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Steve Geppi Joins Hands with Walt and Mickey
Diamond President and CEO Steve Geppi and Disney Licensed Publishing (an imprint of Disney's Children's Book Group) have announced plans for Diamond sister company Gemstone Publishing to revive a variety of comic books featuring many of the beloved Disney characters. This should come as exciting news to retailers looking for comics material with a proven ability to attract readers of all ages and demographics. "The lovable Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck (as well as his nephews!), Daisy Duck, Uncle Scrooge, Goofy, Pluto, and all of the old gang that has entertained the world for the past 75 years will soon return to their comic book roots," said Geppi, in reference to characters that have been missing from comic book store shelves since 1998. "Years ago, my heart was broken by the realization that standard Disney character comics were no longer being published in the English language," Geppi continued. "Well, with strong support from Disney Licensed Publishing, I decided to do something about it! The timeless Disney comics that were such an important part of my generation's childhood will now be available to a new generation. Of course, this also means that some of us older folks will get another opportunity to be enchanted by the distinctive artistry and humor of Disney comics." Under the agreement with Disney, Gemstone will be allowed to develop new comics based on the entire stable of standard Disney characters, and will also have the rights to create collections of previously published material, including the recognized work of gifted Disney artists Daniel Branca, Daan Jippes, Don Rosa, Noel Van Horn, William Van Horn, and the great Carl Barks, as well as others. This also entitles Gemstone to continue reprinting the classic Barks Library editions, which contain Barks's world-renowned work with Donald Duck, Uncle Scrooge, and the other beloved citizens of Duckburg. To ensure the highest quality in its Disney comics, Gemstone is currently assembling a team of respected creators, including John Clark, Gary Leach, and Susan Daigle-Leach. These were the very people who comprised the editorial staff responsible for the high quality, Gladstone Comics' acclaimed Disney titles that were so well received by collectors and fans. Gemstone's new Disney offerings are expected to be available to the comics and book market in English-language editions throughout the United States, Canada, and the U.S. Territories and Possessions by early 2003. Furthermore, customer orders received by Gemstone through the publication, Previews, or the Previews (http://previews.diamondcomics.com), Gemstone (www.gemstonepub.com), or Disney (www.disney.com) websites, will be fulfilled and shipped. "This is a fantastic opportunity to bring back the legendary enjoyment and excitement of Disney comic books," Geppi concluded. "We are looking forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with Disney Publishing." |
