MARVEL COMICS AND PLANETWIDE GAMES ANNOUCES THE MARVEL HEROES: COMIC BOOK CREATOR™ INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT SOFTWARE
Planetwide Games Licenses Marvel's vast library of Super Hero's for Marvel Themed Comic Book Creator™ Software Versions and Content "Booster Packs"
San Diego, CA. (July 18, 2006) - San Diego Comic Con International 2006 - Booth #719 Marvel Comics and Planetwide Games announced today a teaming up of titanic proportions: Planetwide Games has entered into a multi-year licensing deal with Marvel Entertainment to create new content for Planetwide Games' original "Comic Book Creator" interactive entertainment software. Under the terms of the agreement Planetwide Games has the right to create and publish versions of the interactive software and content booster packs for "Comic Book Creator" based on classic Marvel 's characters such as the X-Men, Spider-Man, Fantastic Four, Hulk, Daredevil, Ghost Rider, The Punisher, Captain America, Thor, The Avengers, and Dr. Octopus to name a few.
"Marvel heroes are some of the most recognizable and beloved characters in the history of entertainment," said Kevin Donovan, president of Planetwide Games. "By marrying Marvel's pantheon of heroes with our original 'Comic Book Creator' self-publishing software we are making it possible for legions of fans to tap their own creativity in creating professional quality digital and homemade comic books with authentic Marvel Comics art for their personal enjoyment."
Paul Gitter, Senior vice president consumer products, Marvel Entertainment, added, "We see 'Comic Book Creator' Interactive Entertainment software as an exciting and original way to extend the Marvel brand experience for the consumer. Many of these heroes are very near and dear to our fans. They feel a personal connection to them, and 'Comic Book Creator' allows users to explore team-ups, battles and storylines that until now only existed in their imaginations."
Planetwide Games recently launched "Comic Book Creator," interactive entertainment software that allows consumers to utilize their own video game screenshots, DVD movies, digital photos or art assets to create authentic-looking comic books and comic strips. The company also has plans to introduce the www.ComicBookSociety.net, an online social community site that will encourage users from all over the world to collaborate on and share their comic creations and compete in head-to-head competitions and participate in online digital comic book events.
The company will also offer Marvel Comics content "Booster Packs" for "Comic Book Creator" and will feature special categories of characters from the Marvel Heroes Universe. About Planetwide Games
Based in Orange County, CA, Planetwide Games, Inc. has established itself as a provider of innovative software applications, proprietary online technology and video games. The Company's applications, games and self-publishing platform for user generated content easily integrates into DVD home entertainment products, music CD's, internet portals, major game publishers and developers' titles, or can be sold separately through digital downloads and retail box sales. Planetwide Games is providing an enhanced game playing experience with name-brand awareness and ease-of-use.
Visit http://www.PlanetwideGames.com, http://www.PlanetwideComics.com , http://www.MyComicBookCreator.com and http://www.ComicBookSociety.net.
Comic Book Creator and Drag n' Drop Comics are trademarks of Planetwide Games Inc. TM & ® 2006 Planetwide Games, Inc. All rights reserved.
Contact Information:
Planetwide Games, Inc.
Mark Politi - Vice President Marketing and Corporate Communications
949.421.0488 Ext. 4212 Office
310-409-5938 Cell
mark@planetwidegames.com
Marvel Heroes Comic Book Creator Product Reviewers Guide:
Make You Own Marvel Comics
Retail Program
Marvel Heroes Comic Book Creator featuring X-Men, Spiderman and Electra and Marvel Heroes Booster Packs will the 1st Marvel Comic Book Creator software interactive entertainment software title.
Planetwide Games is creating additional Marvel versions and product lines of "Comic Book Creator" software based upon classic characters from the Marvel Universe such as the X-Men, Spider-Man, Fantastic Four, Hulk, Daredevil, Ghost Rider, The Punisher, Captain America, Thor, The Avengers, and Dr. Octopus to name a few.
Future Marvel Comic Book Creator versions and content Booster Packs will include Marvel Retro, Spidey and Friends and Ghost Rider collections among others.
Key Messages - Marvel Heroes Comic Book Creator Interactive Entertainment Software
"Marvel Heroes Comic Book Creator" puts PC users, for the first time, in the artist seat as they can now easily import authentic Marvel Heroes digital images and digital content to create personalized comic books and comic strips.
o Consumers can create their own unique stories by dropping in their favorite Marvel Heroes characters, backgrounds and clip art.
o The "Marvel Heroes Comic Book Creator" software is simple to use and features an intuitive drag and drop interface that makes creating personalized comics fun, quick and easy.
o "Marvel Heroes Comic Book Creator" requires little or no artistic ability.
o If the user can imagine it, "Marvel Heroes Comic Book Creator" can help bring their artistic vision to life.
o Featuring more than 100+ comic book style templates including front and back cover templates.
o "Marvel Heroes Comic Book Creator" empowers users with tools to let their imaginations run wild and express their own creativity.
o Consumers can export their finished Marvel comics creations into a PDF, JPG, BMP, HTML, and Flash formats, so users can easily share their projects with friends via e-mail, Web sites or blogs.
o You can also print out the final product on your home or office printer.
o "Marvel Heroes Comic Book Creator" will be available in North America and online retailers at a suggest retail price of $29.99.
"Marvel Heroes Comic Book Creator" is the first major Comic Book industry licensed product to be released from Planetwide Games' line of interactive entertainment software which includes: Virgin Comics Comic Book Creator, Sony Online Entertainment (SOE) Comic Book Creator, National Geographic Kids Comic Book Creator and other brands soon to be announced that empowers the user to create original content with branded and protected IP digital assets, characters, backgrounds, and clip art.
o "Marvel Heroes Comic Book Creator" offers a complementary interactive entertainment experience addition to Marvel Video Games, and Marvel Movies.
o "Marvel Heroes Comic Book Creator" delivers an interactive toolset to leverage popular forms of entertainment to create educational synergies and opportunities. Educators will use the software as a teaching tool in schools to their students to assist in literary skills, creativity and publishing.
"Marvel Heroes Comic Book Creator" will be available August 25, 2006 from Planetwide Games, Inc.
Questions & Answers - Marvel Heroes Comic Book Creator Interactive Entertainment Software
General Questions:
Q: What is "Marvel Heroes Comic Book Creator?"
A: "Marvel Heroes Comic Book Creator" is an innovative and empowering interactive entertainment software that enables users to combine their Marvel Heroes digital images, characters, backgrounds, and clip art and imaginations to create their own personalized Marvel Heroes comic book.
Q: Is "Marvel Heroes Comic Book Creator" easy to use?
A: "Marvel Heroes Comic Book Creator" is super-simple and easy-to-use self-publishing software. Users can drag and drop their own Marvel Heroes digital images into a vast selection of templates and have their own personalized Marvel Heroes comic book in a matter of seconds. It's all a part of the software. There will also be additional Marvel Heroes Digital Content Booster Packs that may be purchased that will have unique content to select and insert.
Q: Can I add my own text bubbles to the comic book?
A: Users can easily add their own text bubbles with one simple mouse click. "Marvel Heroes Comic Book Creator" has been designed to give users as much freedom in creating their comics as possible.
Q: Can I share my comic with friends?
A: Users can choose to print out hard copies of their comic or export their creation into PDF, HTML, JPG, BMP format and digitally distribute it via e-mail, web sites or blogs.
Q: What are the minimum system requirements?
A: Minimum system requirements include a PC running Windows 2000 or higher, a Pentium 4 processor 128 MB of RAM, a CD ROM and a hard drive with
1 GB of free space.
Q How much will the software cost and where will I be able to buy it?
A: The suggested retail price for "Comic Book Creator" is $29.99 and will be available at nationwide retailers, online retailers, and available as a trial download at http://www.mycomicbookcreator.com/marvelheroes
Q: When will "Marvel Heroes Comic Book Creator" be available?
A: "Marvel Heroes Comic Book Creator" will be available on August 25, 2006.
Q: Will there be a websites where Marvel Heroes Comic Book Creator users can post their work online?
A: In the near future, Marvel Heroes Comic Book Creator enthusiasts will also be able to join the Comic Book Society at www.ComicBookSociety.net. In the meantime consumers can register at www.mycomicbookcreator.com/marvelheroes
Q: What really is the educational value of "Marvel Heroes Comic Book Creator?"
A: We see "Marvel Heroes Comic Book Creator" as an edutainment interactive software title. We see educators using the software to provide fertile ground for young users to express themselves through writing, creating using characters from the Marvel Heroes universe and publishing.
Q: Can I create my own panel layouts or am I limited to the predefined templates?
A: Currently, "Marvel Heroes Comic Book Creator" requires that the user choose from one of more than 100 templates included in the software when making their comic. Additionally, Planetwide Games will be making more templates available via direct download after launch.
Q: Does the Marvel Heroes Comic Book Creator only allows you to export into a PDF format, and can users export into JPG, BMP, HTML and Flash format?
A: Printing to a web-native format is a high priority. You can output to PDF, JPG, BMP, HTML and Flash formats.
Q: Are there any additional software features and tools planned for the Marvel Comic Book Creator?
A: Yes. Planetwide Games will be adding audio, video, animations and flash animated gifs feature upgrades to create a new dimension for users to create "HyperComics" advanced Web2.0 style interaction.
For More Information Please Contact:
Mark Politi
Vice President Marketing and Corporate Communications
Planetwide Games, Inc.
32 Journey, Suite 250
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
949.421.0488 Office
310-409-5938 Cell
949-421-0532 Fax
mark.politi@planetwidegames.com