UNIVERSAL Entertainment (VUE) ( www.universalstudios.com ), the U.S.-based film, television and recreation entity of Vivendi Universal, a global media and communications company.
Heute in Spiegel online.
Gruß Pepita
US-COMICS UND DER KRIEG
"Wie ein langer, schlechter Action-Film"
Von Stefan Pannor
Die aktuelle amerikanische Politik spiegelt sich von jeher auch in den US-Comics. Täglich erscheinende Zeitungs-Cartoons nehmen George W. Bushs Irak-Feldzug mit Spott und Ironie aufs Korn. Viel Pathos und Patriotismus versprühen hingegen Comic-Superhelden wie Captain America.
Die Reflektion aktueller politischer Ereignisse in Comics hat in den USA eine lange Tradition. Nicht nur in den täglichen Comicstrips, die naturgemäß sehr schnell reagieren - erinnert sei an die seit den siebziger Jahren laufende legendäre Strip-Reihe "Doonesbury" von G.B. Trudeau, die schon Gerald Ford gelegentlich zur Verzweiflung trieb. Auch die amerikanischen Superhelden-Hefte konnten dank ihrer fließbandartigen Produktionsweise (je ein Autor, Zeichner, Kolorist usw. teilen sich die Arbeit) meist relativ rasch am Puls der Zeit sein. Ob nun Superman gegen Hitler kämpfte oder die Fantastischen Vier gegen kommunistische Horden, im Guten wie im Bösen war man immer mit dabei.
So widmeten sich Amerikas Zeichner und Texter auch den Terroranschlägen vom 11. September und nehmen natürlich auch den Irak-Feldzug George W. Bushs aufs Korn. "That`s pre-9/11-talk", sagt eine der Hauptfiguren in "Doonesbury", befragt nach den Opfern in der irakischen Zivilbevölkerung. Ähnlich zynisch gibt sich Aaron McGruders "Boonedocks", ein Strip über den Alltag der Schwarzen in Amerika: "Wie ein schlechtes Big-Budget-Movie", heißt es da über den zweiten Golf-Krieg, "endlose Stunden langweiliger Dialoge, unterbrochen von kurzen Momenten intensiver Action. Als ob man `Star Wars: Episode I` sieht..."
Überhaupt ist vor allem die Medienberichterstattung immer wieder Zielobjekt der täglichen Gagstreifen, sogar der ansonsten absolut unpolitischen. Zum Beispiel "Dork Tower" von John Kovalic, der einen seiner Couch-potatoe-Helden dabei zeigt, wie er stundenlang vor einem Fernseher sitzt, aus dem nur zwei Worte kommen: "Speculation" und "Rumour", Vermutungen und Gerüchte. "Demnächst: die obligatorische Anti-Frankreich-Story. Aber zuvor: Vermutungen..."
In den Superheldenheften ist man, bedingt durch den größeren Produktionsvorlauf, noch nicht im Irak angekommen. Wie eine Reaktion auf aktuelle politische Ereignisse aussehen kann, lässt sich jedoch auch sehr gut an den Comics zur jüngsten Präsidentschaftswahl und zum Schock vom 11. September 2001 ablesen. Parallel zum Bush/Gore-Wettlauf startete etwa der DC-Verlag seine eigene Wahlkampagne in den Heften. "Vote Lex" hieß das Ereignis und machte schließlich Lex Luthor, den berüchtigten Superschurken und Erzfeind Supermans, zum Präsidenten der Vereinigten Staaten.
Marvel
Marvel-Held Captain America: Blonder Hüne im rot-blauen Flaggendress
Im Endeffekt war im Comic von dieser politischen Umwälzung nicht viel zu spüren: bis auf den kleinen Schock, jetzt einen Verbrecher im Weißen Haus zu haben, blieb im Amerika der DC-Hefte eigentlich alles beim Alten. Möglicherweise aber ist genau das die Message der Geschichte. Fakt ist jedenfalls, dass in diesen Comics von einer Invasion des Irak nicht die Rede ist, auch nicht von einem Bruch des Völkerrechts - fast möchte man Präsident Luthor dafür lieben.
Wesentlich näher am Puls der Zeit zeigt man sich beim ewigen DC-Konkurrenten Marvel. Stan Lees Comicheldenschmiede hatten schon nach dem 11. September die Nase vorn. Mit einer schnell heruntergerasselten "Spider-Man"-Story, die den Netzschwinger bei den Aufräumarbeiten an Ground Zero zeigte, läutete man - nicht nur bei Marvel - eine ganze Phase von Comics ein, die sich mit dem Thema auseinander setzten.
DC Comics
"Superman"-Comic, Erz-Schurke Luthor als US-Präsident: Zumindest kein Irak-Krieg geplant
Besonders große Auswirkungen hatte das Ereignis jedoch auf Captain America. Sicher Marvels politischste und umstrittenste Figur, war der blonde Hüne im rot-blauen Flaggendress seit jeher Spielball aktueller politischer Strömungen. Als Freiheitskämpfer an den Fronten des II. Weltkriegs, als eiskalter "Commie-Smasher" in den fünfziger Jahren, und auch schon mal als einer, der nach dem Watergate-Skandal den Dress hinwarf.
Aaron McGruder
Cartoon "Boonedocks": Zynische Kommentare in der Tageszeitung
In der Folge zum 11. September darf er, durch die Trümmer des WTC watend, sich Gedanken machen, die jedem Propagandachef zu Ehren gereicht hätten. "Wir müssen stärker sein als je zuvor", monologisiert er beim Anblick der Verletzten. "Als ein Volk. Als eine Nation." Und stellt fest: "Wir werden es schaffen. Wir, das Volk. Vereint durch eine Macht, die der Feind nicht mal versteht. Es ist der Amerikanische Traum." Kitsch as Kitsch can: Natürlich geht zu diesen Worten die Sonne auf und erzeugt einen Heiligenschein um den patriotischen Captain, der gleich im nächsten Heft Moslem-Terroristen jagt. Denn der Feind trägt jetzt Turban. Bush Jr. hätte seine helle Freude daran.
Gruß Pepita
US-COMICS UND DER KRIEG
"Wie ein langer, schlechter Action-Film"
Von Stefan Pannor
Die aktuelle amerikanische Politik spiegelt sich von jeher auch in den US-Comics. Täglich erscheinende Zeitungs-Cartoons nehmen George W. Bushs Irak-Feldzug mit Spott und Ironie aufs Korn. Viel Pathos und Patriotismus versprühen hingegen Comic-Superhelden wie Captain America.
Die Reflektion aktueller politischer Ereignisse in Comics hat in den USA eine lange Tradition. Nicht nur in den täglichen Comicstrips, die naturgemäß sehr schnell reagieren - erinnert sei an die seit den siebziger Jahren laufende legendäre Strip-Reihe "Doonesbury" von G.B. Trudeau, die schon Gerald Ford gelegentlich zur Verzweiflung trieb. Auch die amerikanischen Superhelden-Hefte konnten dank ihrer fließbandartigen Produktionsweise (je ein Autor, Zeichner, Kolorist usw. teilen sich die Arbeit) meist relativ rasch am Puls der Zeit sein. Ob nun Superman gegen Hitler kämpfte oder die Fantastischen Vier gegen kommunistische Horden, im Guten wie im Bösen war man immer mit dabei.
So widmeten sich Amerikas Zeichner und Texter auch den Terroranschlägen vom 11. September und nehmen natürlich auch den Irak-Feldzug George W. Bushs aufs Korn. "That`s pre-9/11-talk", sagt eine der Hauptfiguren in "Doonesbury", befragt nach den Opfern in der irakischen Zivilbevölkerung. Ähnlich zynisch gibt sich Aaron McGruders "Boonedocks", ein Strip über den Alltag der Schwarzen in Amerika: "Wie ein schlechtes Big-Budget-Movie", heißt es da über den zweiten Golf-Krieg, "endlose Stunden langweiliger Dialoge, unterbrochen von kurzen Momenten intensiver Action. Als ob man `Star Wars: Episode I` sieht..."
Überhaupt ist vor allem die Medienberichterstattung immer wieder Zielobjekt der täglichen Gagstreifen, sogar der ansonsten absolut unpolitischen. Zum Beispiel "Dork Tower" von John Kovalic, der einen seiner Couch-potatoe-Helden dabei zeigt, wie er stundenlang vor einem Fernseher sitzt, aus dem nur zwei Worte kommen: "Speculation" und "Rumour", Vermutungen und Gerüchte. "Demnächst: die obligatorische Anti-Frankreich-Story. Aber zuvor: Vermutungen..."
In den Superheldenheften ist man, bedingt durch den größeren Produktionsvorlauf, noch nicht im Irak angekommen. Wie eine Reaktion auf aktuelle politische Ereignisse aussehen kann, lässt sich jedoch auch sehr gut an den Comics zur jüngsten Präsidentschaftswahl und zum Schock vom 11. September 2001 ablesen. Parallel zum Bush/Gore-Wettlauf startete etwa der DC-Verlag seine eigene Wahlkampagne in den Heften. "Vote Lex" hieß das Ereignis und machte schließlich Lex Luthor, den berüchtigten Superschurken und Erzfeind Supermans, zum Präsidenten der Vereinigten Staaten.
Marvel
Marvel-Held Captain America: Blonder Hüne im rot-blauen Flaggendress
Im Endeffekt war im Comic von dieser politischen Umwälzung nicht viel zu spüren: bis auf den kleinen Schock, jetzt einen Verbrecher im Weißen Haus zu haben, blieb im Amerika der DC-Hefte eigentlich alles beim Alten. Möglicherweise aber ist genau das die Message der Geschichte. Fakt ist jedenfalls, dass in diesen Comics von einer Invasion des Irak nicht die Rede ist, auch nicht von einem Bruch des Völkerrechts - fast möchte man Präsident Luthor dafür lieben.
Wesentlich näher am Puls der Zeit zeigt man sich beim ewigen DC-Konkurrenten Marvel. Stan Lees Comicheldenschmiede hatten schon nach dem 11. September die Nase vorn. Mit einer schnell heruntergerasselten "Spider-Man"-Story, die den Netzschwinger bei den Aufräumarbeiten an Ground Zero zeigte, läutete man - nicht nur bei Marvel - eine ganze Phase von Comics ein, die sich mit dem Thema auseinander setzten.
DC Comics
"Superman"-Comic, Erz-Schurke Luthor als US-Präsident: Zumindest kein Irak-Krieg geplant
Besonders große Auswirkungen hatte das Ereignis jedoch auf Captain America. Sicher Marvels politischste und umstrittenste Figur, war der blonde Hüne im rot-blauen Flaggendress seit jeher Spielball aktueller politischer Strömungen. Als Freiheitskämpfer an den Fronten des II. Weltkriegs, als eiskalter "Commie-Smasher" in den fünfziger Jahren, und auch schon mal als einer, der nach dem Watergate-Skandal den Dress hinwarf.
Aaron McGruder
Cartoon "Boonedocks": Zynische Kommentare in der Tageszeitung
In der Folge zum 11. September darf er, durch die Trümmer des WTC watend, sich Gedanken machen, die jedem Propagandachef zu Ehren gereicht hätten. "Wir müssen stärker sein als je zuvor", monologisiert er beim Anblick der Verletzten. "Als ein Volk. Als eine Nation." Und stellt fest: "Wir werden es schaffen. Wir, das Volk. Vereint durch eine Macht, die der Feind nicht mal versteht. Es ist der Amerikanische Traum." Kitsch as Kitsch can: Natürlich geht zu diesen Worten die Sonne auf und erzeugt einen Heiligenschein um den patriotischen Captain, der gleich im nächsten Heft Moslem-Terroristen jagt. Denn der Feind trägt jetzt Turban. Bush Jr. hätte seine helle Freude daran.
Jetzt gehts auf die 15$ zu, nachdem wir einige Zeit zwischen 13 und 14$ gependelt sind. Heute Schluß bei 14,39$, neues ATH, na klar, wieder plus 3,9%. Wie gesagt, 18$ bis Ende Mai...
Gruß Pepita
Gruß Pepita
Heute ganz locker über 15$ gelaufen bis 15,13$. Die 18$ rücken immer näher!!! Allerdings wirds noch ein bischen dauern bis die Hürde 15 dauerhaft hinter uns bleibt (so ein paar Tage...)
Gestern auf RTL lief X-Men in Free TV Premiere, war wirklich gut gemacht für SF - Fans. In der Werbepause dann Hinweis daß X-Men 2 schon am 1. Mai auch in Germany startet! Dürfte ebenfalls wieder ein Hit für Marvel werden, sicher deutlich stärker noch als Daredevil, der inzwischen in USA die 100 Millonen Dollar Marke durchbrochen hat.
Sowieso stehen in den nächsten Wochen gute News ins Haus:
1. Mai Start X-Men 2
Mitte / Ende Mai (wahrscheinlich sehr gute) Zahlen Q1
Anfang Juni Start Hulk
Dazu mögliche Überraschungsnews: Könnte sein das einige US Banken Marvel auf Outperformer stufen und somit weitere Aktionäre anglockt werden.
Denke die Aktie steigt demnächst noch etwas stärker als sie das in diesem Jahr bereits getan hat (rund 50% in 2003!).
Na, wer von Euch ist inzwischen auch dabei? Immer noch niemand? Wie lange wollt Ihr noch warten? Nächstes Jahr steht Marvel auf 30 - 50$. Glaubt Ihr nicht? Lasse mich daran messen:
Spätestens im Sommer 2004 hat MVL seine Schulden abbezahlt. Viele weitere Lizenzgeschäfte stehen an. Neue Filme kommen ins Kino, denke da z.B. an Spiderman 2 in 2004.
Gruß Pepita
Gestern auf RTL lief X-Men in Free TV Premiere, war wirklich gut gemacht für SF - Fans. In der Werbepause dann Hinweis daß X-Men 2 schon am 1. Mai auch in Germany startet! Dürfte ebenfalls wieder ein Hit für Marvel werden, sicher deutlich stärker noch als Daredevil, der inzwischen in USA die 100 Millonen Dollar Marke durchbrochen hat.
Sowieso stehen in den nächsten Wochen gute News ins Haus:
1. Mai Start X-Men 2
Mitte / Ende Mai (wahrscheinlich sehr gute) Zahlen Q1
Anfang Juni Start Hulk
Dazu mögliche Überraschungsnews: Könnte sein das einige US Banken Marvel auf Outperformer stufen und somit weitere Aktionäre anglockt werden.
Denke die Aktie steigt demnächst noch etwas stärker als sie das in diesem Jahr bereits getan hat (rund 50% in 2003!).
Na, wer von Euch ist inzwischen auch dabei? Immer noch niemand? Wie lange wollt Ihr noch warten? Nächstes Jahr steht Marvel auf 30 - 50$. Glaubt Ihr nicht? Lasse mich daran messen:
Spätestens im Sommer 2004 hat MVL seine Schulden abbezahlt. Viele weitere Lizenzgeschäfte stehen an. Neue Filme kommen ins Kino, denke da z.B. an Spiderman 2 in 2004.
Gruß Pepita
Heute auf Yahoo Finanzen:
1:58PM Marvel Enterprises -- Daily Breakout (MVL) 15.04 +0.65: Shares of Marvel Enterprises are posting new 52-week highs today. The $910 mln market-cap company is a character-based entertainment company with a proprietary library of over 4,700 characters -- these include include Spider-Man and The Incredible Hulk. Going forward, MVL is projected to earn $0.67 this yr (p/e 22.1); EPS projected to grow 25% next yr to $0.84 (p/e 17.6). Note the shares have returned 27.7% since appearing on this page as the Daily Breakout on March 4th.
Gruß Pepita
1:58PM Marvel Enterprises -- Daily Breakout (MVL) 15.04 +0.65: Shares of Marvel Enterprises are posting new 52-week highs today. The $910 mln market-cap company is a character-based entertainment company with a proprietary library of over 4,700 characters -- these include include Spider-Man and The Incredible Hulk. Going forward, MVL is projected to earn $0.67 this yr (p/e 22.1); EPS projected to grow 25% next yr to $0.84 (p/e 17.6). Note the shares have returned 27.7% since appearing on this page as the Daily Breakout on March 4th.
Gruß Pepita
15,25$
Gruß Pepita
Gruß Pepita
Sag ich doch, Marvel auf "Outperformer" gestuft!!!
Reuters
RESEARCH ALERT-Bear Stearns starts Marvel as "outperform"
Wednesday April 16, 11:59 am ET
NEW YORK, April 16 (Reuters) - Bear Stearns on Wednesday said it began coverage of Marvel Enterprises Inc. (NYSE:MVL - News) with an "outperform" rating.
"Though remembered by many as a `comic book company`, Marvel has reinvented itself as a premiere entertainment company with a proprietary library of more than 4,700 characters," analyst Glen Reid wrote in a research note.
Shares of Marvel closed at $14.95 on the New York Stock Exchange (News - Websites) on Tuesday.
Gruß Pepita
Reuters
RESEARCH ALERT-Bear Stearns starts Marvel as "outperform"
Wednesday April 16, 11:59 am ET
NEW YORK, April 16 (Reuters) - Bear Stearns on Wednesday said it began coverage of Marvel Enterprises Inc. (NYSE:MVL - News) with an "outperform" rating.
"Though remembered by many as a `comic book company`, Marvel has reinvented itself as a premiere entertainment company with a proprietary library of more than 4,700 characters," analyst Glen Reid wrote in a research note.
Shares of Marvel closed at $14.95 on the New York Stock Exchange (News - Websites) on Tuesday.
Gruß Pepita
Läuft gut, was? Schön daß Ihr alle dabei seid. Heute 15,45$. Schneller habe ich noch nie Geld verdient. Und das ist erst der Anfang...
Seid Ihr wirklich sicher daß Eure Aktien besser sind als MVL? Also los, was spricht gegen Marvel? Warum steigt keiner hier endlich ein? Wie lange wollt Ihr denn noch zusehen? Diese Aktie ist eine Goldgrube mit gerigstem Risiko! Nein, es wird keine billigere Einstiegsmöglichkeit geben! Das Ding wird bis zum Sommer einfach weiter steigen, jeden Tag ein paar Prozent! Ihr werdet sehen. 18$ bis Ende Mai, aber auch das ist längst nicht alles...
Gruß Pepita
Seid Ihr wirklich sicher daß Eure Aktien besser sind als MVL? Also los, was spricht gegen Marvel? Warum steigt keiner hier endlich ein? Wie lange wollt Ihr denn noch zusehen? Diese Aktie ist eine Goldgrube mit gerigstem Risiko! Nein, es wird keine billigere Einstiegsmöglichkeit geben! Das Ding wird bis zum Sommer einfach weiter steigen, jeden Tag ein paar Prozent! Ihr werdet sehen. 18$ bis Ende Mai, aber auch das ist längst nicht alles...
Gruß Pepita
15,80$ Schlusskurs!!!!!!!!!!!
Gruß Pepita
Gruß Pepita
16,33$!!!!!!!! Ich bin so froh das so viele von Euch meinem Rat gefolgt und billig in MVL eingestiegen sind. Da können wir uns nämnlich nun gemeinsam freuen. Das mit den 18 $ bis Ende Mai war allerdings glaub ich ein Fehler von mir, sorry. 20 $ sollte realistischer sein, das wären dann schon bald 100 % in 2003...
Gruß Pepita
Ach ja, die nächste News aus dem Hause Marvel:
Press Release Source: Marvel Enterprises, Inc.
Marvel To Report Q1 Financial Results and Host Webcast on May 6
Monday April 21, 8:31 am ET
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 21, 2003--Marvel Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE:MVL - News) announced today that it will release financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2003 prior to the market`s opening on Tuesday, May 6 and will host a webcast that day at 10:00 a.m. EDT. On the webcast Marvel`s management team will provide an overview of its financial results, operations, pipeline of entertainment projects featuring Marvel characters as well as review its financial guidance.
WEBCAST URL: www.marvel.com (select "Investor Relations") or www.companyboardroom.com. An archived version of the webcast will be available for 30 days.
About Marvel Enterprises
Marvel Enterprises, Inc. is leading global character-based entertainment company that has developed and owns a library of over 4,700 characters which have entertained generations around the world for over 60 years. Marvel`s operations are focused in entertainment and consumer product licensing and comic book publishing. Marvel`s creative teams at its Marvel Studios, Marvel Comics and Toy Biz divisions support the development of feature films (and DVD/video), video games, TV series and toy lines based on its characters. Marvel also licenses its characters for use in a broad and growing range of consumer products and services including apparel, collectibles, foods and promotions. Marvel Comics is a leading global comics publisher and an invaluable source of intellectual property; Marvel Studios works with studios to develop feature film and entertainment projects; and Toy Biz is a recognized creative force and leader in toy design, sales and marketing that develops and oversees both licensee and in-house toy lines. For additional information visit http://www.marvel.com.
Gruß Pepita
Ach ja, die nächste News aus dem Hause Marvel:
Press Release Source: Marvel Enterprises, Inc.
Marvel To Report Q1 Financial Results and Host Webcast on May 6
Monday April 21, 8:31 am ET
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 21, 2003--Marvel Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE:MVL - News) announced today that it will release financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2003 prior to the market`s opening on Tuesday, May 6 and will host a webcast that day at 10:00 a.m. EDT. On the webcast Marvel`s management team will provide an overview of its financial results, operations, pipeline of entertainment projects featuring Marvel characters as well as review its financial guidance.
WEBCAST URL: www.marvel.com (select "Investor Relations") or www.companyboardroom.com. An archived version of the webcast will be available for 30 days.
About Marvel Enterprises
Marvel Enterprises, Inc. is leading global character-based entertainment company that has developed and owns a library of over 4,700 characters which have entertained generations around the world for over 60 years. Marvel`s operations are focused in entertainment and consumer product licensing and comic book publishing. Marvel`s creative teams at its Marvel Studios, Marvel Comics and Toy Biz divisions support the development of feature films (and DVD/video), video games, TV series and toy lines based on its characters. Marvel also licenses its characters for use in a broad and growing range of consumer products and services including apparel, collectibles, foods and promotions. Marvel Comics is a leading global comics publisher and an invaluable source of intellectual property; Marvel Studios works with studios to develop feature film and entertainment projects; and Toy Biz is a recognized creative force and leader in toy design, sales and marketing that develops and oversees both licensee and in-house toy lines. For additional information visit http://www.marvel.com.
16,80$ !!!!!
Also denke da steigen jetzt vermehrt Institutionelle ein, heute ein Volumen von über 1 Mio Aktien gehandelt, aber keiner will seine Stücke abgeben, warum auch??? Und die Banker gehen sicher davon aus auch von diesem Kurs aus noch ordentlich was mit MVL zu verdienen. Charttechnisch gesehen hätte MVL zwar einiges an Rückschlagspotential, aber die guten News reißen halt einfach nicht ab! Einfach super diese Aktie...
Gruß Pepita
Also denke da steigen jetzt vermehrt Institutionelle ein, heute ein Volumen von über 1 Mio Aktien gehandelt, aber keiner will seine Stücke abgeben, warum auch??? Und die Banker gehen sicher davon aus auch von diesem Kurs aus noch ordentlich was mit MVL zu verdienen. Charttechnisch gesehen hätte MVL zwar einiges an Rückschlagspotential, aber die guten News reißen halt einfach nicht ab! Einfach super diese Aktie...
Gruß Pepita
Denke schon bald brauchen wir neue Kursziele für Marvel...
Gruß Pepita
Most Recent Analyst Recommendations
Date Broker New Old Comments
4/16/2003 Bear Stearns Outperform Sets price target at $18
3/14/2003 Southwest Securities Strong Buy Sets $16 price target
11/21/2002 Thomas Weisel Partners Buy Sets $11 12-month price target
Gruß Pepita
Most Recent Analyst Recommendations
Date Broker New Old Comments
4/16/2003 Bear Stearns Outperform Sets price target at $18
3/14/2003 Southwest Securities Strong Buy Sets $16 price target
11/21/2002 Thomas Weisel Partners Buy Sets $11 12-month price target
Celebrity News: 21st April 2003
`X-Men` 2 To Break Roll-Out Record
X-Men 2 will stage an ambitious opening - it will be able to be seen in 93 countries across the globe within three days. Beginning on April 30, 2003, the film will break records for the most rapid opening across the world. The producers are determined that the film will be the global event of the year, beating The Matrix Reloaded. They also want to avoid internet piracy of the film. Scott Neeson, a spokesman for Fox who are distributing the film says, "X-Men 2 just has that sense of being a worldwide event. The first one was a success for us and this one is even better. But you also got a market that`s savvy and people are talking to each other online, so there`s a risk of people doing spoilers online. We think this will be one of the most sought after titles for the pirates and this is one way of combating it."
Garner To Begin Work on `Daredevil` Spin-Off in 2004
Sexy actress Jennifer Garner`s Daredevil spin-off movie is set to begin filming in 2004, during the star`s hiatus from her hit TV show Alias. The shapely brunette, who recently announced the meltdown of her marriage to actor Scott Foley, pleased movie bosses so much with her portrayal of Elektra, she was given the opportunity to headline her own action franchise. The film will follow her injured assassin character as she recovers from a near-death experience and the battles the Hand, the organization of killers which trained her and then turned against her.
Gruß Pepita
`X-Men` 2 To Break Roll-Out Record
X-Men 2 will stage an ambitious opening - it will be able to be seen in 93 countries across the globe within three days. Beginning on April 30, 2003, the film will break records for the most rapid opening across the world. The producers are determined that the film will be the global event of the year, beating The Matrix Reloaded. They also want to avoid internet piracy of the film. Scott Neeson, a spokesman for Fox who are distributing the film says, "X-Men 2 just has that sense of being a worldwide event. The first one was a success for us and this one is even better. But you also got a market that`s savvy and people are talking to each other online, so there`s a risk of people doing spoilers online. We think this will be one of the most sought after titles for the pirates and this is one way of combating it."
Garner To Begin Work on `Daredevil` Spin-Off in 2004
Sexy actress Jennifer Garner`s Daredevil spin-off movie is set to begin filming in 2004, during the star`s hiatus from her hit TV show Alias. The shapely brunette, who recently announced the meltdown of her marriage to actor Scott Foley, pleased movie bosses so much with her portrayal of Elektra, she was given the opportunity to headline her own action franchise. The film will follow her injured assassin character as she recovers from a near-death experience and the battles the Hand, the organization of killers which trained her and then turned against her.
Gruß Pepita
Bitte genau lesen und überlegen was das schon wieder für Marvels Geschäftszahlen bedeutet...
Dow Jones Business News
Court Denies Sony Motion To Seal Proceedings In Marvel Suit
Monday April 21, 10:09 pm ET
LOS ANGELES -(Dow Jones)- Marvel Enterprises Inc. (NYSE:MVL - News) said a Los Angeles Superior Court judge denied a motion by Sony Corp.`s Sony Pictures Entertainment to seal proceedings in a lawsuit filed by Marvel regarding its Spider-Man character.
ADVERTISEMENT
Marvel filed the lawsuit in February, seeking more than $50 million in damages and termination of its licensing agreement with Sony, as well as an injunction against any further film or television production by Sony of Spider-Man beyond the "Spider-Man 2" film already in production.
In a press release Monday, the comic-book company said Judge Alexander Williams III ruled that all aspects of the suit will be open to the press and to the public. Marvel is asking to try the case before a jury.
The company said its suit alleges fraud and accuses Sony of falsely representing that it offered Marvel "unique and unparalleled merchandising opportunities," and failed to deliver on those promises.
The suit also charges Sony with material breaches of the companies` licensing agreement and merchandising joint venture, and of wrongfully withholding " millions of dollars" owed to Marvel by using "Hollywood accounting" practices, Marvel said.
A representative with Sony Pictures Entertainment wasn`t immediately available for comment early Tuesday morning.
In May, following the release of the original Spider-Man movie by Sony`s Columbia Pictures, Marvel sued Walt Disney Co.`s (DIS) Buena Vista Home Entertainment Inc. over newspaper ads featuring the superhero scaling a building.
Buena Vista had distribution rights to the Spider-Man animated cartoon series, which Marvel has licensed since 1966.
Company Web sites: http://www.marvel.com; http://www.sonypictures.com
-Susan Willetts; Dow Jones Newswires; 201-938=5400
Gruß Pepita
Dow Jones Business News
Court Denies Sony Motion To Seal Proceedings In Marvel Suit
Monday April 21, 10:09 pm ET
LOS ANGELES -(Dow Jones)- Marvel Enterprises Inc. (NYSE:MVL - News) said a Los Angeles Superior Court judge denied a motion by Sony Corp.`s Sony Pictures Entertainment to seal proceedings in a lawsuit filed by Marvel regarding its Spider-Man character.
ADVERTISEMENT
Marvel filed the lawsuit in February, seeking more than $50 million in damages and termination of its licensing agreement with Sony, as well as an injunction against any further film or television production by Sony of Spider-Man beyond the "Spider-Man 2" film already in production.
In a press release Monday, the comic-book company said Judge Alexander Williams III ruled that all aspects of the suit will be open to the press and to the public. Marvel is asking to try the case before a jury.
The company said its suit alleges fraud and accuses Sony of falsely representing that it offered Marvel "unique and unparalleled merchandising opportunities," and failed to deliver on those promises.
The suit also charges Sony with material breaches of the companies` licensing agreement and merchandising joint venture, and of wrongfully withholding " millions of dollars" owed to Marvel by using "Hollywood accounting" practices, Marvel said.
A representative with Sony Pictures Entertainment wasn`t immediately available for comment early Tuesday morning.
In May, following the release of the original Spider-Man movie by Sony`s Columbia Pictures, Marvel sued Walt Disney Co.`s (DIS) Buena Vista Home Entertainment Inc. over newspaper ads featuring the superhero scaling a building.
Buena Vista had distribution rights to the Spider-Man animated cartoon series, which Marvel has licensed since 1966.
Company Web sites: http://www.marvel.com; http://www.sonypictures.com
-Susan Willetts; Dow Jones Newswires; 201-938=5400
Gruß Pepita
Gruß Pepita
Press Release Source: Marvel Enterprises, Inc.
Marvel Expands Legal Team to Support Planned Growth In Domestic and International Licensing Opportunities
Wednesday April 23, 12:44 pm ET
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 23, 2003--Marvel Enterprises, Inc.(NYSE:MVL - News):
-- Judith Bass Named Vice President Business and Legal Affairs
-- Benjamin Dean Named Senior Corporate Counsel
-- Eli Bard Named Senior Litigation Counsel
Marvel Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE:MVL - News) announced today the addition of three accomplished attorneys to its legal team as part of its ongoing effort both to maximize the value of, and to actively protect, the Company`s library of entertainment intellectual property.
Judith B. Bass, 51, has assumed the role of Vice President, Business and Legal Affairs; Benjamin Dean, 39, has been named as Senior Corporate Counsel; and Eli Bard, 38, has been appointed Senior Litigation Counsel. The new attorneys report to Allen S. Lipson, who served as Executive Vice President, Business and Legal Affairs from 1999. Mr. Lipson assumed the role of President and CEO of Marvel in January 2003, while continuing to serve as Marvel`s General Counsel.
Mr. Lipson, said, "As an owner and licensor of intellectual property, Marvel must focus a tremendous amount of resources on legal talent to structure, negotiate, complete and enforce license agreements as well as to aggressively defend against unauthorized use of our character assets. Given the growth we have been achieving across our operations coupled with the related rise in prominence of Marvel and Marvel character brands, it is appropriate that we significantly expand our legal team with the addition of these very experienced and dedicated attorneys. We have already begun to benefit from the counsel, perspective and contributions of Judy, Ben and Eli in our collective efforts to establish Marvel as a leader in the licensing and entertainment fields."
Judith Bass
Judith Bass, whose responsibilities will include the negotiation and administration of Marvel`s movie and television agreements, brings a broad range of legal experience to Marvel from her prior positions in the entertainment and publishing industries. Prior to joining Marvel, Ms. Bass was the Vice President, Business Affairs and Operations of CBS Enterprises, a division of CBS Inc., beginning in 1994. In her capacity at CBS Enterprises, Ms. Bass was responsible for the negotiation and administration of all of the division`s contracts in the worldwide television distribution, home video, licensing and ancillary markets. Previously Ms. Bass was the Director of Business Affairs for Sports Illustrated, a Time Inc. publication, and served as Associate General Counsel for Time. Prior to that she was with the law firm of Rogers & Wells (now Clifford Chance) in New York.
Ms. Bass graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Jackson College of Tufts University and earned her law degree at the New York University School of Law, where she was the Managing Editor of the Journal of International Law and Politics. Ms. Bass resides in Manhattan with her husband and daughter.
Benjamin Dean
In his role as Senior Corporate Counsel, Benjamin Dean is primarily responsible for the negotiation of Marvel`s expanding publishing agreements as well as overseeing Marvel`s compliance with all SEC and NYSE regulatory requirements. Mr. Dean possesses a wealth of expertise and knowledge from his prior legal and editorial experience in the entertainment and publishing industries. Mr. Dean previously served as a Corporate Associate at Battle Fowler LLP and then Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP upon its merger with Battle Fowler in June 2000. While at Battle Fowler/Paul Hastings, Mr. Dean represented Toy Biz, Inc. before and after its acquisition of Marvel Entertainment Group out of bankruptcy. Mr. Dean is also an experienced freelance writer.
Mr. Dean graduated Magna Cum Laude from Brown University and earned an M.F.A. from the University of Michigan and a J.D., Cum Laude, from New York University School of Law, where he was an editor of the Annual Survey of American Law. Mr. Dean resides in Manhattan.
Eli Bard
As Senior Litigation Counsel, Eli Bard is responsible for all litigation and dispute resolution for Marvel, focusing on protecting the company`s vast character library and its rights as a major licensor of intellectual property for motion pictures, television, theme parks, and merchandise based on Marvel`s characters. Mr. Bard has extensive experience representing public corporations in securities related litigation under the 1933 Securities Act and the 1934 Securities Exchange Act, and has represented leading entertainment properties such as The Teletubbies. Prior to joining Marvel Mr. Bard was an associate at Carter, Ledyard & Milburn, focused on litigation and counseling for clients in a broad range of intellectual property issues. Mr. Bard was previously employed as a Litigation Associate at Mayer, Brown & Platt and at Proskauer Rose LLP.
Mr. Bard graduated from The University of Pennsylvania and graduated from Emory University Law School, with Distinction, was elected to The Order of the Coif, and was an editor of The Emory Law Journal. Mr. Bard resides in Manhattan.
About Marvel Enterprises
Marvel Enterprises, Inc. is a leading global character-based entertainment company that has developed and owns a library of over 4,700 characters which have entertained generations around the world for over 60 years. Marvel`s operations are focused in entertainment and consumer product licensing and comic book publishing. Marvel`s creative teams at its Marvel Studios, Marvel Comics and Toy Biz divisions support the development of feature films (and DVD/video), video games, TV series and toy lines based on its characters. Marvel also licenses its characters for use in a broad and growing range of consumer products and services including apparel, collectibles, foods and promotions. Marvel Comics is a leading global comics publisher and an invaluable source of intellectual property; Marvel Studios works with studios to develop feature film and entertainment projects; and Toy Biz is a recognized creative force and leader in toy design, sales and marketing that develops and oversees both licensee and in-house toy lines. For additional information visit http://www.marvel.com.
Except for any historical information that they contain, the statements in this news release regarding Marvel`s plans are forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including a decrease in the level of media exposure or popularity of Marvel`s characters, financial difficulties of Marvel`s licensees, changing consumer preferences, movie- and television-production delays and cancellations, toy-production delays or shortfalls, continued concentration of toy retailers, toy inventory risk, the imposition of quotas or tariffs on products manufactured in China and a decrease in cash flow even as Marvel remains indebted to its noteholders. These and other risks and uncertainties are described in Marvel`s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Marvel`s Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Marvel assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.
Press Release Source: Marvel Enterprises, Inc.
Marvel Expands Legal Team to Support Planned Growth In Domestic and International Licensing Opportunities
Wednesday April 23, 12:44 pm ET
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 23, 2003--Marvel Enterprises, Inc.(NYSE:MVL - News):
-- Judith Bass Named Vice President Business and Legal Affairs
-- Benjamin Dean Named Senior Corporate Counsel
-- Eli Bard Named Senior Litigation Counsel
Marvel Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE:MVL - News) announced today the addition of three accomplished attorneys to its legal team as part of its ongoing effort both to maximize the value of, and to actively protect, the Company`s library of entertainment intellectual property.
Judith B. Bass, 51, has assumed the role of Vice President, Business and Legal Affairs; Benjamin Dean, 39, has been named as Senior Corporate Counsel; and Eli Bard, 38, has been appointed Senior Litigation Counsel. The new attorneys report to Allen S. Lipson, who served as Executive Vice President, Business and Legal Affairs from 1999. Mr. Lipson assumed the role of President and CEO of Marvel in January 2003, while continuing to serve as Marvel`s General Counsel.
Mr. Lipson, said, "As an owner and licensor of intellectual property, Marvel must focus a tremendous amount of resources on legal talent to structure, negotiate, complete and enforce license agreements as well as to aggressively defend against unauthorized use of our character assets. Given the growth we have been achieving across our operations coupled with the related rise in prominence of Marvel and Marvel character brands, it is appropriate that we significantly expand our legal team with the addition of these very experienced and dedicated attorneys. We have already begun to benefit from the counsel, perspective and contributions of Judy, Ben and Eli in our collective efforts to establish Marvel as a leader in the licensing and entertainment fields."
Judith Bass
Judith Bass, whose responsibilities will include the negotiation and administration of Marvel`s movie and television agreements, brings a broad range of legal experience to Marvel from her prior positions in the entertainment and publishing industries. Prior to joining Marvel, Ms. Bass was the Vice President, Business Affairs and Operations of CBS Enterprises, a division of CBS Inc., beginning in 1994. In her capacity at CBS Enterprises, Ms. Bass was responsible for the negotiation and administration of all of the division`s contracts in the worldwide television distribution, home video, licensing and ancillary markets. Previously Ms. Bass was the Director of Business Affairs for Sports Illustrated, a Time Inc. publication, and served as Associate General Counsel for Time. Prior to that she was with the law firm of Rogers & Wells (now Clifford Chance) in New York.
Ms. Bass graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Jackson College of Tufts University and earned her law degree at the New York University School of Law, where she was the Managing Editor of the Journal of International Law and Politics. Ms. Bass resides in Manhattan with her husband and daughter.
Benjamin Dean
In his role as Senior Corporate Counsel, Benjamin Dean is primarily responsible for the negotiation of Marvel`s expanding publishing agreements as well as overseeing Marvel`s compliance with all SEC and NYSE regulatory requirements. Mr. Dean possesses a wealth of expertise and knowledge from his prior legal and editorial experience in the entertainment and publishing industries. Mr. Dean previously served as a Corporate Associate at Battle Fowler LLP and then Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP upon its merger with Battle Fowler in June 2000. While at Battle Fowler/Paul Hastings, Mr. Dean represented Toy Biz, Inc. before and after its acquisition of Marvel Entertainment Group out of bankruptcy. Mr. Dean is also an experienced freelance writer.
Mr. Dean graduated Magna Cum Laude from Brown University and earned an M.F.A. from the University of Michigan and a J.D., Cum Laude, from New York University School of Law, where he was an editor of the Annual Survey of American Law. Mr. Dean resides in Manhattan.
Eli Bard
As Senior Litigation Counsel, Eli Bard is responsible for all litigation and dispute resolution for Marvel, focusing on protecting the company`s vast character library and its rights as a major licensor of intellectual property for motion pictures, television, theme parks, and merchandise based on Marvel`s characters. Mr. Bard has extensive experience representing public corporations in securities related litigation under the 1933 Securities Act and the 1934 Securities Exchange Act, and has represented leading entertainment properties such as The Teletubbies. Prior to joining Marvel Mr. Bard was an associate at Carter, Ledyard & Milburn, focused on litigation and counseling for clients in a broad range of intellectual property issues. Mr. Bard was previously employed as a Litigation Associate at Mayer, Brown & Platt and at Proskauer Rose LLP.
Mr. Bard graduated from The University of Pennsylvania and graduated from Emory University Law School, with Distinction, was elected to The Order of the Coif, and was an editor of The Emory Law Journal. Mr. Bard resides in Manhattan.
About Marvel Enterprises
Marvel Enterprises, Inc. is a leading global character-based entertainment company that has developed and owns a library of over 4,700 characters which have entertained generations around the world for over 60 years. Marvel`s operations are focused in entertainment and consumer product licensing and comic book publishing. Marvel`s creative teams at its Marvel Studios, Marvel Comics and Toy Biz divisions support the development of feature films (and DVD/video), video games, TV series and toy lines based on its characters. Marvel also licenses its characters for use in a broad and growing range of consumer products and services including apparel, collectibles, foods and promotions. Marvel Comics is a leading global comics publisher and an invaluable source of intellectual property; Marvel Studios works with studios to develop feature film and entertainment projects; and Toy Biz is a recognized creative force and leader in toy design, sales and marketing that develops and oversees both licensee and in-house toy lines. For additional information visit http://www.marvel.com.
Except for any historical information that they contain, the statements in this news release regarding Marvel`s plans are forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including a decrease in the level of media exposure or popularity of Marvel`s characters, financial difficulties of Marvel`s licensees, changing consumer preferences, movie- and television-production delays and cancellations, toy-production delays or shortfalls, continued concentration of toy retailers, toy inventory risk, the imposition of quotas or tariffs on products manufactured in China and a decrease in cash flow even as Marvel remains indebted to its noteholders. These and other risks and uncertainties are described in Marvel`s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Marvel`s Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Marvel assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.
Gestern zurück auf 15,68 $, kann ja nicht jeden Tag aufwärts gehen. Neuer Artikel in der US Zeitschrift Business week:
Gruß Pepita
Just like Spider-Man, Marvel Enterprises (MVL) is climbing high: Its stock jumped from 4 last July to 16 on Apr. 23 as the company morphed from a comic-book outfit to an entertainment marvel. "It has been a great success: Marvel cleaned up its balance sheet, repaid the bulk of its huge debt, and focused on profitability," says money manager Robin Kerr of Axe-Houghton Associates, which owns 820,600 shares. Kerr thinks her earnings estimates of 75 cents a share for 2003 and $1 for 2004 are conservative.
She figures the stock could hit 20 in six months. Marvel will get a boost from the coming sequel to the movie X-Men (licensed to Activision), which grossed $315 million in 2002, and from The Incredible Hulk, out in June and expected to rival Spider-Man`s worldwide gross of $823 million. A sequel to Spider-Man is due in 2004. Comics and toys are important, but licensing its 4,700 characters is what`s driving Marvel`s profits, says Kerr. When movie studios are clients, Marvel gets royalties from Hollywood, which also promotes sales of DVDs, video games, and toys.
Glen Reid of Bear Stearns, who rates the stock outperform, notes that with a yearly capital expense of just $4 million, free cash flow will improve from an already impressive 73% of EBITDA. Return on invested capital is more than 20%. Marvel was a Ron Perelman company -- until he loaded it with $1.8 billion in debt, thus forcing Marvel to file for bankruptcy in 1996. Two years later, it emerged from Chapter 11, when turnaround pro Peter Cuneo took over and turned Marvel from just toys to licensing. Current CEO Allen Lipson says he will use Marvel`s huge cash hoard to acquire more characters and further expand Marvel`s appeal, and probably buy back shares.
Gruß Pepita
Just like Spider-Man, Marvel Enterprises (MVL) is climbing high: Its stock jumped from 4 last July to 16 on Apr. 23 as the company morphed from a comic-book outfit to an entertainment marvel. "It has been a great success: Marvel cleaned up its balance sheet, repaid the bulk of its huge debt, and focused on profitability," says money manager Robin Kerr of Axe-Houghton Associates, which owns 820,600 shares. Kerr thinks her earnings estimates of 75 cents a share for 2003 and $1 for 2004 are conservative.
She figures the stock could hit 20 in six months. Marvel will get a boost from the coming sequel to the movie X-Men (licensed to Activision), which grossed $315 million in 2002, and from The Incredible Hulk, out in June and expected to rival Spider-Man`s worldwide gross of $823 million. A sequel to Spider-Man is due in 2004. Comics and toys are important, but licensing its 4,700 characters is what`s driving Marvel`s profits, says Kerr. When movie studios are clients, Marvel gets royalties from Hollywood, which also promotes sales of DVDs, video games, and toys.
Glen Reid of Bear Stearns, who rates the stock outperform, notes that with a yearly capital expense of just $4 million, free cash flow will improve from an already impressive 73% of EBITDA. Return on invested capital is more than 20%. Marvel was a Ron Perelman company -- until he loaded it with $1.8 billion in debt, thus forcing Marvel to file for bankruptcy in 1996. Two years later, it emerged from Chapter 11, when turnaround pro Peter Cuneo took over and turned Marvel from just toys to licensing. Current CEO Allen Lipson says he will use Marvel`s huge cash hoard to acquire more characters and further expand Marvel`s appeal, and probably buy back shares.
Also es scheinen doch einige diesen Thread zu lesen. Da allerdings niemand nur die geringste Resonanz zeigt und mal was reinschreibt, werde ich mich zukünftig für mich im Stillen freuen und meine Informationen bezgl. Marvel weitgehend für mich behalten.
War gestern in X2 und muß sagen einfach klasse. 88 Millionen Dollar in USA am 1. Wochenende eingespielt bei 100 Millionen Dollar Produktionskosten. Wer immer noch meint Marvel ist eine kleine Klitsche ohne Zukunft hat keine Ahnung. Genau das wollen die Leute sehen! Hervorragend gemachte Actionfilme!!!
Also good luck weiterhin für Euch alle, viel Erfolg mit Euren anderen Aktien.
Ach, ja: 17,75$!!!
Gruß Pepita
War gestern in X2 und muß sagen einfach klasse. 88 Millionen Dollar in USA am 1. Wochenende eingespielt bei 100 Millionen Dollar Produktionskosten. Wer immer noch meint Marvel ist eine kleine Klitsche ohne Zukunft hat keine Ahnung. Genau das wollen die Leute sehen! Hervorragend gemachte Actionfilme!!!
Also good luck weiterhin für Euch alle, viel Erfolg mit Euren anderen Aktien.
Ach, ja: 17,75$!!!
Gruß Pepita
Läuft echt suuuuuuuuuuuuuuper!!!!!!!! Hab leider keine,aber Dir alles gute!!!!!!!!!!!!! FONX
WAHHHNNNNSIINNNNNNNNN......
Schaue gerade den Kurs an!!!
Über 21 $ !!!!!!!!! +15%
Marvel explodiert gerade!!! Schon 800000 Stück Umsatz in einer halben Stunde.
Fasse es nicht. Mein Kursziel deutlich und vorzeitig übertroffen!!! Weitere 100 % auf ein Jahr? Von wegen! 100% in 4 Monaten!!! Hoffe Ihr habt Euch rechtzeitig eingedeckt. Aber auch jetzt ist noch nichts zu spät. Diese Aktie kennt nur eine Richtung!!! Nach oben!!
Heute Quartalszahlen erschienen. Unglaublich gut! Marvel ist ein Goldesel. Ständig neue gute Meldungen heute aus der Presse.
Wunderbar!!
Gruß Pepita
Schaue gerade den Kurs an!!!
Über 21 $ !!!!!!!!! +15%
Marvel explodiert gerade!!! Schon 800000 Stück Umsatz in einer halben Stunde.
Fasse es nicht. Mein Kursziel deutlich und vorzeitig übertroffen!!! Weitere 100 % auf ein Jahr? Von wegen! 100% in 4 Monaten!!! Hoffe Ihr habt Euch rechtzeitig eingedeckt. Aber auch jetzt ist noch nichts zu spät. Diese Aktie kennt nur eine Richtung!!! Nach oben!!
Heute Quartalszahlen erschienen. Unglaublich gut! Marvel ist ein Goldesel. Ständig neue gute Meldungen heute aus der Presse.
Wunderbar!!
Gruß Pepita
Die Aktien des Comicbuch-Unternehmens Marvel Enterprises Inc. erklimmen aktuell an der US-Börse ein neues 52-Wochenhoch. Nachdem die Anteilscheine in den vergangenen Monaten fast unbemerkt kletterten, haben die veröffentlichten Quartalszahlen heute für einen neuen Schub gesorgt.
Der Konzern gab seine Zahlen für das erste Quartal bekannt. Demnach verdiente das Unternehmen 42,2 Mio. Dollar bzw. 57 Cents je Aktie. Analysten hatten mit einem EPS von 36 Cents gerechnet.
Ein Jahr zuvor hatte man noch einen Verlust von 7,9 Mio. Dollar bzw. 23 Cents je Aktie verbuchen müssen. Dieser Verlust war allerdings inklusive einer Einmalbelastung von 4,6 Mio. Dollar entstanden.
Der Umsatz verbesserte sich von 57,2 auf 87,4 Mio. Dollar.
Insbesondere die Einnahmen aus den Videospielen zu den Comic-Verfilmungen Spider Man und X-Men sorgten für klingelnde Kassen.
Für das nächste Quartal erwartet der Konzern einen Gewinn je Aktie von 25 bis 30 Cents. Im Vorjahreszeitraum betrug der Gewinn 10 Cents je Aktie.
Der Ausblick für das Gesamtjahr wurde zudem angehoben. Bislang ging der Konzern von einem EPS im Bereich 64 bis 69 Cents aus. Nun prognostiziert man einen Gewinn je Anteilschein von 96 Cents bis 1,07 Dollar.
Marvel-Aktien steigen aktuell in den USA um 12,13 Prozent auf ein neues 52-Wochenhoch bei 20,52 Dollar.
Wertpapiere des Artikels:
MARVEL ENTERPRISES DL-,01
Autor: (© wallstreet:online AG / SmartHouse Media GmbH),18:04 06.05.2003
Der Konzern gab seine Zahlen für das erste Quartal bekannt. Demnach verdiente das Unternehmen 42,2 Mio. Dollar bzw. 57 Cents je Aktie. Analysten hatten mit einem EPS von 36 Cents gerechnet.
Ein Jahr zuvor hatte man noch einen Verlust von 7,9 Mio. Dollar bzw. 23 Cents je Aktie verbuchen müssen. Dieser Verlust war allerdings inklusive einer Einmalbelastung von 4,6 Mio. Dollar entstanden.
Der Umsatz verbesserte sich von 57,2 auf 87,4 Mio. Dollar.
Insbesondere die Einnahmen aus den Videospielen zu den Comic-Verfilmungen Spider Man und X-Men sorgten für klingelnde Kassen.
Für das nächste Quartal erwartet der Konzern einen Gewinn je Aktie von 25 bis 30 Cents. Im Vorjahreszeitraum betrug der Gewinn 10 Cents je Aktie.
Der Ausblick für das Gesamtjahr wurde zudem angehoben. Bislang ging der Konzern von einem EPS im Bereich 64 bis 69 Cents aus. Nun prognostiziert man einen Gewinn je Anteilschein von 96 Cents bis 1,07 Dollar.
Marvel-Aktien steigen aktuell in den USA um 12,13 Prozent auf ein neues 52-Wochenhoch bei 20,52 Dollar.
Wertpapiere des Artikels:
MARVEL ENTERPRISES DL-,01
Autor: (© wallstreet:online AG / SmartHouse Media GmbH),18:04 06.05.2003
"...Demnach verdiente das Unternehmen 42,2 Mio. Dollar bzw. 57 Cents je Aktie. Analysten hatten mit einem EPS von 36 Cents gerechnet...Für das nächste Quartal erwartet der Konzern einen Gewinn je Aktie von 25 bis 30 Cents. Im Vorjahreszeitraum betrug der Gewinn 10 Cents je Aktie.
Der Ausblick für das Gesamtjahr wurde zudem angehoben. Bislang ging der Konzern von einem EPS im Bereich 64 bis 69 Cents aus. Nun prognostiziert man einen Gewinn je Anteilschein von 96 Cents bis 1,07 Dollar."
So, kann mir bitte einmal jemand sagen wieso Marvel bei diesem Kurs teuer sein soll? Da verdienen die in Q1 57 Cent und prognostieren fürs gesamte Jahr noch nicht mal das doppelte, nämlich 1,07$. Wenn das nicht konservativ geschätzt ist! Da werden wohl noch einige Kurssprünge nach Bekanntgabe der tatsächlichen Quartalzahlen kommen in diesem Jahr!!! Zumal in Q2 30 Cent erwartet werden, wäre für Q3 und Q4 nur je 11 Cent! Und Hulk steht uns noch bevor...
Heute unglaubliche 3 Millionen Aktien gehandelt, rund 6 x soviele wie sonst. Da wandern große Teile in starke Hände! Kann für die Zukunft nur positiv sein.
Übrigens: Neuer Kinostart "Die Fantastischen Vier" von Fox Studios ist jetzt definitiv für November 2004 angekündigt, also noch vor dem Weihnachtsgeschäft! Da hat wohl der unglaubliche Start von X-Men 2 mit 155 Millionen $ weltweit am ersten Wochenende (Kosten 100 Millionen) die Verantwortlichen überzeugt! Marvel makes Money...
Gruß Pepita
Der Ausblick für das Gesamtjahr wurde zudem angehoben. Bislang ging der Konzern von einem EPS im Bereich 64 bis 69 Cents aus. Nun prognostiziert man einen Gewinn je Anteilschein von 96 Cents bis 1,07 Dollar."
So, kann mir bitte einmal jemand sagen wieso Marvel bei diesem Kurs teuer sein soll? Da verdienen die in Q1 57 Cent und prognostieren fürs gesamte Jahr noch nicht mal das doppelte, nämlich 1,07$. Wenn das nicht konservativ geschätzt ist! Da werden wohl noch einige Kurssprünge nach Bekanntgabe der tatsächlichen Quartalzahlen kommen in diesem Jahr!!! Zumal in Q2 30 Cent erwartet werden, wäre für Q3 und Q4 nur je 11 Cent! Und Hulk steht uns noch bevor...
Heute unglaubliche 3 Millionen Aktien gehandelt, rund 6 x soviele wie sonst. Da wandern große Teile in starke Hände! Kann für die Zukunft nur positiv sein.
Übrigens: Neuer Kinostart "Die Fantastischen Vier" von Fox Studios ist jetzt definitiv für November 2004 angekündigt, also noch vor dem Weihnachtsgeschäft! Da hat wohl der unglaubliche Start von X-Men 2 mit 155 Millionen $ weltweit am ersten Wochenende (Kosten 100 Millionen) die Verantwortlichen überzeugt! Marvel makes Money...
Gruß Pepita
Jetzt bei 22,0 $!!! Irgendwelche Kommentare? Immer noch keiner dabei? Schade! Mindestens weitere 100% auf ein Jahr ab heute!!! Versprochen...
Gruß Pepita
Gruß Pepita
hi pepita,
schaue mir seit ca. einem monat deine postings in
wo an. deine infos zu marvel haben mich so
begeistert, dass ich mit einer kleinen stückzahl
von 100 aktien mit einem kurs von € 13 eingestiegen
bin. vielen dank pepita.
meinst du das marvel noch weiter steigt oder könnten
sie vielleicht auch schon heiss gelaufen sein ?
viele grüsse
mav
schaue mir seit ca. einem monat deine postings in
wo an. deine infos zu marvel haben mich so
begeistert, dass ich mit einer kleinen stückzahl
von 100 aktien mit einem kurs von € 13 eingestiegen
bin. vielen dank pepita.
meinst du das marvel noch weiter steigt oder könnten
sie vielleicht auch schon heiss gelaufen sein ?
viele grüsse
mav
Hallo maverick26279, willkommen im Marvel - Wunderland. Schön das mal jemand seinen Beitrag zu diesem Board leistet. Ich weis natürlich das einige hier ab und an reinschauen und sich für MVL interessieren. Aber es macht mir keinen Spaß nur für mich selbst hier zu posten. Ein wenig Resonanz ab und zu wäre schon schön. Daher, lieber Maverick26279 habe ich im letzten Monat eigentlich nichts mehr gepostet. Und bei 13 € stand Marvel meines Wissens Anfang April zuletzt. Diese Kurse werden wir nie mehr wiedersehen.
Natürlich gibts Neues von Marvel zu berichten. Nur kurz soviel:
Mein Kursziel von 18 $ Ende Mai hatte ich ja auf 20 $ erhöht. "Leider" sind es dann doch 22,54 $ (nachbörslich)geworden. Damit ist der Titel des Threads zwar längst erreicht, ich lasse ihn aber weiter bestehen. Den MVL macht locker nochmal 100 % auf ein Jahr! (Von heute an gesehen waren es 296% im letzten Jahr!)
Nachdem die Aktie ca. 3 Wochen um ca. 20 $ herum gependelt ist, in den letzten Tagen ein Ausbruch mit neuem ATH. Grund ist mir noch nicht ganz klar. Hängt wahrscheinlich mit einer Marvel - Präsentation am nächsten Mittwoch auf einem Meeting der Deutschen Bank in NY zusammen. Was wird da wohl verkündet? Sicher nichts schlechtes...
Außerdem geht der Run auf den Hulk Film langsam los. Noch 3 Wochen bis Kinostart in USA. Meine Einschätzung: Der Film wird ein großer Erfolg.
Denke bis Mitte Juni sehen wir Kurse von 25 - 27 $. Analystenempfehlungen kommen immer mehr rein. Alle auf Strog buy und Outperformer. Die Aktie wird weiter stark zulegen. Institutionelle greifen erst langsam zu. Bis Weihnachten rechne ich mit 35 - 40 $. Begründung:
Derzeitiges KGV liegt bei etwa knapp über 20, berechnet auf den erwarteten Gewinn pro Aktie von ca. 1,07 $ in 2003, was meiner Ansicht nach extrem niedrig angesetzt ist. Durchschnittlich liegen die KGVs an der Wallstreet bei 25, an der NASDAQ über 30. Rechne mit min. 1,5 $ Gewinn in 2003, alleine das würde schon Kurse von 30 - 35 $ rechtfertigen. Die nächsten Quartalszahlen (August) werden da bereits Aufschluß geben (wir haben ja schon 0,57 $ im ersten Quartal verdient).
Dazu kommt das MVL nächsten Sommer (aber wohl eher früher) seine Altschulden abbezahlt hat. Dann werden richtig schwarze Zahlen geschrieben und das dürfte für einen weiteren Kursschub sorgen.
Dazu kommt: Möglicherweise eine Ausgleichszahlung (im Gespräch bis 50 Mio $) von Sony wegen Überschreitung der Lizenzrechte an Spiderman (Wäre 1 $ pro Aktie! oder zusätzliche 20 $ Börsenwert...!!!) Ok, das ist nicht sicher aber möglich, dafür wird an der Börse ja auch spekuliert.
Dazu kommt: Marvel Kinofilme bislang alle große Erfolge, X2 inzwischen 360 Mio $ weltweit eingespielt (vor diesem Wochenende), damit bereits auf Platz 50 der ewigen Filmliste, und der Film läuft ja noch.
Dazu kommt: Steigende Margen, bessere Verträge und somit mehr Profit für MVL bei allen Projekten im nächsten Jahr. Und die bisherigen Erfolge lassen die Kunden bei MVL Schlange stehen.
Dazu kommt: Anzahl der Filprojekt in 2004 und 2005 steigt auf min. 10 Filme! Viele neue Charaktere und damit auch neue Verdienstmöglichkeiten.
Dazu kommt: 60 - 80 % vom Umsatz können als Gewinn verbucht werden (siehe letzte Geschäftszahlen), d.h. MVL macht Money ohne große eigene Kosten für Personal, Maschinen usw. zu haben. Sollten die Gewinne weiter steigen wird der Prozentsatz noch besser ausfallen!
Dazu kommt: Das Management hat mein volles Vertrauen: Gute Infopolitik für die Anleger und Presse, gute Geschäftsideen, man spürt das man MVL zu einem Big Player ausbauen will ( wieder der Vergleich mit einer Disney unserer Zeit...).
Daher um auf Deine Frage zu antworten lieber Maverick26279:
Warum soll MVL 2004 / 2005 nicht 3 - 4 Dollar je Aktie verdienen? Das würde Kurse von 60 - 100 $ bedeuten. Alles ist möglich! Ich sehe bei MVL das beste Chance / Risiko - Verhältnis z.Z. an der Börse. Werde meine Aktien weiter halten. Kann leider nicht mehr zukaufen, da bereits alles investiert (100% MVL).
Gruß Pepita
Natürlich gibts Neues von Marvel zu berichten. Nur kurz soviel:
Mein Kursziel von 18 $ Ende Mai hatte ich ja auf 20 $ erhöht. "Leider" sind es dann doch 22,54 $ (nachbörslich)geworden. Damit ist der Titel des Threads zwar längst erreicht, ich lasse ihn aber weiter bestehen. Den MVL macht locker nochmal 100 % auf ein Jahr! (Von heute an gesehen waren es 296% im letzten Jahr!)
Nachdem die Aktie ca. 3 Wochen um ca. 20 $ herum gependelt ist, in den letzten Tagen ein Ausbruch mit neuem ATH. Grund ist mir noch nicht ganz klar. Hängt wahrscheinlich mit einer Marvel - Präsentation am nächsten Mittwoch auf einem Meeting der Deutschen Bank in NY zusammen. Was wird da wohl verkündet? Sicher nichts schlechtes...
Außerdem geht der Run auf den Hulk Film langsam los. Noch 3 Wochen bis Kinostart in USA. Meine Einschätzung: Der Film wird ein großer Erfolg.
Denke bis Mitte Juni sehen wir Kurse von 25 - 27 $. Analystenempfehlungen kommen immer mehr rein. Alle auf Strog buy und Outperformer. Die Aktie wird weiter stark zulegen. Institutionelle greifen erst langsam zu. Bis Weihnachten rechne ich mit 35 - 40 $. Begründung:
Derzeitiges KGV liegt bei etwa knapp über 20, berechnet auf den erwarteten Gewinn pro Aktie von ca. 1,07 $ in 2003, was meiner Ansicht nach extrem niedrig angesetzt ist. Durchschnittlich liegen die KGVs an der Wallstreet bei 25, an der NASDAQ über 30. Rechne mit min. 1,5 $ Gewinn in 2003, alleine das würde schon Kurse von 30 - 35 $ rechtfertigen. Die nächsten Quartalszahlen (August) werden da bereits Aufschluß geben (wir haben ja schon 0,57 $ im ersten Quartal verdient).
Dazu kommt das MVL nächsten Sommer (aber wohl eher früher) seine Altschulden abbezahlt hat. Dann werden richtig schwarze Zahlen geschrieben und das dürfte für einen weiteren Kursschub sorgen.
Dazu kommt: Möglicherweise eine Ausgleichszahlung (im Gespräch bis 50 Mio $) von Sony wegen Überschreitung der Lizenzrechte an Spiderman (Wäre 1 $ pro Aktie! oder zusätzliche 20 $ Börsenwert...!!!) Ok, das ist nicht sicher aber möglich, dafür wird an der Börse ja auch spekuliert.
Dazu kommt: Marvel Kinofilme bislang alle große Erfolge, X2 inzwischen 360 Mio $ weltweit eingespielt (vor diesem Wochenende), damit bereits auf Platz 50 der ewigen Filmliste, und der Film läuft ja noch.
Dazu kommt: Steigende Margen, bessere Verträge und somit mehr Profit für MVL bei allen Projekten im nächsten Jahr. Und die bisherigen Erfolge lassen die Kunden bei MVL Schlange stehen.
Dazu kommt: Anzahl der Filprojekt in 2004 und 2005 steigt auf min. 10 Filme! Viele neue Charaktere und damit auch neue Verdienstmöglichkeiten.
Dazu kommt: 60 - 80 % vom Umsatz können als Gewinn verbucht werden (siehe letzte Geschäftszahlen), d.h. MVL macht Money ohne große eigene Kosten für Personal, Maschinen usw. zu haben. Sollten die Gewinne weiter steigen wird der Prozentsatz noch besser ausfallen!
Dazu kommt: Das Management hat mein volles Vertrauen: Gute Infopolitik für die Anleger und Presse, gute Geschäftsideen, man spürt das man MVL zu einem Big Player ausbauen will ( wieder der Vergleich mit einer Disney unserer Zeit...).
Daher um auf Deine Frage zu antworten lieber Maverick26279:
Warum soll MVL 2004 / 2005 nicht 3 - 4 Dollar je Aktie verdienen? Das würde Kurse von 60 - 100 $ bedeuten. Alles ist möglich! Ich sehe bei MVL das beste Chance / Risiko - Verhältnis z.Z. an der Börse. Werde meine Aktien weiter halten. Kann leider nicht mehr zukaufen, da bereits alles investiert (100% MVL).
Gruß Pepita
Und nicht auf the Themeparks vergessen!!!
http://themeparks.universalstudios.com/orlando/website/ioa_l…
Hi pepita (nedima?)!
Und ich dachte du hättest deine Gewinne schon mitgenommen. Schön dass du noch da bist. Ich möchte gerne noch 1-2 Jahre halten. Aber leicht fällt mir dieses Warten manchmal nicht. Der Drop von 9 auf 4 post Spiderman1 liegt mir noch immer im Magen. Bin aber long geblieben und habe seit Jänner 2002 als ich meine ersten MVL gekauft habe noch keine einzige verkauft. Aber Spiderman 2 wird sicher unglaublich und wenn die Schulden nächstes Jahr abgezahlt sind bleiben jährlich 18 Mio Zinsersparnis. Punisher mit Travolta klingt auch gut. Spiderman animated auf MTV beginnt noch dieses Jahr und ich vertraue sehr auf Ang Lee.
ahaudoc
http://themeparks.universalstudios.com/orlando/website/ioa_l…
Hi pepita (nedima?)!
Und ich dachte du hättest deine Gewinne schon mitgenommen. Schön dass du noch da bist. Ich möchte gerne noch 1-2 Jahre halten. Aber leicht fällt mir dieses Warten manchmal nicht. Der Drop von 9 auf 4 post Spiderman1 liegt mir noch immer im Magen. Bin aber long geblieben und habe seit Jänner 2002 als ich meine ersten MVL gekauft habe noch keine einzige verkauft. Aber Spiderman 2 wird sicher unglaublich und wenn die Schulden nächstes Jahr abgezahlt sind bleiben jährlich 18 Mio Zinsersparnis. Punisher mit Travolta klingt auch gut. Spiderman animated auf MTV beginnt noch dieses Jahr und ich vertraue sehr auf Ang Lee.
ahaudoc
Hi ahaudoc,
schön das Du ALLES weiterhin verfolgst was mit MVL zu tun hat. Du stöberst also auch noch im Yahoo Board bei Marvel. Wie kommst Du auf "Nedima"?
Gewinnmitnahme kommt für mich momentan nicht in Frage. Zugegeben handele ich z.Z. entgegen aller "Börsenweisheit" indem ich voll auf eine Aktie setze. Aber genau damit fahre ich wunderbar. Die größten Verluste hatte ich an der Börse durch Empfehlungen von Analysten und diverser Sparkassen- und Bankberater. Diese fanden MVL bei 13 $ übrigens als "zu teuer" oder "schon zu weit gestiegen zum Einsteigen". Werde auch noch bestimmt 1 - 2 Jahre dabeibleiben, natürlich den Weg von MVL genaustens verfolgen und kein Stück abgeben.
Erinnere mich an eine gewisse Jasmin, die sich bei 16 - 17 $ ein Ausstiegsziel gesetzt hat (was schnell erreicht wurde)und wohl ganz gut an MVL verdient hat. Kaum war sie draussen, stieg die Aktie kräftig weiter (das ist ja bekannt). Es ist also gefährlich bei MVL short zu gehen, man könnte den Zug schnell verpassen...
Denke, daß 2004 nochmal ein weiteres großes Jahr für Marvel wird, auch aus den von Dir angefügten Gründen. Dann sehen wir auch noch ganz andere Kurse. Wer hätte gedacht das die Aktie bislang so schnell steigt? Im 3 - Jahreschart sieht der Anstieg geradezu exponentiell aus. Für viele Aktionäre (und Shorts) ein Zeichen das bald ein Einbruch kommen muß. Aber genau das passiert nicht! Statt dessen ständig gute neue Nachrichten.
Meinst Du das vielleicht nach Hulk, zumindest zeitweise, ein ähnlicher Rückgang wie nach SM1 eintreten kann? Die Zeitspanne bis SM2 ist doch recht lange. Denke aber das man bei MVL immer mit positiven Überraschungen rechnen muß und das das nicht passiert. Was wird uns wohl nächsten Mittwoch präsentiert?
Gruß Pepita
schön das Du ALLES weiterhin verfolgst was mit MVL zu tun hat. Du stöberst also auch noch im Yahoo Board bei Marvel. Wie kommst Du auf "Nedima"?
Gewinnmitnahme kommt für mich momentan nicht in Frage. Zugegeben handele ich z.Z. entgegen aller "Börsenweisheit" indem ich voll auf eine Aktie setze. Aber genau damit fahre ich wunderbar. Die größten Verluste hatte ich an der Börse durch Empfehlungen von Analysten und diverser Sparkassen- und Bankberater. Diese fanden MVL bei 13 $ übrigens als "zu teuer" oder "schon zu weit gestiegen zum Einsteigen". Werde auch noch bestimmt 1 - 2 Jahre dabeibleiben, natürlich den Weg von MVL genaustens verfolgen und kein Stück abgeben.
Erinnere mich an eine gewisse Jasmin, die sich bei 16 - 17 $ ein Ausstiegsziel gesetzt hat (was schnell erreicht wurde)und wohl ganz gut an MVL verdient hat. Kaum war sie draussen, stieg die Aktie kräftig weiter (das ist ja bekannt). Es ist also gefährlich bei MVL short zu gehen, man könnte den Zug schnell verpassen...
Denke, daß 2004 nochmal ein weiteres großes Jahr für Marvel wird, auch aus den von Dir angefügten Gründen. Dann sehen wir auch noch ganz andere Kurse. Wer hätte gedacht das die Aktie bislang so schnell steigt? Im 3 - Jahreschart sieht der Anstieg geradezu exponentiell aus. Für viele Aktionäre (und Shorts) ein Zeichen das bald ein Einbruch kommen muß. Aber genau das passiert nicht! Statt dessen ständig gute neue Nachrichten.
Meinst Du das vielleicht nach Hulk, zumindest zeitweise, ein ähnlicher Rückgang wie nach SM1 eintreten kann? Die Zeitspanne bis SM2 ist doch recht lange. Denke aber das man bei MVL immer mit positiven Überraschungen rechnen muß und das das nicht passiert. Was wird uns wohl nächsten Mittwoch präsentiert?
Gruß Pepita
Money.Telegraph UK vom 1.6.2003
Marvel`s magic minting money
(Filed: 01/06/2003)
After a decade in obscurity, comic book characters are hot property again, thanks to a run of hit movies. Richard Siklos reports
The entertainment industry has long dismissed comic books as a silly little business with about as much cultural significance as, say, Barbie dolls. For much of the past decade, comic sales have been in decline as computer-generated graphics on movie screens and video game consoles threatened to render flipping through their static, inky pages obsolete.
Marvellous: A sequel to Spider-Man is on the way
Movies based on comic heroes, like the latter instalments of the Superman and Batman films, were forgettable cheesefests.
To no one`s surprise, the industry`s leading publisher, Marvel Enterprises, spent much of the 90s mired in financial straits and ended up in a bankruptcy court. But then a funny thing happened. Somewhere along the way comic books underwent a super-heroic renaissance on the big screen.
Suddenly, Marvel is among the hottest players in Hollywood. The release later this month of The Hulk, directed by Ang Lee (of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon fame), is expected to mark the seventh straight movie based on a Marvel comic to log over $100m in US box office sales.
It follows the success of X2, the sequel to X-Men, and last year`s mega-hit Spider-Man, not to mention the smaller film Daredevil, which still broke the $100m mark despite being labelled a dud by the critics. And this being the brand-obsessed 21st century, box office success has also brought myriad licensing opportunities for Marvel characters - their faces and logos attached to everything from mobile phones to beach towels and soft drinks.
Even sales of its plain old comic books are on the rebound, and Marvel`s shares have rocketed from $1.50 in early 2001 to above $22 on Friday. In its latest quarter revenues rose 53 per cent over the previous year to $87m, while net income reversed from a loss of $7.9m to a profit of $41.1m.
The cliffhanger question (which every good comic book tale needs) is how long the company can keep up its run before its heroes run into some kryptonite at the multiplex.
"There`s no limit to how far we can grow," insists Marvel`s New York-based chief executive, Allen Lipson. "Instead of `super-heroes`, we look at what we do in terms of `action-adventure`. And when has that ever gone out of style? At the end of the day, the only question is: are the pictures good?" Indeed, the top four box-office earners of last year all fell into the action category: Spider-Man, the latest instalment of Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings and Star Wars.
And part of the reason that Marvel`s movies have done well is that they are being sought out by some of Hollywood`s new generation of best and brightest, who themselves grew up reading these stories. The actor Nicholas Cage reportedly approached Marvel about starring in the upcoming Ghost Rider, and director Peyton Reed sought out a chance to direct an upcoming movie based on Marvel`s Fantastic Four.
The new era of quality comic book movies was ushered in by 1999`s X-Men, which featured not only auteur director Bryan Singer (whose The Usual Suspects had won two Oscars) but three Oscar winners among its cast.
X-Men was the first mega-hit to carry the Marvel Studios imprimatur, and it made its debut at about the time the company emerged from bankruptcy protection after a cartoonish battle between financiers Ron Perelman and Carl Icahn. As a result of a series of mergers it made during the 90s, the bulk of the company`s revenues were then derived from its toy-making division, Toy Biz.
Marvel Studios is run by Israeli-born former toy inventor Avi Arad, who is as obsessive about his super-heroes as any 17-year-old. The concept behind the division was that the company could extract a producer`s fee along with the 2 per cent to 7 per cent of revenues from movies based on its properties. And, more importantly, Arad and his team insist on a say in how they are portrayed, since several earlier Marvel-based films never even made it to video or were panned.
"They`ve got a bunch of smart guys who understand that the characters mean everything and that you`ve got to protect them," analyst Glen Reid of Bear Stearns says of Marvel. "The other piece is that they now have clout to do deals. More and more, studios and video game companies are realising that there`s a lot more where they came from."
Indeed, what Marvel refers to as its "universe" of characters now numbers some 4,700. Already in the pipeline are sequels to X2, Daredevil and Spider-Man, while the numerous lesser-known Marvel stories include The Punisher, Nick Fury and Werewolf By Night. "We have a lot of stories and a lot of characters," says Arad. "Opening weekend is a safe thing with our franchises."
Inevitably, Marvel`s sudden popularity has generated some ill feeling. As an "intellectual property" company, most of its activities involve legal contracts, from licensing to hiring inkers for its comic books. Lipson is one of the few American CEOs who also retain the title of general counsel - and he`s been putting it to good use.
Even while Sony is in the middle of making the Spider-Man sequel, Marvel has sued it over the licensing fees generated by the first film, which took more than $820m in worldwide box office sales. Marvel is claiming $50m and termination of its licensing deal, and Sony recently succeeded in having the courts appoint a private judge to arbitrate the dispute.
"It happens all the time, particularly in the US," says Lipson. "You can fight at the same time as you`re doing deals, and everything goes on as if nothing has occurred. It`s weird."
Somewhat trickier is a lawsuit involving the godfather of Marvel comics, Stan "The Man" Lee. The octogenarian Lee created many of Marvel`s franchise characters, including Spider-Man and the X-Men, as an employee of the company. Although he is paid more than $1m to work part-time, he maintains in a suit filed last year that Marvel has not kept an agreement to share with him 10 per cent of any sales of ancillary products and licensing fees.
Since the lawsuit Lee has appeared at the opening of X2 and is expected next month at The Hulk. Both Lipson and Arad described their relations with Lee as good. "Stan is being very well taken care of," says Arad. "He`s a precious man and a wonderful guy. Speaking personally, I wish he sued us before the [Spider-Man] movie rather than after. A man like him has people around him; it`s one of those things that we`ll let the judge decide."
Conspicuously absent from the current resurgence in comic stories at the multiplex have been characters from DC Comics, which is Marvel`s biggest rival and includes Batman and Superman. New features based on those franchises are constantly being discussed, but so far there are no firm plans for releases. Rob Worley, who runs the website comics2film.com, says this is because DC is owned by AOL Time Warner.
Standalone Marvel has done deals with different studios including Sony, Fox and Universal but AOL has not licensed its franchise super-heroes beyond its in-house studios. Meanwhile, AOL`s Warner and New Line studios have been busy focusing on other blockbuster franchises such as Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings and The Matrix.
DC has, however, had more recent success in television series and cartoons, a realm where Lipson plans to focus Marvel`s next phase of expansion. And the company is growing its core comics business by repackaging its series as trade books for sale in bookshops.
After surviving a near-death and resurrection befitting some of its best plots, the new corporate mantra at Marvel is decidedly conservative. "Given the recent history of the company and what has occurred to it," says Lipson, "I`m not about to start making the mistakes that I think my predecessors made."
Gruß Pepita
Marvel`s magic minting money
(Filed: 01/06/2003)
After a decade in obscurity, comic book characters are hot property again, thanks to a run of hit movies. Richard Siklos reports
The entertainment industry has long dismissed comic books as a silly little business with about as much cultural significance as, say, Barbie dolls. For much of the past decade, comic sales have been in decline as computer-generated graphics on movie screens and video game consoles threatened to render flipping through their static, inky pages obsolete.
Marvellous: A sequel to Spider-Man is on the way
Movies based on comic heroes, like the latter instalments of the Superman and Batman films, were forgettable cheesefests.
To no one`s surprise, the industry`s leading publisher, Marvel Enterprises, spent much of the 90s mired in financial straits and ended up in a bankruptcy court. But then a funny thing happened. Somewhere along the way comic books underwent a super-heroic renaissance on the big screen.
Suddenly, Marvel is among the hottest players in Hollywood. The release later this month of The Hulk, directed by Ang Lee (of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon fame), is expected to mark the seventh straight movie based on a Marvel comic to log over $100m in US box office sales.
It follows the success of X2, the sequel to X-Men, and last year`s mega-hit Spider-Man, not to mention the smaller film Daredevil, which still broke the $100m mark despite being labelled a dud by the critics. And this being the brand-obsessed 21st century, box office success has also brought myriad licensing opportunities for Marvel characters - their faces and logos attached to everything from mobile phones to beach towels and soft drinks.
Even sales of its plain old comic books are on the rebound, and Marvel`s shares have rocketed from $1.50 in early 2001 to above $22 on Friday. In its latest quarter revenues rose 53 per cent over the previous year to $87m, while net income reversed from a loss of $7.9m to a profit of $41.1m.
The cliffhanger question (which every good comic book tale needs) is how long the company can keep up its run before its heroes run into some kryptonite at the multiplex.
"There`s no limit to how far we can grow," insists Marvel`s New York-based chief executive, Allen Lipson. "Instead of `super-heroes`, we look at what we do in terms of `action-adventure`. And when has that ever gone out of style? At the end of the day, the only question is: are the pictures good?" Indeed, the top four box-office earners of last year all fell into the action category: Spider-Man, the latest instalment of Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings and Star Wars.
And part of the reason that Marvel`s movies have done well is that they are being sought out by some of Hollywood`s new generation of best and brightest, who themselves grew up reading these stories. The actor Nicholas Cage reportedly approached Marvel about starring in the upcoming Ghost Rider, and director Peyton Reed sought out a chance to direct an upcoming movie based on Marvel`s Fantastic Four.
The new era of quality comic book movies was ushered in by 1999`s X-Men, which featured not only auteur director Bryan Singer (whose The Usual Suspects had won two Oscars) but three Oscar winners among its cast.
X-Men was the first mega-hit to carry the Marvel Studios imprimatur, and it made its debut at about the time the company emerged from bankruptcy protection after a cartoonish battle between financiers Ron Perelman and Carl Icahn. As a result of a series of mergers it made during the 90s, the bulk of the company`s revenues were then derived from its toy-making division, Toy Biz.
Marvel Studios is run by Israeli-born former toy inventor Avi Arad, who is as obsessive about his super-heroes as any 17-year-old. The concept behind the division was that the company could extract a producer`s fee along with the 2 per cent to 7 per cent of revenues from movies based on its properties. And, more importantly, Arad and his team insist on a say in how they are portrayed, since several earlier Marvel-based films never even made it to video or were panned.
"They`ve got a bunch of smart guys who understand that the characters mean everything and that you`ve got to protect them," analyst Glen Reid of Bear Stearns says of Marvel. "The other piece is that they now have clout to do deals. More and more, studios and video game companies are realising that there`s a lot more where they came from."
Indeed, what Marvel refers to as its "universe" of characters now numbers some 4,700. Already in the pipeline are sequels to X2, Daredevil and Spider-Man, while the numerous lesser-known Marvel stories include The Punisher, Nick Fury and Werewolf By Night. "We have a lot of stories and a lot of characters," says Arad. "Opening weekend is a safe thing with our franchises."
Inevitably, Marvel`s sudden popularity has generated some ill feeling. As an "intellectual property" company, most of its activities involve legal contracts, from licensing to hiring inkers for its comic books. Lipson is one of the few American CEOs who also retain the title of general counsel - and he`s been putting it to good use.
Even while Sony is in the middle of making the Spider-Man sequel, Marvel has sued it over the licensing fees generated by the first film, which took more than $820m in worldwide box office sales. Marvel is claiming $50m and termination of its licensing deal, and Sony recently succeeded in having the courts appoint a private judge to arbitrate the dispute.
"It happens all the time, particularly in the US," says Lipson. "You can fight at the same time as you`re doing deals, and everything goes on as if nothing has occurred. It`s weird."
Somewhat trickier is a lawsuit involving the godfather of Marvel comics, Stan "The Man" Lee. The octogenarian Lee created many of Marvel`s franchise characters, including Spider-Man and the X-Men, as an employee of the company. Although he is paid more than $1m to work part-time, he maintains in a suit filed last year that Marvel has not kept an agreement to share with him 10 per cent of any sales of ancillary products and licensing fees.
Since the lawsuit Lee has appeared at the opening of X2 and is expected next month at The Hulk. Both Lipson and Arad described their relations with Lee as good. "Stan is being very well taken care of," says Arad. "He`s a precious man and a wonderful guy. Speaking personally, I wish he sued us before the [Spider-Man] movie rather than after. A man like him has people around him; it`s one of those things that we`ll let the judge decide."
Conspicuously absent from the current resurgence in comic stories at the multiplex have been characters from DC Comics, which is Marvel`s biggest rival and includes Batman and Superman. New features based on those franchises are constantly being discussed, but so far there are no firm plans for releases. Rob Worley, who runs the website comics2film.com, says this is because DC is owned by AOL Time Warner.
Standalone Marvel has done deals with different studios including Sony, Fox and Universal but AOL has not licensed its franchise super-heroes beyond its in-house studios. Meanwhile, AOL`s Warner and New Line studios have been busy focusing on other blockbuster franchises such as Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings and The Matrix.
DC has, however, had more recent success in television series and cartoons, a realm where Lipson plans to focus Marvel`s next phase of expansion. And the company is growing its core comics business by repackaging its series as trade books for sale in bookshops.
After surviving a near-death and resurrection befitting some of its best plots, the new corporate mantra at Marvel is decidedly conservative. "Given the recent history of the company and what has occurred to it," says Lipson, "I`m not about to start making the mistakes that I think my predecessors made."
Gruß Pepita
Hi Pepita,
Es gab auf dem yahoo MVL board einen poster aus Deutschland, nedima eben, und ich dachte das könntest du gewesen sein :-)
Ja, jasmine gab es auch, der ist bei 16 raus und MVL war dann plötzlich ein strong sell für ihn. Das heben ihm einige übel genommen.
Übrigens bin auch ich zu 100% in MVL investiert. "Diversification is an excuse for ignorance". Ich glaube auch dass 2004 ein noch beseres Jahr für MVL wird. Der Spiderman 2 hype ist jetzt fast schon größer als der Hulk-hype. Schau mal auf superherohype.com in die boards. Bereits jetzt doppelt so viele spiderman 2 threads als Hulk threads. Wenn dann noch die fast-food tie ins kommen (McDonals oder Burger King)...nicht auszudenken.
Hast du gestern die MVL Awards mitbekommen. LOTR, Spiderman und Daredevil/Elektra u.a.
MVL wird sicher wieder fallen aber hoffentlich nicht unter 20 gehen. Kommt auch darauf an wie hoch der run jetzt geht. Aber die Durststrecke bis SM2 muss man eben aushalten. Es gibt aber noch genug Katalysatoren. DVD`s (Daredevil, X-Men 2), Q2 und Q3, und vor allem auch Lord of the Rings 3. Ich hab das Gefühl dass ToyBiz(Marvel) in letzter Zeit hier sehr sehr gut verkauft.
Und ein buy out bei 30-35 ist auch jederzeit möglich weshalb ich lieber long bleibe.
beste Grüße
ahaudoc
Es gab auf dem yahoo MVL board einen poster aus Deutschland, nedima eben, und ich dachte das könntest du gewesen sein :-)
Ja, jasmine gab es auch, der ist bei 16 raus und MVL war dann plötzlich ein strong sell für ihn. Das heben ihm einige übel genommen.
Übrigens bin auch ich zu 100% in MVL investiert. "Diversification is an excuse for ignorance". Ich glaube auch dass 2004 ein noch beseres Jahr für MVL wird. Der Spiderman 2 hype ist jetzt fast schon größer als der Hulk-hype. Schau mal auf superherohype.com in die boards. Bereits jetzt doppelt so viele spiderman 2 threads als Hulk threads. Wenn dann noch die fast-food tie ins kommen (McDonals oder Burger King)...nicht auszudenken.
Hast du gestern die MVL Awards mitbekommen. LOTR, Spiderman und Daredevil/Elektra u.a.
MVL wird sicher wieder fallen aber hoffentlich nicht unter 20 gehen. Kommt auch darauf an wie hoch der run jetzt geht. Aber die Durststrecke bis SM2 muss man eben aushalten. Es gibt aber noch genug Katalysatoren. DVD`s (Daredevil, X-Men 2), Q2 und Q3, und vor allem auch Lord of the Rings 3. Ich hab das Gefühl dass ToyBiz(Marvel) in letzter Zeit hier sehr sehr gut verkauft.
Und ein buy out bei 30-35 ist auch jederzeit möglich weshalb ich lieber long bleibe.
beste Grüße
ahaudoc
Zurücklehnen und genießen........23,99$
Gruß Pepita
Gruß Pepita
Hi, Pepita, ein frohes Pfingstfest. Zufällig bin ich heute auf Deinen Thread gestoßen. Ich bin begeistert. Einmal über dein Wissen und zum Anderen, daß sich Deine Voraussagen auch so schnell bestätigt haben. Du meinst also, für einen Einstieg ist es noch nicht zu spät? Nach dem Hintergrundwissen, das Du schon gegeben hast, ist es ein gesundes Unternehmen und nicht ein zufälliger Glücksfall Also, künftig werde ich dabei sein. Gibst Du auch weiterhin Dein Wissen weiter?? Es ist sehr wertvoll. Schade, daß es zu so einem guten Thread so wenig Meinungsäußerungen gibt. Doch vielleicht ändert sich das bald.
Gruß Sturzhelm
Also, künftig werde ich dabei sein. Gibst Du auch weiterhin Dein Wissen weiter?? Es ist sehr wertvoll. Schade, daß es zu so einem guten Thread so wenig Meinungsäußerungen gibt. Doch vielleicht ändert sich das bald. Gruß Sturzhelm
Hallo Sturzhelm,
willkommen im Marvel - Board. Schön das das Interesse an unserer MVL Aktie langsam auch hier größer wird. Bin mit Dir einer Meinung das der Thread hier ruhig etwas lebendiger werden könnte...
Zunächst danke für die Blumen. Meine Infos zu MVL sammle ich in erster Linie natürlich aus Eigeninteresse, denn wie bereits erwähnt bin ich inzwischen zu 100% in MVL investiert. Gebe auch gerne weiterhin diese Infos in diesem Board weiter und freue mich wenn mehr und mehr User sich für Marvel interessieren. Bin dabei natürlich auch für andere Meinungen dankbar.
Bin selber ein alter Marvel - Comic Fan, eine komplette Sammlung "Fantastische Vier" aus den 70er Jahren liegt noch bei mir im Keller. Daher hat vor rund einem Jahr (der SM1 Hype klang gerade wieder ab) ein Artikel in Spiegel-Online mein Interesse für diese Firma geweckt.
Beschrieben wurde da ein amerikanisches Unternehmen das 1996 kurz vor der Insolvenz war, dann aber mit neuem, erfahrenem Management und neuer Unternehmensausrichtung langsam Richtung schwarze Zahlen fuhr. Allerdings war das ganze für den Spiegel noch sehr spekulativ, doch von da an sammelte ich alles was ich zu dieser Firma an Infos kriegen konnte. Ich erinnerte mich an ein Buch von Altmeister Kostolani, der seine größten Gewinne mit Turnaround Unternehmen gemacht hatte, die kurz vor der Pleite standen und es wieder in die Gewinnzone schafften. Konnte Marvel ein solches Unternehmen sein? Nach dem Kursrückgang nach dem Spidermanfilm fing die Aktie langsam wieder an zu steigen. In der Zwischenzeit hatte sich meine Überzeugung gefestigt, daß da eine Firma mit Zukunft heranwächst. Zu dem Zeitpunkt, und das nicht mal ein Jahr her, kannte selbst in den USA noch kaum jemand Marvels Geschäftsmodell.
Trotzdem denke ich nicht das die Entwicklung von MVL als Zufall zu bezeichnen ist. Das Kind steht auf ganz gesunden Beinen, insbesondere gefällt mir, das für den Geschäftserfolg kaum interne Kosten anfallen. Purer Profit!
Bei 6,70 Dollar jedenfalls bin ich dann groß eingestiegen, habe dafür sogar andere Aktien mit Verlust verkauft. Habe noch zweimal, bei 11,30 und 16,45 Dollar, kleinere Posten nachgekauft und bin jetzt 100%ig dabei.
Heute, immer noch voll von Marvel überzeugt, kommt mir der schnelle Kursanstieg von MVL selber etwas unheimlich vor. Wenn ich zum Anfang dieses Threads (aus Februar 2003, also vier Monate her) zurücklese kann ich über mein damaliges Kursziel von 30 $ ENDE 2004!! nur noch müde lächeln. Das könnten wir schon bald erreicht haben, rund 1 1/2 Jahre früher!
Sturzhelm, Du fragst ob Du noch einsteigen kannst? Das hängt davon ab was Du von einer Aktie erwartest. Wachstum ist bei MVL auf jeden Fall gegeben. Wenn Du da nicht bei MVL einsteigst wie dann z.B. in einen DAX - Wert? Sicher ist es nicht auszuschließen, das MVL auch mal wieder einige Wochen auf der Stelle tritt oder auch etwas nachläßt. Einen solchen Rückgang wie nach SM1 wird es aber meiner Meinung nach nicht geben. Das Potential ist inzwischen doch bekannt geworden, günstigere Kurse sollten genügend Käufer anlocken die den Kurs stützen. Du solltest min. 2 Jahre in MVL investiert bleiben, dann wirst Du noch viel Freude an MVL haben.
Werde in den nächsten Tagen wieder vermehrt News hier reinstellen. Bin "leider" ab 17.6. für 2 Wochen in Urlaub. Versuche dann per Internetcafe auf dem laufenden zu bleiben.
Gruß Pepita
willkommen im Marvel - Board. Schön das das Interesse an unserer MVL Aktie langsam auch hier größer wird. Bin mit Dir einer Meinung das der Thread hier ruhig etwas lebendiger werden könnte...
Zunächst danke für die Blumen. Meine Infos zu MVL sammle ich in erster Linie natürlich aus Eigeninteresse, denn wie bereits erwähnt bin ich inzwischen zu 100% in MVL investiert. Gebe auch gerne weiterhin diese Infos in diesem Board weiter und freue mich wenn mehr und mehr User sich für Marvel interessieren. Bin dabei natürlich auch für andere Meinungen dankbar.
Bin selber ein alter Marvel - Comic Fan, eine komplette Sammlung "Fantastische Vier" aus den 70er Jahren liegt noch bei mir im Keller. Daher hat vor rund einem Jahr (der SM1 Hype klang gerade wieder ab) ein Artikel in Spiegel-Online mein Interesse für diese Firma geweckt.
Beschrieben wurde da ein amerikanisches Unternehmen das 1996 kurz vor der Insolvenz war, dann aber mit neuem, erfahrenem Management und neuer Unternehmensausrichtung langsam Richtung schwarze Zahlen fuhr. Allerdings war das ganze für den Spiegel noch sehr spekulativ, doch von da an sammelte ich alles was ich zu dieser Firma an Infos kriegen konnte. Ich erinnerte mich an ein Buch von Altmeister Kostolani, der seine größten Gewinne mit Turnaround Unternehmen gemacht hatte, die kurz vor der Pleite standen und es wieder in die Gewinnzone schafften. Konnte Marvel ein solches Unternehmen sein? Nach dem Kursrückgang nach dem Spidermanfilm fing die Aktie langsam wieder an zu steigen. In der Zwischenzeit hatte sich meine Überzeugung gefestigt, daß da eine Firma mit Zukunft heranwächst. Zu dem Zeitpunkt, und das nicht mal ein Jahr her, kannte selbst in den USA noch kaum jemand Marvels Geschäftsmodell.
Trotzdem denke ich nicht das die Entwicklung von MVL als Zufall zu bezeichnen ist. Das Kind steht auf ganz gesunden Beinen, insbesondere gefällt mir, das für den Geschäftserfolg kaum interne Kosten anfallen. Purer Profit!
Bei 6,70 Dollar jedenfalls bin ich dann groß eingestiegen, habe dafür sogar andere Aktien mit Verlust verkauft. Habe noch zweimal, bei 11,30 und 16,45 Dollar, kleinere Posten nachgekauft und bin jetzt 100%ig dabei.
Heute, immer noch voll von Marvel überzeugt, kommt mir der schnelle Kursanstieg von MVL selber etwas unheimlich vor. Wenn ich zum Anfang dieses Threads (aus Februar 2003, also vier Monate her) zurücklese kann ich über mein damaliges Kursziel von 30 $ ENDE 2004!! nur noch müde lächeln. Das könnten wir schon bald erreicht haben, rund 1 1/2 Jahre früher!
Sturzhelm, Du fragst ob Du noch einsteigen kannst? Das hängt davon ab was Du von einer Aktie erwartest. Wachstum ist bei MVL auf jeden Fall gegeben. Wenn Du da nicht bei MVL einsteigst wie dann z.B. in einen DAX - Wert? Sicher ist es nicht auszuschließen, das MVL auch mal wieder einige Wochen auf der Stelle tritt oder auch etwas nachläßt. Einen solchen Rückgang wie nach SM1 wird es aber meiner Meinung nach nicht geben. Das Potential ist inzwischen doch bekannt geworden, günstigere Kurse sollten genügend Käufer anlocken die den Kurs stützen. Du solltest min. 2 Jahre in MVL investiert bleiben, dann wirst Du noch viel Freude an MVL haben.
Werde in den nächsten Tagen wieder vermehrt News hier reinstellen. Bin "leider" ab 17.6. für 2 Wochen in Urlaub. Versuche dann per Internetcafe auf dem laufenden zu bleiben.
Gruß Pepita
Sorry, kann die Quelle dieses Artikels / Interviews nicht genau ausmachen, stelle das trotzdem hier rein. Denke sehr interessanter Artikel, das Interview mit Marvel CEO Lipson stammt aus dem April...
Gruß Pepita
Stocks We Love
Marvel Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: MVL)
Movies like Spider-Man, Daredevil and The Hulk have proven that comic book
characters represent
valuable assets across many media platforms besides just the original comic
book.
In modern-day media parlance, these characters are now "properties." They
have value that can be
"leveraged" across "multiple distribution channels." And if you`re Marvel
Enterprises, you`re now
looking at about 4,700 superheroes as individual licensable assets in a
"portfolio of media
properties."
Not just a bunch of comic books anymore, Toto. And some of these individual
superhero properties
are worth millions of dollars, as evidenced by the massive dollars generated
by Spidey`s big
screen debut.
And the news on this company just keeps getting better.
We first recommended it to Motley Fool Stock Advisor subscribers in July
2002. Since then, the
stock is up 293%. But you still have time to get in on the action.
Thanks to amazing margins, Marvel is now one of the most profitable
companies in America.
The new Marvel (NYSE:MVL) was most clearly revealed recently when the
company published its March
earnings report. Take a look first at the top line: revenues. Marvel grew
its sales 53% over the
past year`s quarter, to $87.4 million vs. $57.2 million. Sales growth is an
important figure to
follow for all great growth stocks. Companies virtually have to exhibit
top-line growth over the
years to make their investors rich. Marvel`s sales growth sounds great for
the quarter, but
looking deeper you`ll see that it actually expects lower revenues for the
full year. Sales in 2002
were $299 million, whereas the company now expects a top line of about $230
million for 2003. Does
that mean Marvel`s not a growth stock? Keep reading -- it depends on what
you want to be growing!
We`re going to talk in a minute about two numbers not revealed in the
quarterly statement, but we
want first to focus on one other revealing number in Marvel`s quarter.
You ready for a new headline? Marvel is now one of the most profitable
companies in America.
Its first-quarter net income of $41.1 million, measured as a percentage of
sales, comes to a net
margin of 47%, which is another way of saying that 47 cents on every dollar
of sales are profit.
How was this amazing margin arrived at? Management began exiting the toy
business a year ago,
which may sound crazy since superheroes and action figures go together like
leopards and spots.
The company is still getting paid for action figures, mind you. But rather
than be in a low-margin
toy business, Marvel is now primarily outsourcing toy production, and
getting paid merchandise
licensing fees instead. Which are practically pure profit. Among business
management decisions
made in this country in 2002, Marvel`s decision to exit the toy business
stands out as one of the
better ones. In fact, if you take a look at the company`s numbers press
release, of its $49.9
million in licensing sales, more than $48 million of that is operating
income.
So, what is growing for Marvel is its profits and cash flow, which are now
expected to exceed $80
million for this year. And we have to believe with a big green Hulk of a
movie coming later this
summer, the company will generate better numbers than that. We`ll eat our
Fool`s caps -- or at
least chomp on a bell or two -- if this company doesn`t exceed $80 million
in net income here in
2003.
Two key numbers not revealed
in the quarterly report.
What don`t you see in Marvel`s quarterly statement? Two important numbers.
The first is the
receipts for X2: X-Men United, which just scored the fourth-best
opening-weekend box office of any
movie of all time. Think about that. The only movies that had better
openings in history were two
Harry Potter flicks and -- who else? -- Spider-man (another Marvel
offering).
Are the X-Men known and beloved worldwide like Harry Potter? Are they on the
same cultural level
as Star Wars? We wouldn`t say so, and yet X-Men just outdid Star Wars, and
even Lord of the Rings,
in its opening weekend. The success of X2, which will make more than a
billion in box office plus
DVD sales worldwide, is a key number not included in Marvel`s recent report.
The second number not documented is the number of analysts following the
company. Only four
analysts have put out estimates on this company. Another reason we`re
bullish.
So let`s reset: You have high-profile intellectual property in the process
of earning literally
billions of dollars in movie and DVD sales this year, and the owning company
earning a percentage
of that in pure profit, which will grow the company`s earnings more than
threefold over last year.
You have a high probability of continued success (The Hulk on June 20, then,
of course, Spider-Man
2 on July 2 of next year, and we haven`t even talked about the new TV
shows). You have a stock
that has more than tripled over the past year. All of this, and only four
analysts see fit to
cover this company?
With all these factors going for it, we would buy Marvel today at $20 a
share and plan to hold at
least two years. At 12 times this year`s cash flow, we think you will see at
least a 50% return.
You have to acknowledge the possibility -- the probability, perhaps -- that
superhero movies will
wind up glutted and lose some of their relative appeal. At the same time,
you have to acknowledge
the timeless draw of action and fantasy, and recognize that Marvel is
brilliantly positioned to
deliver these two things for a long time.
Further, the lack of institutional coverage has meant a lack of
institutional purchases, and with
the company raising its sales and earnings estimates this year and now
trading at around $20, we
would expect the sheer supply and demand to push Marvel stock up further.
In April 2003 we talked with Allen Lipson, newly appointed CEO of Marvel
Enterprises...
David Gardner: Most people think comic books when they think, "Marvel." How
does Marvel make money
today?
Lipson: Our business is based on three segments: publishing comic books and
trade paperbacks;
licensing; and toy sales. Licensing is biggest, at well more than 50% of our
profits.
Tom Gardner: Daredevil dominated the box office the first two weeks out of
the gate. Why introduce
a relatively obscure superhero to the big screen when Marvel has a stable of
better-known
characters?
Lipson: It really is a question of the studios` interest in these various
projects and characters,
and their potential for a big budget movie.
David Gardner: To what extent is the excitement about the box office and to
what extent is it the
ancillary products: video games, figurines etc.?
Lipson: Ticket sales are really a small part of the studio`s revenue. DVD
and VHS sales are
substantial, as are such things as sales to airlines for in-flight
screening, pay TV, syndicated
TV, overseas TV. An awful lot of revenue comes in from a movie.
Tom Gardner: Is the Marvel business model now very dependent on the
box-office success of movies
based on your superheroes? Is business only as good or bad as the most
recent movie?
Lipson: No, absolutely not. Spider-Man is probably going to end up in the
top-10 all-time grossing
films. Do we expect Daredevil, or X-Men, or The Hulk to match that? No. We
don`t have to come out
with blockbusters constantly, just good movies on a consistent basis that
will support not only
publishing, but other licensing revenues.
David Gardner: You`re getting a percentage of the box office from Daredevil.
That`s a pretty sweet
deal, isn`t it? It seems you`d always want a percentage of the overall box
office, the gross, as
opposed to a percentage of the profits.
Lipson: Yes, we have what`s called a gross-participation deal, which is a
percentage of the
studio`s receipts. Just one clarification: It`s not the box. We don`t get a
percentage of the box,
because the studio doesn`t get the whole box. The rule of thumb is that the
studio receives
roughly 50% of the box office. Of course, the studio distributors, meaning
the movie theater
owners and so on, take a portion of the box. Our percentage is based on what
the studio receives.
Tom Gardner: Touch briefly on what the success of Spider-Man has meant for
Marvel.
Lipson: It`s meant a good deal. An increase in sales of comic books for one.
Second, increased
licensing revenue, both what we call the "classic" licensing, as well as
licensing based on the
movie. DVD sales, from box office, from the Activision video game...we
received revenues from all
of these sources.
David Gardner: Let`s back up a bit and talk about Marvel`s history. The
company went through
bankruptcy in 1996. Can you tell us what went wrong then, and what`s
different now?
Lipson: I think everything`s different today. Prior to 1996, Marvel had
expanded into many
different fields. It had made major acquisitions in terms of trading-card
companies and overseas
publishers, for instance. I think it really lost its focus. As a result,
Marvel issued a
substantial amount of debt, which it then had to service.
Tom Gardner: Why did Mr. Cuneo, the former CEO move on?
Lipson: Peter [Cuneo] is very much involved in turnarounds. He did it at
Remington, and before
that at certain areas of Bristol-Myers. He did it at Marvel, and I think
that he felt the time had
come to look for new challenges. He is still very much involved with the
company, both as a
director and a major shareholder, and as a consultant. It`s not as if he`s
just gone away.
David Gardner: There`s been a lot of talk about executive comp and
incentives given to American
corporate executives. To what extent do you rate your success based on the
performance of Marvel`s
stock?
Lipson: We have not given out the type of stock options, in terms of
numbers, that some other
companies have. Even I, as CEO, don`t have tens of millions -- or even
millions -- of shares
subject to options.
Tom Gardner: What`s Marvel going to look like five years from now?
Lipson: I think it`s going to look somewhat like it does today. We`re going
to rely heavily upon
income from sources that do not require capital expenditures. We are not
going to invest in theme
parks. We`re not going to invest in movie studios. We are interested in cash
flow, mining our
intellectual property. We may consider acquiring new intellectual property
as it becomes
available, but it`s not planned. So I would see Marvel just becoming more
profitable as time goes
on.
Gruß Pepita
Stocks We Love
Marvel Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: MVL)
Movies like Spider-Man, Daredevil and The Hulk have proven that comic book
characters represent
valuable assets across many media platforms besides just the original comic
book.
In modern-day media parlance, these characters are now "properties." They
have value that can be
"leveraged" across "multiple distribution channels." And if you`re Marvel
Enterprises, you`re now
looking at about 4,700 superheroes as individual licensable assets in a
"portfolio of media
properties."
Not just a bunch of comic books anymore, Toto. And some of these individual
superhero properties
are worth millions of dollars, as evidenced by the massive dollars generated
by Spidey`s big
screen debut.
And the news on this company just keeps getting better.
We first recommended it to Motley Fool Stock Advisor subscribers in July
2002. Since then, the
stock is up 293%. But you still have time to get in on the action.
Thanks to amazing margins, Marvel is now one of the most profitable
companies in America.
The new Marvel (NYSE:MVL) was most clearly revealed recently when the
company published its March
earnings report. Take a look first at the top line: revenues. Marvel grew
its sales 53% over the
past year`s quarter, to $87.4 million vs. $57.2 million. Sales growth is an
important figure to
follow for all great growth stocks. Companies virtually have to exhibit
top-line growth over the
years to make their investors rich. Marvel`s sales growth sounds great for
the quarter, but
looking deeper you`ll see that it actually expects lower revenues for the
full year. Sales in 2002
were $299 million, whereas the company now expects a top line of about $230
million for 2003. Does
that mean Marvel`s not a growth stock? Keep reading -- it depends on what
you want to be growing!
We`re going to talk in a minute about two numbers not revealed in the
quarterly statement, but we
want first to focus on one other revealing number in Marvel`s quarter.
You ready for a new headline? Marvel is now one of the most profitable
companies in America.
Its first-quarter net income of $41.1 million, measured as a percentage of
sales, comes to a net
margin of 47%, which is another way of saying that 47 cents on every dollar
of sales are profit.
How was this amazing margin arrived at? Management began exiting the toy
business a year ago,
which may sound crazy since superheroes and action figures go together like
leopards and spots.
The company is still getting paid for action figures, mind you. But rather
than be in a low-margin
toy business, Marvel is now primarily outsourcing toy production, and
getting paid merchandise
licensing fees instead. Which are practically pure profit. Among business
management decisions
made in this country in 2002, Marvel`s decision to exit the toy business
stands out as one of the
better ones. In fact, if you take a look at the company`s numbers press
release, of its $49.9
million in licensing sales, more than $48 million of that is operating
income.
So, what is growing for Marvel is its profits and cash flow, which are now
expected to exceed $80
million for this year. And we have to believe with a big green Hulk of a
movie coming later this
summer, the company will generate better numbers than that. We`ll eat our
Fool`s caps -- or at
least chomp on a bell or two -- if this company doesn`t exceed $80 million
in net income here in
2003.
Two key numbers not revealed
in the quarterly report.
What don`t you see in Marvel`s quarterly statement? Two important numbers.
The first is the
receipts for X2: X-Men United, which just scored the fourth-best
opening-weekend box office of any
movie of all time. Think about that. The only movies that had better
openings in history were two
Harry Potter flicks and -- who else? -- Spider-man (another Marvel
offering).
Are the X-Men known and beloved worldwide like Harry Potter? Are they on the
same cultural level
as Star Wars? We wouldn`t say so, and yet X-Men just outdid Star Wars, and
even Lord of the Rings,
in its opening weekend. The success of X2, which will make more than a
billion in box office plus
DVD sales worldwide, is a key number not included in Marvel`s recent report.
The second number not documented is the number of analysts following the
company. Only four
analysts have put out estimates on this company. Another reason we`re
bullish.
So let`s reset: You have high-profile intellectual property in the process
of earning literally
billions of dollars in movie and DVD sales this year, and the owning company
earning a percentage
of that in pure profit, which will grow the company`s earnings more than
threefold over last year.
You have a high probability of continued success (The Hulk on June 20, then,
of course, Spider-Man
2 on July 2 of next year, and we haven`t even talked about the new TV
shows). You have a stock
that has more than tripled over the past year. All of this, and only four
analysts see fit to
cover this company?
With all these factors going for it, we would buy Marvel today at $20 a
share and plan to hold at
least two years. At 12 times this year`s cash flow, we think you will see at
least a 50% return.
You have to acknowledge the possibility -- the probability, perhaps -- that
superhero movies will
wind up glutted and lose some of their relative appeal. At the same time,
you have to acknowledge
the timeless draw of action and fantasy, and recognize that Marvel is
brilliantly positioned to
deliver these two things for a long time.
Further, the lack of institutional coverage has meant a lack of
institutional purchases, and with
the company raising its sales and earnings estimates this year and now
trading at around $20, we
would expect the sheer supply and demand to push Marvel stock up further.
In April 2003 we talked with Allen Lipson, newly appointed CEO of Marvel
Enterprises...
David Gardner: Most people think comic books when they think, "Marvel." How
does Marvel make money
today?
Lipson: Our business is based on three segments: publishing comic books and
trade paperbacks;
licensing; and toy sales. Licensing is biggest, at well more than 50% of our
profits.
Tom Gardner: Daredevil dominated the box office the first two weeks out of
the gate. Why introduce
a relatively obscure superhero to the big screen when Marvel has a stable of
better-known
characters?
Lipson: It really is a question of the studios` interest in these various
projects and characters,
and their potential for a big budget movie.
David Gardner: To what extent is the excitement about the box office and to
what extent is it the
ancillary products: video games, figurines etc.?
Lipson: Ticket sales are really a small part of the studio`s revenue. DVD
and VHS sales are
substantial, as are such things as sales to airlines for in-flight
screening, pay TV, syndicated
TV, overseas TV. An awful lot of revenue comes in from a movie.
Tom Gardner: Is the Marvel business model now very dependent on the
box-office success of movies
based on your superheroes? Is business only as good or bad as the most
recent movie?
Lipson: No, absolutely not. Spider-Man is probably going to end up in the
top-10 all-time grossing
films. Do we expect Daredevil, or X-Men, or The Hulk to match that? No. We
don`t have to come out
with blockbusters constantly, just good movies on a consistent basis that
will support not only
publishing, but other licensing revenues.
David Gardner: You`re getting a percentage of the box office from Daredevil.
That`s a pretty sweet
deal, isn`t it? It seems you`d always want a percentage of the overall box
office, the gross, as
opposed to a percentage of the profits.
Lipson: Yes, we have what`s called a gross-participation deal, which is a
percentage of the
studio`s receipts. Just one clarification: It`s not the box. We don`t get a
percentage of the box,
because the studio doesn`t get the whole box. The rule of thumb is that the
studio receives
roughly 50% of the box office. Of course, the studio distributors, meaning
the movie theater
owners and so on, take a portion of the box. Our percentage is based on what
the studio receives.
Tom Gardner: Touch briefly on what the success of Spider-Man has meant for
Marvel.
Lipson: It`s meant a good deal. An increase in sales of comic books for one.
Second, increased
licensing revenue, both what we call the "classic" licensing, as well as
licensing based on the
movie. DVD sales, from box office, from the Activision video game...we
received revenues from all
of these sources.
David Gardner: Let`s back up a bit and talk about Marvel`s history. The
company went through
bankruptcy in 1996. Can you tell us what went wrong then, and what`s
different now?
Lipson: I think everything`s different today. Prior to 1996, Marvel had
expanded into many
different fields. It had made major acquisitions in terms of trading-card
companies and overseas
publishers, for instance. I think it really lost its focus. As a result,
Marvel issued a
substantial amount of debt, which it then had to service.
Tom Gardner: Why did Mr. Cuneo, the former CEO move on?
Lipson: Peter [Cuneo] is very much involved in turnarounds. He did it at
Remington, and before
that at certain areas of Bristol-Myers. He did it at Marvel, and I think
that he felt the time had
come to look for new challenges. He is still very much involved with the
company, both as a
director and a major shareholder, and as a consultant. It`s not as if he`s
just gone away.
David Gardner: There`s been a lot of talk about executive comp and
incentives given to American
corporate executives. To what extent do you rate your success based on the
performance of Marvel`s
stock?
Lipson: We have not given out the type of stock options, in terms of
numbers, that some other
companies have. Even I, as CEO, don`t have tens of millions -- or even
millions -- of shares
subject to options.
Tom Gardner: What`s Marvel going to look like five years from now?
Lipson: I think it`s going to look somewhat like it does today. We`re going
to rely heavily upon
income from sources that do not require capital expenditures. We are not
going to invest in theme
parks. We`re not going to invest in movie studios. We are interested in cash
flow, mining our
intellectual property. We may consider acquiring new intellectual property
as it becomes
available, but it`s not planned. So I would see Marvel just becoming more
profitable as time goes
on.
SmartMoney.com
It`s a Marvel-ous Night for a Moondance
Friday June 6, 6:02 pm ET
By Jack Hough
The Rationale:
What`s going on with the market? This time last year, an investor who said he`d noticed big growth would have been cautioned to get it checked by a doctor. Now everyone`s making money.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Dow was up about a skajillion points this week (OK, 212), ending the week above 9000. And the Standard & Poor`s 500 is moving in on 1000. We haven`t seen those levels since last July. Volume`s up, new highs are up, and that guy in your office is telling everyone at the water cooler how he just knew his shares of blah-blah-blah were ripe for a move.
While we at SmartMoney.com like to take a conservative approach to things like stock valuations, today we`re going to run right at the highfliers and see what all the fuss is about. And more important, we`ll try to determine whether there`s still money to be made.
The Recipe:
We used our stock-screening tool to narrow our database of 8,300 stocks down to those that are covered by at least two analysts, but not more than five. Why`s that? Two gives us the minimum needed for an earnings consensus, and staying under five means our candidates aren`t yet household names.
We also required that survivors` sales have increased by more than 20% over the past year, and that five-year earnings-growth expectations are greater than 20% a year. Return on equity, a measure of how efficiently management uses company resources, had to be greater than 20%. Finally, we required a rise in share prices over the past 52 weeks, and low indebtedness. (For all of the details, see our recipe on the top right of this page.) Just nine stocks cleared our sky-high hurdles.
The Results:
What`s green and strong and, when angered, capable of smashing through cars with its bare fists?
If you guessed Martha Stewart wearing a homemade avocado-citrus facial mask, we`ll give you half credit. But we were looking for everyone`s favorite gamma-mutated rage-aholic, the Incredible Hulk.
Marvel Enterprises` (NYSE:MVL - News) muscled menace will be growling his way to your neighborhood Cineplex on June 20. And Marvel says it`s already seeing some green: While the company doesn`t break down licensing revenues separately, it recently noted that sales of "Hulk" trinkets through Toy Biz Worldwide, its main licensee, are strong.
If you want to track the stock`s chart, you`d better get a sherpa and an oxygen mask, because shares have climbed a Himalayan 367% in the past 52 weeks. Now, you`re no doubt already familiar with some of the company`s recent box-office heroes, like "Spiderman" (released May 2002; ticket sales since then, $403 million), "X2: X-Men United" (May 2003; $200 million and counting) and "Daredevil" (February 2003; $102 million). But we`d like to introduce you to some brand-new characters that were recently presented in Marvel`s May 6 first-quarter earnings report:
Consensus Crusader, capable of hurtling 21 cents beyond the 36-cent Reuters Research first-quarter consensus.
Marginator. The puny 6.1% average profit margin of the Standard & Poor`s 500 is no match for Marginator`s superhuman 47% first-quarter margin. Profit of $41 million was up from a year-earlier loss of $8 million, on sales of $87 million, up 53% year-over-year.
Revisa, master in the art of boosting projections. Eyewitnesses say that during the earnings report Revisa moved 2003 revenue guidance to $225 million to $230 million, from $215 million to $220 million, and earnings guidance to $74 million to $82 million from $50 million to $54 million.
Realizing that Marvel`s real strength lies in its intellectual properties, management last year began exiting the business of making things, like toys and merchandise, and focusing more on the company`s lucrative thinking-things-up segment. More than 57% of first-quarter revenues came from licensing, including video games ($49.9 million, up 444% year-over-year), with 26% coming from Toy Biz ($22.3 million, down 34%) and the remaining 17% from publishing ($15.2 million, up 4%). The drop in toys was expected because of a tough comparison with "Spiderman" sales last year, and also a labeling shift that now has some toy sales under the licensing column.
OK, that`s enough praise for Marvel`s great numbers. Wait — did we mention that it pared its debt down to $51 million from $163 million during the past year? OK, we`re done. Because there`s really only one question that needs answering here: Is it too late to get in now?
The stock trades at more than 23 times the Reuters Research 2003 earnings consensus of $1.15 a share, compared with...well, you pick: The toy group trades at a 2003 P/E of 17, movie-production companies average around 37 and video-game makers are up near 39. Marvel earns money by creating ideas for all of these industries.
One thing we can compare Marvel`s P/E to, though, is the company`s long-term earnings-growth projection of 22.5% per year. That makes the stock`s price/earnings growth, or PEG, ratio (P/E over earnings-growth rate) just over 1.0 — not quite a steal, but far cheaper than the S&P 500`s PEG of 1.6.
This stock could be worth paying up for, particularly if shares back off a few points from their recent run. And they might do just that later in the year. After all, 2003 income will clearly be front-loaded, thanks to a perfect storm of revenues hitting in the first quarter.
One hiccup in Marvel`s story is that the company has just finished spending down its tax credits, and analysts say its effective rate will probably rise to 16% in 2004 from 4% this year. But that doesn`t seem to be a big deal, especially when weighed against the good news: 2004 brings "The Punisher," "Spiderman 2," "Iron Fist," "Fantastic Four" and "Blade 3" to theaters, and all of their corresponding video games to your local toy store.
Our table below lists Marvel and its eight fellow screen survivors. You can check out for yourself how far they`ve run up, and see how their P/Es compare with their growth projections. But our usual advice applies even more this week — please consider our list merely a starting point for further research. The 1990s, after all, are long gone. Rocket stocks won`t continue rocketing forever.
Gruß Pepita
It`s a Marvel-ous Night for a Moondance
Friday June 6, 6:02 pm ET
By Jack Hough
The Rationale:
What`s going on with the market? This time last year, an investor who said he`d noticed big growth would have been cautioned to get it checked by a doctor. Now everyone`s making money.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Dow was up about a skajillion points this week (OK, 212), ending the week above 9000. And the Standard & Poor`s 500 is moving in on 1000. We haven`t seen those levels since last July. Volume`s up, new highs are up, and that guy in your office is telling everyone at the water cooler how he just knew his shares of blah-blah-blah were ripe for a move.
While we at SmartMoney.com like to take a conservative approach to things like stock valuations, today we`re going to run right at the highfliers and see what all the fuss is about. And more important, we`ll try to determine whether there`s still money to be made.
The Recipe:
We used our stock-screening tool to narrow our database of 8,300 stocks down to those that are covered by at least two analysts, but not more than five. Why`s that? Two gives us the minimum needed for an earnings consensus, and staying under five means our candidates aren`t yet household names.
We also required that survivors` sales have increased by more than 20% over the past year, and that five-year earnings-growth expectations are greater than 20% a year. Return on equity, a measure of how efficiently management uses company resources, had to be greater than 20%. Finally, we required a rise in share prices over the past 52 weeks, and low indebtedness. (For all of the details, see our recipe on the top right of this page.) Just nine stocks cleared our sky-high hurdles.
The Results:
What`s green and strong and, when angered, capable of smashing through cars with its bare fists?
If you guessed Martha Stewart wearing a homemade avocado-citrus facial mask, we`ll give you half credit. But we were looking for everyone`s favorite gamma-mutated rage-aholic, the Incredible Hulk.
Marvel Enterprises` (NYSE:MVL - News) muscled menace will be growling his way to your neighborhood Cineplex on June 20. And Marvel says it`s already seeing some green: While the company doesn`t break down licensing revenues separately, it recently noted that sales of "Hulk" trinkets through Toy Biz Worldwide, its main licensee, are strong.
If you want to track the stock`s chart, you`d better get a sherpa and an oxygen mask, because shares have climbed a Himalayan 367% in the past 52 weeks. Now, you`re no doubt already familiar with some of the company`s recent box-office heroes, like "Spiderman" (released May 2002; ticket sales since then, $403 million), "X2: X-Men United" (May 2003; $200 million and counting) and "Daredevil" (February 2003; $102 million). But we`d like to introduce you to some brand-new characters that were recently presented in Marvel`s May 6 first-quarter earnings report:
Consensus Crusader, capable of hurtling 21 cents beyond the 36-cent Reuters Research first-quarter consensus.
Marginator. The puny 6.1% average profit margin of the Standard & Poor`s 500 is no match for Marginator`s superhuman 47% first-quarter margin. Profit of $41 million was up from a year-earlier loss of $8 million, on sales of $87 million, up 53% year-over-year.
Revisa, master in the art of boosting projections. Eyewitnesses say that during the earnings report Revisa moved 2003 revenue guidance to $225 million to $230 million, from $215 million to $220 million, and earnings guidance to $74 million to $82 million from $50 million to $54 million.
Realizing that Marvel`s real strength lies in its intellectual properties, management last year began exiting the business of making things, like toys and merchandise, and focusing more on the company`s lucrative thinking-things-up segment. More than 57% of first-quarter revenues came from licensing, including video games ($49.9 million, up 444% year-over-year), with 26% coming from Toy Biz ($22.3 million, down 34%) and the remaining 17% from publishing ($15.2 million, up 4%). The drop in toys was expected because of a tough comparison with "Spiderman" sales last year, and also a labeling shift that now has some toy sales under the licensing column.
OK, that`s enough praise for Marvel`s great numbers. Wait — did we mention that it pared its debt down to $51 million from $163 million during the past year? OK, we`re done. Because there`s really only one question that needs answering here: Is it too late to get in now?
The stock trades at more than 23 times the Reuters Research 2003 earnings consensus of $1.15 a share, compared with...well, you pick: The toy group trades at a 2003 P/E of 17, movie-production companies average around 37 and video-game makers are up near 39. Marvel earns money by creating ideas for all of these industries.
One thing we can compare Marvel`s P/E to, though, is the company`s long-term earnings-growth projection of 22.5% per year. That makes the stock`s price/earnings growth, or PEG, ratio (P/E over earnings-growth rate) just over 1.0 — not quite a steal, but far cheaper than the S&P 500`s PEG of 1.6.
This stock could be worth paying up for, particularly if shares back off a few points from their recent run. And they might do just that later in the year. After all, 2003 income will clearly be front-loaded, thanks to a perfect storm of revenues hitting in the first quarter.
One hiccup in Marvel`s story is that the company has just finished spending down its tax credits, and analysts say its effective rate will probably rise to 16% in 2004 from 4% this year. But that doesn`t seem to be a big deal, especially when weighed against the good news: 2004 brings "The Punisher," "Spiderman 2," "Iron Fist," "Fantastic Four" and "Blade 3" to theaters, and all of their corresponding video games to your local toy store.
Our table below lists Marvel and its eight fellow screen survivors. You can check out for yourself how far they`ve run up, and see how their P/Es compare with their growth projections. But our usual advice applies even more this week — please consider our list merely a starting point for further research. The 1990s, after all, are long gone. Rocket stocks won`t continue rocketing forever.
Gruß Pepita
Link zu den besten Filmen aller Zeiten in den USA (nur der Umsatz aus USA ist berücksichtigt, nicht Übersee). Interessant: Platz 5 und Platz 46 !!! Wette Hulk läuft irgendwo dazwischen...
Gruß Pepita
http://www.boxofficemojo.com/alltime/domestic.htm?page=1&p=.…
Gruß Pepita
http://www.boxofficemojo.com/alltime/domestic.htm?page=1&p=.…
Wollt Ihr wissen was es neues gibt zu Superhelden - Projekten (auch DC Comics...)? Interessanter Link.
Gruß Pepita
http://www.superherohype.com
Gruß Pepita
http://www.superherohype.com
Achtung, gerade wird der Kurs ohne schlechte News von Institutionellen nach unten gedrückt. Stop loss werden ausgelöst. Wahrscheinlich sollen einige Begünstigte noch günstig einsteigen können! Sauerei sowas. Es hat sich überhaupt nichts an der Story oder den guten Aussichten für MVL geändert. Schade dass ich nicht mehr nachkaufen kann. Falls von Euch noch jemand auf eine Gelegenheit zum Einsteigen wartet, dann sollte er das heute tun...!
Gruß Pepita
Gruß Pepita
Bischen nervös die Börse. Könnte wetten die "Rumors" sind gezielt gestreut worden um einige schwache Hände rauszuboxen. Schön für die die heute nachgekauft haben. Der Kurs ist schon fast wieder 1,30 $ höher bei 22,0 $. Nichts kann den Hulk aufhalten... !!!
Gruß Pepita
NEWS
by: InternationaManOfMystery (M/New York) 06/10/03 01:44 pm
NEW YORK (Dow Jones)--Shares of Marvel Enterprises Inc. (MVL) were down 5%
Tuesday on rumors the June 20 release of "The Hulk" movie will be delayed
because of trouble with special effects.
A spokesman for Marvel said the date hasn`t been pushed back and there hasn`t
been a problem with the digital effects.
Marvel licenses its characters to film studios and negotiated a deal for a
percentage of the movie`s box office with Universal Studios, a unit of Vivendi
Universal (V).
The Internet site Ain`t It Cool News chided some readers who recently sent in
reviews based on a pirated Internet version of the movie that didn`t include
finished special effects.
Both the Internet site and the June 9 edition of Newsweek magazine had upbeat
reviews of the film, complimenting its special effects.
Universal said Tuesday it is aware of an "unfinished and incomplete" version
of the film being illegally downloaded. In a statement, the studio said it is
investigating how the print turned up on the Internet and said those responsible
will face "serious consequences."
Putting a happy face on the situation, Universal said a pirated version of a
movie is "more often an indication of the appetite for the movie rather than an
accurate link to such content."
Tuesday`s dip in share price might also be a reaction to a stock sale by an
insider reported Thursday. Marvel Vice Chairman Isaac Perlmutter entered a
filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 2 to sell 400,000
shares.
The Marvel spokesman explained Tuesday that Perlmutter, a major shareholder,
had transferred the shares from one investment account to another and the
transaction had to be registered as a sale.
Gruß Pepita
NEWS
by: InternationaManOfMystery (M/New York) 06/10/03 01:44 pm
NEW YORK (Dow Jones)--Shares of Marvel Enterprises Inc. (MVL) were down 5%
Tuesday on rumors the June 20 release of "The Hulk" movie will be delayed
because of trouble with special effects.
A spokesman for Marvel said the date hasn`t been pushed back and there hasn`t
been a problem with the digital effects.
Marvel licenses its characters to film studios and negotiated a deal for a
percentage of the movie`s box office with Universal Studios, a unit of Vivendi
Universal (V).
The Internet site Ain`t It Cool News chided some readers who recently sent in
reviews based on a pirated Internet version of the movie that didn`t include
finished special effects.
Both the Internet site and the June 9 edition of Newsweek magazine had upbeat
reviews of the film, complimenting its special effects.
Universal said Tuesday it is aware of an "unfinished and incomplete" version
of the film being illegally downloaded. In a statement, the studio said it is
investigating how the print turned up on the Internet and said those responsible
will face "serious consequences."
Putting a happy face on the situation, Universal said a pirated version of a
movie is "more often an indication of the appetite for the movie rather than an
accurate link to such content."
Tuesday`s dip in share price might also be a reaction to a stock sale by an
insider reported Thursday. Marvel Vice Chairman Isaac Perlmutter entered a
filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 2 to sell 400,000
shares.
The Marvel spokesman explained Tuesday that Perlmutter, a major shareholder,
had transferred the shares from one investment account to another and the
transaction had to be registered as a sale.
Schluss bei 22,24 $. Über 3,8 Millionen Aktien gehandelt! Kurs ist nicht eingebrochen, es haben sich genügend Käufer gefunden. Die GAPs sind jetzt auch geschlossen. Denke es geht ab jetzt wieder aufwärts. Trotzdem ist mir MVL zum traden zu schade...
Gruß Pepita
Gruß Pepita
Nachdem sich der Kurs langsam gefangen hat und sogar leicht erholt (eine mögliche Erklärung: Marvel selbst hat in den letzten Tagen viele Aktien in den Free - Float entlassen, um weniger Schwankungen durch einen zu engen Markt bei gesteigertem Anlegerinteresse zu haben. Macht Sinn, denke ich...), wollen wir uns wieder auf das Wesentliche konzentrieren: Die hervorragenden Aussichten unseres einmaligen Unternehmens!
Gruß Pepita
From “Spirit” magazine (published by Southwest Airlines), June 2003 issue.
MEN IN TIGHTS… and women, too, battle evildoers as Marvel’s Avi Arad’s universe of superheroes get the big-screen treatment. Is the world really in this much trouble?
By Paul Goldsmith
Spider-Man vs. Daredevil. X-Men vs. The Hulk. Blade vs. Punisher. No matter which cinematic superhero overpowers the other at the box office, on thing is certain: Avi Arad, president and CEO of Marvel Studios, stands to make a bundle for his company.
In the wake of the runaway success of last year’s “Spider-Man” and February’s $47.5 million three-day opening of “Daredevil”, major Hollywood studios are planning an onslaught of comic-book inspired movies. In addition to Fox Entertainment’s May release of “X-Men 2”, audiences could stampede to Academy Award-nominated director Ang Lee’s version of “The Hulk”, which premiers June 20. Also in the works for big-screen adaptations are Marvel characters such as Iron Fist, Ghost Rider, and the Fantastic Four.
Beginning with “Blade” in 1998, Arad’s projects (X-Men, Spider-Man, Daredevil, and Blade II) have generated more than $1.5 billion in box-office receipts worldwide. The movies also have resurrected Marvel Entertainment Inc.’s publishing fortunes, which for all intents and purposes were dead and buried. In 2002, the first year Marvel turned a profit since Ike Perlmutter and Arad teamed up in 1998, the company stock rose 136 percent, and Marvel’s chunk of the comic-book market today hovers at around 42 percent.
Now engaged in his role as producer on the “Spider-Man” sequel, written by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Michael Chabon, (“The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay’, Arad has become a kind of comic book Harvey Weinstein.
“Spirit” recently cornered this Hollywood heavyweight to talk about the popularity of current comic-based films and the rejuvenation of the Marvel brand.
Spirit: What gives Marvel Studios the edge over other production companies in the superhero genre?
AA: We own our own content, so we bypass the step of looking for material. We identify the stories we want to make into films and locate the talent. So many of today’s filmmakers grew up on comics; they’re as passionate about this universe as we are.
Spirit: Hollywood has fallen in love with comic-book heroes before – Superman, Batman. What makes this comeback different?
AA: It’s a combination of factors. First, we make an effort to stay true to our character’s origins and source material. It’s not an easy thing to adapt a movie, which usually runs for two hours, from a comic book that can run 40 years or more. The idea is to find the best of the stories. Second, technology allows us to make these projects realistic, fun – anything but cheesy. For instance, you’re going to see that the Hulk is a CGI creature. It has expressions and movement, and you just can’t do that with prosthesis. There was no way to do this a couple of years ago.
Spirit: How much of the superhero popularity has to do with the present social and political climate?
AA: Most of our heroes wear costumes or have special powers, but those things become metaphors. The kid behind the costume always starts with a lion heart. Then, something happens, and they discover the hero inside. They use it without taking advantage of it, and that’s today’s hero – a policeman, a fireman, a medical technician – the person on the street who, when they see something happen, they get involved. We used to be more cynical, but today we need more heroes.
Spirit: What role have the movies played in the company’s resurgence?
AA: The movies brought a renewed awareness to the Marvel brand. They’ve helped some people rekindle their love of comics, while other people are just discovering these characters. We’re doing hardcovers, graphic novels. We’re bringing back all kinds of titles. We’re getting distribution in bookstores rather than just comic-book specialty shops. After this string of successful movies, we want people to be able to look at our books, at the brand, and say these people are storytellers, let’s read them.
Spirit: Unlike Spider-Man, which is something of a cultural icon, the majority of Marvel’s characters are virtually unknown beyond the world of the comic geek. How do you stretch your movies’ appeal beyond a cult audience?
AA: It’s not about the size of the character. Most of the world didn’t know Daredevil from a hole in the head. But now Daredevil is a huge cinematic property. You put the right team together, and all of a sudden these unknown characters are big deals. That means we’re feverishly working on Elektra, giving her her own franchise.
Spirit: How do you choose which ones get a movie treatment?
AA: We have 4,700 characters. We’re careful to look at what’s in the marketplace and very conscious of what kind of story we’re interested in telling. We ask what can be really cool, yet different for the one we just released. So we’re also working on Doc Strange, Deathlok, Werewolf By Night, Silver Surfer, Nick Fury, and Shang Chi, to name a few. It’s an embarrassment of riches.
Spirit: What role does publishing play these days?
AA: Comic books are the keepers of the flame. For us, they’re a great muse. [And] comic books are the best storyboards in the world. They’re in color. The vision for the movie just jumps at you off the page. The idea to make the Punisher movie started when Garth Ennis began writing the comic. Our movies are about testing the soul – looking at the hero without the cynicism attached – and that’s what Ennis was doing. It was just inspirational, and we knew it was time to think about doing the movie. Then we got lucky with Jonathan Hensleigh (the writer behind Armageddon) coming on board to write and direct, and Thomas Jane (61*, Dreamcatcher) agreeing to star.
Spirit: With all the movies you’ve scheduled to go into production, how will you avoid saturating the market?
AA: If you’ve seen X-Men, then you see The Hulk… aside from the fact that they spring from the same idea factory, they’re worlds apart, yet relatable. As long as we make them fun, I don’t see any problem with this brand. It’s like the old days at Disney. There was trust. No one ever said “Hey, we’re tired of these Disney movies.” I’m not worried about making too many good movies; I’m worried about making one bad one.
Spirit: Do you think the popularity of the comic-book movie is just a fad?
AA: No one ever said making movies based on Stephen King books was a fad, or Tom Clancy, or [John] Grisham. Movies are based on source material such as literature, newspapers. Comics are literature – microcosms of the time in which they were written. They’re a step through history and have always reflected the fear and angst of the people at the time. The parallels in real life make these movies highly relatable. I think what we have is timeless.
Gruß Pepita
From “Spirit” magazine (published by Southwest Airlines), June 2003 issue.
MEN IN TIGHTS… and women, too, battle evildoers as Marvel’s Avi Arad’s universe of superheroes get the big-screen treatment. Is the world really in this much trouble?
By Paul Goldsmith
Spider-Man vs. Daredevil. X-Men vs. The Hulk. Blade vs. Punisher. No matter which cinematic superhero overpowers the other at the box office, on thing is certain: Avi Arad, president and CEO of Marvel Studios, stands to make a bundle for his company.
In the wake of the runaway success of last year’s “Spider-Man” and February’s $47.5 million three-day opening of “Daredevil”, major Hollywood studios are planning an onslaught of comic-book inspired movies. In addition to Fox Entertainment’s May release of “X-Men 2”, audiences could stampede to Academy Award-nominated director Ang Lee’s version of “The Hulk”, which premiers June 20. Also in the works for big-screen adaptations are Marvel characters such as Iron Fist, Ghost Rider, and the Fantastic Four.
Beginning with “Blade” in 1998, Arad’s projects (X-Men, Spider-Man, Daredevil, and Blade II) have generated more than $1.5 billion in box-office receipts worldwide. The movies also have resurrected Marvel Entertainment Inc.’s publishing fortunes, which for all intents and purposes were dead and buried. In 2002, the first year Marvel turned a profit since Ike Perlmutter and Arad teamed up in 1998, the company stock rose 136 percent, and Marvel’s chunk of the comic-book market today hovers at around 42 percent.
Now engaged in his role as producer on the “Spider-Man” sequel, written by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Michael Chabon, (“The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay’
, Arad has become a kind of comic book Harvey Weinstein.“Spirit” recently cornered this Hollywood heavyweight to talk about the popularity of current comic-based films and the rejuvenation of the Marvel brand.
Spirit: What gives Marvel Studios the edge over other production companies in the superhero genre?
AA: We own our own content, so we bypass the step of looking for material. We identify the stories we want to make into films and locate the talent. So many of today’s filmmakers grew up on comics; they’re as passionate about this universe as we are.
Spirit: Hollywood has fallen in love with comic-book heroes before – Superman, Batman. What makes this comeback different?
AA: It’s a combination of factors. First, we make an effort to stay true to our character’s origins and source material. It’s not an easy thing to adapt a movie, which usually runs for two hours, from a comic book that can run 40 years or more. The idea is to find the best of the stories. Second, technology allows us to make these projects realistic, fun – anything but cheesy. For instance, you’re going to see that the Hulk is a CGI creature. It has expressions and movement, and you just can’t do that with prosthesis. There was no way to do this a couple of years ago.
Spirit: How much of the superhero popularity has to do with the present social and political climate?
AA: Most of our heroes wear costumes or have special powers, but those things become metaphors. The kid behind the costume always starts with a lion heart. Then, something happens, and they discover the hero inside. They use it without taking advantage of it, and that’s today’s hero – a policeman, a fireman, a medical technician – the person on the street who, when they see something happen, they get involved. We used to be more cynical, but today we need more heroes.
Spirit: What role have the movies played in the company’s resurgence?
AA: The movies brought a renewed awareness to the Marvel brand. They’ve helped some people rekindle their love of comics, while other people are just discovering these characters. We’re doing hardcovers, graphic novels. We’re bringing back all kinds of titles. We’re getting distribution in bookstores rather than just comic-book specialty shops. After this string of successful movies, we want people to be able to look at our books, at the brand, and say these people are storytellers, let’s read them.
Spirit: Unlike Spider-Man, which is something of a cultural icon, the majority of Marvel’s characters are virtually unknown beyond the world of the comic geek. How do you stretch your movies’ appeal beyond a cult audience?
AA: It’s not about the size of the character. Most of the world didn’t know Daredevil from a hole in the head. But now Daredevil is a huge cinematic property. You put the right team together, and all of a sudden these unknown characters are big deals. That means we’re feverishly working on Elektra, giving her her own franchise.
Spirit: How do you choose which ones get a movie treatment?
AA: We have 4,700 characters. We’re careful to look at what’s in the marketplace and very conscious of what kind of story we’re interested in telling. We ask what can be really cool, yet different for the one we just released. So we’re also working on Doc Strange, Deathlok, Werewolf By Night, Silver Surfer, Nick Fury, and Shang Chi, to name a few. It’s an embarrassment of riches.
Spirit: What role does publishing play these days?
AA: Comic books are the keepers of the flame. For us, they’re a great muse. [And] comic books are the best storyboards in the world. They’re in color. The vision for the movie just jumps at you off the page. The idea to make the Punisher movie started when Garth Ennis began writing the comic. Our movies are about testing the soul – looking at the hero without the cynicism attached – and that’s what Ennis was doing. It was just inspirational, and we knew it was time to think about doing the movie. Then we got lucky with Jonathan Hensleigh (the writer behind Armageddon) coming on board to write and direct, and Thomas Jane (61*, Dreamcatcher) agreeing to star.
Spirit: With all the movies you’ve scheduled to go into production, how will you avoid saturating the market?
AA: If you’ve seen X-Men, then you see The Hulk… aside from the fact that they spring from the same idea factory, they’re worlds apart, yet relatable. As long as we make them fun, I don’t see any problem with this brand. It’s like the old days at Disney. There was trust. No one ever said “Hey, we’re tired of these Disney movies.” I’m not worried about making too many good movies; I’m worried about making one bad one.
Spirit: Do you think the popularity of the comic-book movie is just a fad?
AA: No one ever said making movies based on Stephen King books was a fad, or Tom Clancy, or [John] Grisham. Movies are based on source material such as literature, newspapers. Comics are literature – microcosms of the time in which they were written. They’re a step through history and have always reflected the fear and angst of the people at the time. The parallels in real life make these movies highly relatable. I think what we have is timeless.
Schlußkurs nachbörslich wieder bei 22,70, über 7 % gutgemacht heute. Na also, geht doch, sehen bald neue Höchststände...
Gruß Pepita
Gruß Pepita
Kurzes Statement einer US-Kinozeitung mit Einschätzung der Merchandisingerfolge zum Film Hulk. Marvel verdient weniger am Kinofilm selber als am Verkauf der Licensing - Produkte zum Film (...und der hängt natürlich auch vom Filmerfolg ab).
Gruß Pepita
The Hulk (June 20)
Ang Lee`s take on one of Marvel`s most popular superheroes (in terms of mass media exposure via the TV series) could be the most interesting superhero film of the current bumper crop. It`s clear to see which Marvel superhero movie the nation`s advertisers are betting on since the Hulk will benefit from a massive promotional campaign involving Pepsi, Hershey, Kraft Foods, Con-Agra, and Glad bags. Marvel will undoubtedly be ready with a plethora of Hulk items, Toy Biz has some great Hulk toy designs, and don`t forget the Marvel Minimates from Art Asylum and Diamond Select (see "Marvel Minimates Out in June"). If Ang Lee can do for the superhero film what he did for the martial arts movie in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, the Hulk could rule.
Gruß Pepita
The Hulk (June 20)
Ang Lee`s take on one of Marvel`s most popular superheroes (in terms of mass media exposure via the TV series) could be the most interesting superhero film of the current bumper crop. It`s clear to see which Marvel superhero movie the nation`s advertisers are betting on since the Hulk will benefit from a massive promotional campaign involving Pepsi, Hershey, Kraft Foods, Con-Agra, and Glad bags. Marvel will undoubtedly be ready with a plethora of Hulk items, Toy Biz has some great Hulk toy designs, and don`t forget the Marvel Minimates from Art Asylum and Diamond Select (see "Marvel Minimates Out in June"). If Ang Lee can do for the superhero film what he did for the martial arts movie in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, the Hulk could rule.
Gruß Pepita
NY Post article "A rough cut of "the Hulk" circulating on the Internet has Univesal executives turning green with rage just days before the flick`s June 20 premiere.
An unauthroized early version of $150million big-screen adaptation of Marvel Comics` gargantuan green anti-hero is getting bashed on fan sites like anticoolnews.com for its underwhelming computer-generated effects.
But Universal is quick to point out that the bootlegged version of the Ang Lee-directed picture starring Nick Nolte, Jennifer Connelly and Eric Bana as Thhe Hulk`s alter-ego, Dr. Bruce Banner, is an unfinished product and does not reflect the film`s final special effects.
E! Online reports that one Web surfer who watched a bootlegged early version complained on Anticoolnews.com: "I saw an early workprint of the "Hulk" movie online and the Hulk hadn`t even beed added to the scenes yet, let me tell ya, the CGI was terrible!.
But Universal spokesman asked that Julkamaniacs be patient and judge the movie for themselves when it muscles into theaters this month.
We are aware that an unfinished and incomplete version of our film is available for illegal downloading on the internet," he said in a statement.
We are conducting a thorough investigation to determine how this occurred, and those responsible will face serious consequences.
As is often the case with highly anticapated media content, the nature of such postings is more often an indication of the appetite for the movie rather than an accurate link to such content.
Meanwhile, aintcool.com Web master Harry Knowles, who famously savaged would be blockbusters like Rollerball before they were released, has seen the final version of the Julk and says it`s even better than Spiderman, Marvel`s reigning blockbuster.
But Knowles also said that while the computer generated Hulk character is impressive, it is not as good as Gollum, (Lord of the Rings) which Knowles gushes is the finest live action character in the history of film.
NY Post article "A rough cut of "the Hulk" circulating on the Internet has Univesal executives turning green with rage just days before the flick`s June 20 premiere.
An unauthroized early version of $150million big-screen adaptation of Marvel Comics` gargantuan green anti-hero is getting bashed on fan sites like anticoolnews.com for its underwhelming computer-generated effects.
But Universal is quick to point out that the bootlegged version of the Ang Lee-directed picture starring Nick Nolte, Jennifer Connelly and Eric Bana as Thhe Hulk`s alter-ego, Dr. Bruce Banner, is an unfinished product and does not reflect the film`s final special effects.
E! Online reports that one Web surfer who watched a bootlegged early version complained on Anticoolnews.com: "I saw an early workprint of the "Hulk" movie online and the Hulk hadn`t even beed added to the scenes yet, let me tell ya, the CGI was terrible!.
But Universal spokesman asked that Julkamaniacs be patient and judge the movie for themselves when it muscles into theaters this month.
We are aware that an unfinished and incomplete version of our film is available for illegal downloading on the internet," he said in a statement.
We are conducting a thorough investigation to determine how this occurred, and those responsible will face serious consequences.
As is often the case with highly anticapated media content, the nature of such postings is more often an indication of the appetite for the movie rather than an accurate link to such content.
Meanwhile, aintcool.com Web master Harry Knowles, who famously savaged would be blockbusters like Rollerball before they were released, has seen the final version of the Julk and says it`s even better than Spiderman, Marvel`s reigning blockbuster.
But Knowles also said that while the computer generated Hulk character is impressive, it is not as good as Gollum, (Lord of the Rings) which Knowles gushes is the finest live action character in the history of film.
Gruß Pepita
Stan Lee And The Rise And Fall Of The American Comic Book
Unauthorized Bio Out In Sept.
June 12, 2003
This fall the Chicago Review Press will publish Jordan Raphael and Tom Spurgeon`s Stan Lee and the Rise and Fall of the American Comic Book, an unauthorized biography that attempts to put the protean Lee in some kind of perspective. Forty years after he revolutionized and revitalized American comic books by introducing "superheroes with hang-ups" Stan Lee remains an active and sometimes controversial figure in the industry he has done as much as anyone to build. Lee`s recent suit against Marvel over profits from the mega-hit Spider-Man (see "Stan Lee Pulls The Trigger"), the messy failure of his online venture, his involvement with various other projects such as SPIKE TV (see "Spike TV Adds Adult Animation Block"), and a potentially dodgy reality series (see "WB Orders Stan Lee Reality Series") all demonstrate that he has lost none of his flair for publicity and change.
Lee`s own autobiography, Excelsior, is a lot of fun, but it is often as superficial as a 5-page backup story and leaves many questions about his career unanswered. Raphael and Spurgeon`s book appears to be a serious attempt to place the career of Stan-the-Man in perspective. The prospectus for their volume characterizes him "as a dazzling writer, a skilled editor, a relentless self-promoter, a credit hog, and a huckster." The key question concerning Lee`s career as far as most fans are concerned revolves around his claim to have created the basic denizens of the Marvel universe. Spurgeon was an editor for The Comics Journal, which championed the cause of Jack Kirby, the artist who was the co-creator of many of the Marvel characters and who was treated shabbily by Marvel (especially in regards to his original art work). It should be interesting to see exactly how Spurgeon and Raphael treat the dynamic between Kirby and Lee, though the "credit hog" reference does give some indication that the authors feel that Lee`s claims of creative responsibility were overblown. Perhaps it is the wisdom of age, but in recent years Lee has been more generous in assigning Kirby a role in the creation of the basic Marvel characters. One wonders if Raphael and Spurgeon will treat their subject with a similar generosity and do justice to this seminal, contradictory, and unavoidable giant in the tradition of American commercial comic books.
Stan Lee And The Rise And Fall Of The American Comic Book
Unauthorized Bio Out In Sept.
June 12, 2003
This fall the Chicago Review Press will publish Jordan Raphael and Tom Spurgeon`s Stan Lee and the Rise and Fall of the American Comic Book, an unauthorized biography that attempts to put the protean Lee in some kind of perspective. Forty years after he revolutionized and revitalized American comic books by introducing "superheroes with hang-ups" Stan Lee remains an active and sometimes controversial figure in the industry he has done as much as anyone to build. Lee`s recent suit against Marvel over profits from the mega-hit Spider-Man (see "Stan Lee Pulls The Trigger"), the messy failure of his online venture, his involvement with various other projects such as SPIKE TV (see "Spike TV Adds Adult Animation Block"), and a potentially dodgy reality series (see "WB Orders Stan Lee Reality Series") all demonstrate that he has lost none of his flair for publicity and change.
Lee`s own autobiography, Excelsior, is a lot of fun, but it is often as superficial as a 5-page backup story and leaves many questions about his career unanswered. Raphael and Spurgeon`s book appears to be a serious attempt to place the career of Stan-the-Man in perspective. The prospectus for their volume characterizes him "as a dazzling writer, a skilled editor, a relentless self-promoter, a credit hog, and a huckster." The key question concerning Lee`s career as far as most fans are concerned revolves around his claim to have created the basic denizens of the Marvel universe. Spurgeon was an editor for The Comics Journal, which championed the cause of Jack Kirby, the artist who was the co-creator of many of the Marvel characters and who was treated shabbily by Marvel (especially in regards to his original art work). It should be interesting to see exactly how Spurgeon and Raphael treat the dynamic between Kirby and Lee, though the "credit hog" reference does give some indication that the authors feel that Lee`s claims of creative responsibility were overblown. Perhaps it is the wisdom of age, but in recent years Lee has been more generous in assigning Kirby a role in the creation of the basic Marvel characters. One wonders if Raphael and Spurgeon will treat their subject with a similar generosity and do justice to this seminal, contradictory, and unavoidable giant in the tradition of American commercial comic books.
Gruß Pepita
Early birds
Emerald manager likes Marvel, XM Satellite, Photon
By Matt Andrejczak, CBS.MarketWatch.com
Last Update: 12:02 AM ET June 12, 2003
WASHINGTON (CBS.MW) - Ken Mertz tries to exploit the fact that small companies are under researched, sending his nine-person research team knocking on the doors of some 800 companies per year. The ideal catch is a product innovator in a niche market.
"You want to catch companies early," said Mertz, adding that profits at smaller firms can be paltry. "Taking risk is inherent in investing in small cap companies."
His $72 million-asset Emerald Growth Fund (HSPGX: news, chart, profile) is outperforming the S&P 500 year-to-date. The front-load fund has gained 17.3 percent versus an 12.5 percent return for the S&P 500. Over a three period, the fund has lost 9.7 percent vs. 11.5 percent drop for the S&P. It has an annualized return of 12.2 percent over the past 10 years.
His first pick is Marvel Enterprises (MVL: news, chart, profile), the comic book publisher that`s using its extensive library of 4,700 characters to boost profits. "Hollywood is enamored with making movies with retro characters," Mertz said, speaking about the re-birth of the company.
Marvel`s licensing business is booming from Hollywood box office hits "SpiderMan: The Movie," "Daredevil," and X-Men II." "The Hulk" is due out this summer. In the first quarter, licensing sales jumped 444 percent to $49.9 million over the prior period last year. Shares of Marvel, which have nearly tripled this year, closed down $1.20 to $21.04 on Wednesday.
With fresh funding and a growing customer base, XM Satellite Radio (XMSR: news, chart, profile) is on Mertz`s dial. The provider of digital radio programming to car stereos and homes has raised $225 million in new funds and recently struck a deal with Wal-Mart to sells its product. XM`s customer base totals 600,000, far ahead of its rival Sirius Satellite Radio. XM has said it needs 3 million subscribers to break even. Shares of XM finished 16 cents higher at $11.31.
Photon Dynamics (PHTN: news, chart, profile) is an entry point into the flat screen revolution, Mertz said. Photon Dynamics is a San Jose, Calif.-based provider of testing and inspection systems for makers of flat panel displays. "We`re really just at the beginning of the flat panel cycle," he said. The stock closed $1.27 higher at $26.40 on Wednesday.
Early birds
Emerald manager likes Marvel, XM Satellite, Photon
By Matt Andrejczak, CBS.MarketWatch.com
Last Update: 12:02 AM ET June 12, 2003
WASHINGTON (CBS.MW) - Ken Mertz tries to exploit the fact that small companies are under researched, sending his nine-person research team knocking on the doors of some 800 companies per year. The ideal catch is a product innovator in a niche market.
"You want to catch companies early," said Mertz, adding that profits at smaller firms can be paltry. "Taking risk is inherent in investing in small cap companies."
His $72 million-asset Emerald Growth Fund (HSPGX: news, chart, profile) is outperforming the S&P 500 year-to-date. The front-load fund has gained 17.3 percent versus an 12.5 percent return for the S&P 500. Over a three period, the fund has lost 9.7 percent vs. 11.5 percent drop for the S&P. It has an annualized return of 12.2 percent over the past 10 years.
His first pick is Marvel Enterprises (MVL: news, chart, profile), the comic book publisher that`s using its extensive library of 4,700 characters to boost profits. "Hollywood is enamored with making movies with retro characters," Mertz said, speaking about the re-birth of the company.
Marvel`s licensing business is booming from Hollywood box office hits "SpiderMan: The Movie," "Daredevil," and X-Men II." "The Hulk" is due out this summer. In the first quarter, licensing sales jumped 444 percent to $49.9 million over the prior period last year. Shares of Marvel, which have nearly tripled this year, closed down $1.20 to $21.04 on Wednesday.
With fresh funding and a growing customer base, XM Satellite Radio (XMSR: news, chart, profile) is on Mertz`s dial. The provider of digital radio programming to car stereos and homes has raised $225 million in new funds and recently struck a deal with Wal-Mart to sells its product. XM`s customer base totals 600,000, far ahead of its rival Sirius Satellite Radio. XM has said it needs 3 million subscribers to break even. Shares of XM finished 16 cents higher at $11.31.
Photon Dynamics (PHTN: news, chart, profile) is an entry point into the flat screen revolution, Mertz said. Photon Dynamics is a San Jose, Calif.-based provider of testing and inspection systems for makers of flat panel displays. "We`re really just at the beginning of the flat panel cycle," he said. The stock closed $1.27 higher at $26.40 on Wednesday.
5 x Marvel Toys unter den besten 10 verkauften Spielsachen...!!!
Gruß Pepita
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/new-for-you/top-sellers…
Gruß Pepita
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/new-for-you/top-sellers…
Gruß Pepita
By Jon Friedman, CBS.MarketWatch.com
Last Update: 10:16 AM ET June 13, 2003
NEW YORK (CBS.MW) -- With takeover talk fanning the flames, Vivendi Universal showed signs of catching fire Friday.
Vivendi Universal extends gains; Marvel shares higher
U.S.-listed shares of Vivendi (V: news, chart, profile) continued their recent winning streak, gaining as much as 2 percent to $19.55 amid media reports that any number of suitors may want to acquire its entertainment assets.
In recent dealings, Vivendi pulled back to a gain of 2 cents at $19.14.
Vivendi Universal owns some of the hottest entertainment properties in the world, particularly in music, movies and theme parks.
Media moguls ranging from Kirk Kerkorian to Edgar Bronfman Jr., the executive who sold the Universal assets to France`s Vivendi in the first place, are supposedly pondering bids. According to a New York Times story earlier this week, Bronfman is moving to arrange financing to underwrite a bid.
A spokeswoman for Vivendi declined comment on the Times article.
The properties are on the block because Vivendi needs to pare its debt load. Jean-Marie Messier, Vivendi`s highly ambitious leader a few years ago, tried to expand his obscure water utility and telecommunications company by cashing in on the entertainment boom in the U.S., as many foreign companies have done -- mostly unsuccessfully -- in the past.
But Messier failed to steer Vivendi Universal successfully and was forced to resign from his post about a year ago. Now, his successor at Vivendi is going about the grim task of undoing his damage.
Elsewhere in the media and entertainment sector, Marvel Enterprises (MVL: news, chart, profile) rose more than 2 percent to $23.30, while AOL Time Warner (AOL: news, chart, profile) retreated 25 cents to $15.62, Sony Corp. (SNE: news, chart, profile) gave back 42 cents to $29.21 and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM: news, chart, profile) slipped 7 cents to $12.11
By Jon Friedman, CBS.MarketWatch.com
Last Update: 10:16 AM ET June 13, 2003
NEW YORK (CBS.MW) -- With takeover talk fanning the flames, Vivendi Universal showed signs of catching fire Friday.
Vivendi Universal extends gains; Marvel shares higher
U.S.-listed shares of Vivendi (V: news, chart, profile) continued their recent winning streak, gaining as much as 2 percent to $19.55 amid media reports that any number of suitors may want to acquire its entertainment assets.
In recent dealings, Vivendi pulled back to a gain of 2 cents at $19.14.
Vivendi Universal owns some of the hottest entertainment properties in the world, particularly in music, movies and theme parks.
Media moguls ranging from Kirk Kerkorian to Edgar Bronfman Jr., the executive who sold the Universal assets to France`s Vivendi in the first place, are supposedly pondering bids. According to a New York Times story earlier this week, Bronfman is moving to arrange financing to underwrite a bid.
A spokeswoman for Vivendi declined comment on the Times article.
The properties are on the block because Vivendi needs to pare its debt load. Jean-Marie Messier, Vivendi`s highly ambitious leader a few years ago, tried to expand his obscure water utility and telecommunications company by cashing in on the entertainment boom in the U.S., as many foreign companies have done -- mostly unsuccessfully -- in the past.
But Messier failed to steer Vivendi Universal successfully and was forced to resign from his post about a year ago. Now, his successor at Vivendi is going about the grim task of undoing his damage.
Elsewhere in the media and entertainment sector, Marvel Enterprises (MVL: news, chart, profile) rose more than 2 percent to $23.30, while AOL Time Warner (AOL: news, chart, profile) retreated 25 cents to $15.62, Sony Corp. (SNE: news, chart, profile) gave back 42 cents to $29.21 and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM: news, chart, profile) slipped 7 cents to $12.11
Gruß Pepita
June 12, 2003
The Hulk
By Kirk Honeycutt
Bottom line: "Hulk" hits on all cylinders -- a smart blend of acting, direction, editing, design, costumes and effects.
Opens
Friday, June 20
"The Hulk" is at once a cutting-edge special effects extravaganza and a throwback to those science fiction classics of the `50s, where B-movie makers actually had things to say about the human condition. It`s the best of both worlds, filled with visual energy, genuine artistry and compelling human emotions. In its own way every bit as inspiring and exciting as his last film, the international hit "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," Ang Lee`s "Hulk" reconfirms the director`s status as an Asian-born filmmaker who understands the heart and soul of the Occidental world perhaps better than we do ourselves.
Destined to be one of the summer`s big hits, "Hulk" plants tentpoles far into the future for a series of "Hulk" films. The biggest challenge facing its producers, though, is to find filmmakers as imaginative as Lee.
Actually, two Lees form part of the creative force that drives this vehicle. The Hulk goes back to Marvel Comics character created in 1962 by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby. Ang Lee and longtime collaborator James Schamus (credited with the story as well as being co-writer and co-producer) rely heavily on the comic books to tell this tale of a man unwittingly transformed into a monster -- a character with a bloodline going back to Robert Lewis Stevenson, H.G. Wells, Mary Shelley and James Whale.
Throughout the movie, Lee engages the viewer with the visual spectacle of comic book graphics transformed by movie magic. Wipes, split screens, zip pans and other optical effects replicate the experience of reading a comic`s panels. Tight shots of characters under stress remind one of those huge panels where artists zero in on big emotions. In some sequences, the split screens move and multiply, catching characters at various angles at once.
In a brilliant opening titles sequence (designed by yU+co), we see a maverick scientist experiment in genetic modification. Failures result, but he perseveres. Then the consequences of his own self-experimental research hits home, literally, when his wife has a baby. Whatever mutation he conjured up in that devil`s brew is passed on to his son. His boss, a military commander, tosses the scientist out of his own lab, but not before the scientist sabotages the lab and rushes home to relieve his son of the burden the boy carries without his knowledge.
Years later, scientist Bruce Banner (Australian actor Eric Bana) follows unknowingly in his father`s footsteps as a researcher in genetic technology. He has repressed all memory of his first four years of life, believing that his parents died when he was an infant. Bruce is so emotionally cut off from others that it has undermined his relationship with girlfriend and fellow researcher Betty Ross (Jennifer Connelly).
Then their lab experiments attract the unwanted attention of Betty`s estranged father, Gen. Ross (Sam Elliott), and rival researcher Glenn Talbot (Josh Lucas). Someone else mysteriously lurks around the lab, the new night janitor David (Nick Nolte), who turns out to be Bruce`s father, recently released from prison.
A lab accident exposes Bruce to what should be a fatal dose of gamma radiation. But his dad`s mutating gene not only allows him to withstand the gammas, the combination serves to kick-start the "monster" within. Now when severely angered, the scrambled DNA turns Bruce into the Hulk. Unlike the old CBS series "The Incredible Hulk" (1977-82), in which Bill Bixby`s Bruce steps off camera in favor of bodybuilder Lou Ferrigno`s Hulk, Bruce`s alter ego here is a massive, green CGI creature that can withstand missiles, leap into the sky and shake up the entire U.S. military.
This character has already caused controversy, the major complaint from some moviegoers being that they have a hard time investing emotionally in a CGI-created character. But not only does this character conform to the Hulk from the Marvel Comics, this is a true-blue (make that green) superhero.
Desperate to understand these transformations, Bruce delves into his own origins. But he is in a race against the blowhard Gen. Ross and conniving Talbot, who seek power and money from the Hulk`s genetic makeup. Equally as puzzling, Bruce must admit that he rather enjoys his other self, knocking about people, cars, ferocious dogs and eventually flying aircraft. The climatic sequence when the Hulk escapes a desert lab and rampages all the way to San Francisco is event moviemaking at its best.
This is a long film that moves at lightning speed, egged on by Danny Elfman`s bold theatrical score and Tim Squyres` fluid editing. For all the considerable contributions by designer Rick Heinrichs and cinematographer Frederick Elmes, though, "Hulk" takes its energy from character development and conflict.
Bana conveys the inner turmoil of a man at odds with his very essence. Connelly, too, gets torn in different directions, unable to trust any man in her life, from this normal guy who becomes a monster to her monstrous father who experiences occasional moments of tenderness. Finally, there is Nolte`s character, a new and interesting twist on the "mad scientist." One sympathizes with his drive for knowledge only to see it corrode as logic deteriorates and the quest for "science" overrides all human concerns.
THE HULK
Universal Pictures
Universal Pictures presents in association with Marvel Enterprises
a Valhalla Motion Pictures/Good Machine production
Credits:
Director: Ang Lee
Screenwriters: John Turman, Michael France, James Schamus
Story by: James Schamus
Based on the comic book character created by: Stan Lee, Jack Kirby
Producers: Gale Anne Hurd, Avi Arad, James Schamus, Larry Franco
Executive producers: Stan Lee, Kevin Feige
Director of photography: Frederick Elmes
Production designer: Rick Heinrichs
Music: Danny Elfman
Costume designer: Marit Allen
Editor: Tim Squyres
Animation supervisor: Colin Brady
Visual effects supervisor: Dennis Muren
Cast:
Bruce Banner: Eric Bana
Betty Ross: Jennifer Connelly
Ross: Sam Elliott
Talbot: Josh Lucas
Father: Nick Nolte
Young David Banner: Paul Kersey
Edith Banner: Cara Buono
Running time -- 138 minutes
MPAA rating: PG-13
June 12, 2003
The Hulk
By Kirk Honeycutt
Bottom line: "Hulk" hits on all cylinders -- a smart blend of acting, direction, editing, design, costumes and effects.
Opens
Friday, June 20
"The Hulk" is at once a cutting-edge special effects extravaganza and a throwback to those science fiction classics of the `50s, where B-movie makers actually had things to say about the human condition. It`s the best of both worlds, filled with visual energy, genuine artistry and compelling human emotions. In its own way every bit as inspiring and exciting as his last film, the international hit "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," Ang Lee`s "Hulk" reconfirms the director`s status as an Asian-born filmmaker who understands the heart and soul of the Occidental world perhaps better than we do ourselves.
Destined to be one of the summer`s big hits, "Hulk" plants tentpoles far into the future for a series of "Hulk" films. The biggest challenge facing its producers, though, is to find filmmakers as imaginative as Lee.
Actually, two Lees form part of the creative force that drives this vehicle. The Hulk goes back to Marvel Comics character created in 1962 by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby. Ang Lee and longtime collaborator James Schamus (credited with the story as well as being co-writer and co-producer) rely heavily on the comic books to tell this tale of a man unwittingly transformed into a monster -- a character with a bloodline going back to Robert Lewis Stevenson, H.G. Wells, Mary Shelley and James Whale.
Throughout the movie, Lee engages the viewer with the visual spectacle of comic book graphics transformed by movie magic. Wipes, split screens, zip pans and other optical effects replicate the experience of reading a comic`s panels. Tight shots of characters under stress remind one of those huge panels where artists zero in on big emotions. In some sequences, the split screens move and multiply, catching characters at various angles at once.
In a brilliant opening titles sequence (designed by yU+co), we see a maverick scientist experiment in genetic modification. Failures result, but he perseveres. Then the consequences of his own self-experimental research hits home, literally, when his wife has a baby. Whatever mutation he conjured up in that devil`s brew is passed on to his son. His boss, a military commander, tosses the scientist out of his own lab, but not before the scientist sabotages the lab and rushes home to relieve his son of the burden the boy carries without his knowledge.
Years later, scientist Bruce Banner (Australian actor Eric Bana) follows unknowingly in his father`s footsteps as a researcher in genetic technology. He has repressed all memory of his first four years of life, believing that his parents died when he was an infant. Bruce is so emotionally cut off from others that it has undermined his relationship with girlfriend and fellow researcher Betty Ross (Jennifer Connelly).
Then their lab experiments attract the unwanted attention of Betty`s estranged father, Gen. Ross (Sam Elliott), and rival researcher Glenn Talbot (Josh Lucas). Someone else mysteriously lurks around the lab, the new night janitor David (Nick Nolte), who turns out to be Bruce`s father, recently released from prison.
A lab accident exposes Bruce to what should be a fatal dose of gamma radiation. But his dad`s mutating gene not only allows him to withstand the gammas, the combination serves to kick-start the "monster" within. Now when severely angered, the scrambled DNA turns Bruce into the Hulk. Unlike the old CBS series "The Incredible Hulk" (1977-82), in which Bill Bixby`s Bruce steps off camera in favor of bodybuilder Lou Ferrigno`s Hulk, Bruce`s alter ego here is a massive, green CGI creature that can withstand missiles, leap into the sky and shake up the entire U.S. military.
This character has already caused controversy, the major complaint from some moviegoers being that they have a hard time investing emotionally in a CGI-created character. But not only does this character conform to the Hulk from the Marvel Comics, this is a true-blue (make that green) superhero.
Desperate to understand these transformations, Bruce delves into his own origins. But he is in a race against the blowhard Gen. Ross and conniving Talbot, who seek power and money from the Hulk`s genetic makeup. Equally as puzzling, Bruce must admit that he rather enjoys his other self, knocking about people, cars, ferocious dogs and eventually flying aircraft. The climatic sequence when the Hulk escapes a desert lab and rampages all the way to San Francisco is event moviemaking at its best.
This is a long film that moves at lightning speed, egged on by Danny Elfman`s bold theatrical score and Tim Squyres` fluid editing. For all the considerable contributions by designer Rick Heinrichs and cinematographer Frederick Elmes, though, "Hulk" takes its energy from character development and conflict.
Bana conveys the inner turmoil of a man at odds with his very essence. Connelly, too, gets torn in different directions, unable to trust any man in her life, from this normal guy who becomes a monster to her monstrous father who experiences occasional moments of tenderness. Finally, there is Nolte`s character, a new and interesting twist on the "mad scientist." One sympathizes with his drive for knowledge only to see it corrode as logic deteriorates and the quest for "science" overrides all human concerns.
THE HULK
Universal Pictures
Universal Pictures presents in association with Marvel Enterprises
a Valhalla Motion Pictures/Good Machine production
Credits:
Director: Ang Lee
Screenwriters: John Turman, Michael France, James Schamus
Story by: James Schamus
Based on the comic book character created by: Stan Lee, Jack Kirby
Producers: Gale Anne Hurd, Avi Arad, James Schamus, Larry Franco
Executive producers: Stan Lee, Kevin Feige
Director of photography: Frederick Elmes
Production designer: Rick Heinrichs
Music: Danny Elfman
Costume designer: Marit Allen
Editor: Tim Squyres
Animation supervisor: Colin Brady
Visual effects supervisor: Dennis Muren
Cast:
Bruce Banner: Eric Bana
Betty Ross: Jennifer Connelly
Ross: Sam Elliott
Talbot: Josh Lucas
Father: Nick Nolte
Young David Banner: Paul Kersey
Edith Banner: Cara Buono
Running time -- 138 minutes
MPAA rating: PG-13
Wer von Euch wird sich den Film nicht ansehen wollen, nach den Reviews...
Gruß Pepita
THE HULK review
The first time I saw THE HULK he was a Herb Trimpe poster that my parents put up in my room when I was 2 years old. Later that year I got the MEGO HULK that always seemed to break its left leg at the knee. Around this time those old 60’s MARVEL cartoons were barraging my infant brains and I was learning:
Doc Bruce Banner,
Belted by gamma rays,
Turned into the Hulk.
Ain’t he unglamorays!
Wreckin’ the town
With the power of a bull,
Ain’t no monster clown
Who is that lovable?
It’s ever lovin’ Hulk! HULK!! HULK!!
Yes, that was from memory. This isn’t to establish some sort of geek cred, rather it is to warn those of you that are unfamiliar with THE HULK, that I am a bit of a HULK super freak. As a small boy I once cried and was scared to death when I went to meet Lou Ferrigno in full HULK make-up at some sort of promotional event. I was around 5 at the time. I’ve since met Lou Ferrigno at numerous conventions and found that he would not go on an uncontrollable rampage and smash me. Though I wasn’t always sure.
Around age 6 – I began reading TALES TO ASTONISH and THE INCREDIBLE HULK – along with a great many other comics. In particular, I loved the TALES TO ASTONISH – Hulk stories. You see, at the same time I was reading this stuff, watching the TV show, my parents were also giving me a healthy dose of UNIVERSAL MONSTERS and Famous Monsters of Filmland.
As a result in my mind, I always saw The Hulk as the ultimate UNIVERSAL MONSTER. He had all the angst of a Larry Talbot – the lumbering dynamic ferocity of Karloff’s Frankenstein Monster – and when Hulk was calm… he had the potential to want to be one with his environment. To appreciate the flowers, the hopping rabbits. It was all there in those Kirby panels with the Stan Lee captions.
For the past 7 years, Ain’t It Cool News has been covering the living hell out of THE HULK. We heralded the drafts by John Turman and Michael France… declared a holy war on the unbelievably fucking awful draft by Jonathan Hensleigh that very nearly became a feature film several years ago. That had HULK vs really hot dude, hummingbird man and digger guy… my names for them, but that’s essentially what they could do. Then the film went into turnaround. David Hayter took a shot at the script and it was pretty bad. Then they attached Ang Lee and James Schamus. That’s when things got really quiet.
Ang Lee is a real filmmaker… an artist… some would say a genius, and here he was turning his craft upon THE HULK. A character that many have labeled as a “stupid character” that just tears stuff up and smashes. Ang has dealt with repressed characters in every film he’s made, and frankly you don’t get more repressed than “puny Banner” from the comics. However, Ang would say things through production that got me scared. Stuff where he would admit not really understanding the Hulk as a character. I’d hear rumors that he was making HULK Shakespearean, and I would get frustrated. HULK isn’t Shakespearean, he’s closer to a Greek Tragedy, but closest to Fredric March DR JEKYLL & MR HYDE, Karloff’s Monster and Chaney Jr’s Larry Talbot. Those three characters are very much the formula for THE HULK, as I saw the character… and admittedly that was my opinion.
Many see HULK as that Superhero that gets in gigantic fist fights with other insanely powerful characters and throw each other through major buildings. And while that’s fun for moments, that’s not the character. Then there are those that Peter David defined the character for. Personally, I never cared for the Peter David HULK. It just didn’t interest me.
I was obsessive about wanting to see a draft of the HULK before they got shooting, because I was terrified of a repeat of the horrible misdirection that Jonathan Hensleigh was taking the character. Once production started, I pretty much stopped searching for the script, then a couple of months ago… it arrived.
I was scared to read it because, at that late date, I just wanted a good HULK movie and I’d been hearing rumblings inside UNIVERSAL that the Hulk didn’t look good, that it was too self-important, that kids would be bored to death, that Ang Lee had turned it into an ART film. The script revealed a lot of the answers to those rumblings. THE HULK as Ang Lee was making it was indeed setting out to be a Tragedy. A film that isn’t so much about surviving the sins of one’s father, as much as fighting your internal demons and controlling your emotions. The film was about repression. Repressed memories, repressed actions, repressed emotions. Dysfunctional people. Sure the film is about a giant green monster, but that Monster is a metaphor given power by an unquenchable thirst for retribution for an unresolved past and an overall history of always giving in. Always deferring. THE HULK represents that Id that strikes out… Like Popeye on Spinach, “Its alls I can stands, I can’t stands no more!”
I loved the script. It was a monster film. The first classic monster film being attempted by UNIVERSAL since the golden era. The Stephen Sommers MUMMY films were not classic monster films, they were pure unfettered popcorn entertainments owing more to film serials than UNIVERSAL`s monster films. Here… Ang Lee was very much making a classic monster movie…
I’m going to deal with The Hulk, himself, last – as I fear many will get carried away with talking about him and leave out the other work in this movie that is exemplary.
1st – THE WRITING
The work by Jon Turman, Michael France and the final cook that brought it all together… James Schamus contributed to realizing a gigantic budget monster movie based upon the original Marvel Comic property by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee. For Comic fans it’s more than just the purple pants or green skin. More than just getting his name right. As written, this script lays out the classic era world of THE HULK. The period where a scientist suffers a horrible accident which turns him into a man that can become a monster without any real control. An Unstoppable monster. He has the entire U.S. Military trying to stop him. There are other monsters in this world he’s in. Dangers abound. He’s given his moments of solitude, we see the legendary DESERT BASE – as written we get a Hulk that has never been seen before. That mesa leaping Hulk. The device for giving HULK voice was so smart and I actually giggled as I read it. Very clever. The characters are drawn from the comic, yet fleshed out. Very good work here.
2nd – THE EDITING
Perhaps, for me, the greatest triumph of the film artistically speaking is the work that Ang Lee did with Tim Squyres here. It is amazing to me, to see folks talk of this as being a “Comic Book” device. Much of the editing here was done to a degree by folks like Tarantino who drew upon DePalma who drew upon Norman Jewison who drew upon the work found in musicals of the fifties and sixties, which drew upon work done by German Expressionists in terms of multiple shots being revealed in a single frame like Fritz Lang did. But that’s ok… Many folks will refer to it as being “24” editing. However, I often found myself surprised and blown away by relatively simple things like a helicopter’s blades revealing a new scene… or how one part of the frame would expand or push another away to give way to a new dramatic reveal. Does this style of editing call attention to itself? Yup, I would definitely say it is a stylistic flourish… One helluva John Hancock. The Yucca wipe was amazing. If you search through 60’s “Pop Art” styled films, you’ll see the direct forbearers of the editing here. In particular look at Norman Jewison’s THE THOMAS CROWN AFFAIR which was edited by Hal Asby, Ralph Winters and Byron Brandt. In particular work like this influenced Comic Panelist innovators like Jim Steranko – who completely influenced the way modern Comic Book lay-outs came to be via his work with Nick Fury. SO – in a way, Film influenced Comics which in turn have come to influence film again. And given Stan Lee gives full credit to Karloff’s Monster for the invention of the Hulk… well it all comes around.
3rd – THE CINEMATOGRAPHY
In combination with the Editing and Visual Effects work, the Cinematography of THE HULK is lush and very nearly and definitely psychedelic. The incredibly trippy looking cellular divisions and nanobot and gamma infusions. Then I found myself gasping at how beautiful the desert looked and was photographed. The gorgeous macro photography of the moss and lichen on rocks that Hulk momentarily ponders and I thought… Who’s the DP on this sucker? FRED ELMES. Who? Well – you probably best know him for his work with David Lynch on films like ERASER HEAD & BLUE VELVET. Or his work on HEAVEN and ARIA. Or NIGHT ON EARTH for Jarmusch or even Ang’s films like THE ICE STORM and RIDE WITH THE DEVIL. Here we see a traditional art house cinematographer, known for bizarre beauty being unleashed on a gigantic film whose star doesn’t exist. The results are truly trippy and cool.
4th – THE ACTING
The only weak link here for me is Josh Lucas, an actor that I’ve never really warmed to. And here, well he isn’t a character that I’m supposed to warm to. I had always imagined Timothy Dalton in this role for some weird reason, but he isn’t dreadful… He’s just the only character that I just thought wasn’t played particularly well.
However, the 4 leads. Eric Bana, Jennifer Connelly, Sam Elliott and Nick Nolte are all exceptional.
General Thunderbolt Ross – Sam Elliot. Exactly correct. The character is actually first portrayed in his youthful period by Todd Tesen – who I swear shares genetic data with Sam Elliott. However, the character is owned by Sam. First off, he isn’t played in the broad cartoonish qualities as written in the comic. This isn’t the “military” version of J. Jonah Jameson here. Instead, as portrayed, he is a character that reveals as much about himself as he provides a greater understanding of the attraction between his daughter Betty Ross and Banner. Ross is a repressed career military man that has dealt with Top Secret projects for at least 30 – 35 years. He’s that military man that can’t come home and talk about his day, because loose lips sink ships. You get the idea that a typical evening dinner at the Ross household for young Betty was Dad coming in, sitting at the dining room table and going straight into the Lord’s Prayer, before digging in and dismissing himself to his office for more work. You can read on Sam’s face a certain degree of regret, he just doesn’t know what to do with a daughter, how to act – which gave way to…
Betty Ross – Jennifer Connelly. It would be easy to write her character off as a “helpless female” except that isn’t what is going on here. She’s in the midst of a pretty bad situation. She was attracted to Bruce because through understanding him, she was working to resolve a certain amount of understanding for her own father. She recognizes the same repression, but wants to get Bruce to come out of his shell… To be a full and sharing partner, just as she has always wanted a complete emotional father. Then the whole HULK thing happens – and she’s forced to deal with a Father that understands orders and duty and action, but nothing about compassion, love and understanding. And then there’s Bruce he’s living in tormented fear and repression and denial. She’s afraid of losing them both, but also afraid of what she’ll find in getting closer. Jennifer does good strong work here.
Bruce Banner – Eric Bana. He’s essentially a repressed man that has never just let go. He doesn’t have a memory prior to about age 7, was an adopted child and has never sought to understand his feelings. He’s been a scientist and been driven to science his whole life. It’s all he knows. He has problems with intimacy and emotional attachments, he loves Betty, but has always kept her at arms’ distance without ever fully understanding why. Bana plays Banner as a geek that is excited and thrilled about the science he’s doing. After the accident and he sees no adverse reactions, like Goldblum’s Brundle, he feels like a million bucks… his bad knee is good again. Due to the large amount of baggage that Bana is having to take Bruce through here… his character isn’t as free as I would like to just be Bruce Banner, but then… this point that we’ve found him in his life… he’s just beginning to find himself. If, and hopefully, this becomes a series, I’ll be interested to see what this internal crisis comes to represent in his day to day character. We don’t get much time with Bruce after the HULK issues begin manifesting – which is a shame, as the greatest work of drama for this character is his struggle to understand why he won’t just kill himself. Why he won’t just turn himself over. Hopefully we’ll see those areas explored further in future features. So was I disappointed with Banner… yes, to the degree that I wanted to see the Banner with the independent lab trying to fix himself and failing again and again… having to see reports about what his ‘other self’ had done and the guilt that brings him. Unfortunately – we never really get that.
David Banner – Nick Nolte. Avi Arad sees Nolte’s performance as Oscar Caliber, but personally… I love Nolte’s character, but there is something just not quite there for me. I think it all comes down to the scene between Nolte and Connelly in his house that first time. When I originally read that scene, I imagined it with the delicious malevolence of a Hannibal Lecter type delivery. However, Nolte played it more… well, real. Not nearly as menacing as I had hoped. He’s a definite bastard and I love his tirades and really look forward to hopefully one day seeing Ang’s original cut that went the way of the do-do long before the Work Print that got online, cuz the most work missing here, I believe fell between Bruce and David Banner. And both characters needed more for me. What’s there is good, and I agree that had there been much more of that – kids like my nephew and the 5 other fifteen year olds and younger would have been driven stir crazy, instead of going HULK crazy when the film ended. However, I wanted more of this character and more of Bruce dealing with what has happened.
5th THE HULK & Other Aspects of the Fantastic
Dennis Muren & Michael Lantieri – Special Effects Supervisors on THE HULK
Nobody has ever seen action like what happens in this movie when the Hulk lets go. For all the lampooning and terror-filled moments worrying about the utter ludicrous concept of “Hulk Dogs” they work for one implicit purpose… to be utterly destroyed by the HULK in such a dramatically destructive way as to just be glorious. Hearing their bones pop, the ferocity that they are thrown into redwood trees… The scene up high in the Redwood where they are hunting Hulk – WONDERFUL. Absolutely beautiful.
HULK versus the Army and Hulk in the Desert. For a TALES TO ASTONISH loving fanboy geek like me, this was a religious experience. You’ve seen him toss, hammer fashion, that one Tank, but when you see what he does after that… I just can’t imagine not going absolutely bonkers. I’d never seen that sort of unleashed furor… In a way, I kinda half imagined Jack Nicholson and that Golf Club a few years back in Los Angeles, but there was just something so perfect about it. His leaps in the desert, going from mesa to mesa… his fight with the helicopters, the ice forming on his face, the foam weapon, the transformation in the water tank. In all – just so impressive. Oh, before folks start talking about how unrealistic Hulk’s leaps were in terms of animation… you must remember… Hulk isn’t flying, he’s leaping and falling. So he’s wobbling because he doesn’t really have a lot of control once he leaves the ground.
How believable is HULK? Well, just right off the bat you’re dealing with a 15ft tall Green Angry Monster – that we all know is done by ILM, so we all automatically know that he will be brought to life via CG – because there’s no other way for it to look anywhere near this good. However, truthfully… I never thought about it in the movie because I was too busy watching to see what the Hulk would do, not whether his pores were there or not. The Hulk is amazingly interactive with his environment, at no point more beautifully than in that slide down the sand dune… wow. But, is he at Gollum level? Well the characters are doing radically different things. Gollum is primarily a dramatic character. Hulk is primarily a character of action. That being said, Gollum was pretty terrific fighting with Sam and Frodo. And Hulk was pretty great as he’s contemplating the lichen and moss upon the rocks in the desert… or the beauty of his Betty. But you won’t get an internal Hulk monologue where Hulk contemplates destroying all humanity, so as a result – the nod goes to Gollum for me, but then… I feel Gollum is the finest work of live action animation in the history of film. Hulk not being the greater character doesn’t mean he isn’t really great, only that I prefer a dramatic character to a character of action.
6th THE DIRECTOR
Ang Lee has done a tremendous job here. He’s constructed a wonderful film that dares to be very smart, artistic, thrilling and exhilarating. How does it compare to his last film? Well, I love both, but there’s no character in HULK nearly as charming as Chow Yun Fat or as soulful as Michelle Yeoh. How does it compare to SPIDER-MAN? Personally, I feel this is superior. How about X2? I’ll go with X2 there, it ultimately comes down to the sheer success of economic development of the characters, though HULK is the more ambitious and artistic achievement, I prefer X2, though I prefer much of HULK to that film. Actually, they’re very different films, but I think ultimately… given time, I’ll see X2 more. However, I haven’t had the opportunity to see HULK more than once at this stage, so that may change.
So there ya go, as someone that loved the comics to death, this movie is fantastic. I took my 3 year old nephew to it, who nearly went crazy during a couple of the dialogue scenes, but stuck with it. During the Hulk Dog fight he was bouncing in his seat excitedly – then stopped, stood up in his chair and whispered to me… “Poo Poo” I asked him if he wanted Grandpa to change him and he said, “No. Hulk” and went back to being held in rapt attention by Hulk beating the hell out of those dogs. So be warned… the Hulk Dogs can scare the shit out of a 3 year old. Literally.
P.S. - Regarding my nephew - and the audience. Since I wouldn`t be able to make it to the press screening the week of release - due to my presence required at a friend`s wedding, this screening was set up so I could do an advance review prior to release. The only other attendees were people on my invite - that understood my nephew would be there. Why take my nephew? His favorite two things in the world right now are SPIDER-MAN and the HULK. And technically he sat mainly with his grandfather during the movie, and barely made a peep the whole screening. He was, no distraction. In fact, I`d wager he`s better behaved than many of you insulting types in Talk Back - given your exhibition of manners displayed here.
Gruß Pepita
THE HULK review
The first time I saw THE HULK he was a Herb Trimpe poster that my parents put up in my room when I was 2 years old. Later that year I got the MEGO HULK that always seemed to break its left leg at the knee. Around this time those old 60’s MARVEL cartoons were barraging my infant brains and I was learning:
Doc Bruce Banner,
Belted by gamma rays,
Turned into the Hulk.
Ain’t he unglamorays!
Wreckin’ the town
With the power of a bull,
Ain’t no monster clown
Who is that lovable?
It’s ever lovin’ Hulk! HULK!! HULK!!
Yes, that was from memory. This isn’t to establish some sort of geek cred, rather it is to warn those of you that are unfamiliar with THE HULK, that I am a bit of a HULK super freak. As a small boy I once cried and was scared to death when I went to meet Lou Ferrigno in full HULK make-up at some sort of promotional event. I was around 5 at the time. I’ve since met Lou Ferrigno at numerous conventions and found that he would not go on an uncontrollable rampage and smash me. Though I wasn’t always sure.
Around age 6 – I began reading TALES TO ASTONISH and THE INCREDIBLE HULK – along with a great many other comics. In particular, I loved the TALES TO ASTONISH – Hulk stories. You see, at the same time I was reading this stuff, watching the TV show, my parents were also giving me a healthy dose of UNIVERSAL MONSTERS and Famous Monsters of Filmland.
As a result in my mind, I always saw The Hulk as the ultimate UNIVERSAL MONSTER. He had all the angst of a Larry Talbot – the lumbering dynamic ferocity of Karloff’s Frankenstein Monster – and when Hulk was calm… he had the potential to want to be one with his environment. To appreciate the flowers, the hopping rabbits. It was all there in those Kirby panels with the Stan Lee captions.
For the past 7 years, Ain’t It Cool News has been covering the living hell out of THE HULK. We heralded the drafts by John Turman and Michael France… declared a holy war on the unbelievably fucking awful draft by Jonathan Hensleigh that very nearly became a feature film several years ago. That had HULK vs really hot dude, hummingbird man and digger guy… my names for them, but that’s essentially what they could do. Then the film went into turnaround. David Hayter took a shot at the script and it was pretty bad. Then they attached Ang Lee and James Schamus. That’s when things got really quiet.
Ang Lee is a real filmmaker… an artist… some would say a genius, and here he was turning his craft upon THE HULK. A character that many have labeled as a “stupid character” that just tears stuff up and smashes. Ang has dealt with repressed characters in every film he’s made, and frankly you don’t get more repressed than “puny Banner” from the comics. However, Ang would say things through production that got me scared. Stuff where he would admit not really understanding the Hulk as a character. I’d hear rumors that he was making HULK Shakespearean, and I would get frustrated. HULK isn’t Shakespearean, he’s closer to a Greek Tragedy, but closest to Fredric March DR JEKYLL & MR HYDE, Karloff’s Monster and Chaney Jr’s Larry Talbot. Those three characters are very much the formula for THE HULK, as I saw the character… and admittedly that was my opinion.
Many see HULK as that Superhero that gets in gigantic fist fights with other insanely powerful characters and throw each other through major buildings. And while that’s fun for moments, that’s not the character. Then there are those that Peter David defined the character for. Personally, I never cared for the Peter David HULK. It just didn’t interest me.
I was obsessive about wanting to see a draft of the HULK before they got shooting, because I was terrified of a repeat of the horrible misdirection that Jonathan Hensleigh was taking the character. Once production started, I pretty much stopped searching for the script, then a couple of months ago… it arrived.
I was scared to read it because, at that late date, I just wanted a good HULK movie and I’d been hearing rumblings inside UNIVERSAL that the Hulk didn’t look good, that it was too self-important, that kids would be bored to death, that Ang Lee had turned it into an ART film. The script revealed a lot of the answers to those rumblings. THE HULK as Ang Lee was making it was indeed setting out to be a Tragedy. A film that isn’t so much about surviving the sins of one’s father, as much as fighting your internal demons and controlling your emotions. The film was about repression. Repressed memories, repressed actions, repressed emotions. Dysfunctional people. Sure the film is about a giant green monster, but that Monster is a metaphor given power by an unquenchable thirst for retribution for an unresolved past and an overall history of always giving in. Always deferring. THE HULK represents that Id that strikes out… Like Popeye on Spinach, “Its alls I can stands, I can’t stands no more!”
I loved the script. It was a monster film. The first classic monster film being attempted by UNIVERSAL since the golden era. The Stephen Sommers MUMMY films were not classic monster films, they were pure unfettered popcorn entertainments owing more to film serials than UNIVERSAL`s monster films. Here… Ang Lee was very much making a classic monster movie…
I’m going to deal with The Hulk, himself, last – as I fear many will get carried away with talking about him and leave out the other work in this movie that is exemplary.
1st – THE WRITING
The work by Jon Turman, Michael France and the final cook that brought it all together… James Schamus contributed to realizing a gigantic budget monster movie based upon the original Marvel Comic property by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee. For Comic fans it’s more than just the purple pants or green skin. More than just getting his name right. As written, this script lays out the classic era world of THE HULK. The period where a scientist suffers a horrible accident which turns him into a man that can become a monster without any real control. An Unstoppable monster. He has the entire U.S. Military trying to stop him. There are other monsters in this world he’s in. Dangers abound. He’s given his moments of solitude, we see the legendary DESERT BASE – as written we get a Hulk that has never been seen before. That mesa leaping Hulk. The device for giving HULK voice was so smart and I actually giggled as I read it. Very clever. The characters are drawn from the comic, yet fleshed out. Very good work here.
2nd – THE EDITING
Perhaps, for me, the greatest triumph of the film artistically speaking is the work that Ang Lee did with Tim Squyres here. It is amazing to me, to see folks talk of this as being a “Comic Book” device. Much of the editing here was done to a degree by folks like Tarantino who drew upon DePalma who drew upon Norman Jewison who drew upon the work found in musicals of the fifties and sixties, which drew upon work done by German Expressionists in terms of multiple shots being revealed in a single frame like Fritz Lang did. But that’s ok… Many folks will refer to it as being “24” editing. However, I often found myself surprised and blown away by relatively simple things like a helicopter’s blades revealing a new scene… or how one part of the frame would expand or push another away to give way to a new dramatic reveal. Does this style of editing call attention to itself? Yup, I would definitely say it is a stylistic flourish… One helluva John Hancock. The Yucca wipe was amazing. If you search through 60’s “Pop Art” styled films, you’ll see the direct forbearers of the editing here. In particular look at Norman Jewison’s THE THOMAS CROWN AFFAIR which was edited by Hal Asby, Ralph Winters and Byron Brandt. In particular work like this influenced Comic Panelist innovators like Jim Steranko – who completely influenced the way modern Comic Book lay-outs came to be via his work with Nick Fury. SO – in a way, Film influenced Comics which in turn have come to influence film again. And given Stan Lee gives full credit to Karloff’s Monster for the invention of the Hulk… well it all comes around.
3rd – THE CINEMATOGRAPHY
In combination with the Editing and Visual Effects work, the Cinematography of THE HULK is lush and very nearly and definitely psychedelic. The incredibly trippy looking cellular divisions and nanobot and gamma infusions. Then I found myself gasping at how beautiful the desert looked and was photographed. The gorgeous macro photography of the moss and lichen on rocks that Hulk momentarily ponders and I thought… Who’s the DP on this sucker? FRED ELMES. Who? Well – you probably best know him for his work with David Lynch on films like ERASER HEAD & BLUE VELVET. Or his work on HEAVEN and ARIA. Or NIGHT ON EARTH for Jarmusch or even Ang’s films like THE ICE STORM and RIDE WITH THE DEVIL. Here we see a traditional art house cinematographer, known for bizarre beauty being unleashed on a gigantic film whose star doesn’t exist. The results are truly trippy and cool.
4th – THE ACTING
The only weak link here for me is Josh Lucas, an actor that I’ve never really warmed to. And here, well he isn’t a character that I’m supposed to warm to. I had always imagined Timothy Dalton in this role for some weird reason, but he isn’t dreadful… He’s just the only character that I just thought wasn’t played particularly well.
However, the 4 leads. Eric Bana, Jennifer Connelly, Sam Elliott and Nick Nolte are all exceptional.
General Thunderbolt Ross – Sam Elliot. Exactly correct. The character is actually first portrayed in his youthful period by Todd Tesen – who I swear shares genetic data with Sam Elliott. However, the character is owned by Sam. First off, he isn’t played in the broad cartoonish qualities as written in the comic. This isn’t the “military” version of J. Jonah Jameson here. Instead, as portrayed, he is a character that reveals as much about himself as he provides a greater understanding of the attraction between his daughter Betty Ross and Banner. Ross is a repressed career military man that has dealt with Top Secret projects for at least 30 – 35 years. He’s that military man that can’t come home and talk about his day, because loose lips sink ships. You get the idea that a typical evening dinner at the Ross household for young Betty was Dad coming in, sitting at the dining room table and going straight into the Lord’s Prayer, before digging in and dismissing himself to his office for more work. You can read on Sam’s face a certain degree of regret, he just doesn’t know what to do with a daughter, how to act – which gave way to…
Betty Ross – Jennifer Connelly. It would be easy to write her character off as a “helpless female” except that isn’t what is going on here. She’s in the midst of a pretty bad situation. She was attracted to Bruce because through understanding him, she was working to resolve a certain amount of understanding for her own father. She recognizes the same repression, but wants to get Bruce to come out of his shell… To be a full and sharing partner, just as she has always wanted a complete emotional father. Then the whole HULK thing happens – and she’s forced to deal with a Father that understands orders and duty and action, but nothing about compassion, love and understanding. And then there’s Bruce he’s living in tormented fear and repression and denial. She’s afraid of losing them both, but also afraid of what she’ll find in getting closer. Jennifer does good strong work here.
Bruce Banner – Eric Bana. He’s essentially a repressed man that has never just let go. He doesn’t have a memory prior to about age 7, was an adopted child and has never sought to understand his feelings. He’s been a scientist and been driven to science his whole life. It’s all he knows. He has problems with intimacy and emotional attachments, he loves Betty, but has always kept her at arms’ distance without ever fully understanding why. Bana plays Banner as a geek that is excited and thrilled about the science he’s doing. After the accident and he sees no adverse reactions, like Goldblum’s Brundle, he feels like a million bucks… his bad knee is good again. Due to the large amount of baggage that Bana is having to take Bruce through here… his character isn’t as free as I would like to just be Bruce Banner, but then… this point that we’ve found him in his life… he’s just beginning to find himself. If, and hopefully, this becomes a series, I’ll be interested to see what this internal crisis comes to represent in his day to day character. We don’t get much time with Bruce after the HULK issues begin manifesting – which is a shame, as the greatest work of drama for this character is his struggle to understand why he won’t just kill himself. Why he won’t just turn himself over. Hopefully we’ll see those areas explored further in future features. So was I disappointed with Banner… yes, to the degree that I wanted to see the Banner with the independent lab trying to fix himself and failing again and again… having to see reports about what his ‘other self’ had done and the guilt that brings him. Unfortunately – we never really get that.
David Banner – Nick Nolte. Avi Arad sees Nolte’s performance as Oscar Caliber, but personally… I love Nolte’s character, but there is something just not quite there for me. I think it all comes down to the scene between Nolte and Connelly in his house that first time. When I originally read that scene, I imagined it with the delicious malevolence of a Hannibal Lecter type delivery. However, Nolte played it more… well, real. Not nearly as menacing as I had hoped. He’s a definite bastard and I love his tirades and really look forward to hopefully one day seeing Ang’s original cut that went the way of the do-do long before the Work Print that got online, cuz the most work missing here, I believe fell between Bruce and David Banner. And both characters needed more for me. What’s there is good, and I agree that had there been much more of that – kids like my nephew and the 5 other fifteen year olds and younger would have been driven stir crazy, instead of going HULK crazy when the film ended. However, I wanted more of this character and more of Bruce dealing with what has happened.
5th THE HULK & Other Aspects of the Fantastic
Dennis Muren & Michael Lantieri – Special Effects Supervisors on THE HULK
Nobody has ever seen action like what happens in this movie when the Hulk lets go. For all the lampooning and terror-filled moments worrying about the utter ludicrous concept of “Hulk Dogs” they work for one implicit purpose… to be utterly destroyed by the HULK in such a dramatically destructive way as to just be glorious. Hearing their bones pop, the ferocity that they are thrown into redwood trees… The scene up high in the Redwood where they are hunting Hulk – WONDERFUL. Absolutely beautiful.
HULK versus the Army and Hulk in the Desert. For a TALES TO ASTONISH loving fanboy geek like me, this was a religious experience. You’ve seen him toss, hammer fashion, that one Tank, but when you see what he does after that… I just can’t imagine not going absolutely bonkers. I’d never seen that sort of unleashed furor… In a way, I kinda half imagined Jack Nicholson and that Golf Club a few years back in Los Angeles, but there was just something so perfect about it. His leaps in the desert, going from mesa to mesa… his fight with the helicopters, the ice forming on his face, the foam weapon, the transformation in the water tank. In all – just so impressive. Oh, before folks start talking about how unrealistic Hulk’s leaps were in terms of animation… you must remember… Hulk isn’t flying, he’s leaping and falling. So he’s wobbling because he doesn’t really have a lot of control once he leaves the ground.
How believable is HULK? Well, just right off the bat you’re dealing with a 15ft tall Green Angry Monster – that we all know is done by ILM, so we all automatically know that he will be brought to life via CG – because there’s no other way for it to look anywhere near this good. However, truthfully… I never thought about it in the movie because I was too busy watching to see what the Hulk would do, not whether his pores were there or not. The Hulk is amazingly interactive with his environment, at no point more beautifully than in that slide down the sand dune… wow. But, is he at Gollum level? Well the characters are doing radically different things. Gollum is primarily a dramatic character. Hulk is primarily a character of action. That being said, Gollum was pretty terrific fighting with Sam and Frodo. And Hulk was pretty great as he’s contemplating the lichen and moss upon the rocks in the desert… or the beauty of his Betty. But you won’t get an internal Hulk monologue where Hulk contemplates destroying all humanity, so as a result – the nod goes to Gollum for me, but then… I feel Gollum is the finest work of live action animation in the history of film. Hulk not being the greater character doesn’t mean he isn’t really great, only that I prefer a dramatic character to a character of action.
6th THE DIRECTOR
Ang Lee has done a tremendous job here. He’s constructed a wonderful film that dares to be very smart, artistic, thrilling and exhilarating. How does it compare to his last film? Well, I love both, but there’s no character in HULK nearly as charming as Chow Yun Fat or as soulful as Michelle Yeoh. How does it compare to SPIDER-MAN? Personally, I feel this is superior. How about X2? I’ll go with X2 there, it ultimately comes down to the sheer success of economic development of the characters, though HULK is the more ambitious and artistic achievement, I prefer X2, though I prefer much of HULK to that film. Actually, they’re very different films, but I think ultimately… given time, I’ll see X2 more. However, I haven’t had the opportunity to see HULK more than once at this stage, so that may change.
So there ya go, as someone that loved the comics to death, this movie is fantastic. I took my 3 year old nephew to it, who nearly went crazy during a couple of the dialogue scenes, but stuck with it. During the Hulk Dog fight he was bouncing in his seat excitedly – then stopped, stood up in his chair and whispered to me… “Poo Poo” I asked him if he wanted Grandpa to change him and he said, “No. Hulk” and went back to being held in rapt attention by Hulk beating the hell out of those dogs. So be warned… the Hulk Dogs can scare the shit out of a 3 year old. Literally.
P.S. - Regarding my nephew - and the audience. Since I wouldn`t be able to make it to the press screening the week of release - due to my presence required at a friend`s wedding, this screening was set up so I could do an advance review prior to release. The only other attendees were people on my invite - that understood my nephew would be there. Why take my nephew? His favorite two things in the world right now are SPIDER-MAN and the HULK. And technically he sat mainly with his grandfather during the movie, and barely made a peep the whole screening. He was, no distraction. In fact, I`d wager he`s better behaved than many of you insulting types in Talk Back - given your exhibition of manners displayed here.
Gruß Pepita
ANYONE WHO SEES “The Hulk,” however, will have a hard time forgetting its pristine, powerful, surprisingly beautiful images, which alternate between intimate close-ups, vast vistas and kaleidoscopic split screens. You must have known the maker of “Sense and Sensibility” and “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” wouldn’t deliver your normal popcorn movie. He hasn’t. Dark, stately, with aspirations to tragic grandeur, “The Hulk” is a fascinating synthesis: something old, something new, something borrowed, something... green.
It’s also a love story (Jennifer Connelly is Betty Ross, touchingly torn between desire and horror) and a meditation on fathers and sons (Nick Nolte, disheveled and deranged, plays Bruce’s mad-scientist dad). Lee takes his time getting to the action, but he doesn’t skimp when he gets there. Most spectacular is the desert showdown between the Hulk and a phalanx of Army tanks, which he flings across the dunes like so many Frisbees. “The Hulk” sometimes meanders, it has too many endings for its own good and the computer-generated angry green giant sometimes moves with cartoonish clunkiness. But where so many comic-book movies feel as disposable as Kleenex, the passionate, uncynical “Hulk” stamps itself into your memory. Lee’s movies are built to last.
© 2003 Newsweek, Inc.
ANYONE WHO SEES “The Hulk,” however, will have a hard time forgetting its pristine, powerful, surprisingly beautiful images, which alternate between intimate close-ups, vast vistas and kaleidoscopic split screens. You must have known the maker of “Sense and Sensibility” and “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” wouldn’t deliver your normal popcorn movie. He hasn’t. Dark, stately, with aspirations to tragic grandeur, “The Hulk” is a fascinating synthesis: something old, something new, something borrowed, something... green.
It’s also a love story (Jennifer Connelly is Betty Ross, touchingly torn between desire and horror) and a meditation on fathers and sons (Nick Nolte, disheveled and deranged, plays Bruce’s mad-scientist dad). Lee takes his time getting to the action, but he doesn’t skimp when he gets there. Most spectacular is the desert showdown between the Hulk and a phalanx of Army tanks, which he flings across the dunes like so many Frisbees. “The Hulk” sometimes meanders, it has too many endings for its own good and the computer-generated angry green giant sometimes moves with cartoonish clunkiness. But where so many comic-book movies feel as disposable as Kleenex, the passionate, uncynical “Hulk” stamps itself into your memory. Lee’s movies are built to last.
© 2003 Newsweek, Inc.
Heute mauer Handel, MVL unverändert. Keine News. Alles wartet auf Hulk. Verabschiede mich in den Urlaub für 2 Wochen, werde ab und an im Internetcafe aus Funchal vorbeisurfen.
Gruß Pepita
Gruß Pepita
Gruss von Madeira
Pepita
Marvel Enterprises Appoints Peter Cuneo Vice Chairman
Tuesday June 17, 12:02 pm ET
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 17, 2003--Marvel Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: MVL - News) announced today the appointment of F. Peter Cuneo, 59, as Vice Chairman of its Board of Directors. Mr. Cuneo has served as a director of the Company since July 1999 and served as Marvel`s President and Chief Executive Officer from July 1999 until December 2002. Since retiring from the positions of President and CEO effective December 31, 2002, Mr. Cuneo has also served Marvel as Special Advisor to the CEO and has played a very active role in the Company`s investor relations efforts. Isaac Perlmutter also continues to serve as Vice Chairman of the Board.
ADVERTISEMENT
Prior to Marvel, Mr. Cuneo`s executive experience included serving as President, Chief Executive Officer and as a director of Remington Products Company, L.L.C., a manufacturer and marketer of personal care appliances, and as President and Chief Operating Officer at Remington Products Company, the predecessor to Remington Products Company, L.L.C. Mr. Cuneo is also currently a director of Water Pik Technologies, Inc.
Morton E. Handel, Chairman, stated: "Peter has been instrumental in the financial and operational strategy and activities that facilitated Marvel`s emergence as one of the leading entertainment licensing companies in the world. In addition to his acumen in financial planning, Peter has developed and maintained an extraordinary dialog with our investors. In naming Peter as Vice Chairman, the Board recognizes Peter`s ongoing contribution to both of these important business initiatives, and we look to Peter continuing to play a very active and direct role in our investor communications efforts."
Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Cuneo said: "I`m deeply committed to the future success of Marvel, both as a company and as an investment. I have found tremendous enjoyment in my new role as a leading Marvel spokesperson to the financial community and am flattered that the Board has acknowledged my efforts with this appointment. As an individual with a substantial personal and financial investment in Marvel, I look forward to continuing to play a very active role at the Company and with our investors."
About Marvel Enterprises
Marvel Enterprises, Inc. is leading global character-based entertainment licensing company that has developed and owns a library of over 4,700 characters which have entertained generations around the world for over 60 years. Marvel`s operations are focused in entertainment and consumer product licensing and comic book publishing. Marvel`s creative teams at its Marvel Studios, Marvel Comics and Toy Biz divisions support the development of feature films (and DVD/video), video games, TV series and toy lines based on its characters. Marvel also licenses its characters for use in a broad and growing range of consumer products and services including apparel, collectibles, food and promotions. Marvel Comics is a leading global comics publisher and an invaluable source of intellectual property; Marvel Studios works with studios to develop feature film and entertainment projects; and Toy Biz is a recognized leader in toy design, sales and marketing that develops and oversees both licensee and in-house toy lines. For additional information visit http://www.marvel.com.
Except for any historical information that they contain, the statements in this news release regarding Marvel`s plans are forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including a decrease in the level of media exposure or popularity of Marvel`s characters, financial difficulties of Marvel`s licensees, changing consumer preferences, movie- and television-production delays and cancellations, toy-production delays or shortfalls, continued concentration of toy retailers, toy inventory risk, the imposition of quotas or tariffs on products manufactured in China, any effect of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome on Marvel`s manufacturers or licensees in the Far East, and a decrease in cash flow even as Marvel remains indebted to its noteholders. These and other risks and uncertainties are described in Marvel`s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Marvel`s Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Marvel assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements
Pepita
Marvel Enterprises Appoints Peter Cuneo Vice Chairman
Tuesday June 17, 12:02 pm ET
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 17, 2003--Marvel Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: MVL - News) announced today the appointment of F. Peter Cuneo, 59, as Vice Chairman of its Board of Directors. Mr. Cuneo has served as a director of the Company since July 1999 and served as Marvel`s President and Chief Executive Officer from July 1999 until December 2002. Since retiring from the positions of President and CEO effective December 31, 2002, Mr. Cuneo has also served Marvel as Special Advisor to the CEO and has played a very active role in the Company`s investor relations efforts. Isaac Perlmutter also continues to serve as Vice Chairman of the Board.
ADVERTISEMENT
Prior to Marvel, Mr. Cuneo`s executive experience included serving as President, Chief Executive Officer and as a director of Remington Products Company, L.L.C., a manufacturer and marketer of personal care appliances, and as President and Chief Operating Officer at Remington Products Company, the predecessor to Remington Products Company, L.L.C. Mr. Cuneo is also currently a director of Water Pik Technologies, Inc.
Morton E. Handel, Chairman, stated: "Peter has been instrumental in the financial and operational strategy and activities that facilitated Marvel`s emergence as one of the leading entertainment licensing companies in the world. In addition to his acumen in financial planning, Peter has developed and maintained an extraordinary dialog with our investors. In naming Peter as Vice Chairman, the Board recognizes Peter`s ongoing contribution to both of these important business initiatives, and we look to Peter continuing to play a very active and direct role in our investor communications efforts."
Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Cuneo said: "I`m deeply committed to the future success of Marvel, both as a company and as an investment. I have found tremendous enjoyment in my new role as a leading Marvel spokesperson to the financial community and am flattered that the Board has acknowledged my efforts with this appointment. As an individual with a substantial personal and financial investment in Marvel, I look forward to continuing to play a very active role at the Company and with our investors."
About Marvel Enterprises
Marvel Enterprises, Inc. is leading global character-based entertainment licensing company that has developed and owns a library of over 4,700 characters which have entertained generations around the world for over 60 years. Marvel`s operations are focused in entertainment and consumer product licensing and comic book publishing. Marvel`s creative teams at its Marvel Studios, Marvel Comics and Toy Biz divisions support the development of feature films (and DVD/video), video games, TV series and toy lines based on its characters. Marvel also licenses its characters for use in a broad and growing range of consumer products and services including apparel, collectibles, food and promotions. Marvel Comics is a leading global comics publisher and an invaluable source of intellectual property; Marvel Studios works with studios to develop feature film and entertainment projects; and Toy Biz is a recognized leader in toy design, sales and marketing that develops and oversees both licensee and in-house toy lines. For additional information visit http://www.marvel.com.
Except for any historical information that they contain, the statements in this news release regarding Marvel`s plans are forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including a decrease in the level of media exposure or popularity of Marvel`s characters, financial difficulties of Marvel`s licensees, changing consumer preferences, movie- and television-production delays and cancellations, toy-production delays or shortfalls, continued concentration of toy retailers, toy inventory risk, the imposition of quotas or tariffs on products manufactured in China, any effect of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome on Marvel`s manufacturers or licensees in the Far East, and a decrease in cash flow even as Marvel remains indebted to its noteholders. These and other risks and uncertainties are described in Marvel`s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Marvel`s Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Marvel assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements
Marvel? too expensive, International Media with T3 is cheap!!
http://www.forbes.com/finance/mktguideapps/compinfo/CompanyT…
See also: http://www.marvel.com/investors/archive/050603_8k.pdf
http://www.internationalmedia.de/internationalmedia/investor…
MVL Marvel Enterprises
MVL Shares Out 65,61 Mio
Earning 1. Quarter 2003 42,221 Mio $ (0,57$/Shr)
Book Value: 320,18 Mio Dollar (4,88 $/Shr)
Price: 19$
Market Cap: 1246 Mio $
IEM International Media WKN: 548880
IEM Shares Out 32Mio
Earning 1. Quarter 1,14Mio (0,035€/Shr)
Book Value 169Mio€ (192 Mio $, 6,02$ /Shr)
Price 1,32€
Market Cap: 42,25 Mio Euro
Market Cap/Book Value:
MVE 3,89
IEM 0,25
MVE/IEM: 15,56
Theological Price compared to IEM: MVL(19$) /15,56 = 1,22 $
Theological Price compared to MVL: IEM(1,32€) * 15,56 = 20,53 Euro
1Euro=1€=1,14$
If we have a Box Off about 200 Mio$, the IEM can earn more than 30 Mio $.
More then 1$ earning per Share
http://www.forbes.com/finance/mktguideapps/compinfo/CompanyT…
See also: http://www.marvel.com/investors/archive/050603_8k.pdf
http://www.internationalmedia.de/internationalmedia/investor…
MVL Marvel Enterprises
MVL Shares Out 65,61 Mio
Earning 1. Quarter 2003 42,221 Mio $ (0,57$/Shr)
Book Value: 320,18 Mio Dollar (4,88 $/Shr)
Price: 19$
Market Cap: 1246 Mio $
IEM International Media WKN: 548880
IEM Shares Out 32Mio
Earning 1. Quarter 1,14Mio (0,035€/Shr)
Book Value 169Mio€ (192 Mio $, 6,02$ /Shr)
Price 1,32€
Market Cap: 42,25 Mio Euro
Market Cap/Book Value:
MVE 3,89
IEM 0,25
MVE/IEM: 15,56
Theological Price compared to IEM: MVL(19$) /15,56 = 1,22 $
Theological Price compared to MVL: IEM(1,32€) * 15,56 = 20,53 Euro
1Euro=1€=1,14$
If we have a Box Off about 200 Mio$, the IEM can earn more than 30 Mio $.
More then 1$ earning per Share
Da fährt man mal in Urlaub und schon stürzt Marvel deutlich zurück. Bin selbst auch draussen nachdem Stopploss bei 19,80 $ gegriffen hat. Habe bislang nicht nachgekauft sondern warte erstmal ab bis sich die Lage etwas beruhigt hat. Momentan scheint sich der Kurs bei knapp unter 19 $ einzupendeln. Es fehlt aber z.Z. der Antrieb für einen Kursschub. Wir sind erstmal unterhalb der 50 Tageslinie seit langem, die wird sicher nicht so einfach durchbrochen. Nächster Schub könnte Anfang August durch positive Quartalszahlen kommen. Danach allerdings kaum geplante Events, aber bei MVL kanns immer Überraschungen geben.
Grund für den Absturz: Hulk hat trotz Rekorderöffnung eines Juni - Films nicht so eingeschlagen wie erwartet. Obwohl MVL das eigentlich egal sein könnte, da nur Lizenzen verkauft werden und das Geld schon eingenommen ist hat die Börse heftig reagiert, allerdings auch nach immensen Kurssteigerungen im Frühjahr. MVL ist also doch relativ abhängig vom Erfolg / Misserfolg der Filme.
Allerdings soll der Film gar nicht schlecht sein. In Deutschland allerdings wird er heute in vielen Kinos nicht zu sehen sein. Ausführungen dazu in den nächsten Postings.
Gruß Pepita
Grund für den Absturz: Hulk hat trotz Rekorderöffnung eines Juni - Films nicht so eingeschlagen wie erwartet. Obwohl MVL das eigentlich egal sein könnte, da nur Lizenzen verkauft werden und das Geld schon eingenommen ist hat die Börse heftig reagiert, allerdings auch nach immensen Kurssteigerungen im Frühjahr. MVL ist also doch relativ abhängig vom Erfolg / Misserfolg der Filme.
Allerdings soll der Film gar nicht schlecht sein. In Deutschland allerdings wird er heute in vielen Kinos nicht zu sehen sein. Ausführungen dazu in den nächsten Postings.
Gruß Pepita
Gruß Pepita
Die beste Comic-Verfilmung seit "Spider-Man": Regisseur Ang Lee schafft mit seiner Leinwand-Adaption des Marvel-Monsters "Hulk" den durchaus unterhaltsamen Spagat zwischen Kunst und Kommerz.
DPA
Wüterich Hulk: Großes grünes Riesenbaby
Was ist an einem Furcht erregenden grünen Klops, der, wo immer er auftaucht, in blinder Rage haufenweise Schutt fabriziert, eigentlich sympathisch oder gar heldenhaft? Auf den ersten Blick nichts. Insofern gehört der 1962 von Stan Lee und Jack Kirby erschaffene Hulk zu den ungewöhnlichsten Charakteren des Marvel-Comic-Universums.
Nur gerecht also, dass bei der Wahl des Regisseurs für die jüngste Hollywood-Verfilmung eine ebenso ungewöhnliche Wahl getroffen wurde. Der aus Taiwan stammende Regisseur Ang Lee, bekannt geworden durch unterschiedliche Filme wie "Sinn und Sinnlichkeit", "Der Eissturm" oder "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", lässt sich nicht auf ein Genre festlegen, widmet sich aber stets mit großer Leidenschaft und Akribie dem Innenleben seiner Protagonisten und erfindet für jedes seiner Werke eine eigene Bildsprache.
Zusammen mit seinen vertrauten Drehbuchautoren James Schamus und Michael France schuf Lee auch seine ganz eigene Version des Hulks. Der Wissenschaftler Bruce Banner wird bei ihm nicht wie in der Vorlage durch eine Nuklearexplosion zum Monster, das sich fortan im Sinne der Gerechtigkeit durch Heerscharen von Schurken prügelt. Lees Banner ist ein in sich verkapselter Nerd ohne soziale Bindungen, der an einer Universität mit Gen-Experimenten beschäftigt ist. Mit seiner Kollegin Betty Ross (Jennifer Connelly) unterhielt er bis vor kurzem eine Liebesbeziehung, doch die Affäre endete trotz gegenseitiger Zuneigung, weil er seine Gefühle ihr gegenüber nicht offenbaren konnte.
Doch hinter dem von Eric Bana mit beeindruckender Ausdruckslosigkeit dargestellten Wissenschaftler verbirgt sich weitaus mehr als nur ein emotional unterentwickelter Klotz. Bei einem Unfall im Labor wird Bruce mit einer Ladung Gamma-Strahlen bombardiert, die einen normalen Menschen auf der Stelle ins Jenseits befördert hätten. Bruce jedoch fühlt sich besser denn je, stellt allerdings bald darauf fest, dass er nun zum unkontrolliert tobenden Monster wird, sobald ihn etwas richtig wütend macht.
Das einzige, was ihn wirklich und im wahrsten Sinne aus der Facon bringt, ist sein eigener Vater. In der langen und ausführlichen Exposition des Films sehen wir in einer Rückblende, wie David Banner, ein von seinen militärischen Auftraggebern missverstandener Gen-Forscher, das eigens synthetisierte Immunstärkungs-Präparat kurzerhand an sich selbst erprobt. Zwar zeigt es bei ihm keine Wirkung, doch schwant ihm Jahre später, dass er das veränderte Erbgut an seinen Sohn weitergegeben hat. Später muss der kleine Bruce miterleben, wie seine Eltern in einen heftigen Streit geraten, bei dem die Mutter umkommt. Ein Trauma, das die Gefühle des erwachsenen Bruce fortan in strenger Umklammerung hält, während seine Erinnerungen an das schmerzhafte Ereignis verschüttet bleiben.
Erst als sein offensichtlich übergeschnappter und auf den Hund gekommener Vater, ein zotteliger Penner, kongenial verkörpert von Nick Nolte, nach jahrelanger Abwesenheit wieder auftaucht, beginnen sich Bruces Blockaden zu lösen. Die aufgestaute Angst, Wut und Frustration des gequälten Kindes bricht sich Bahn, indem er zum Hulk wird, den Ang Lee durchaus passend als großes grünes Riesenbaby mit schmollendem Putten-Gesicht darstellt.
So entspinnt sich ein doppelter Vater-Kind-Konflikt. Bruce ist hin und her gerissen zwischen den antagonistischen Figuren seines verhassten Vaters, der den zerstörerischen Samen des Bösen in ihn gepflanzt hat, und der begehrten Betty, die als einzige Frau im ganzen Film nicht nur alle positiven Gefühle in sich vereint, sondern für Bruce gleichzeitig die Sehnsucht nach der verlorenen Mutterliebe verkörpert. In einer Nebenhandlung tragen auch Betty und ihr Vater, ein hoher Militär (Sam Elliott) und ehemals David Banners Chef, einen lange schwelenden Konflikt aus. Der schneidige Soldat will den unkontrolliert wütenden Hulk aus beruflichen und persönlichen Gründen töten und sein Erbgut zu militärischen Zwecken ausbeuten lassen. Je mehr er jedoch versucht, seine Tochter vor Bruce zu beschützen, desto mehr stößt er sie von sich fort und hin zu dem tapsig-bedrohlichen Ding, zu dem Banner nun immer öfter mutiert. Plakativer wurde die Emanzipation einer Tochter von ihrem übermächtigen und eifersüchtigen Vater selten im Kino dargestellt.
Dabei vergisst Ang Lee zu keiner Zeit, dass er sich nicht in einem europäischen Beziehungsdrama, sondern in einem amerikanischen Genrefilm befindet. Während er seinen für eine Comic-Verfilmung durchaus komplexen Plot mit klaren, geradezu aufdringlichen Bildern inszeniert, um ihm die zerebrale Schwere zu nehmen, sorgt er an anderer Stelle für hirnlosen Actionspaß: Wenn der Hulk auf der Flucht vor der Armee mit ganzen Panzern herumdrischt wie ein Kleinkind mit seiner Rassel, kommt Rasanz und Freude auf, zumal der grüne Brocken kurz darauf mit großen Sprüngen durch die Wüste eilt und dabei unwillkürlich an Flip, den Grashüpfer-Freund der Biene Maja denken lässt. Haarsträubend komisch ist es gar, wenn der zuweilen an King Kong erinnernde Held seine Angebetete vor den zu blutrünstigen Bestien mutierten Schoßhündchen seines Vaters retten muss und dabei einen grotesken Königspudel zu Klump haut.
Hier zeigt Lee augenzwinkernd, dass er sein eigenes Spiel und keineswegs nach den Regeln Hollywoods spielt. Gegenüber anderen Event-Movies der letzten Zeit mögen die Tricks und Effekte, gerade was die digitale Animation des Hulks betrifft, zu wünschen übrig lassen, doch das ist verzeihlich, wenn man anerkennt, dass es dem Regisseur ganz offenbar nicht um größtmögliche Nähe zur Realität, sondern um popkulturelle und cineastische Verarbeitung und Hommage ging. Die Film-Monster des legendären Tricktechnikers Ray Harryhausen werden hier ebenso zitiert wie die Phantasien japanischer Animationsfilme wie "Akira". Selbst den erfolgreichen Trick-Helden Shrek, selbst nicht ganz unbeeinflusst vom grünen Comic-Wüterich, lässt Lee manchmal in seinem Hulk anklingen.
Zudem müht sich der Regisseur redlich, die Ästhetik der Comicvorlage auf die Leinwand zu transportieren. Achssprünge, unorthodoxe Perspektiven, die in den Siebzigern populäre Split-Screen-Technik und übermäßig viele Großaufnahmen von Gesichtern nutzt er extensiv, um den Charakter der Panels filmisch umzusetzen. Als Gegengewicht zu so viel Pop dürfen sich Eric Bana und Nick Nolte kurz vor dem Showdown ein dramatisches Dialog-Gefecht auf einer stilisierten Theaterbühne liefern - Shakespeare trifft "Pulp Fiction".
Sympathischer geworden ist der Hulk durch Lees virtuose Bearbeitung indes nicht. Das tobende Wut-Monster zum greinenden grünen Blag zu degradieren, gehört sicherlich zu den perfidesten Volten dieses Films, der zwar von extremen Gestalten und menschlichen Dramen erzählt, sich selbst dabei jedoch nicht allzu ernst nimmt. Mit seiner Verquickung von Filmkunst und Comic ist es Lee und seinem Antihelden immerhin gelungen, im Superhelden-Genre einen neuen Akzent zu setzen. "Spider-Man" könnte grün werden - vor Neid.
Die beste Comic-Verfilmung seit "Spider-Man": Regisseur Ang Lee schafft mit seiner Leinwand-Adaption des Marvel-Monsters "Hulk" den durchaus unterhaltsamen Spagat zwischen Kunst und Kommerz.
DPA
Wüterich Hulk: Großes grünes Riesenbaby
Was ist an einem Furcht erregenden grünen Klops, der, wo immer er auftaucht, in blinder Rage haufenweise Schutt fabriziert, eigentlich sympathisch oder gar heldenhaft? Auf den ersten Blick nichts. Insofern gehört der 1962 von Stan Lee und Jack Kirby erschaffene Hulk zu den ungewöhnlichsten Charakteren des Marvel-Comic-Universums.
Nur gerecht also, dass bei der Wahl des Regisseurs für die jüngste Hollywood-Verfilmung eine ebenso ungewöhnliche Wahl getroffen wurde. Der aus Taiwan stammende Regisseur Ang Lee, bekannt geworden durch unterschiedliche Filme wie "Sinn und Sinnlichkeit", "Der Eissturm" oder "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", lässt sich nicht auf ein Genre festlegen, widmet sich aber stets mit großer Leidenschaft und Akribie dem Innenleben seiner Protagonisten und erfindet für jedes seiner Werke eine eigene Bildsprache.
Zusammen mit seinen vertrauten Drehbuchautoren James Schamus und Michael France schuf Lee auch seine ganz eigene Version des Hulks. Der Wissenschaftler Bruce Banner wird bei ihm nicht wie in der Vorlage durch eine Nuklearexplosion zum Monster, das sich fortan im Sinne der Gerechtigkeit durch Heerscharen von Schurken prügelt. Lees Banner ist ein in sich verkapselter Nerd ohne soziale Bindungen, der an einer Universität mit Gen-Experimenten beschäftigt ist. Mit seiner Kollegin Betty Ross (Jennifer Connelly) unterhielt er bis vor kurzem eine Liebesbeziehung, doch die Affäre endete trotz gegenseitiger Zuneigung, weil er seine Gefühle ihr gegenüber nicht offenbaren konnte.
Doch hinter dem von Eric Bana mit beeindruckender Ausdruckslosigkeit dargestellten Wissenschaftler verbirgt sich weitaus mehr als nur ein emotional unterentwickelter Klotz. Bei einem Unfall im Labor wird Bruce mit einer Ladung Gamma-Strahlen bombardiert, die einen normalen Menschen auf der Stelle ins Jenseits befördert hätten. Bruce jedoch fühlt sich besser denn je, stellt allerdings bald darauf fest, dass er nun zum unkontrolliert tobenden Monster wird, sobald ihn etwas richtig wütend macht.
Das einzige, was ihn wirklich und im wahrsten Sinne aus der Facon bringt, ist sein eigener Vater. In der langen und ausführlichen Exposition des Films sehen wir in einer Rückblende, wie David Banner, ein von seinen militärischen Auftraggebern missverstandener Gen-Forscher, das eigens synthetisierte Immunstärkungs-Präparat kurzerhand an sich selbst erprobt. Zwar zeigt es bei ihm keine Wirkung, doch schwant ihm Jahre später, dass er das veränderte Erbgut an seinen Sohn weitergegeben hat. Später muss der kleine Bruce miterleben, wie seine Eltern in einen heftigen Streit geraten, bei dem die Mutter umkommt. Ein Trauma, das die Gefühle des erwachsenen Bruce fortan in strenger Umklammerung hält, während seine Erinnerungen an das schmerzhafte Ereignis verschüttet bleiben.
Erst als sein offensichtlich übergeschnappter und auf den Hund gekommener Vater, ein zotteliger Penner, kongenial verkörpert von Nick Nolte, nach jahrelanger Abwesenheit wieder auftaucht, beginnen sich Bruces Blockaden zu lösen. Die aufgestaute Angst, Wut und Frustration des gequälten Kindes bricht sich Bahn, indem er zum Hulk wird, den Ang Lee durchaus passend als großes grünes Riesenbaby mit schmollendem Putten-Gesicht darstellt.
So entspinnt sich ein doppelter Vater-Kind-Konflikt. Bruce ist hin und her gerissen zwischen den antagonistischen Figuren seines verhassten Vaters, der den zerstörerischen Samen des Bösen in ihn gepflanzt hat, und der begehrten Betty, die als einzige Frau im ganzen Film nicht nur alle positiven Gefühle in sich vereint, sondern für Bruce gleichzeitig die Sehnsucht nach der verlorenen Mutterliebe verkörpert. In einer Nebenhandlung tragen auch Betty und ihr Vater, ein hoher Militär (Sam Elliott) und ehemals David Banners Chef, einen lange schwelenden Konflikt aus. Der schneidige Soldat will den unkontrolliert wütenden Hulk aus beruflichen und persönlichen Gründen töten und sein Erbgut zu militärischen Zwecken ausbeuten lassen. Je mehr er jedoch versucht, seine Tochter vor Bruce zu beschützen, desto mehr stößt er sie von sich fort und hin zu dem tapsig-bedrohlichen Ding, zu dem Banner nun immer öfter mutiert. Plakativer wurde die Emanzipation einer Tochter von ihrem übermächtigen und eifersüchtigen Vater selten im Kino dargestellt.
Dabei vergisst Ang Lee zu keiner Zeit, dass er sich nicht in einem europäischen Beziehungsdrama, sondern in einem amerikanischen Genrefilm befindet. Während er seinen für eine Comic-Verfilmung durchaus komplexen Plot mit klaren, geradezu aufdringlichen Bildern inszeniert, um ihm die zerebrale Schwere zu nehmen, sorgt er an anderer Stelle für hirnlosen Actionspaß: Wenn der Hulk auf der Flucht vor der Armee mit ganzen Panzern herumdrischt wie ein Kleinkind mit seiner Rassel, kommt Rasanz und Freude auf, zumal der grüne Brocken kurz darauf mit großen Sprüngen durch die Wüste eilt und dabei unwillkürlich an Flip, den Grashüpfer-Freund der Biene Maja denken lässt. Haarsträubend komisch ist es gar, wenn der zuweilen an King Kong erinnernde Held seine Angebetete vor den zu blutrünstigen Bestien mutierten Schoßhündchen seines Vaters retten muss und dabei einen grotesken Königspudel zu Klump haut.
Hier zeigt Lee augenzwinkernd, dass er sein eigenes Spiel und keineswegs nach den Regeln Hollywoods spielt. Gegenüber anderen Event-Movies der letzten Zeit mögen die Tricks und Effekte, gerade was die digitale Animation des Hulks betrifft, zu wünschen übrig lassen, doch das ist verzeihlich, wenn man anerkennt, dass es dem Regisseur ganz offenbar nicht um größtmögliche Nähe zur Realität, sondern um popkulturelle und cineastische Verarbeitung und Hommage ging. Die Film-Monster des legendären Tricktechnikers Ray Harryhausen werden hier ebenso zitiert wie die Phantasien japanischer Animationsfilme wie "Akira". Selbst den erfolgreichen Trick-Helden Shrek, selbst nicht ganz unbeeinflusst vom grünen Comic-Wüterich, lässt Lee manchmal in seinem Hulk anklingen.
Zudem müht sich der Regisseur redlich, die Ästhetik der Comicvorlage auf die Leinwand zu transportieren. Achssprünge, unorthodoxe Perspektiven, die in den Siebzigern populäre Split-Screen-Technik und übermäßig viele Großaufnahmen von Gesichtern nutzt er extensiv, um den Charakter der Panels filmisch umzusetzen. Als Gegengewicht zu so viel Pop dürfen sich Eric Bana und Nick Nolte kurz vor dem Showdown ein dramatisches Dialog-Gefecht auf einer stilisierten Theaterbühne liefern - Shakespeare trifft "Pulp Fiction".
Sympathischer geworden ist der Hulk durch Lees virtuose Bearbeitung indes nicht. Das tobende Wut-Monster zum greinenden grünen Blag zu degradieren, gehört sicherlich zu den perfidesten Volten dieses Films, der zwar von extremen Gestalten und menschlichen Dramen erzählt, sich selbst dabei jedoch nicht allzu ernst nimmt. Mit seiner Verquickung von Filmkunst und Comic ist es Lee und seinem Antihelden immerhin gelungen, im Superhelden-Genre einen neuen Akzent zu setzen. "Spider-Man" könnte grün werden - vor Neid.
Gruß Pepita
KINOBETREIBER UNTER DRUCK
"Hulk" eröffnet den Preiskampf
Von Susanne Polig
Der Muskelprotz "Hulk" wird sich ab Donnerstag nur auf äußerst wenigen deutschen Kinoleinwänden austoben können. Viele große Kinobetreiber verweigern Ang Lees Comicverfilmung den Eintritt. Der Grund: Verleiher United International Pictures macht mit Preiserhöhungen Druck.
Reuters
Gedämpfte Vorfreude: Muskelprotz "Hulk" wird ab Donnerstag in vielen Kinos nicht zu sehen sein
Hamburg - "Wir werden `Hulk` morgen nicht zeigen", sagte Arne Schmidt, Sprecher der Cinemaxx-Gruppe, am Mittwoch. Damit steht die zweitgrößte deutsche Multiplex-Kette mit ihren 49 Filmtheatern keineswegs allein auf weiter Flur. Auch einige andere große Kinobetreiber, zum Beispiel Kinopolis Deutschland, die Cineplex- und die Union-Gruppe lassen ihre Türen für Ang Lees Comicverfilmung verschlossen.
Für die Vergabe des Monster-Films hat sich Verleiher United International Pictures (UIP) einen besonderen Deal ausgedacht. Die Kinos dürfen "Hulk" zu etwas günstigeren Konditionen zeigen als sonst, wenn sie dafür im Mai nächsten Jahres für den noch in Produktion befindlichen Dracula-Streifen "Van Helsing" einen Leihmietensatz von 55 Prozent zahlen. "Leihmietensatz" bezeichnet den Anteil, den die Kinos pro verkaufter Eintrittskarte an den Verleiher abführen müssen.
Aus der Reihe tanzen kann unter Deutschlands größten Kinobetreibern lediglich Marktführer Cinestar, der Anfang des Jahres die insolvente Ufa geschluckt hatte. In dessen 97 Filmpalästen wird die quietschgrüne Wut ab Donnerstag toben. "Wir konnten uns mit der UIP einigen", sagte Pressereferentin Katrin Pehle.
Offene Türen für Preiserhöhungen vermeiden
"Ein Leihmietensatz von 55 Prozent sprengt alle Rahmen", erklärt Sprecher Schmidt den Rückzug von Cinemaxx. "Dazu kommt, dass wir `Van Helsing` schlecht einschätzen können." Eine Erfolgsgarantie gebe es nicht, schließlich sei Dracula nicht Harry Potter.
DPA
Cinemaxx-Kino in Würzburg: "Wir werden `Hulk` morgen nicht zeigen"
Im Moment liegt der Höchstmietsatz für Spitzenfilme bei einem Anteil von 53,5 Prozent pro verkaufter Eintrittskarte. Für weniger populäre Filme zahlt Cinemaxx Schmidt zufolge 49 Prozent - "wenn wir Glück haben." Die Cinemaxx-Kette und ihre Mit-Verweigerer fürchten, dass preislichen Höhenflügen nach einer Unterzeichung des UIP-Deals keine Grenzen mehr gesetzt sind.
Der dritte Teil der "Herr der Ringe"-Saga zum Beispiel, der im Dezember in die Kinos kommen soll, könnte dann Gefahr laufen, zum kostspieligen Vergnügen zu werden. Wenn sie jetzt den 55-Prozent-Satz an UIP zahlen, könnten die Kino-Betreiber dem "Herr der Ringe"-Verleiher Warner unmöglich einen genauso hohen Leihmietensatz verweigern, glaubt Schmidt.
UIP bewahrt Stillschweigen
Warum Filmverleiher UIP sein Preissystem unbedingt umkrempeln will, darüber möchte die Geschäftsleitung auch einen Tag vor der geplanten "Hulk"-Premiere keine Auskunft geben. "Wir stehen noch in Verhandlungen. Vor Abschluss des Prozesses geben wir keinen Kommentar ab", hieß es.
Zwar hatte "Hulk" in den USA an seinem ersten Wochenende mit einem Umsatz von 62,1 Millionen Dollar einen beeindruckenden Start hingelegt, doch nur eine Woche später sanken die Einnahmen aus dem vermeintlichen Kassenschlager um 70 Prozent. Für deutsche Kinos ist die grüne Kreatur also eine wackelige Investition. Und selbst wenn der Film erfolgreich sein sollte: "Künftige Höchstsätze von 55 Prozent machen auch mögliche `Hulk`-Einnahmen nicht wett", sagt Schmidt.
Invasion der Spitzenfilme
"Jeder Cent mehr tut weh", erklärt der Sprecher. Bei höheren Kosten sähe sich die Kinokette gezwungen, ihre Eintrittspreise noch weiter zu erhöhen. "Wir wollen unseren Kunden das aber nicht zumuten. Die Preise haben jetzt schon eine Grenze erreicht, die wir nicht überschreiten wollen."
Ende der neunziger Jahre hatte es schon einmal eine Diskussion über eine Preiserhöhung für Spitzenfilme gegeben, die damals auch durchgesetzt wurde. Laut Schmidt liegt das Kosten-Problem zusätzlich darin, dass es damals "zwei bis drei, vielleicht vier Spitzenfilme pro Jahr gegeben hat. Heute sind es 60 bis 80." Auch darüber, welche Kriterien einen Film bei UIP zum Spitzenfilm machen, hüllt sich die Geschäftsleitung in Schweigen.
KINOBETREIBER UNTER DRUCK
"Hulk" eröffnet den Preiskampf
Von Susanne Polig
Der Muskelprotz "Hulk" wird sich ab Donnerstag nur auf äußerst wenigen deutschen Kinoleinwänden austoben können. Viele große Kinobetreiber verweigern Ang Lees Comicverfilmung den Eintritt. Der Grund: Verleiher United International Pictures macht mit Preiserhöhungen Druck.
Reuters
Gedämpfte Vorfreude: Muskelprotz "Hulk" wird ab Donnerstag in vielen Kinos nicht zu sehen sein
Hamburg - "Wir werden `Hulk` morgen nicht zeigen", sagte Arne Schmidt, Sprecher der Cinemaxx-Gruppe, am Mittwoch. Damit steht die zweitgrößte deutsche Multiplex-Kette mit ihren 49 Filmtheatern keineswegs allein auf weiter Flur. Auch einige andere große Kinobetreiber, zum Beispiel Kinopolis Deutschland, die Cineplex- und die Union-Gruppe lassen ihre Türen für Ang Lees Comicverfilmung verschlossen.
Für die Vergabe des Monster-Films hat sich Verleiher United International Pictures (UIP) einen besonderen Deal ausgedacht. Die Kinos dürfen "Hulk" zu etwas günstigeren Konditionen zeigen als sonst, wenn sie dafür im Mai nächsten Jahres für den noch in Produktion befindlichen Dracula-Streifen "Van Helsing" einen Leihmietensatz von 55 Prozent zahlen. "Leihmietensatz" bezeichnet den Anteil, den die Kinos pro verkaufter Eintrittskarte an den Verleiher abführen müssen.
Aus der Reihe tanzen kann unter Deutschlands größten Kinobetreibern lediglich Marktführer Cinestar, der Anfang des Jahres die insolvente Ufa geschluckt hatte. In dessen 97 Filmpalästen wird die quietschgrüne Wut ab Donnerstag toben. "Wir konnten uns mit der UIP einigen", sagte Pressereferentin Katrin Pehle.
Offene Türen für Preiserhöhungen vermeiden
"Ein Leihmietensatz von 55 Prozent sprengt alle Rahmen", erklärt Sprecher Schmidt den Rückzug von Cinemaxx. "Dazu kommt, dass wir `Van Helsing` schlecht einschätzen können." Eine Erfolgsgarantie gebe es nicht, schließlich sei Dracula nicht Harry Potter.
DPA
Cinemaxx-Kino in Würzburg: "Wir werden `Hulk` morgen nicht zeigen"
Im Moment liegt der Höchstmietsatz für Spitzenfilme bei einem Anteil von 53,5 Prozent pro verkaufter Eintrittskarte. Für weniger populäre Filme zahlt Cinemaxx Schmidt zufolge 49 Prozent - "wenn wir Glück haben." Die Cinemaxx-Kette und ihre Mit-Verweigerer fürchten, dass preislichen Höhenflügen nach einer Unterzeichung des UIP-Deals keine Grenzen mehr gesetzt sind.
Der dritte Teil der "Herr der Ringe"-Saga zum Beispiel, der im Dezember in die Kinos kommen soll, könnte dann Gefahr laufen, zum kostspieligen Vergnügen zu werden. Wenn sie jetzt den 55-Prozent-Satz an UIP zahlen, könnten die Kino-Betreiber dem "Herr der Ringe"-Verleiher Warner unmöglich einen genauso hohen Leihmietensatz verweigern, glaubt Schmidt.
UIP bewahrt Stillschweigen
Warum Filmverleiher UIP sein Preissystem unbedingt umkrempeln will, darüber möchte die Geschäftsleitung auch einen Tag vor der geplanten "Hulk"-Premiere keine Auskunft geben. "Wir stehen noch in Verhandlungen. Vor Abschluss des Prozesses geben wir keinen Kommentar ab", hieß es.
Zwar hatte "Hulk" in den USA an seinem ersten Wochenende mit einem Umsatz von 62,1 Millionen Dollar einen beeindruckenden Start hingelegt, doch nur eine Woche später sanken die Einnahmen aus dem vermeintlichen Kassenschlager um 70 Prozent. Für deutsche Kinos ist die grüne Kreatur also eine wackelige Investition. Und selbst wenn der Film erfolgreich sein sollte: "Künftige Höchstsätze von 55 Prozent machen auch mögliche `Hulk`-Einnahmen nicht wett", sagt Schmidt.
Invasion der Spitzenfilme
"Jeder Cent mehr tut weh", erklärt der Sprecher. Bei höheren Kosten sähe sich die Kinokette gezwungen, ihre Eintrittspreise noch weiter zu erhöhen. "Wir wollen unseren Kunden das aber nicht zumuten. Die Preise haben jetzt schon eine Grenze erreicht, die wir nicht überschreiten wollen."
Ende der neunziger Jahre hatte es schon einmal eine Diskussion über eine Preiserhöhung für Spitzenfilme gegeben, die damals auch durchgesetzt wurde. Laut Schmidt liegt das Kosten-Problem zusätzlich darin, dass es damals "zwei bis drei, vielleicht vier Spitzenfilme pro Jahr gegeben hat. Heute sind es 60 bis 80." Auch darüber, welche Kriterien einen Film bei UIP zum Spitzenfilm machen, hüllt sich die Geschäftsleitung in Schweigen.
Gruß Pepita
Monday July 7, 2003
This is the fifty-fourth weekly episode of Lying In The Gutters, the industry`s premier rumour column and gossip sheet. At all times, remember the rumour rules. Red light means it`s probably bullshit, Yellow light means I think there`s an element of truth and Green means you get bet your life on it. Or someone`s life. Not mine, I`ve been wrong before. Take everything you read with a sticky toffee pudding and if you do repost information here elsewhere, please include a warning to that effect. And a link. Man does not live by hits alone - but I could do with the attention. I blame George Bush. It saves time.
FELICIA TALKS, THE INTERNET LISTENS
Cut, paste.
"I don`t know any other way to start this very revealing article, other than to once again point to the source of much speculation and controversy in comics: Bill Jemas.
"Surfing the Internet the last two weeks, I`ve seen many publicly bash Bill for managing Marvel the way he has to this point. I`ve seen almost as many come to his defence. What I want to attempt to do with this column is try to point out what should be the bulls eye of your collective anger and/or questioning. I`ve seen people resort to either crediting or discrediting him when it comes to things like "Marville," "Origin," "Namor" and other projects of his. But most of these things are the by-product of a philosophy that Bill shares alone. It is this same philosophy that is the root from which all these creations or abominations (your pick) stem from, such as the belief that he is capable of writing the entire Marvel line-up if given the proper tools and people to work with. This is about Bill Jemas` stance on the comic market, as it exists today.
"The first thing I would adamantly like to make clear is that Bill Jemas` view of comics is not that of an established, respectable means capable of attaining it`s deserved public acclaim. He has attempted, through past efforts, to help `validate comics` by approximating them as close as possible to the other magazines in newsstands. Larger in size, change of paper quality and density and even the art, in his eyes, should be produced in a photoshopesque manner in order to achieve an illusion with the ultimate means of mimicking the look and feel of `real skin` portrayed in periodicals such as Maxim and Stuff. Some of these efforts have failed when attempted, yet others are still practiced or underway.
"The problem with this, of course, is that comics are not these magazines. They have, in the opinion of many, been the product of the labor of long lineage of intellects who breathed the life and culture already existing in the flame that we know today. To try and change or rearrange the configuration of this flame into some kind of money-making based scheme for simple marketing appeal and perspective, a very shallow and skewed one at that, is to say or to the least hint that the geniuses that laid out the foundation of comics, men and women of legend, were simply the gears and cogs not necessarily consequential to the product which resulted in the medium and base market that supports it today.
"The shameless, utter disrespect and lack of acknowledgment towards both ends of the spectrum that is this medium is evident in Bill Jemas` attitude both towards creators and fans. There are countless stories of irrationality on Bill`s part that I cite involving creators who were unfairly treated or taken advantage of. These same creators have sometimes spoken out only to be shot down by the very people who should listen to what they have to say. The same goes towards the disfavor Jemas` does his fans by mocking them, sometimes publicly, and citing their differences as a small aberration pertinent to a minimal demographic that would not in anyway so much as put a dent in their decision making process, less have any impact on their sales, long term or short.
"In addition to this, there are several other factors and efforts already in motion revolving around the attempts to change the face of comics (at least at Marvel). However, the main change of which all these decisions are influenced by is so grand scale, that it will be gradually and cunningly executed under the public exterior of a sound marketing stratagem. Good for business that is, like the firing of Waid.
"I`d like for you to take into consideration a fact that isn`t popularly known by fans and maybe a few creators: Marvel`s total base income from their publishing division accounts for an average or nearly 5% of total current income. This means that they are currently making most of their money from things such as licensing and movies. This also means that, comics, the very lifeblood of the previous two, from a financial perspective is nearly irrelevant for the economic potency the company currently possesses. Which is the reason why Marvel`s owners, Isaac Perlmutter and/or Avi Arad, are looking into either: A) Shutting the publishing branch down completely and simply license property out or B) Selling the company, all of it`s intellectual property to either Universal or Sony.
"The concern here, for those who may not completely grasp the effects or repercussions that may result from either of these two, should be identified immediately as the fact that one of these will most likely keep the comic book industry alive and the other will not.
"In the event that Marvel does sell to Universal or Sony, it will have the backing of a powerful corporate giant, just as DC with AOL/Time-Warner, and a potential comics depression of the 21st century, if any, may and most likely will be adverted. This much is blatant.
"However, in the event that Marvel is unsuccessful in selling it`s very valuable company to either of these two, or should the owners decide to tight-fistedly clench on to what they so rightfully acquired years ago, they will (are) considering the very real possibility of shutting down the publishing arm that has survived decades and near death as it struggled more than once to return as the prominent flag ship that it is now. Yes, this means no more Marvel comics. The end of titles like "Spider-Man," "X-Men" and "Daredevil." Or is it?
"Should Marvel decide to go down this shady path of uncertainty, it may be likely that the cornerstone which is the life of the company, its very blood, can crumble in waves of exiting disappointed fans of all kinds, new and old, supporters and bashers of the current Marvel. Though the loss of income, even 5%, may perhaps sound as a far-fetched concept for skeptics reading this, it is a fact that the owners themselves do not understand the mechanics and inner workings of publishing and why it is necessary in the continued long-term success of the company. Thus, if they see the publishing arm as nothing more than a headache, then it should be understandable why they would want to sever it. Although, if and when this happens, it will not necessarily mean the immediate demise of the company. The next Marvel bankruptcy will occur most likely under the condition that its movies start tanking and interest is lost in its licensing. This is somewhat unlikely, but still within the realm of reality as though these characters have become iconic, they have still, nonetheless become the money making movie phenomenon only and exclusively due to the fact that the comic books have existed to date.
"There are two people that may understand this more than anyone, and they are both at Marvel: Bill Jemas and Joe Quesada. Both men have been successful at convincing the owners that the publishing branch, despite its heavy investment in both money, time and risk venture, is completely crucial to the continued long-term success of licensing and movies. However, the interpretation of what the publishing branch should be, in theory, from both men, are two opposing ideals.
"Joe Quesada, or at least the original Joe Quesada, believed in the simple science that if the best creators were put on the best books, Marvel would deadlock a secure future in outputting both A) good stories, good books resulting in a healthy publishing division and B) good ideas, especially in terms of the future, where giants like Sony and Universal would come to Marvel as the elite think tank and house of ideas for their current property and future property or property that yet doesn`t exist. Item B would be crucial towards the implementation of an engine that would secure wealthy financial future for the company. However, in this industry, views often collide. And since Marvel is at the heart of this industry, one could almost anticipate the inevitability of the following or the plan that is already in motion.
"Bill Jemas has subscribed to completely unconventional ideals, a religion if you will, of how to go about cementing the future of Marvel. In order to cut down on what, in his opinion, may be unnecessary expenses of both time and money and in an effort to admonish risk venture in individual titles, Bill is planning to slowly, but surely, replace every highly paid, respected creator, every talent that may be a `headache` or may not hand in work on a timely fashion, but is still popular, every writer, artist or employee that may perhaps be a burden more than a blessing, financially or any other way, with an individual who will not be a required element or investment in their future and will have no interest in the full market potential of intellectual property. In other words, he wants people that will sell out cheap or at least people that they can milk for ideas.... and they are finding them.
"There are several or a mixture of tactics in effect to make this happen. I`ve cited Epic being part of this movement, but there is also a degree of `good marketing decisions` that play into this. For those of you who made a fuss about the firing of Waid, you did so for whatever reasons, but none more so than the fact that instinctually, something about this didn`t sit well, perhaps because you`ve been around since the last Marvel catastrophe or long before. Still, your gut just told you and in my opinion, you were and still are right if you believe none of it was blown out of proportion. A few weeks ago, some complaining about the Waid situation turned their heads and silenced in light of this new intriguing person that was going to take the reigns of FF. What you just witnessed happen is the collective shift of interest in one known creator to one practically unknown. This may not be the last time you see this.
"Why would Jemas play this risky game of replacing everyone? Well, as I mentioned, Bill hasn`t respect for comics as its own medium. And sadly, he sees comics as nothing more but an advertising gimmick for the real money maker: movies. If this is hard to believe, ask any ex-marvel employee (if you know one). Politely request for them to be sincere and possibly as unbiased as possible in telling you this truth.
"If Jemas has his way, what will result in these books is a slew of generic art and story telling that will pummel Marvel back into the age where they did this the first time. The previous age of Marvel bankruptcy, where what readers got was uninteresting art and writing from unknowns, rehashing of old plots, frivolous stories that shattered established story continuity which turned the reader off causing just about every last fan walk out. However, the new twist for this century`s bankruptcy, and what Bill is deliberately planning is the generalization of all art (all art should look the same) and writing (supervised and controlled by Bill), impractical new twists (from new creators with a fresh take on the Marvel Universe) to the rehashing of old plots and even more frivolous breaks in story continuity that will turn off a whole other generation of Marvel readers including the repented wave of fans who will once again lament and walk out the door.
"But Bill too is also aware of this possibility. Bill isn`t as dumb as this looks. Which, as he has been doing so far, is only gradual transition towards this outcome. Testing the waters first and seeing how the fans react. In all fairness, I believe him and this plan capable of rolling with required momentum up until the point where the last good creator(s) have been replaced or eliminated. What I don`t believe, and many others who work within the industry, is that this plan will bode over well in the long run. In theory, replacing everyone with cheaper versions of themselves seems to be a good idea, but there are outside factors that are not being considered or may not be getting enough attention.
"Fans will still want the `Waids,` and with exceptions of creators who Marvel will deem more valuable (the last to get the boot from Marvel), these creators will go over to DC, Image or Dark Horse who will be waiting for them with arms wide open. A large portion of loyal fans will shift their weight in that direction as well. And though perhaps, the new faces at Marvel may, through some form of intrigue, quite possibly build their own fan bases, if they too should become just as popular as the fore mentioned, it is rational to think that they too will want to be paid just as much as they are worth, which should be completely understandable, but counter productive to what Bill Jemas will have then vainly been attempting. In which case, he will be forced to once again fire a creator and hire a new, cheaper one. Thus the cycle will ensue. And if Bill is planning to cycle an infinite barrage of new creators on books, the above mentioned about fans following their creators will happen in an even greater scale.
"However, another factor may well be that if Marvel is successful in ditching their beloved creators, and keeping their new creators at a very cheap price, DC and the like could quite possibly follow in the steps of this comics giant. After all, if Marvel is making just as much money, or even more by doing this, why should they too burden themselves with dishing out the big bucks to keep these respected creators working? Couldn`t they just do the same? In theory they could. Hopefully they won`t.
"Still, that future may be further down the road than anyone could postulate. Bill Jemas` attempts may only backfire a year or several from now. But by that time all the pieces will be put in place, and it will be too late for you, the fan, new or old, to do something about it. The rock and the hard place everything is sitting between is the desire of the owners to shut down publishing and to license out and Bill Jemas` blueprint of how to maintain the publishing division open but at a much lower cost. Where you come in is whether or not you will accept either of these two. Would you care if tomorrow Marvel stopped printing comics, and still go watch the movies they make and buy the toys? Will you care if your favorite creators are replaced with clones from other mediums and puppeted by Bill in an effort to manufacture or mass-produce creativity for advertisement purposes? If you went to see the next "X-men" or "Hulk" movie regardless of the decision to close publishing, then perhaps there is really no need for the publishing arm, and comics as we know it are doomed. If you would buy a comic that is now made at some generic level and more so exists simply to propel you into the seat of the next "X-men" or "Hulk" movie, then perhaps there is no need for creators of the books we buy, and comics as we know it are doomed. Which one of these would you prefer? Is there a lesser of two evils here?
"Let`s see. If publishing shuts down, there would be some seriously dreaded consequences coming. Primarily, comic shops all across America dedicated to bringing you these valuable gems will immediately lose more than half of their business. And if they lose more than half of their business they lose more than half of their income. At this point, it is reasonable to understand that when they close, they will be doing so because they have no other choice. At a skeptical level, one could go as far as saying that the creators will still create a level of business elsewhere, such as DC, Image or something independent and enough so as to cushion the impact of losing nearly or more than half the market. In fact, DC and others may enjoy a level of growth from their newfound source of power if and when many leave Marvel. But we are talking about an event that will occur before or after the fact this all happens. In scenario A) Marvel will shut down publishing before they finish their transition causing the direct market to lose more than 50% of business. In scenario B) Marvel may be unsuccessful at siphoning interest from old popular creators to new intriguing ones, expanding a new fan base, will shut down publishing anyway, and will cause the direct market to lose about or more than 50% of its business (assuming Marvel still holds this share of the market) after the fact that everyone has already moved to DC, Image, Dark Horse or go independent. So if you can see, though scenario A seems as more solid in causing its consequences, scenario B potentially still holds the same risk.
"In A, we have an abrupt act by someone in power, and the result stated will most definitely happen. In B, it could happen and most likely will if fans do not take kindly to the replacement of nearly or either all of their favorite creators. But also reconsider the fact that if Jemas makes scenario B successful, it may be only temporary. After all, as I previously said, how long before DC decides that they should do the same thing Marvel is doing? Why not milk DC property as well for what is really worth and make more money now than we may or may not make later? This can happen. Is it a likelier possibility? I suppose it would depend on whether AOL/Time-Warner gives a damn. As someone pointed out to me, since when do they care what Marvel does? But also consider the fact that, if merchants shut down as a direct loss of nearly half of their business, where will DC, Image and others sell their comics?
"In addition, if this nightmare comes true, there are other things that will come to an end, as a result of anything even remotely similar to this happening. You can kiss publications that revolve around comics like Wizard goodbye. Really? Well you can if they are impacted by merchants across America shutting down. Who will sell Wizard? Perhaps they can shift everyone over to subscriptions. Maybe if they lay off half their staff they may find a way. Also, forget about those lovely comic conventions and adios to at least a few of those online communities many of you participate in that revolves around your favorite comic, comic creator or comic news. I think even Rich, who`s been very generous and understanding towards me and my motives, will be out of a job or at least a past time. Do you get paid for this Rich? Just wondering.
"One thing is for sure: Personally, I have nothing to gain from revealing this. I`ve received lots of words in praise just as much as in anger. I`ve seen your posts on the message boards, both from those who wish me well to those who`d love to see me get caught. But to highlight to you, in case some of you may not really understand... I am only the messenger and came here under this circumstance. I came here months ago to tell you what was happening inside Marvel as far as a level of corrupt behavior that may affect you, but learned of this information instead as I carefully analyzed the facts. Still, though many of you are thinking this all sounds very farfetched, it isn`t. Just pay attention carefully to how Marvel responds to this. If i can`t convince you of this truth, then it`s very depressing. If you discover the legitimacy of this, then it is also just as depressing. However, I`ll point out to you that there is a silver lining and a message of hope attached: There is something you can do. But in order to do something about it, you have to believe that there is something you can do.
"The first step, I would tell most of you not to bash Bill Jemas. I`ve done this myself just recently and in the past, but it is online that I learned this will work against you. If you are going to post topics of inquiry and comments regarding any of this, you should do so in the most respectful way you can. Otherwise, angry sentiments will stifle any possible movement that we may be able to start. I would humbly beg you to do this, and furthermore I kindly ask you to resist any temptation to relieve and vent your frustrations online or via email in a disrespectful fashion. This will only be counterproductive.
"The second step is to in fact spread the word. I`m not saying to go post happy, and to crash the comics Internet for another 3 days (though I see this happening again), but to talk about it mostly in verbatim to friends and comic shop owners. Especially these merchants who, I would challenge to seek out the validity to any of this, and brace themselves starting from now. Maybe they can create a backup plan to save their businesses. Just talk. However, when and if you do this, also please do so in the most polite way possible keeping in mind that this is a delicate issue that worries everyone. I know I may not even have to tell you to do so, but if you believe this, any of this in the slightest, then you should also believe me when i say expressing your feelings to your comic shop owners in a positive fashion will influence this situation in a positive way thereby helping us get positive results.
"Third is, fans should make the utmost effort to act and band together as one. I was glad to see the initial response when many learned of what happened with Waid. I saw an interesting thread that was started by someone in an attempt to collect signatures to keep Waid on FF. When I last looked, the signatures where a few short of 600. Why? Why people, after all that fuss online did we only manage to get under 600 signatures on that thread? Many of you may think that this is just about getting Waid back on the book, but I challenge the creator of that thread to state that it also had nothing to do with showing Marvel that we could move collectively, because we can. And if fans are going to band together to save comics on this one, then as their first act of their newfound organization, they should find no excuse but to have that petition swamped, not in the hundreds but in the thousands. I say whether or not you believe that petition will bring Waid back to FF, you should sign it. It is not just a document requesting a creator, it is a symbol of our ability to move together as one. I saw earlier this week one of Marvel`s newfound lapdogs bark out belittlement and cynicism at the fact that Bill Jemas had once again defeated the fans. This is not true and is nothing more than an attempt to extinguish whatever potential in your influence remains in terms of book sales after FF #509. I will not sit here and tell you not to buy it. I will not sit here and tell you to buy it. You shouldn`t or no one should do things they are told to do. I think most agree with that. However, i would urge you, in light of this revelation, to go out to your comic shop when #509 (Waid`s last issue) comes out and do what you think is best. I would also urge you to do the same when the issue that follows (#510 perhaps) with the new `writer,` to do what you think is best.
"Another smart thing to do, from now on, is not to lump Bill and Joe into the same cake. If anyone understood the nature of what was happening within that company, you would not hate Joe for the reasons you hate Bill. Separate the two. Bill has successfully managed to syphon both popularity and power from Joe. He`s become a controlling symbiote of the Bill & Joe entity that has put them in the same boat before the eyes of many of you. Remember when Marvel started over again, who was the one person you constantly heard about? Give that person back the power to do something about it. This is not to discredit anyone of deserving merit, but look back in history about 2 or 3 years. Study what has happened. Discuss it amongst each other. Let Marvel know what you think. However, again, in the most respectful way possible. Just force Bill to acknowledge that the walls of that company are now transparently clear or clearer than they were when he was trying to pull his numbers. Joe can opt out of this control being forced on him if he wants, but if he chooses not to there is a group of people that should wield more weight in the decisions that are made over there than any one person. Editors. Also, ask to hear more from editors, in cons, online and in books. You want to hear from the likes of these editors that are the only thing keeping or at least trying to keep that company honest right now. If you don`t know their names, get to know them. Open your favorite Marvel comic and write their name down somewhere. Someone start a thread somewhere and list their names. We, as fans, need to remember the days when these editors weren`t just a name in the credits, but a personality that took life in the letters column somewhere in the back of a comic. Open your books and make a mental note of the names of these people. By shifting your attention to them, you will give them more of an ability to help with this situation, rather than abandoning it as a ship which some think is inevitably going to sink. Make their opinions matter mre at the next meeting, when Bill gathers everyone around for their weekly tongue lashing. Because once this generation of editors is gone, i can guarantee you that it will be that much more difficult, nearly impossible to help make changes in Marvel plans and policy.
"Also, creators should be asked by their fans to look into this. And I don`t mean by making them call Marvel. There is a level of discreetness required here in order to ascertain the truth. And if anyone has any information in regards to any of this, please see to it that the proper information is given to the proper people, or those who have the loudest and most effective voices in comics.
"And editors, without revealing myself, I would urge you to make whatever valid efforts you could now, especially in light of the fact that now everyone or most everyone knows what is happening. Now that fans know the truth, attempt to muster whatever remaining strength and courage in you to help both Marvel and Bill realize that there is a grave error in the decision making process currently being practiced, and that morale is, despite any morale boosting meeting, indeed is not what it should be. Nor will it become what they want it to be so long as editorial is suppressed. Remember the times before any of you became editors? What you thought the job would hold in store for you? How you looked forward to making the decisions you thought you were going to make or can the most senior of you recall the time when your jobs were actually fun? Now is the time to either do something or nothing about it. This is a window of opportunity, small as it may be, to change the course of events that can very well lead to the demise of comics. This company is a comic company. Not just a movie think-tank. Not just a licensing of intellectual property company. Comics. That`s what brought all of you together. That is what brought all of us together. You are the first and last line of defence in helping deter the disaster that will possibly and most likely occur if Bill Jemas is allowed to do things his way.
"And Bill, I know somewhere deep down, there is a part of you that means well. But all this reeks of a conspiracy. One that is against everyone, but you and the owners of this company. Against your employees, creators, merchants and fans. I know there is nothing I can do to stop you. Maybe you have taken more power away from the editors just recently. But at least listen to the fans, who not so much want to manipulate what kind of stories Marvel tells, but simply want the caliber of loyalty they have invested in you returned in the form of good comics, in nothing more than the respectable medium that it exists as today. I don`t believe you can force the comics market to expand using these tactics you have at hand. Have you stopped to think that maybe comics weren`t meant to be the gigantic industry that you want them to be? And if they do have that potential, do you honestly think you can force it grow faster than it naturally would? Please tread carefully. We do not want one sole person to be the death of something so sacred that`s existed for so long. In fact, there is nothing more that we want, like you, than a successful Marvel to help pave the way and generate a stimulus for smaller companies. Because what are you gonna do in the event that Marvel tanks due to this warped leadership? Maybe you`ll resign and walk away as you haven`t much to lose since you pulled out with your stock, and you`ll point the finger at the very people who told you this was going to happen. I`m not alleging you of having committed anything illegal, I`m simply pointing out the level of confidence in your company`s future. And how far your sincerity goes with this respect. You may not have to be 100% forthcoming with us, heck that is what presidents of companies usually are about these days. Still, we want a Marvel as close to honesty as it can get. We`re ready to follow this company wherever it may go, so long as it`s not over a cliff. We don`t want fake comics. We don`t want to be taken advantage of. We want what we give you in return. We want you to listen to your "mindless robots" and acknowledge what the word "editor" means. Overall, we are going to be wanting to hear more from them than you, or possibly even Joe (Not Bill behind a Joe mask), who from what I understand, due to this, may have his days numbered at Marvel. Still, we will be watching. Now more than ever.
"And fans, remember, this isn`t just about bashing Marvel. This is about a greater picture that still many will refuse to see even after they have read this. This is about being able to act on information, and helping save a company that is in all of our hearts. Don`t listen to me if it satisfies your speculation as to why I am even hiding to begin with. But at least study the facts carefully before you act or publicly speak out. If none of this is true and all of it is just something someone made up to feel good about themselves, then Bill, Marvel and you really have nothing to worry about. Still, there is a trail of breadcrumbs you can follow. Find it and just follow it.
"This is my last act as a thorn in the side of Bill. After this, I will no longer make any efforts to help curb the events that will occur within the next year. I leave what I said for you to act upon or not. If you see that the events unfolding fall into the criteria of the circumstance I have painted for you, do your best to try and find the truth of the matter. If you find out it is true, using your own means, then use your intellect and instinct on how to counter this chain of events. There are more things you can do to help aside from the things i mentioned. Collectively, you may come up with a better answer that may solve or help the problem at hand. And if you don`t take action, not so much because you don`t want to, but feel that this may not be true or can`t come to accept that you can still change this, well... I tried. But analyze the facts. Don`t be quick to judge and pay attention to actions whether in the form of responses or future business decisions. They say more than words coming from Marvel or even me, they speak truth. And truth is all I want you to know and all you want to know yourself. Keep a close eye on dovetails, as they are a good indicator of very deep rabbit holes. When you hear similar statements come from the mouth of more than one person, look into it and at least compare and contrast. Search for motive or special interests in everyone`s part, see if they qualify as people that haven`t much to gain from what they are telling you. It is those that have to least to gain from what they say that are being the most honest. It is those who have the most to lose in this that should be questioned and analyzed for loopholes. And prepare to hear the most sophisticated routine in answer to this you have ever heard. And in the event that you should buy into it, remember that, with all due respect, you were warned.
"Good luck to Marvel and their employees and all the creators and fans. I would love to say it`s been a pleasure doing this, but it hasn`t. Thank you for listening.
"Much love,
"Felicia"
BILL JEMAS TALKS, REVEALS SOFTER SIDE
Bill Jemas has been talking on X-Fan`s Creator confidential section. In response to a number of questions, he gives some replies of interest particularly to LITG readers;
"People that I`ve never met type a lot of stuff about me in the fan press and on the boards. They make up all of this stuff that they say is going on in my mind: `Jemas tries to get people upset on purpose` or `Jemas hates retailers.`
"I think it`s because of the way I think and speak - very simple terms, very direct statements. Some people dislike that, and they complain.
"I just don`t get upset emotionally when people complain about things like that.
"For three years, now, I`ve been saying that `the books sucked.` And that is the kind of simple (oversimplified) statement that gets some people ****** off (the people who have been loyally and happily writing, drawing and reading comics since the 1980`s.)
"So let me rephrase - starting with the one clear fact - the decrease in sales means that millions of people who used to read comics have found things to buy that make them happier than reading comics did - and that sucks.
"All kinds of people have all kinds of explanations for the fact… Such as explosions in alternative media from DVD`s to Web sites, mass exodus of mass-market retailers etc.
"My explanation is attached to an actionable and practical solution. Start to write the kinds of stories that those millions of people used to like to read. When we get our mojo working, people will beat a path to our door. That`s my story - I`m sticking to it.
"In a long-term situation where the general manager(s) are calling lots of shots, you either have a profoundly bad situation of a problem with the general manager.
"Take Chris Claremont and Salvador Larocca on `X-Treme X-Men.` Chris and Salva were doing a great job - that was a good situation and there was no need for anybody to manage that team.
"But, that team has been working as part of Marvel publishing and, overall, Marvel publishing has had some profoundly bad problems.
"We did a bad job of planning `Ultimate Daredevil & Elektra.` We started that book way too late, and found ourselves desperate to find an Ultimate-style artist in a hurry
"We had done a bad job of recruiting artists, so we did not have a deep talent pool to draw upon.
"So I had to call a shot and Salva was moved to `Ultimate DD` - breaking up a great team on a working book. Moving Salva to Namor was a somewhat different story that followed the same pattern.
"When you never hear the names Joe & Bill (except promoting new projects) then you`ll know we know how to run the place."
"We do work as a team and try to play to our own strengths and each other`s weaknesses - which are very different - which is why I asked Joe to be EIC.
"I`m good at noticing little systems that might radiate up into a new product or production technique and have a knack for picking up cultural patterns and translating them into basic story structure. Joe is not good at that, but he is great at the rest of the editorial package - from recruiting to leading, from writing and public speaking to graphics."
STILL WITH US? GOOD.
It is Lying In The Gutter`s position that overall, on the scale of things, Bill Jemas has been good for Marvel. Just. That there have been some shocking judgments made, direction that have been taken too far, unproven ideas becoming rules and horror stories from a number of creators that can`t be defended. There has been lies, deceit, hypocrisy, bad management and poor people skills. Hell, I hear that Bill Jemas now feels that "Origin" would have been much better if he`d written it all himself.
But as a whole, many of Marvel`s books are improved in quality, and what sales increases there have been, have been based on that. Series have been given time to find an audience. Risks have been taken, new approaches sought and attempts to increase the appeal of the medium taken. How much of that is Bill, how much is Joe, how much is down to the many talented staff members at Marvel, is unknown. And, yes, of late, Bill seems to be overdoing it quite a bit.
But remember the Marvel there was just before New Marvel happened, aside from Ultimates and Marvel Knights… and shudder.
As for the Paul Jenkins off "Spider-Man" story that Jenkins vehemently denied last week, it couldn`t have been a Marvel authorised leak to track down the source of their mole, could it? If so, it didn`t work - as I`d heard the story from a number of pro sources. Is the conclusion that Marvel is more like a colander these days? If so, they`re not alone - DC`s started to get a little on the leaky side as well… keep reading…
HE READS COMICS.
We`ve heard the rumours that a Captain America film is being made, based on the character as he appears in Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch`s The Ultimates.
Sky News, part of Rupert Murdoch`s evil news gathering organisation who think a news story is cobbling a piece together from a week-old Daily Mail and Guardian articles and still spelling my name wrong and misquoting me, are reporting that Brad Pitt has signed to play the title role.
SPAWNOGRAPHY
Talking about delegating creative chores, the licensing of "Spawn" comics by Top Cow is currently under discussion. If it happens, expect for an announcement at San Diego.
MILLAR`S WORLD
A Brazilian Alan Moore fansite has recently interviewed Mark Millar. He writes about his upcoming series, "Chosen;"
"The most interesting person we`re ever going to meet is what we perceive to be God. I find that an interesting subject because I was raised in that tradition and a lot of that stuff will also be appearing in my next creator-owned book, a three issue series called `Chosem.` You`ll hear about everything on 11th July when I make a big statement."
The same Web site has, among other things, 2 pages from the original "V For Vendetta" script.
EPIC UP A PENGUIN
Clearly I`m running out of `Epic` headlines.
A number of Marvel editors have been approached about moving to Epic. None have chosen to do so. But with the Marvel Knights imprint being withdrawn in favour of new financial models, such as Epic, and anything that`s not Epic and not in the Top Ten getting shrift treatment from marketing, some are considering moving where Marvel will at least be spending promotional efforts.
Not Axel Alonso though. He really is a man who can state his terms, upping his salary and treatment. Axel is still believed to be being groomed as Joe Quesada`s eventual replacement, although some have been looking in Jim Krueger`s direction.
But it`s Axel`s book "X-Statix" which (with a little media planting by yours truly) has been dominating the media. Articles in The Sun, on the BBC, in the New York Daily Post and more continue to flood in. And they all spell my name wrong…
CROUCHING AVATAR, HIDDEN BOOTH
This year, at San Diego, Avatar are playing Hunt-The-Booth. They`ve deliberately chosen one of the most obscure areas of the convention floor space, but are selling one of the hottest items there.
A special edition book leading into the new "Yuggoth" Alan Moore series starting in autumn (first mentioned in this very column).
The San Diego comic entitled "The Yuggoth Cultures NecroComicon" features an all-new cover by Jacen Burrows and pinups, design sketches, and pencil art from Burrows, Mike Wolfer, Marat Mychaels, Juan Jose Ryp, a sneak peek at Alan Moore and Bryan Talbot`s "Nightjar" and a new essay from Antony Johnston. Most of this material will not be in the actual series, the book is limited to 4000 copies, so if Alan Moore fans don`t get a copy of this, they`re fucked.
Avatar will be at Booth #5202 - and will have signings, Free Comic Book Day giveways and the usual toss. If you can find them that is…
You`d better put me on the "Yuggoth" comp list on this William. Two copies, one for me, one for eBay.
THE REAL SMALLVILLE
Jon Bognadove`s son has recently graduated high school and has won an $11,000 scholarship to Emerson College. His full name is Benjamin Kal-El Bogdanove, and he goes by the name Kal-El…
WE ALL LIVE IN A YELLOW SUB-GENRE
Referring to last week`s mention of a new DC six series sci-fi line, with creators such as Steve Gerber and Jon Lewis, I`ve had a clarification that the focus isn`t entirely sci-fi, rather real-world superheroes. Focussing on different wider genres that use the sub-genre of superheroes. Think "Astro City" and "Top Ten."
STRAY 100 BULLETS
I hear that David Lapham and Bill Seinkiewicz are collaborating on an arc for "Batman." Bill believes it`s to follow Lee and Loeb`s run, although Azzarello and Risso are already in the spot for that.
Anyway, expect it along the pipeline sometime soon.
GORILLA SUPERMAN
I hear one titbit that penciller Ron Garney has just signed on with DC to do a brand new Superman monthly series with Kurt Busiek. Garney`s pencilled covers will be painted over by Alex Ross.
When Marvel approached Alex Ross to do some new work for them, it appears he was initially open to the idea. Then Marvel gave him a list of what they considered A-list writers he could choose to work with. Ross` alleged response was "just because you think they`re any good, doesn`t mean I do."
ALAN MOORE AGED 49 3/4
Alan Moore recently wrote a very entertaining, informed and concise article on Gulf War II for issue 5 of arthur magazine. arthur is a free magazine, with a circulation of 40,000, featuring media and pop culture articles, lots of comic strip, cartoonist features and seemingly a new piece by Alan Moore every issue. Yet it`s managed to avoid coverage from the likes of TCJ, CBG, Newsarama or Pulse.
The new issue about the war is a recommended read, for the Alan Moore article and much more. Click here to see for yourself. But here`s a few quotes to get you on your way…
"Richard the Lionheart addresses his men with that Tony Blair weasel-in-a-slaughterhouse look in his eyes: `Look, okay, I know there`s always a conspiracy theory, but I can honestly say this is not about silk.`
"Around about this time, during the 1930s, Prescott Bush had made the family fortune through his business deals with the Third Reich (he was even able to make a gift of Hitler`s dinner service to the Skull & Bones fraternity)
"That disaster happened at the 2000 U.S. elections, which many of us might have mistaken for an episode of `The Dukes of Hazzard` if only there`d been a little banjo music playing in the background.
"Any previously unthinkable political action can be instantly validated by the magic words 9-11, in much the same way as Ariel Sharon`s government in Israel can make horrific moral and humanitarian issues simply vanish by mentioning the Holocaust.
"He`s the President of the United States. He can do whatever the fuck he likes. Isn`t that what the job`s all about? Doesn`t it say that in, oh, the Constitution or the Declaration of Independence or one of those other pieces of ass-wipe that he means to read if he ever finishes The Very Hungry Caterpillar?
"The Kurds get Kirkuk. The Turks get cross. AI Qaeda and Islamic Jihad, get a free recruitment drive. And I guess we`ll just have to wait and see how many Tim McVeighs or John Mohammeds (both Gulf veterans) came home from the war with a party in their head this time round."
HEY KIDS! COMICS!
I hear that Shelly Bond, now Group Editor at Vertigo, is going to push of a Vertigo Kids line. Other sources have suggested it may be more of a "young adult" focus. Still, there is that incongrous L`il Endless children`s book… with a Mature Readers label slapped on it.
Maybe this is a way to get Tim Hunter out of that oppressive label and onto the Harry Potter bandwagon?
CAMPBELL SCOOP
It looks like J Scott Campbell is set to sign an exclusive deal with DC Comics. Look for an announcement at San Diego - as well as a whole bunch of exclusive deals DC are about to snap up across the board.
GRANT WORKS
I hear that Grant Morrison is writing a screenplay called "Sleepless Knights" for Dreamworks SKG. No details…
NICE CAR
This visual appeared on Dave Johnson`s Web site for a couple of hours over the weekend, and then promptly disappeared. Not before I could right-click and save it though.
With Johnson leaving his staff job at Warner Animation, the success of "Red Son" (including one recorded sale over $50 for the first issue), could this be something for a new creator-owned book for the cover-artists of "100 Bullets?"
Yes, yes it could.
I HAVE NO EYES BUT I WILL SCALE WALLS BADLY
John Cassaday has posted the covers and a short blurb about Planetary 18 and 19 on his Web site:
PLANETARY 18: "THE GUN CLUB"
The game`s afoot. Elijah Snow is building his own conspiracy to bring down the Four, and he`s targetting William Leather first. But what does his plan, which entangles Anna Hark and John Stone, have to do with the first moonshot... in 1851?
Release date: December 2003
PLANETARY 17: "OPAK-RE"
In the 1930`s, Elijah Snow was in the jungle. He was in search of the fabled city of Opak-Re, supposedly an ancient city of lost science deep in Africa. He finds more than he bargained for: another myth from this green hell at the heart of the world. The Englishman raised by apes, now returned as lord of this dark domain. Elijah Snow meets Lord Stephen Blackstock, who became one of Axel Brass` comrades and died in the Adirondacks at the end of World War Two. But this isn`t his story, nor is it Elijah`s. This is Jakita Wagner`s story...
Release date: October 2003
He also posts an original image from "Planetary/Batman" before it was changed by DC editorial. The original image bore a stronger resemblance to the TV Show Batman, the published version lost the yellow circle and the visible eyes, replaced with a black-on-grey logo and black caverns for eyes instead.
Cassaday also teases with…
I AM LEGION: BOOK ONE
Written by Fabien Nuri, released by Humanoids Publishing.
Release date: December 2003
CHRIS CROSS
Chris Claremont has been answering his fans question over at X-Fan, the most fashionable place for creators to go off-message these days.
On his plans for Wolverine and Sabretooth; "Father and son. That`s why Sabretooth (*my* incarnation, that is, not this `Creed` poseur) always considered Logan `sloppy seconds` to his `original`/`real deal.` The other critical element in my presentation of their relationship was that, in their whole life, Logan has never defeated Sabretooth in a knock-down, drag-out, kill-or-be-killed berserker fight. By the same token, on every one of his birthdays, Sabretooth has always managed to find him, no matter where Logan was or what he was doing, and come within an inch of killing him. For no other reason than to remind him that he could."
On Mystique`s father-son relationship with Nightcrawler; "Mystique abandoned him because she was totally freaked by this indigo-furred creature with `deformed` appendages and a forked tail! At that point, Mystique had no idea (s)he was a mutant, or a metamorph; (s)he simply reacted as many normal folks would in similar circumstances. And in the process had something of a nervous breakdown, mental collapse. Which of course, was a whole other story that will never see print. (I do seem to have a lot of them.)"
Then "Actually, regarding "Mystique," I always considered her default form to be blue-skinned and female. However, being a full-spectrum metamorph (megamorph? Or would that only apply to shifters like the DC Durlans, hmmm?) gender for her is a matter of choice, convenience and necessity. Her assumption of the male gender during this particular period of her life relates more to the prejudices of the time. A male consulting detective is likely to be taken a tad more seriously in official circles than a woman. As for when Mystique and Irene got together, look at the back-story established in `X-treme X-Men` #s 1 & 2; check out the fashions and the social culture in the visuals. There may even be a reference to Mystique`s consulting detective serving as a template for a character renowned in late Victorian crime fiction, also involved with someone named Irene Adler.
"That said, of course, just because *I* established it doesn`t mean that particular back-story -- or, for that matter, the events of `True Friends` at all -- is considered part of the currently accepted Canon."
On writing more for "X-Men Unlimited"; "Stories for `Unlimited` are the province of Editor C.B. Cebulski. If he wants any he knows where to find me. I`ve done what I can, which is let him know I`m interested and available. The ball`s now in his court."
On the history between Jean and Professor X; "I did propose such a series: `X-Men Year Zero,` to deal with the time-frame between Xavier losing his legs to the opening scene of `X-Men` #1 (1963). It would go into the origins of his relationship with Sage, and Sebastian Shaw, his recruitment of Jean, their adventures together, back-story concerning Logan and his gradual decision to form the X-Men.
"Marvel chose to pass on the proposal."
DOUBLE THE DEVIL YOU KNOW
Those good people over at 411 Comics have been reporting that "Lucifer" 50 is to be a double-sized issue with all sorts of goodness and wonder, and art by P Craig Russell.
STALKING ON THE MOON
Moonstone is to publish a monthly "Kolchak, Night Stalker" series written by Mark Dawidziak and drawn by Andy Bennet. Kolchak is considered one of the more influential TV shows, directly preceding the X-Files genre. Other titles, such as a new "Silencers" series and other creator-owned books will follow.
FOREIGN CLIMES
During some concern over the right to Britons to automatically enter the USA during convention season at the Andy Diggle Forum, artist Mike Collins recalled, "....Or, as happened when me`n`Mark Farmer went over that first time, get into an argument about names...
"A guard pulled Mark over, checked his passport and said:
"`Farmer, eh? Do you have any dairy produce or meat products with you sir?`
"I think it was probably only the guy`s gun that stopped Mark from twatting him."
NO DITKO
Reports by Diamond Dateline that Ariel Press` "Raven 3" will no longer have a Steve Ditko-drawn cover are slightly incongruous. It never had one, just someone doing a very good imitation and passing it off as a gag. A gag that previews took very seriously indeed…
A TOME CALLED MALICE
Bryan Talbot`s "Alice In Sunderland" that this column has featured over the last few weeks looks further to finding a publisher.
Hopefully the fly in the ointment of Kelly Osbourne starring in the similarly titled "Malice in Sunderland" won`t cause problems…
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
Chuck Austen`s takeover on "Captain America" from John Ney Reiber was even more sudden than some people thought. Apparently, Reiber had further issues in the pipeline, already being drawn. Chuck took the art and wrote entirely new stories. See if you can find one panel drawn by Jae Lee for a mountain hideout with sky in the background - with a new caption describing it as an under water lair.
IT ROTS THEIR BRAINS, YOU KNOW
Marvel`s recent appeals to employees about being a family have had interesting parallels. One employee recalls a bunch of the bullpen who used to play Dungeons And Dragons during lunch.
It was then banned. Just like all good parents should.
Other employee conversations with Marvel management about the importance of morale in the company included the Marvel line that it`s easier to fire a jaded employee and replace them then it is to un-jade them…
A SUPERSTITIOUS AND COWARDLY LOT
Over at the newly revived Dixonverse, Chuck Dixon has been sounding out about his ex-co-workers, Greg Rucka and Ed brubaker, on the Batman titles. He writes, "Having met both Mssrs Rucka and Brubaker on several occasions the difference is plain to me. Greg has a distinct lack or regard for his readership that translates to the work. He also tracks strongly along the lines of pastiche in his stories. Ed has a high regard for his readers and a genuine wish to entertain. He does, as we all do when writing, to stay away from pastiche. He falls into the trap sometimes but there`s an honesty to his work that you cannot deny.
"Both of these guys love the genres that they`re exploring but they come at it from decidedly different directions. Think of Greg as Andrew Vacchs and Ed as Donald Westlake."
GUTTER PLUGS
Todd Allen`s recent article on online comics has seen it propagate as links on a large number of websites, after Lying In The Gutters featured it last week. Maybe we could do the same for Todd`s new critique on Scott McCloud and the micro-payment system, right here.
This week`s Waiting For Tommy is on comics activism - fact or fiction?
Oh, and I`m selling DVDs, Gamecube games and comics on eBay again. Click here for the list.
RECRUITING IN THE GUTTERS
If you`ve got a story, talk to me. Your identity will remain anonymous unless you wish otherwise. You can choose a pseudonym and join the ranks of the Gutterati. Or be a demon reposter, join the Gutter Snipes and spread the word about stories in this column across the Internet, where relevant. Then tell me where you`ve put them up - the more mainstream the better!
You can contact me at:
mailto:rich@twistandshout.freeserve.co.uk (which often gets full, but it`ll reach me during the day)
AOL Instant Message me at TwistRich
0780 1350982 (01144780 1350982 from N America)
Anthrax packages can be sent to 8 Robin Hood Lane, Kingston Vale, London SW15 3PU, ENGLAND
Be seeing you.
Monday July 7, 2003
This is the fifty-fourth weekly episode of Lying In The Gutters, the industry`s premier rumour column and gossip sheet. At all times, remember the rumour rules. Red light means it`s probably bullshit, Yellow light means I think there`s an element of truth and Green means you get bet your life on it. Or someone`s life. Not mine, I`ve been wrong before. Take everything you read with a sticky toffee pudding and if you do repost information here elsewhere, please include a warning to that effect. And a link. Man does not live by hits alone - but I could do with the attention. I blame George Bush. It saves time.
FELICIA TALKS, THE INTERNET LISTENS
Cut, paste.
"I don`t know any other way to start this very revealing article, other than to once again point to the source of much speculation and controversy in comics: Bill Jemas.
"Surfing the Internet the last two weeks, I`ve seen many publicly bash Bill for managing Marvel the way he has to this point. I`ve seen almost as many come to his defence. What I want to attempt to do with this column is try to point out what should be the bulls eye of your collective anger and/or questioning. I`ve seen people resort to either crediting or discrediting him when it comes to things like "Marville," "Origin," "Namor" and other projects of his. But most of these things are the by-product of a philosophy that Bill shares alone. It is this same philosophy that is the root from which all these creations or abominations (your pick) stem from, such as the belief that he is capable of writing the entire Marvel line-up if given the proper tools and people to work with. This is about Bill Jemas` stance on the comic market, as it exists today.
"The first thing I would adamantly like to make clear is that Bill Jemas` view of comics is not that of an established, respectable means capable of attaining it`s deserved public acclaim. He has attempted, through past efforts, to help `validate comics` by approximating them as close as possible to the other magazines in newsstands. Larger in size, change of paper quality and density and even the art, in his eyes, should be produced in a photoshopesque manner in order to achieve an illusion with the ultimate means of mimicking the look and feel of `real skin` portrayed in periodicals such as Maxim and Stuff. Some of these efforts have failed when attempted, yet others are still practiced or underway.
"The problem with this, of course, is that comics are not these magazines. They have, in the opinion of many, been the product of the labor of long lineage of intellects who breathed the life and culture already existing in the flame that we know today. To try and change or rearrange the configuration of this flame into some kind of money-making based scheme for simple marketing appeal and perspective, a very shallow and skewed one at that, is to say or to the least hint that the geniuses that laid out the foundation of comics, men and women of legend, were simply the gears and cogs not necessarily consequential to the product which resulted in the medium and base market that supports it today.
"The shameless, utter disrespect and lack of acknowledgment towards both ends of the spectrum that is this medium is evident in Bill Jemas` attitude both towards creators and fans. There are countless stories of irrationality on Bill`s part that I cite involving creators who were unfairly treated or taken advantage of. These same creators have sometimes spoken out only to be shot down by the very people who should listen to what they have to say. The same goes towards the disfavor Jemas` does his fans by mocking them, sometimes publicly, and citing their differences as a small aberration pertinent to a minimal demographic that would not in anyway so much as put a dent in their decision making process, less have any impact on their sales, long term or short.
"In addition to this, there are several other factors and efforts already in motion revolving around the attempts to change the face of comics (at least at Marvel). However, the main change of which all these decisions are influenced by is so grand scale, that it will be gradually and cunningly executed under the public exterior of a sound marketing stratagem. Good for business that is, like the firing of Waid.
"I`d like for you to take into consideration a fact that isn`t popularly known by fans and maybe a few creators: Marvel`s total base income from their publishing division accounts for an average or nearly 5% of total current income. This means that they are currently making most of their money from things such as licensing and movies. This also means that, comics, the very lifeblood of the previous two, from a financial perspective is nearly irrelevant for the economic potency the company currently possesses. Which is the reason why Marvel`s owners, Isaac Perlmutter and/or Avi Arad, are looking into either: A) Shutting the publishing branch down completely and simply license property out or B) Selling the company, all of it`s intellectual property to either Universal or Sony.
"The concern here, for those who may not completely grasp the effects or repercussions that may result from either of these two, should be identified immediately as the fact that one of these will most likely keep the comic book industry alive and the other will not.
"In the event that Marvel does sell to Universal or Sony, it will have the backing of a powerful corporate giant, just as DC with AOL/Time-Warner, and a potential comics depression of the 21st century, if any, may and most likely will be adverted. This much is blatant.
"However, in the event that Marvel is unsuccessful in selling it`s very valuable company to either of these two, or should the owners decide to tight-fistedly clench on to what they so rightfully acquired years ago, they will (are) considering the very real possibility of shutting down the publishing arm that has survived decades and near death as it struggled more than once to return as the prominent flag ship that it is now. Yes, this means no more Marvel comics. The end of titles like "Spider-Man," "X-Men" and "Daredevil." Or is it?
"Should Marvel decide to go down this shady path of uncertainty, it may be likely that the cornerstone which is the life of the company, its very blood, can crumble in waves of exiting disappointed fans of all kinds, new and old, supporters and bashers of the current Marvel. Though the loss of income, even 5%, may perhaps sound as a far-fetched concept for skeptics reading this, it is a fact that the owners themselves do not understand the mechanics and inner workings of publishing and why it is necessary in the continued long-term success of the company. Thus, if they see the publishing arm as nothing more than a headache, then it should be understandable why they would want to sever it. Although, if and when this happens, it will not necessarily mean the immediate demise of the company. The next Marvel bankruptcy will occur most likely under the condition that its movies start tanking and interest is lost in its licensing. This is somewhat unlikely, but still within the realm of reality as though these characters have become iconic, they have still, nonetheless become the money making movie phenomenon only and exclusively due to the fact that the comic books have existed to date.
"There are two people that may understand this more than anyone, and they are both at Marvel: Bill Jemas and Joe Quesada. Both men have been successful at convincing the owners that the publishing branch, despite its heavy investment in both money, time and risk venture, is completely crucial to the continued long-term success of licensing and movies. However, the interpretation of what the publishing branch should be, in theory, from both men, are two opposing ideals.
"Joe Quesada, or at least the original Joe Quesada, believed in the simple science that if the best creators were put on the best books, Marvel would deadlock a secure future in outputting both A) good stories, good books resulting in a healthy publishing division and B) good ideas, especially in terms of the future, where giants like Sony and Universal would come to Marvel as the elite think tank and house of ideas for their current property and future property or property that yet doesn`t exist. Item B would be crucial towards the implementation of an engine that would secure wealthy financial future for the company. However, in this industry, views often collide. And since Marvel is at the heart of this industry, one could almost anticipate the inevitability of the following or the plan that is already in motion.
"Bill Jemas has subscribed to completely unconventional ideals, a religion if you will, of how to go about cementing the future of Marvel. In order to cut down on what, in his opinion, may be unnecessary expenses of both time and money and in an effort to admonish risk venture in individual titles, Bill is planning to slowly, but surely, replace every highly paid, respected creator, every talent that may be a `headache` or may not hand in work on a timely fashion, but is still popular, every writer, artist or employee that may perhaps be a burden more than a blessing, financially or any other way, with an individual who will not be a required element or investment in their future and will have no interest in the full market potential of intellectual property. In other words, he wants people that will sell out cheap or at least people that they can milk for ideas.... and they are finding them.
"There are several or a mixture of tactics in effect to make this happen. I`ve cited Epic being part of this movement, but there is also a degree of `good marketing decisions` that play into this. For those of you who made a fuss about the firing of Waid, you did so for whatever reasons, but none more so than the fact that instinctually, something about this didn`t sit well, perhaps because you`ve been around since the last Marvel catastrophe or long before. Still, your gut just told you and in my opinion, you were and still are right if you believe none of it was blown out of proportion. A few weeks ago, some complaining about the Waid situation turned their heads and silenced in light of this new intriguing person that was going to take the reigns of FF. What you just witnessed happen is the collective shift of interest in one known creator to one practically unknown. This may not be the last time you see this.
"Why would Jemas play this risky game of replacing everyone? Well, as I mentioned, Bill hasn`t respect for comics as its own medium. And sadly, he sees comics as nothing more but an advertising gimmick for the real money maker: movies. If this is hard to believe, ask any ex-marvel employee (if you know one). Politely request for them to be sincere and possibly as unbiased as possible in telling you this truth.
"If Jemas has his way, what will result in these books is a slew of generic art and story telling that will pummel Marvel back into the age where they did this the first time. The previous age of Marvel bankruptcy, where what readers got was uninteresting art and writing from unknowns, rehashing of old plots, frivolous stories that shattered established story continuity which turned the reader off causing just about every last fan walk out. However, the new twist for this century`s bankruptcy, and what Bill is deliberately planning is the generalization of all art (all art should look the same) and writing (supervised and controlled by Bill), impractical new twists (from new creators with a fresh take on the Marvel Universe) to the rehashing of old plots and even more frivolous breaks in story continuity that will turn off a whole other generation of Marvel readers including the repented wave of fans who will once again lament and walk out the door.
"But Bill too is also aware of this possibility. Bill isn`t as dumb as this looks. Which, as he has been doing so far, is only gradual transition towards this outcome. Testing the waters first and seeing how the fans react. In all fairness, I believe him and this plan capable of rolling with required momentum up until the point where the last good creator(s) have been replaced or eliminated. What I don`t believe, and many others who work within the industry, is that this plan will bode over well in the long run. In theory, replacing everyone with cheaper versions of themselves seems to be a good idea, but there are outside factors that are not being considered or may not be getting enough attention.
"Fans will still want the `Waids,` and with exceptions of creators who Marvel will deem more valuable (the last to get the boot from Marvel), these creators will go over to DC, Image or Dark Horse who will be waiting for them with arms wide open. A large portion of loyal fans will shift their weight in that direction as well. And though perhaps, the new faces at Marvel may, through some form of intrigue, quite possibly build their own fan bases, if they too should become just as popular as the fore mentioned, it is rational to think that they too will want to be paid just as much as they are worth, which should be completely understandable, but counter productive to what Bill Jemas will have then vainly been attempting. In which case, he will be forced to once again fire a creator and hire a new, cheaper one. Thus the cycle will ensue. And if Bill is planning to cycle an infinite barrage of new creators on books, the above mentioned about fans following their creators will happen in an even greater scale.
"However, another factor may well be that if Marvel is successful in ditching their beloved creators, and keeping their new creators at a very cheap price, DC and the like could quite possibly follow in the steps of this comics giant. After all, if Marvel is making just as much money, or even more by doing this, why should they too burden themselves with dishing out the big bucks to keep these respected creators working? Couldn`t they just do the same? In theory they could. Hopefully they won`t.
"Still, that future may be further down the road than anyone could postulate. Bill Jemas` attempts may only backfire a year or several from now. But by that time all the pieces will be put in place, and it will be too late for you, the fan, new or old, to do something about it. The rock and the hard place everything is sitting between is the desire of the owners to shut down publishing and to license out and Bill Jemas` blueprint of how to maintain the publishing division open but at a much lower cost. Where you come in is whether or not you will accept either of these two. Would you care if tomorrow Marvel stopped printing comics, and still go watch the movies they make and buy the toys? Will you care if your favorite creators are replaced with clones from other mediums and puppeted by Bill in an effort to manufacture or mass-produce creativity for advertisement purposes? If you went to see the next "X-men" or "Hulk" movie regardless of the decision to close publishing, then perhaps there is really no need for the publishing arm, and comics as we know it are doomed. If you would buy a comic that is now made at some generic level and more so exists simply to propel you into the seat of the next "X-men" or "Hulk" movie, then perhaps there is no need for creators of the books we buy, and comics as we know it are doomed. Which one of these would you prefer? Is there a lesser of two evils here?
"Let`s see. If publishing shuts down, there would be some seriously dreaded consequences coming. Primarily, comic shops all across America dedicated to bringing you these valuable gems will immediately lose more than half of their business. And if they lose more than half of their business they lose more than half of their income. At this point, it is reasonable to understand that when they close, they will be doing so because they have no other choice. At a skeptical level, one could go as far as saying that the creators will still create a level of business elsewhere, such as DC, Image or something independent and enough so as to cushion the impact of losing nearly or more than half the market. In fact, DC and others may enjoy a level of growth from their newfound source of power if and when many leave Marvel. But we are talking about an event that will occur before or after the fact this all happens. In scenario A) Marvel will shut down publishing before they finish their transition causing the direct market to lose more than 50% of business. In scenario B) Marvel may be unsuccessful at siphoning interest from old popular creators to new intriguing ones, expanding a new fan base, will shut down publishing anyway, and will cause the direct market to lose about or more than 50% of its business (assuming Marvel still holds this share of the market) after the fact that everyone has already moved to DC, Image, Dark Horse or go independent. So if you can see, though scenario A seems as more solid in causing its consequences, scenario B potentially still holds the same risk.
"In A, we have an abrupt act by someone in power, and the result stated will most definitely happen. In B, it could happen and most likely will if fans do not take kindly to the replacement of nearly or either all of their favorite creators. But also reconsider the fact that if Jemas makes scenario B successful, it may be only temporary. After all, as I previously said, how long before DC decides that they should do the same thing Marvel is doing? Why not milk DC property as well for what is really worth and make more money now than we may or may not make later? This can happen. Is it a likelier possibility? I suppose it would depend on whether AOL/Time-Warner gives a damn. As someone pointed out to me, since when do they care what Marvel does? But also consider the fact that, if merchants shut down as a direct loss of nearly half of their business, where will DC, Image and others sell their comics?
"In addition, if this nightmare comes true, there are other things that will come to an end, as a result of anything even remotely similar to this happening. You can kiss publications that revolve around comics like Wizard goodbye. Really? Well you can if they are impacted by merchants across America shutting down. Who will sell Wizard? Perhaps they can shift everyone over to subscriptions. Maybe if they lay off half their staff they may find a way. Also, forget about those lovely comic conventions and adios to at least a few of those online communities many of you participate in that revolves around your favorite comic, comic creator or comic news. I think even Rich, who`s been very generous and understanding towards me and my motives, will be out of a job or at least a past time. Do you get paid for this Rich? Just wondering.
"One thing is for sure: Personally, I have nothing to gain from revealing this. I`ve received lots of words in praise just as much as in anger. I`ve seen your posts on the message boards, both from those who wish me well to those who`d love to see me get caught. But to highlight to you, in case some of you may not really understand... I am only the messenger and came here under this circumstance. I came here months ago to tell you what was happening inside Marvel as far as a level of corrupt behavior that may affect you, but learned of this information instead as I carefully analyzed the facts. Still, though many of you are thinking this all sounds very farfetched, it isn`t. Just pay attention carefully to how Marvel responds to this. If i can`t convince you of this truth, then it`s very depressing. If you discover the legitimacy of this, then it is also just as depressing. However, I`ll point out to you that there is a silver lining and a message of hope attached: There is something you can do. But in order to do something about it, you have to believe that there is something you can do.
"The first step, I would tell most of you not to bash Bill Jemas. I`ve done this myself just recently and in the past, but it is online that I learned this will work against you. If you are going to post topics of inquiry and comments regarding any of this, you should do so in the most respectful way you can. Otherwise, angry sentiments will stifle any possible movement that we may be able to start. I would humbly beg you to do this, and furthermore I kindly ask you to resist any temptation to relieve and vent your frustrations online or via email in a disrespectful fashion. This will only be counterproductive.
"The second step is to in fact spread the word. I`m not saying to go post happy, and to crash the comics Internet for another 3 days (though I see this happening again), but to talk about it mostly in verbatim to friends and comic shop owners. Especially these merchants who, I would challenge to seek out the validity to any of this, and brace themselves starting from now. Maybe they can create a backup plan to save their businesses. Just talk. However, when and if you do this, also please do so in the most polite way possible keeping in mind that this is a delicate issue that worries everyone. I know I may not even have to tell you to do so, but if you believe this, any of this in the slightest, then you should also believe me when i say expressing your feelings to your comic shop owners in a positive fashion will influence this situation in a positive way thereby helping us get positive results.
"Third is, fans should make the utmost effort to act and band together as one. I was glad to see the initial response when many learned of what happened with Waid. I saw an interesting thread that was started by someone in an attempt to collect signatures to keep Waid on FF. When I last looked, the signatures where a few short of 600. Why? Why people, after all that fuss online did we only manage to get under 600 signatures on that thread? Many of you may think that this is just about getting Waid back on the book, but I challenge the creator of that thread to state that it also had nothing to do with showing Marvel that we could move collectively, because we can. And if fans are going to band together to save comics on this one, then as their first act of their newfound organization, they should find no excuse but to have that petition swamped, not in the hundreds but in the thousands. I say whether or not you believe that petition will bring Waid back to FF, you should sign it. It is not just a document requesting a creator, it is a symbol of our ability to move together as one. I saw earlier this week one of Marvel`s newfound lapdogs bark out belittlement and cynicism at the fact that Bill Jemas had once again defeated the fans. This is not true and is nothing more than an attempt to extinguish whatever potential in your influence remains in terms of book sales after FF #509. I will not sit here and tell you not to buy it. I will not sit here and tell you to buy it. You shouldn`t or no one should do things they are told to do. I think most agree with that. However, i would urge you, in light of this revelation, to go out to your comic shop when #509 (Waid`s last issue) comes out and do what you think is best. I would also urge you to do the same when the issue that follows (#510 perhaps) with the new `writer,` to do what you think is best.
"Another smart thing to do, from now on, is not to lump Bill and Joe into the same cake. If anyone understood the nature of what was happening within that company, you would not hate Joe for the reasons you hate Bill. Separate the two. Bill has successfully managed to syphon both popularity and power from Joe. He`s become a controlling symbiote of the Bill & Joe entity that has put them in the same boat before the eyes of many of you. Remember when Marvel started over again, who was the one person you constantly heard about? Give that person back the power to do something about it. This is not to discredit anyone of deserving merit, but look back in history about 2 or 3 years. Study what has happened. Discuss it amongst each other. Let Marvel know what you think. However, again, in the most respectful way possible. Just force Bill to acknowledge that the walls of that company are now transparently clear or clearer than they were when he was trying to pull his numbers. Joe can opt out of this control being forced on him if he wants, but if he chooses not to there is a group of people that should wield more weight in the decisions that are made over there than any one person. Editors. Also, ask to hear more from editors, in cons, online and in books. You want to hear from the likes of these editors that are the only thing keeping or at least trying to keep that company honest right now. If you don`t know their names, get to know them. Open your favorite Marvel comic and write their name down somewhere. Someone start a thread somewhere and list their names. We, as fans, need to remember the days when these editors weren`t just a name in the credits, but a personality that took life in the letters column somewhere in the back of a comic. Open your books and make a mental note of the names of these people. By shifting your attention to them, you will give them more of an ability to help with this situation, rather than abandoning it as a ship which some think is inevitably going to sink. Make their opinions matter mre at the next meeting, when Bill gathers everyone around for their weekly tongue lashing. Because once this generation of editors is gone, i can guarantee you that it will be that much more difficult, nearly impossible to help make changes in Marvel plans and policy.
"Also, creators should be asked by their fans to look into this. And I don`t mean by making them call Marvel. There is a level of discreetness required here in order to ascertain the truth. And if anyone has any information in regards to any of this, please see to it that the proper information is given to the proper people, or those who have the loudest and most effective voices in comics.
"And editors, without revealing myself, I would urge you to make whatever valid efforts you could now, especially in light of the fact that now everyone or most everyone knows what is happening. Now that fans know the truth, attempt to muster whatever remaining strength and courage in you to help both Marvel and Bill realize that there is a grave error in the decision making process currently being practiced, and that morale is, despite any morale boosting meeting, indeed is not what it should be. Nor will it become what they want it to be so long as editorial is suppressed. Remember the times before any of you became editors? What you thought the job would hold in store for you? How you looked forward to making the decisions you thought you were going to make or can the most senior of you recall the time when your jobs were actually fun? Now is the time to either do something or nothing about it. This is a window of opportunity, small as it may be, to change the course of events that can very well lead to the demise of comics. This company is a comic company. Not just a movie think-tank. Not just a licensing of intellectual property company. Comics. That`s what brought all of you together. That is what brought all of us together. You are the first and last line of defence in helping deter the disaster that will possibly and most likely occur if Bill Jemas is allowed to do things his way.
"And Bill, I know somewhere deep down, there is a part of you that means well. But all this reeks of a conspiracy. One that is against everyone, but you and the owners of this company. Against your employees, creators, merchants and fans. I know there is nothing I can do to stop you. Maybe you have taken more power away from the editors just recently. But at least listen to the fans, who not so much want to manipulate what kind of stories Marvel tells, but simply want the caliber of loyalty they have invested in you returned in the form of good comics, in nothing more than the respectable medium that it exists as today. I don`t believe you can force the comics market to expand using these tactics you have at hand. Have you stopped to think that maybe comics weren`t meant to be the gigantic industry that you want them to be? And if they do have that potential, do you honestly think you can force it grow faster than it naturally would? Please tread carefully. We do not want one sole person to be the death of something so sacred that`s existed for so long. In fact, there is nothing more that we want, like you, than a successful Marvel to help pave the way and generate a stimulus for smaller companies. Because what are you gonna do in the event that Marvel tanks due to this warped leadership? Maybe you`ll resign and walk away as you haven`t much to lose since you pulled out with your stock, and you`ll point the finger at the very people who told you this was going to happen. I`m not alleging you of having committed anything illegal, I`m simply pointing out the level of confidence in your company`s future. And how far your sincerity goes with this respect. You may not have to be 100% forthcoming with us, heck that is what presidents of companies usually are about these days. Still, we want a Marvel as close to honesty as it can get. We`re ready to follow this company wherever it may go, so long as it`s not over a cliff. We don`t want fake comics. We don`t want to be taken advantage of. We want what we give you in return. We want you to listen to your "mindless robots" and acknowledge what the word "editor" means. Overall, we are going to be wanting to hear more from them than you, or possibly even Joe (Not Bill behind a Joe mask), who from what I understand, due to this, may have his days numbered at Marvel. Still, we will be watching. Now more than ever.
"And fans, remember, this isn`t just about bashing Marvel. This is about a greater picture that still many will refuse to see even after they have read this. This is about being able to act on information, and helping save a company that is in all of our hearts. Don`t listen to me if it satisfies your speculation as to why I am even hiding to begin with. But at least study the facts carefully before you act or publicly speak out. If none of this is true and all of it is just something someone made up to feel good about themselves, then Bill, Marvel and you really have nothing to worry about. Still, there is a trail of breadcrumbs you can follow. Find it and just follow it.
"This is my last act as a thorn in the side of Bill. After this, I will no longer make any efforts to help curb the events that will occur within the next year. I leave what I said for you to act upon or not. If you see that the events unfolding fall into the criteria of the circumstance I have painted for you, do your best to try and find the truth of the matter. If you find out it is true, using your own means, then use your intellect and instinct on how to counter this chain of events. There are more things you can do to help aside from the things i mentioned. Collectively, you may come up with a better answer that may solve or help the problem at hand. And if you don`t take action, not so much because you don`t want to, but feel that this may not be true or can`t come to accept that you can still change this, well... I tried. But analyze the facts. Don`t be quick to judge and pay attention to actions whether in the form of responses or future business decisions. They say more than words coming from Marvel or even me, they speak truth. And truth is all I want you to know and all you want to know yourself. Keep a close eye on dovetails, as they are a good indicator of very deep rabbit holes. When you hear similar statements come from the mouth of more than one person, look into it and at least compare and contrast. Search for motive or special interests in everyone`s part, see if they qualify as people that haven`t much to gain from what they are telling you. It is those that have to least to gain from what they say that are being the most honest. It is those who have the most to lose in this that should be questioned and analyzed for loopholes. And prepare to hear the most sophisticated routine in answer to this you have ever heard. And in the event that you should buy into it, remember that, with all due respect, you were warned.
"Good luck to Marvel and their employees and all the creators and fans. I would love to say it`s been a pleasure doing this, but it hasn`t. Thank you for listening.
"Much love,
"Felicia"
BILL JEMAS TALKS, REVEALS SOFTER SIDE
Bill Jemas has been talking on X-Fan`s Creator confidential section. In response to a number of questions, he gives some replies of interest particularly to LITG readers;
"People that I`ve never met type a lot of stuff about me in the fan press and on the boards. They make up all of this stuff that they say is going on in my mind: `Jemas tries to get people upset on purpose` or `Jemas hates retailers.`
"I think it`s because of the way I think and speak - very simple terms, very direct statements. Some people dislike that, and they complain.
"I just don`t get upset emotionally when people complain about things like that.
"For three years, now, I`ve been saying that `the books sucked.` And that is the kind of simple (oversimplified) statement that gets some people ****** off (the people who have been loyally and happily writing, drawing and reading comics since the 1980`s.)
"So let me rephrase - starting with the one clear fact - the decrease in sales means that millions of people who used to read comics have found things to buy that make them happier than reading comics did - and that sucks.
"All kinds of people have all kinds of explanations for the fact… Such as explosions in alternative media from DVD`s to Web sites, mass exodus of mass-market retailers etc.
"My explanation is attached to an actionable and practical solution. Start to write the kinds of stories that those millions of people used to like to read. When we get our mojo working, people will beat a path to our door. That`s my story - I`m sticking to it.
"In a long-term situation where the general manager(s) are calling lots of shots, you either have a profoundly bad situation of a problem with the general manager.
"Take Chris Claremont and Salvador Larocca on `X-Treme X-Men.` Chris and Salva were doing a great job - that was a good situation and there was no need for anybody to manage that team.
"But, that team has been working as part of Marvel publishing and, overall, Marvel publishing has had some profoundly bad problems.
"We did a bad job of planning `Ultimate Daredevil & Elektra.` We started that book way too late, and found ourselves desperate to find an Ultimate-style artist in a hurry
"We had done a bad job of recruiting artists, so we did not have a deep talent pool to draw upon.
"So I had to call a shot and Salva was moved to `Ultimate DD` - breaking up a great team on a working book. Moving Salva to Namor was a somewhat different story that followed the same pattern.
"When you never hear the names Joe & Bill (except promoting new projects) then you`ll know we know how to run the place."
"We do work as a team and try to play to our own strengths and each other`s weaknesses - which are very different - which is why I asked Joe to be EIC.
"I`m good at noticing little systems that might radiate up into a new product or production technique and have a knack for picking up cultural patterns and translating them into basic story structure. Joe is not good at that, but he is great at the rest of the editorial package - from recruiting to leading, from writing and public speaking to graphics."
STILL WITH US? GOOD.
It is Lying In The Gutter`s position that overall, on the scale of things, Bill Jemas has been good for Marvel. Just. That there have been some shocking judgments made, direction that have been taken too far, unproven ideas becoming rules and horror stories from a number of creators that can`t be defended. There has been lies, deceit, hypocrisy, bad management and poor people skills. Hell, I hear that Bill Jemas now feels that "Origin" would have been much better if he`d written it all himself.
But as a whole, many of Marvel`s books are improved in quality, and what sales increases there have been, have been based on that. Series have been given time to find an audience. Risks have been taken, new approaches sought and attempts to increase the appeal of the medium taken. How much of that is Bill, how much is Joe, how much is down to the many talented staff members at Marvel, is unknown. And, yes, of late, Bill seems to be overdoing it quite a bit.
But remember the Marvel there was just before New Marvel happened, aside from Ultimates and Marvel Knights… and shudder.
As for the Paul Jenkins off "Spider-Man" story that Jenkins vehemently denied last week, it couldn`t have been a Marvel authorised leak to track down the source of their mole, could it? If so, it didn`t work - as I`d heard the story from a number of pro sources. Is the conclusion that Marvel is more like a colander these days? If so, they`re not alone - DC`s started to get a little on the leaky side as well… keep reading…
HE READS COMICS.
We`ve heard the rumours that a Captain America film is being made, based on the character as he appears in Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch`s The Ultimates.
Sky News, part of Rupert Murdoch`s evil news gathering organisation who think a news story is cobbling a piece together from a week-old Daily Mail and Guardian articles and still spelling my name wrong and misquoting me, are reporting that Brad Pitt has signed to play the title role.
SPAWNOGRAPHY
Talking about delegating creative chores, the licensing of "Spawn" comics by Top Cow is currently under discussion. If it happens, expect for an announcement at San Diego.
MILLAR`S WORLD
A Brazilian Alan Moore fansite has recently interviewed Mark Millar. He writes about his upcoming series, "Chosen;"
"The most interesting person we`re ever going to meet is what we perceive to be God. I find that an interesting subject because I was raised in that tradition and a lot of that stuff will also be appearing in my next creator-owned book, a three issue series called `Chosem.` You`ll hear about everything on 11th July when I make a big statement."
The same Web site has, among other things, 2 pages from the original "V For Vendetta" script.
EPIC UP A PENGUIN
Clearly I`m running out of `Epic` headlines.
A number of Marvel editors have been approached about moving to Epic. None have chosen to do so. But with the Marvel Knights imprint being withdrawn in favour of new financial models, such as Epic, and anything that`s not Epic and not in the Top Ten getting shrift treatment from marketing, some are considering moving where Marvel will at least be spending promotional efforts.
Not Axel Alonso though. He really is a man who can state his terms, upping his salary and treatment. Axel is still believed to be being groomed as Joe Quesada`s eventual replacement, although some have been looking in Jim Krueger`s direction.
But it`s Axel`s book "X-Statix" which (with a little media planting by yours truly) has been dominating the media. Articles in The Sun, on the BBC, in the New York Daily Post and more continue to flood in. And they all spell my name wrong…
CROUCHING AVATAR, HIDDEN BOOTH
This year, at San Diego, Avatar are playing Hunt-The-Booth. They`ve deliberately chosen one of the most obscure areas of the convention floor space, but are selling one of the hottest items there.
A special edition book leading into the new "Yuggoth" Alan Moore series starting in autumn (first mentioned in this very column).
The San Diego comic entitled "The Yuggoth Cultures NecroComicon" features an all-new cover by Jacen Burrows and pinups, design sketches, and pencil art from Burrows, Mike Wolfer, Marat Mychaels, Juan Jose Ryp, a sneak peek at Alan Moore and Bryan Talbot`s "Nightjar" and a new essay from Antony Johnston. Most of this material will not be in the actual series, the book is limited to 4000 copies, so if Alan Moore fans don`t get a copy of this, they`re fucked.
Avatar will be at Booth #5202 - and will have signings, Free Comic Book Day giveways and the usual toss. If you can find them that is…
You`d better put me on the "Yuggoth" comp list on this William. Two copies, one for me, one for eBay.
THE REAL SMALLVILLE
Jon Bognadove`s son has recently graduated high school and has won an $11,000 scholarship to Emerson College. His full name is Benjamin Kal-El Bogdanove, and he goes by the name Kal-El…
WE ALL LIVE IN A YELLOW SUB-GENRE
Referring to last week`s mention of a new DC six series sci-fi line, with creators such as Steve Gerber and Jon Lewis, I`ve had a clarification that the focus isn`t entirely sci-fi, rather real-world superheroes. Focussing on different wider genres that use the sub-genre of superheroes. Think "Astro City" and "Top Ten."
STRAY 100 BULLETS
I hear that David Lapham and Bill Seinkiewicz are collaborating on an arc for "Batman." Bill believes it`s to follow Lee and Loeb`s run, although Azzarello and Risso are already in the spot for that.
Anyway, expect it along the pipeline sometime soon.
GORILLA SUPERMAN
I hear one titbit that penciller Ron Garney has just signed on with DC to do a brand new Superman monthly series with Kurt Busiek. Garney`s pencilled covers will be painted over by Alex Ross.
When Marvel approached Alex Ross to do some new work for them, it appears he was initially open to the idea. Then Marvel gave him a list of what they considered A-list writers he could choose to work with. Ross` alleged response was "just because you think they`re any good, doesn`t mean I do."
ALAN MOORE AGED 49 3/4
Alan Moore recently wrote a very entertaining, informed and concise article on Gulf War II for issue 5 of arthur magazine. arthur is a free magazine, with a circulation of 40,000, featuring media and pop culture articles, lots of comic strip, cartoonist features and seemingly a new piece by Alan Moore every issue. Yet it`s managed to avoid coverage from the likes of TCJ, CBG, Newsarama or Pulse.
The new issue about the war is a recommended read, for the Alan Moore article and much more. Click here to see for yourself. But here`s a few quotes to get you on your way…
"Richard the Lionheart addresses his men with that Tony Blair weasel-in-a-slaughterhouse look in his eyes: `Look, okay, I know there`s always a conspiracy theory, but I can honestly say this is not about silk.`
"Around about this time, during the 1930s, Prescott Bush had made the family fortune through his business deals with the Third Reich (he was even able to make a gift of Hitler`s dinner service to the Skull & Bones fraternity)
"That disaster happened at the 2000 U.S. elections, which many of us might have mistaken for an episode of `The Dukes of Hazzard` if only there`d been a little banjo music playing in the background.
"Any previously unthinkable political action can be instantly validated by the magic words 9-11, in much the same way as Ariel Sharon`s government in Israel can make horrific moral and humanitarian issues simply vanish by mentioning the Holocaust.
"He`s the President of the United States. He can do whatever the fuck he likes. Isn`t that what the job`s all about? Doesn`t it say that in, oh, the Constitution or the Declaration of Independence or one of those other pieces of ass-wipe that he means to read if he ever finishes The Very Hungry Caterpillar?
"The Kurds get Kirkuk. The Turks get cross. AI Qaeda and Islamic Jihad, get a free recruitment drive. And I guess we`ll just have to wait and see how many Tim McVeighs or John Mohammeds (both Gulf veterans) came home from the war with a party in their head this time round."
HEY KIDS! COMICS!
I hear that Shelly Bond, now Group Editor at Vertigo, is going to push of a Vertigo Kids line. Other sources have suggested it may be more of a "young adult" focus. Still, there is that incongrous L`il Endless children`s book… with a Mature Readers label slapped on it.
Maybe this is a way to get Tim Hunter out of that oppressive label and onto the Harry Potter bandwagon?
CAMPBELL SCOOP
It looks like J Scott Campbell is set to sign an exclusive deal with DC Comics. Look for an announcement at San Diego - as well as a whole bunch of exclusive deals DC are about to snap up across the board.
GRANT WORKS
I hear that Grant Morrison is writing a screenplay called "Sleepless Knights" for Dreamworks SKG. No details…
NICE CAR
This visual appeared on Dave Johnson`s Web site for a couple of hours over the weekend, and then promptly disappeared. Not before I could right-click and save it though.
With Johnson leaving his staff job at Warner Animation, the success of "Red Son" (including one recorded sale over $50 for the first issue), could this be something for a new creator-owned book for the cover-artists of "100 Bullets?"
Yes, yes it could.
I HAVE NO EYES BUT I WILL SCALE WALLS BADLY
John Cassaday has posted the covers and a short blurb about Planetary 18 and 19 on his Web site:
PLANETARY 18: "THE GUN CLUB"
The game`s afoot. Elijah Snow is building his own conspiracy to bring down the Four, and he`s targetting William Leather first. But what does his plan, which entangles Anna Hark and John Stone, have to do with the first moonshot... in 1851?
Release date: December 2003
PLANETARY 17: "OPAK-RE"
In the 1930`s, Elijah Snow was in the jungle. He was in search of the fabled city of Opak-Re, supposedly an ancient city of lost science deep in Africa. He finds more than he bargained for: another myth from this green hell at the heart of the world. The Englishman raised by apes, now returned as lord of this dark domain. Elijah Snow meets Lord Stephen Blackstock, who became one of Axel Brass` comrades and died in the Adirondacks at the end of World War Two. But this isn`t his story, nor is it Elijah`s. This is Jakita Wagner`s story...
Release date: October 2003
He also posts an original image from "Planetary/Batman" before it was changed by DC editorial. The original image bore a stronger resemblance to the TV Show Batman, the published version lost the yellow circle and the visible eyes, replaced with a black-on-grey logo and black caverns for eyes instead.
Cassaday also teases with…
I AM LEGION: BOOK ONE
Written by Fabien Nuri, released by Humanoids Publishing.
Release date: December 2003
CHRIS CROSS
Chris Claremont has been answering his fans question over at X-Fan, the most fashionable place for creators to go off-message these days.
On his plans for Wolverine and Sabretooth; "Father and son. That`s why Sabretooth (*my* incarnation, that is, not this `Creed` poseur) always considered Logan `sloppy seconds` to his `original`/`real deal.` The other critical element in my presentation of their relationship was that, in their whole life, Logan has never defeated Sabretooth in a knock-down, drag-out, kill-or-be-killed berserker fight. By the same token, on every one of his birthdays, Sabretooth has always managed to find him, no matter where Logan was or what he was doing, and come within an inch of killing him. For no other reason than to remind him that he could."
On Mystique`s father-son relationship with Nightcrawler; "Mystique abandoned him because she was totally freaked by this indigo-furred creature with `deformed` appendages and a forked tail! At that point, Mystique had no idea (s)he was a mutant, or a metamorph; (s)he simply reacted as many normal folks would in similar circumstances. And in the process had something of a nervous breakdown, mental collapse. Which of course, was a whole other story that will never see print. (I do seem to have a lot of them.)"
Then "Actually, regarding "Mystique," I always considered her default form to be blue-skinned and female. However, being a full-spectrum metamorph (megamorph? Or would that only apply to shifters like the DC Durlans, hmmm?) gender for her is a matter of choice, convenience and necessity. Her assumption of the male gender during this particular period of her life relates more to the prejudices of the time. A male consulting detective is likely to be taken a tad more seriously in official circles than a woman. As for when Mystique and Irene got together, look at the back-story established in `X-treme X-Men` #s 1 & 2; check out the fashions and the social culture in the visuals. There may even be a reference to Mystique`s consulting detective serving as a template for a character renowned in late Victorian crime fiction, also involved with someone named Irene Adler.
"That said, of course, just because *I* established it doesn`t mean that particular back-story -- or, for that matter, the events of `True Friends` at all -- is considered part of the currently accepted Canon."
On writing more for "X-Men Unlimited"; "Stories for `Unlimited` are the province of Editor C.B. Cebulski. If he wants any he knows where to find me. I`ve done what I can, which is let him know I`m interested and available. The ball`s now in his court."
On the history between Jean and Professor X; "I did propose such a series: `X-Men Year Zero,` to deal with the time-frame between Xavier losing his legs to the opening scene of `X-Men` #1 (1963). It would go into the origins of his relationship with Sage, and Sebastian Shaw, his recruitment of Jean, their adventures together, back-story concerning Logan and his gradual decision to form the X-Men.
"Marvel chose to pass on the proposal."
DOUBLE THE DEVIL YOU KNOW
Those good people over at 411 Comics have been reporting that "Lucifer" 50 is to be a double-sized issue with all sorts of goodness and wonder, and art by P Craig Russell.
STALKING ON THE MOON
Moonstone is to publish a monthly "Kolchak, Night Stalker" series written by Mark Dawidziak and drawn by Andy Bennet. Kolchak is considered one of the more influential TV shows, directly preceding the X-Files genre. Other titles, such as a new "Silencers" series and other creator-owned books will follow.
FOREIGN CLIMES
During some concern over the right to Britons to automatically enter the USA during convention season at the Andy Diggle Forum, artist Mike Collins recalled, "....Or, as happened when me`n`Mark Farmer went over that first time, get into an argument about names...
"A guard pulled Mark over, checked his passport and said:
"`Farmer, eh? Do you have any dairy produce or meat products with you sir?`
"I think it was probably only the guy`s gun that stopped Mark from twatting him."
NO DITKO
Reports by Diamond Dateline that Ariel Press` "Raven 3" will no longer have a Steve Ditko-drawn cover are slightly incongruous. It never had one, just someone doing a very good imitation and passing it off as a gag. A gag that previews took very seriously indeed…
A TOME CALLED MALICE
Bryan Talbot`s "Alice In Sunderland" that this column has featured over the last few weeks looks further to finding a publisher.
Hopefully the fly in the ointment of Kelly Osbourne starring in the similarly titled "Malice in Sunderland" won`t cause problems…
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION
Chuck Austen`s takeover on "Captain America" from John Ney Reiber was even more sudden than some people thought. Apparently, Reiber had further issues in the pipeline, already being drawn. Chuck took the art and wrote entirely new stories. See if you can find one panel drawn by Jae Lee for a mountain hideout with sky in the background - with a new caption describing it as an under water lair.
IT ROTS THEIR BRAINS, YOU KNOW
Marvel`s recent appeals to employees about being a family have had interesting parallels. One employee recalls a bunch of the bullpen who used to play Dungeons And Dragons during lunch.
It was then banned. Just like all good parents should.
Other employee conversations with Marvel management about the importance of morale in the company included the Marvel line that it`s easier to fire a jaded employee and replace them then it is to un-jade them…
A SUPERSTITIOUS AND COWARDLY LOT
Over at the newly revived Dixonverse, Chuck Dixon has been sounding out about his ex-co-workers, Greg Rucka and Ed brubaker, on the Batman titles. He writes, "Having met both Mssrs Rucka and Brubaker on several occasions the difference is plain to me. Greg has a distinct lack or regard for his readership that translates to the work. He also tracks strongly along the lines of pastiche in his stories. Ed has a high regard for his readers and a genuine wish to entertain. He does, as we all do when writing, to stay away from pastiche. He falls into the trap sometimes but there`s an honesty to his work that you cannot deny.
"Both of these guys love the genres that they`re exploring but they come at it from decidedly different directions. Think of Greg as Andrew Vacchs and Ed as Donald Westlake."
GUTTER PLUGS
Todd Allen`s recent article on online comics has seen it propagate as links on a large number of websites, after Lying In The Gutters featured it last week. Maybe we could do the same for Todd`s new critique on Scott McCloud and the micro-payment system, right here.
This week`s Waiting For Tommy is on comics activism - fact or fiction?
Oh, and I`m selling DVDs, Gamecube games and comics on eBay again. Click here for the list.
RECRUITING IN THE GUTTERS
If you`ve got a story, talk to me. Your identity will remain anonymous unless you wish otherwise. You can choose a pseudonym and join the ranks of the Gutterati. Or be a demon reposter, join the Gutter Snipes and spread the word about stories in this column across the Internet, where relevant. Then tell me where you`ve put them up - the more mainstream the better!
You can contact me at:
mailto:rich@twistandshout.freeserve.co.uk (which often gets full, but it`ll reach me during the day)
AOL Instant Message me at TwistRich
0780 1350982 (01144780 1350982 from N America)
Anthrax packages can be sent to 8 Robin Hood Lane, Kingston Vale, London SW15 3PU, ENGLAND
Be seeing you.
Marvel-Aktien leiden unter Kinostart von Hulk Montag, 23.06.03, 18:18
Die Aktien des Comicbuch-Unternehmens Marvel Enterprises Inc. geraten aktuell an der Wall Street unter Druck. Schuld an dem Kursverlust ist der Kinostart der neuen Comic-Verfilmung „The Hulk“. Der Film spielte am vergangenen Wochenende, dem ersten nach dem Kinostart, 62,6 Mio. Dollar ein. Damit markierte man einen neuen Einspielrekord für den Monat Juni. Allerdings lag die Summe unter der, die „X2 – The United“ am ersten Wochenende einspielte. Diese Marvel-Comic-Verfilmung spielte am ersten Wochenende 85,6 Mio. Dollar ein.
Die Aktien waren zeitweise die viertgrößten Verlierer an der NYSE. Der Konzern wird im nächsten Jahr unter anderem „Spider-Man 2“ und „Fantastic Four“, beides Comic-Verfilmungen, gemeinsam mit Partnern ins Kino bringen.
Aktuell verlieren die Papiere 10,33 Prozent und fallen auf 19,01 Dollar.
War heute in Hulk, das ist ja voll der Müll!
Pepita schau doch mal wieder bei Cybernet vorbei!
Die Aktien des Comicbuch-Unternehmens Marvel Enterprises Inc. geraten aktuell an der Wall Street unter Druck. Schuld an dem Kursverlust ist der Kinostart der neuen Comic-Verfilmung „The Hulk“. Der Film spielte am vergangenen Wochenende, dem ersten nach dem Kinostart, 62,6 Mio. Dollar ein. Damit markierte man einen neuen Einspielrekord für den Monat Juni. Allerdings lag die Summe unter der, die „X2 – The United“ am ersten Wochenende einspielte. Diese Marvel-Comic-Verfilmung spielte am ersten Wochenende 85,6 Mio. Dollar ein.
Die Aktien waren zeitweise die viertgrößten Verlierer an der NYSE. Der Konzern wird im nächsten Jahr unter anderem „Spider-Man 2“ und „Fantastic Four“, beides Comic-Verfilmungen, gemeinsam mit Partnern ins Kino bringen.
Aktuell verlieren die Papiere 10,33 Prozent und fallen auf 19,01 Dollar.
War heute in Hulk, das ist ja voll der Müll!
Pepita schau doch mal wieder bei Cybernet vorbei!
Marvel-Aktien leiden unter Kinostart von Hulk Montag, 23.06.03, 18:18
Die Aktien des Comicbuch-Unternehmens Marvel Enterprises Inc. geraten aktuell an der Wall Street unter Druck. Schuld an dem Kursverlust ist der Kinostart der neuen Comic-Verfilmung „The Hulk“. Der Film spielte am vergangenen Wochenende, dem ersten nach dem Kinostart, 62,6 Mio. Dollar ein. Damit markierte man einen neuen Einspielrekord für den Monat Juni. Allerdings lag die Summe unter der, die „X2 – The United“ am ersten Wochenende einspielte. Diese Marvel-Comic-Verfilmung spielte am ersten Wochenende 85,6 Mio. Dollar ein.
Die Aktien waren zeitweise die viertgrößten Verlierer an der NYSE. Der Konzern wird im nächsten Jahr unter anderem „Spider-Man 2“ und „Fantastic Four“, beides Comic-Verfilmungen, gemeinsam mit Partnern ins Kino bringen.
Aktuell verlieren die Papiere 10,33 Prozent und fallen auf 19,01 Dollar.
War heute in Hulk, das ist ja voll der Müll!
Pepita schau doch mal wieder bei Cybernet vorbei!
Die Aktien des Comicbuch-Unternehmens Marvel Enterprises Inc. geraten aktuell an der Wall Street unter Druck. Schuld an dem Kursverlust ist der Kinostart der neuen Comic-Verfilmung „The Hulk“. Der Film spielte am vergangenen Wochenende, dem ersten nach dem Kinostart, 62,6 Mio. Dollar ein. Damit markierte man einen neuen Einspielrekord für den Monat Juni. Allerdings lag die Summe unter der, die „X2 – The United“ am ersten Wochenende einspielte. Diese Marvel-Comic-Verfilmung spielte am ersten Wochenende 85,6 Mio. Dollar ein.
Die Aktien waren zeitweise die viertgrößten Verlierer an der NYSE. Der Konzern wird im nächsten Jahr unter anderem „Spider-Man 2“ und „Fantastic Four“, beides Comic-Verfilmungen, gemeinsam mit Partnern ins Kino bringen.
Aktuell verlieren die Papiere 10,33 Prozent und fallen auf 19,01 Dollar.
War heute in Hulk, das ist ja voll der Müll!
Pepita schau doch mal wieder bei Cybernet vorbei!
Hallo Crowww,
nett das Du hier vorbeischaust. Habe mir Tatsache wieder 5000 CYN zu 0,22 € zugelegt, da ich wie unten gesagt momentan short in Marvel bin und kurzfristig durchaus wieder gute Chancen auf einen Aufschwung von Cybernet sehe.
Problem (und daher ist die Sache äußerst spekulativ) sehe ich dabei die (wie eh und je) nicht vorhandene Investor Information. Kann also sein das CYN bald auf 0,5 € oder höher steht, aber warum? Kannst Du es mir sagen? Habe selten in ein Unternehmen investiert (wenn hier auch nur einen geringen Betrag) über dessen Geschäftsverlauf ich so wenig weiß! Daher habe ich auch ein flaues Gefühl im Magen, erst recht als es die Tage zurück auf 15 Cent ging. Dachte schon das sei ein riesen Pusch. Aber da wir inzwischen wieder über 20 Cent liegen sollte der Kurs diese Woche noch weiter steigen. Habe aber jedenfalls den Finger am Verkaufsbutton.
Was Marvel betrifft bin ich zu einem Teil wieder eingestiegen, da ein weiterer Rückschlag momentan bisher ausgeblieben ist und die Aktie sich unter 20 $ gefangen hat. Da kann es bald auch schnell wieder nach oben gehen, vor allem wenn die Q2 Zahlen Anfang August gut ausfallen.
OK Crowww, vielleicht hast Du damals doch recht gehabt und CYN ist noch nicht ganz tot. Und vielleicht kann ich mir was von dem Geld zurückholen das ich mit CYN verloren habe. Wir werden sehen...
Gruß Pepita
P.S.: Nochwas spekulatives wo keiner so genau weiß was vor sich geht, aber der Chart ist nicht schlecht: IQ Power 924110. Wenns hier aufwärts gehen sollte, dann richtig.
nett das Du hier vorbeischaust. Habe mir Tatsache wieder 5000 CYN zu 0,22 € zugelegt, da ich wie unten gesagt momentan short in Marvel bin und kurzfristig durchaus wieder gute Chancen auf einen Aufschwung von Cybernet sehe.
Problem (und daher ist die Sache äußerst spekulativ) sehe ich dabei die (wie eh und je) nicht vorhandene Investor Information. Kann also sein das CYN bald auf 0,5 € oder höher steht, aber warum? Kannst Du es mir sagen? Habe selten in ein Unternehmen investiert (wenn hier auch nur einen geringen Betrag) über dessen Geschäftsverlauf ich so wenig weiß! Daher habe ich auch ein flaues Gefühl im Magen, erst recht als es die Tage zurück auf 15 Cent ging. Dachte schon das sei ein riesen Pusch. Aber da wir inzwischen wieder über 20 Cent liegen sollte der Kurs diese Woche noch weiter steigen. Habe aber jedenfalls den Finger am Verkaufsbutton.
Was Marvel betrifft bin ich zu einem Teil wieder eingestiegen, da ein weiterer Rückschlag momentan bisher ausgeblieben ist und die Aktie sich unter 20 $ gefangen hat. Da kann es bald auch schnell wieder nach oben gehen, vor allem wenn die Q2 Zahlen Anfang August gut ausfallen.
OK Crowww, vielleicht hast Du damals doch recht gehabt und CYN ist noch nicht ganz tot. Und vielleicht kann ich mir was von dem Geld zurückholen das ich mit CYN verloren habe. Wir werden sehen...
Gruß Pepita
P.S.: Nochwas spekulatives wo keiner so genau weiß was vor sich geht, aber der Chart ist nicht schlecht: IQ Power 924110. Wenns hier aufwärts gehen sollte, dann richtig.
So, bin wieder da und größtenteils investiert in MVL. Die Spielchen der Analysten und Banker sind wohl erstmal vorbei. Strong buy Kaufempfehlung bei 22 $, kurze Zeit später alles raushauen und den Kurs absacken lassen, dann Rating auf Hold, der Kurs fällt nochmal weiter, wieder billig einsammeln.
Da gibt es 2 Dinge: Entweder mitmachen oder aussitzen. Pech nur das Marvel wirklich eine sehr gute Firma ist die heute mal eben das Ergebnis des Q2 nach oben korrigiert. Die tatsächlichen Zahlen am 12.8.2003 werden dann sicher nochmal besser ausfallen. Bis dahin sehen wir dann wieder ganz andere Kurse. Sieht ganz so aus als ob wir in 2003 insgesamt 1,9 $ / Aktie verdienen könnten. Das würde dann am Jahresende so Kurse um 40 $ rechtfertigen. Wer noch nicht dabei ist sollte jetzt einsteigen...
Gruß Pepita
Marvel shares leap on upped forecasts
By Russ Britt, CBS.MarketWatch.com
Last Update: 10:46 AM ET July 29, 2003
LOS ANGELES (CBS.MW) - Shares of Marvel Enterprises jumped up Tuesday as the comic-book company said it would exceed second-quarter forecasts in sales, cash flow and income - crediting to strength across its entire licensing business.
Marvel (MVL: news, chart, profile) leaped from Monday`s close of $17.65, opened Tuesday at $19 and stayed above that level during the morning session. Shares were up $1.38, or 7.8 percent, to $19.03 in recent action.
The company said it would exceed the high end of the range in various financials, including $67 million in sales, cash flow of $33 million and earnings per share of 30 cents. Analysts had predicted earnings per share of 29 cents.
Marvel officials said licensing of its "Hulk" character - on which a film by Vivendi Universal (V: news, chart, profile) is based - was off to a strong start. Sales of one product in particular, Electronic Hulk Hands, already have exceeded the 3.5 million Spider-Man web blaster units sold in 2002.
Marvel`s cash position also nearly has doubled since the first quarter ended March 31, up from $85 million to $144 million, and net debt is now $7 million vs. the $66.3 million recorded at that time.
The company is scheduled to report earnings on Aug. 12.
Russ Britt is the Los Angeles Bureau Chief for CBS.MarketWatch.com
Da gibt es 2 Dinge: Entweder mitmachen oder aussitzen. Pech nur das Marvel wirklich eine sehr gute Firma ist die heute mal eben das Ergebnis des Q2 nach oben korrigiert. Die tatsächlichen Zahlen am 12.8.2003 werden dann sicher nochmal besser ausfallen. Bis dahin sehen wir dann wieder ganz andere Kurse. Sieht ganz so aus als ob wir in 2003 insgesamt 1,9 $ / Aktie verdienen könnten. Das würde dann am Jahresende so Kurse um 40 $ rechtfertigen. Wer noch nicht dabei ist sollte jetzt einsteigen...
Gruß Pepita
Marvel shares leap on upped forecasts
By Russ Britt, CBS.MarketWatch.com
Last Update: 10:46 AM ET July 29, 2003
LOS ANGELES (CBS.MW) - Shares of Marvel Enterprises jumped up Tuesday as the comic-book company said it would exceed second-quarter forecasts in sales, cash flow and income - crediting to strength across its entire licensing business.
Marvel (MVL: news, chart, profile) leaped from Monday`s close of $17.65, opened Tuesday at $19 and stayed above that level during the morning session. Shares were up $1.38, or 7.8 percent, to $19.03 in recent action.
The company said it would exceed the high end of the range in various financials, including $67 million in sales, cash flow of $33 million and earnings per share of 30 cents. Analysts had predicted earnings per share of 29 cents.
Marvel officials said licensing of its "Hulk" character - on which a film by Vivendi Universal (V: news, chart, profile) is based - was off to a strong start. Sales of one product in particular, Electronic Hulk Hands, already have exceeded the 3.5 million Spider-Man web blaster units sold in 2002.
Marvel`s cash position also nearly has doubled since the first quarter ended March 31, up from $85 million to $144 million, and net debt is now $7 million vs. the $66.3 million recorded at that time.
The company is scheduled to report earnings on Aug. 12.
Russ Britt is the Los Angeles Bureau Chief for CBS.MarketWatch.com
Hallo, noch jemand dabei für den sich ein wenig posten lohnt? Marvel get back zu alten Höhen: 21,30 $!!! +15%
Super News heute, alle shorts müssen sich warm anziehen.
Die optimistischen Erwartungen mal eben um 37% übertroffen!
42 Cent im 2.Q verdient je Aktie!
Jahresziel deutlich erhöht.
Hochstufung der ersten Analysten auf buy (das hätten sie besser vor wenigen Wochen machen sollen als MVL unverständlicherweise bei 17$ dümpelte...)
30 $ bis Ende 2003, 60 $ bis Ende 2004...
Gruß Pepita
Super News heute, alle shorts müssen sich warm anziehen.
Die optimistischen Erwartungen mal eben um 37% übertroffen!
42 Cent im 2.Q verdient je Aktie!
Jahresziel deutlich erhöht.
Hochstufung der ersten Analysten auf buy (das hätten sie besser vor wenigen Wochen machen sollen als MVL unverständlicherweise bei 17$ dümpelte...)
30 $ bis Ende 2003, 60 $ bis Ende 2004...
Gruß Pepita
Marvel bald auf neuen Höchstständen...
Gruß Pepita
Gruß Pepita
28,52 $ !!!!!!!!!!!!
Noch Fragen?
Gruß Pepita
Noch Fragen?
Gruß Pepita
Gerade 31,25$!!! Noch jemand dabei? Morgen kommen Q3 Zahlen...
Gruß Pepita
Gruß Pepita
Marvel jetzt nochmal zu Sonderpreisen um 27,50 $. Nächstes Jahr gibts nur eine Richtung: 60 $
Gruß Pepita
Gruß Pepita
Noch jemand dabei? 33 $!!!
Gruß Pepita
Gruß Pepita
Hallo Pepita,
war Dir wirklich immer sehr dankbar für Deine vielen Informationen zu Marvel! Auch auf deinen Rat hin hatte ich scho vor längerer Zeit auch in Marvel investiert und läuft ja wirklich gut! Also noch einmal danke für deine Infos. Würde mich über mehr sehr freuen (muss gestehen, am besten in deutsch!). Bitte wenn Du wieder was Neues hast, stelle es doch wieder hier in das Forum! Danke schon mal!
war Dir wirklich immer sehr dankbar für Deine vielen Informationen zu Marvel! Auch auf deinen Rat hin hatte ich scho vor längerer Zeit auch in Marvel investiert und läuft ja wirklich gut! Also noch einmal danke für deine Infos. Würde mich über mehr sehr freuen (muss gestehen, am besten in deutsch!). Bitte wenn Du wieder was Neues hast, stelle es doch wieder hier in das Forum! Danke schon mal!
hallo pepita,
hallo alle marvel investierte,
erstmal bedanke ich mich erstmal ausführlich bei pepita
für die zeitintensiven berichterstattungen zur marvel
aktie.
bin seit 2 tagen wieder zu 15,63 investiert.
habe die aktien mit hinblick auf die neuen kinofilme
the punisher und spiderman 2 gekauft.
ich würde mich über eure einschätzung zur aktie sehr
freuen.
viel erfolg und gute geschäfte.
viele grüsse
sascha
hallo alle marvel investierte,
erstmal bedanke ich mich erstmal ausführlich bei pepita
für die zeitintensiven berichterstattungen zur marvel
aktie.
bin seit 2 tagen wieder zu 15,63 investiert.
habe die aktien mit hinblick auf die neuen kinofilme
the punisher und spiderman 2 gekauft.
ich würde mich über eure einschätzung zur aktie sehr
freuen.
viel erfolg und gute geschäfte.
viele grüsse
sascha
Wollen doch mal sehen, ob DIESES Wochenendergebnis im Kurs drin war oder nicht - 180 Mio. am Startwochenende für Spiderman 2, der Film könnte doch glatt Shrek 2 als erfolgreichster Streifen des Jahres kassieren.
Als nächstes sind dann Catwoman, Elektra, Blade III im Köcher....
Wer es riskieren und noch einsteigen will -die US-Börsen hatten gestern geschlossen, in Frankfurt bekommt man Marvel noch für 15,x€ nahezu unverändert!
Als nächstes sind dann Catwoman, Elektra, Blade III im Köcher....
Wer es riskieren und noch einsteigen will -die US-Börsen hatten gestern geschlossen, in Frankfurt bekommt man Marvel noch für 15,x€ nahezu unverändert!
Der Kurs sackt tatsächlich erst einmal ab - na ich denke, die sell-on-good-news-Geschichte wird in den nächsten tagen schnell wieder korrigiert sein. Spidey 2 wird auf allen Ebenen voll vermarktet - war grad bei Saturn, bereits im Eingang jede Menge Werbung für irgendsoein Spiderman 2-Videogame. Der DVD-Release zu Weihnachten wird stark, und Sam Raimi hat bereits angekündigt, einige Zeit später dann eine weitere DVD in einer 5 Minuten längeren Fassung rauszubringen.
PS.
The Punisher ist grad in Italien auf Platz 1 der Charts eingestiegen und läuft offenbar in RotW besser als in den USA.
PS.
The Punisher ist grad in Italien auf Platz 1 der Charts eingestiegen und läuft offenbar in RotW besser als in den USA.
Catwoman war natürlich ein Lapsus - ich weiß es besser, aber die Assoziation Halle Berry- X-Men - Marvel brachte auf die schnelle den Film in die Aufzählung.
Spidey`s Swingin` Weekend
By Seth Jayson
I`ve always wondered why run-of-the-mill news media people seem so excited about box office numbers. Everyone likes a winner, I guess. But as a Marvel Enterprises (NYSE: MVL) shareholder, I`m more than happy to listen to the talking heads hype the rapidly inflating gross take for Spider-Man 2.
The Sony (NYSE: SNE) joint took in $180 million as of Monday, setting several records in the process, including best July Fourth weekend, at $88 million; highest five-day gross, at $153 million; and best-ever Wednesday opening, with over $40 million.
Spider-Man 2 might have broken even more records had the web slinger`s handlers not chosen to release the film just before the busy holiday weekend, when potential moviegoers tend to be caught up with outdoor and family activities. Because of the timing, the original Spider-Man remains atop the pile for highest opening weekends. But even so, only DreamWorks` Shrek 2, a few of Time Warner`s (NYSE: TWX) Harry Potter flicks, and Matrix Reloaded have had better opening weekends.
From a shareholder`s point of view, the astounding fact is that the enormous take still hasn`t reached the reported $250 million that Spider-Man 2 cost to make and market. The upcoming overseas releases, plus domestic legs provided by rave reviews, should put the movie into the black within days.
Unfortunately, what that means for Marvel shareholders is not quite clear. The firm recently resolved its dispute with Sony over the Spider-Man franchise. Details of the deal were not released, but it`s sure to bring bigger licensing revenues. Factor in Marvel`s long pipeline of other movie projects, its risk-averse business model, and lucrative side deals with everyone from Kellogg (NYSE: K) to Activision (Nasdaq: ATVI) and Lions Gate Entertainment (AMEX: LGF), and you might wonder why the stock has been swooning lately.
Or maybe not. In the short term, the market is scary and irrational, like Doc Ock or Green Goblin. But in the end, good guys -- such as debt-free licensors with ample free cash flow -- prevail.
Spidey`s Swingin` Weekend
By Seth Jayson
I`ve always wondered why run-of-the-mill news media people seem so excited about box office numbers. Everyone likes a winner, I guess. But as a Marvel Enterprises (NYSE: MVL) shareholder, I`m more than happy to listen to the talking heads hype the rapidly inflating gross take for Spider-Man 2.
The Sony (NYSE: SNE) joint took in $180 million as of Monday, setting several records in the process, including best July Fourth weekend, at $88 million; highest five-day gross, at $153 million; and best-ever Wednesday opening, with over $40 million.
Spider-Man 2 might have broken even more records had the web slinger`s handlers not chosen to release the film just before the busy holiday weekend, when potential moviegoers tend to be caught up with outdoor and family activities. Because of the timing, the original Spider-Man remains atop the pile for highest opening weekends. But even so, only DreamWorks` Shrek 2, a few of Time Warner`s (NYSE: TWX) Harry Potter flicks, and Matrix Reloaded have had better opening weekends.
From a shareholder`s point of view, the astounding fact is that the enormous take still hasn`t reached the reported $250 million that Spider-Man 2 cost to make and market. The upcoming overseas releases, plus domestic legs provided by rave reviews, should put the movie into the black within days.
Unfortunately, what that means for Marvel shareholders is not quite clear. The firm recently resolved its dispute with Sony over the Spider-Man franchise. Details of the deal were not released, but it`s sure to bring bigger licensing revenues. Factor in Marvel`s long pipeline of other movie projects, its risk-averse business model, and lucrative side deals with everyone from Kellogg (NYSE: K) to Activision (Nasdaq: ATVI) and Lions Gate Entertainment (AMEX: LGF), and you might wonder why the stock has been swooning lately.
Or maybe not. In the short term, the market is scary and irrational, like Doc Ock or Green Goblin. But in the end, good guys -- such as debt-free licensors with ample free cash flow -- prevail.
Comic-Mogul Avi Arad
Mutanten statt Machtmenschen
Von Nina Rehfeld
Wenn am heutigen Dienstag "Spider-Man 2" in Berlin Europapremiere hat, wird auch er dabei sein: Avi Arad, Produzent des Films
und Chef des Comicunternehmens Marvel. Arad wird gelassen über den roten Teppich schlendern, "Spider-Man 2" hat in den USA
seit der Premiere am vergangenen Mittwoch bereits die Rekordsumme von 180,1 Millionen Dollar eingespielt.
Kalkül? Know-how? Arad gibt sich bescheiden: "Man kann nicht losgehen und eine Geschichte entwerfen, um so und soviel
Millionen Dollar damit zu verdienen. Das kann nur schiefgehen", sagt der 55-Jährige. Er muss es wissen: Der Star-Produzent hat
bereits die Kassenknüller "Blade" und "X-Men" auf die Leinwand gebracht und bastelt derzeit an einem weiteren Dutzend
Marvel-Verfilmungen. Bescheidenheit hin oder her: Arad hat die Comic-Helden im Kino wieder salonfähig gemacht. Mit der
Fortsetzung von "Spider-Man", der vor zwei Jahren den erfolgreichsten Filmstart aller Zeiten hinlegte, konnte er sich nun selbst
übertreffen. "Der erste Film hatte viel mit Aberglauben zu tun - man wollte sich am liebsten nicht bewegen, bevor man wusste,
woran man ist. Aber jetzt wissen wir, dass wir wunderbar emotionale Geschichten zu erzählen haben. Wir können praktisch für
immer so weiter machen!", freut sich der Produzent.
Große Literatur, wunderbare Metaphern
Avi Arad ist eine Art John Lasseter des Action-Films. Was Lasseter mit Filmen wie "Toy Story" und "Das große Krabbeln" für das
Zeichentrickgenre leistete, hat Arad mit der Comicwelt vor: die Stoffe der Kinder- und Jugendliteratur so lange zu veredeln, bis sie
für kleine und große Zuschauer genießbar sind "Unsere Comicbücher", sagt Arad, "sind große Literatur mit wunderbaren Metaphern
über das wirkliche Leben und den Umgang mit Ängsten und Hoffnungen."
Superhelden, räumt er mit einem gängigen Comic-Vorurteil auf, gebe es bei Marvel nicht. Die Figuren seien vielmehr eingespannt in eine komplizierte
Verpflichtung, das Gute zu verkörpern, aber auch das Böse habe bei Marvel einen vielschichtigen Ursprung. "Wir haben kein Interesse an Typen, die
eines Morgens aufwachen und die Welt unterwerfen wollen. Bei uns sind das Leute, die irgendwo zufällig falsch abgebogen sind, die einen Unfall,
eine Mutation, eine persönliche Katastrophe erlitten haben."
(...)
"Der Schlüssel für mich ist", erklärt Arad, "dass es heute eine ganze Generation von Filmemachern, Videospiel-Designern
und Studiochefs gibt, die mit Comics aufgewachsen sind. Comics sind im Grunde nichts anderes als Storyboards."
Romantik und Liebe als Erfolgsrezept
Das wahre Geheimnis allerdings, aus einem Comic einen Erfolgsfilm zu machen, sei letztlich banal: Nicht komplizierte Konflikte und aufwendige Stories
sorgen für den nötigen Drive, sondern schlicht eine starke weibliche Hauptfigur. "Die meisten Filme funktionieren unterm Strich durch den
romantischen Aspekt. In der Vergangenheit war das schwierig, weil die Frauen sagten: Oh, ein Comic, nichts für mich! Aber indem wir der
Liebesgeschichte mehr Raum verschaffen und zeigen, dass Romantik und Liebe eigentlich das sind, was das Leben in Bewegung hält, machen wir
inzwischen Filme für jedermann."
Arads erster großer Coup war "Blade", die mit einem Budget von 45 Millionen Dollar verfilmte Geschichte des gleichnamigen Vampirs, der in einen
Krieg zwischen Menschen und Blutsaugern gerät. "Blade" wurde mit mehr als 70 Millionen eingespielten Dollar allein in den USA ein
Überraschungserfolg. Prompt gab es grünes Licht für die 75-Millionen-Dollar-Verfilmung der "X-Men". Das Action-Spektakel um eine Truppe
heldenhafter Mutanten brachte in Amerika 155 Millionen Dollar in die Kinokassen, ein dritter Teil ist derzeit in Vorbereitung.
Einen ersten Dämpfer bekam der "Hulk": Die Action-Tragödie um den grünen Kraftmeier ließ zwar kreativ und finanziell die
Muskeln spielen, erwirtschaftete aber nur knapp ihr monströses Budget von 130 Millionen Dollar und fiel bei der Kritik
durch. Für Marvel wurde der Film allerdings dennoch zum Erfolg - Merchandising sei Dank.
(...)
So ist für Arad Dreh- und Angelpunkt von "Spider-Man 2" die Story. Es geht "um einen Jungen aus der Arbeiterschicht, der mit Schuldgefühlen,
Arbeitslosigkeit, Schulversagen zu kämpfen hat - alles wegen seiner Superkräfte. Wie kann ein 20-Jähriger all diese Schläge verkraften?" Das Motto
dieses Films, sagt Arad ohne jede Ironie, sei ganz klar gewesen: "Nie wieder Spider-Man."
Wie konsequent Comic-Connaisseur Arad am Profil seiner Leinwand-Lieblinge arbeitet, beweist sein Engagegment bereits in der Drehbuchphase: Als
Spider-Man in einer frühen Version seinem Widersacher die Kehle durchschneiden sollte, legte Arad sein Veto ein. "Spider-Man bringt niemanden um.
Das wäre das Aus!"
(...)
Arads nächste Projekte: Die Filmfassung von "Elektra" durch "X-Akten"-Regisseur Rob Bowman - allerdings als Komödie.
"Alias"-Star Jennifer Garner spielt die Auftragskillerin, die bei einem Job die Seiten wechselt. Daneben bereitet Regisseur
John Singleton ("Shaft") die Leindwandfassung des schwarzen Marvel-Superhelden Luke Cage vor, eines Söldners mit
kugelsicherer Haut. Und auch die "Fantastischen Vier", eine Gruppe von Astronauten, die mit übermenschlichen
Fähigkeiten aus dem All zurückkehrt, befinden sich bereits in Vor-Produktion.
(...)
Die Helden stehen also schon Schlange, um auf der Leinwand Action- und Liebesabenteuer zu bestehen, allen voran
Spider Man. Dem Internet-Magazin IGN Filmforce vertraute Arad vor kurzem an: "Wir wollen bis zu neun Filme machen.
Aber wenn wir irgendwann alle mit dem Gefühl rumsitzen, festzustecken und keine Geschichte zu haben, dann hören wir auf."
© SPIEGEL ONLINE 2004
Mutanten statt Machtmenschen
Von Nina Rehfeld
Wenn am heutigen Dienstag "Spider-Man 2" in Berlin Europapremiere hat, wird auch er dabei sein: Avi Arad, Produzent des Films
und Chef des Comicunternehmens Marvel. Arad wird gelassen über den roten Teppich schlendern, "Spider-Man 2" hat in den USA
seit der Premiere am vergangenen Mittwoch bereits die Rekordsumme von 180,1 Millionen Dollar eingespielt.
Kalkül? Know-how? Arad gibt sich bescheiden: "Man kann nicht losgehen und eine Geschichte entwerfen, um so und soviel
Millionen Dollar damit zu verdienen. Das kann nur schiefgehen", sagt der 55-Jährige. Er muss es wissen: Der Star-Produzent hat
bereits die Kassenknüller "Blade" und "X-Men" auf die Leinwand gebracht und bastelt derzeit an einem weiteren Dutzend
Marvel-Verfilmungen. Bescheidenheit hin oder her: Arad hat die Comic-Helden im Kino wieder salonfähig gemacht. Mit der
Fortsetzung von "Spider-Man", der vor zwei Jahren den erfolgreichsten Filmstart aller Zeiten hinlegte, konnte er sich nun selbst
übertreffen. "Der erste Film hatte viel mit Aberglauben zu tun - man wollte sich am liebsten nicht bewegen, bevor man wusste,
woran man ist. Aber jetzt wissen wir, dass wir wunderbar emotionale Geschichten zu erzählen haben. Wir können praktisch für
immer so weiter machen!", freut sich der Produzent.
Große Literatur, wunderbare Metaphern
Avi Arad ist eine Art John Lasseter des Action-Films. Was Lasseter mit Filmen wie "Toy Story" und "Das große Krabbeln" für das
Zeichentrickgenre leistete, hat Arad mit der Comicwelt vor: die Stoffe der Kinder- und Jugendliteratur so lange zu veredeln, bis sie
für kleine und große Zuschauer genießbar sind "Unsere Comicbücher", sagt Arad, "sind große Literatur mit wunderbaren Metaphern
über das wirkliche Leben und den Umgang mit Ängsten und Hoffnungen."
Superhelden, räumt er mit einem gängigen Comic-Vorurteil auf, gebe es bei Marvel nicht. Die Figuren seien vielmehr eingespannt in eine komplizierte
Verpflichtung, das Gute zu verkörpern, aber auch das Böse habe bei Marvel einen vielschichtigen Ursprung. "Wir haben kein Interesse an Typen, die
eines Morgens aufwachen und die Welt unterwerfen wollen. Bei uns sind das Leute, die irgendwo zufällig falsch abgebogen sind, die einen Unfall,
eine Mutation, eine persönliche Katastrophe erlitten haben."
(...)
"Der Schlüssel für mich ist", erklärt Arad, "dass es heute eine ganze Generation von Filmemachern, Videospiel-Designern
und Studiochefs gibt, die mit Comics aufgewachsen sind. Comics sind im Grunde nichts anderes als Storyboards."
Romantik und Liebe als Erfolgsrezept
Das wahre Geheimnis allerdings, aus einem Comic einen Erfolgsfilm zu machen, sei letztlich banal: Nicht komplizierte Konflikte und aufwendige Stories
sorgen für den nötigen Drive, sondern schlicht eine starke weibliche Hauptfigur. "Die meisten Filme funktionieren unterm Strich durch den
romantischen Aspekt. In der Vergangenheit war das schwierig, weil die Frauen sagten: Oh, ein Comic, nichts für mich! Aber indem wir der
Liebesgeschichte mehr Raum verschaffen und zeigen, dass Romantik und Liebe eigentlich das sind, was das Leben in Bewegung hält, machen wir
inzwischen Filme für jedermann."
Arads erster großer Coup war "Blade", die mit einem Budget von 45 Millionen Dollar verfilmte Geschichte des gleichnamigen Vampirs, der in einen
Krieg zwischen Menschen und Blutsaugern gerät. "Blade" wurde mit mehr als 70 Millionen eingespielten Dollar allein in den USA ein
Überraschungserfolg. Prompt gab es grünes Licht für die 75-Millionen-Dollar-Verfilmung der "X-Men". Das Action-Spektakel um eine Truppe
heldenhafter Mutanten brachte in Amerika 155 Millionen Dollar in die Kinokassen, ein dritter Teil ist derzeit in Vorbereitung.
Einen ersten Dämpfer bekam der "Hulk": Die Action-Tragödie um den grünen Kraftmeier ließ zwar kreativ und finanziell die
Muskeln spielen, erwirtschaftete aber nur knapp ihr monströses Budget von 130 Millionen Dollar und fiel bei der Kritik
durch. Für Marvel wurde der Film allerdings dennoch zum Erfolg - Merchandising sei Dank.
(...)
So ist für Arad Dreh- und Angelpunkt von "Spider-Man 2" die Story. Es geht "um einen Jungen aus der Arbeiterschicht, der mit Schuldgefühlen,
Arbeitslosigkeit, Schulversagen zu kämpfen hat - alles wegen seiner Superkräfte. Wie kann ein 20-Jähriger all diese Schläge verkraften?" Das Motto
dieses Films, sagt Arad ohne jede Ironie, sei ganz klar gewesen: "Nie wieder Spider-Man."
Wie konsequent Comic-Connaisseur Arad am Profil seiner Leinwand-Lieblinge arbeitet, beweist sein Engagegment bereits in der Drehbuchphase: Als
Spider-Man in einer frühen Version seinem Widersacher die Kehle durchschneiden sollte, legte Arad sein Veto ein. "Spider-Man bringt niemanden um.
Das wäre das Aus!"
(...)
Arads nächste Projekte: Die Filmfassung von "Elektra" durch "X-Akten"-Regisseur Rob Bowman - allerdings als Komödie.
"Alias"-Star Jennifer Garner spielt die Auftragskillerin, die bei einem Job die Seiten wechselt. Daneben bereitet Regisseur
John Singleton ("Shaft") die Leindwandfassung des schwarzen Marvel-Superhelden Luke Cage vor, eines Söldners mit
kugelsicherer Haut. Und auch die "Fantastischen Vier", eine Gruppe von Astronauten, die mit übermenschlichen
Fähigkeiten aus dem All zurückkehrt, befinden sich bereits in Vor-Produktion.
(...)
Die Helden stehen also schon Schlange, um auf der Leinwand Action- und Liebesabenteuer zu bestehen, allen voran
Spider Man. Dem Internet-Magazin IGN Filmforce vertraute Arad vor kurzem an: "Wir wollen bis zu neun Filme machen.
Aber wenn wir irgendwann alle mit dem Gefühl rumsitzen, festzustecken und keine Geschichte zu haben, dann hören wir auf."
© SPIEGEL ONLINE 2004
DurchsuchenBeitrag zu dieser Diskussion schreiben
Zu dieser Diskussion können keine Beiträge mehr verfasst werden, da der letzte Beitrag vor mehr als zwei Jahren verfasst wurde und die Diskussion daraufhin archiviert wurde.
Bitte wenden Sie sich an feedback@wallstreet-online.de und erfragen Sie die Reaktivierung der Diskussion oder starten Sie eine neue Diskussion.
Meistdiskutiert
| Wertpapier | Beiträge | |
|---|---|---|
| 229 | ||
| 113 | ||
| 81 | ||
| 77 | ||
| 57 | ||
| 50 | ||
| 45 | ||
| 40 | ||
| 37 | ||
| 37 |
| Wertpapier | Beiträge | |
|---|---|---|
| 35 | ||
| 32 | ||
| 32 | ||
| 25 | ||
| 25 | ||
| 23 | ||
| 23 | ||
| 20 | ||
| 18 | ||
| 17 |
