NEW YORK -- July 31, 2003 -- Genio(TM) Cards, LLC., announced it has entered into a licensing agreement with Marvel Enterprises that grants Genio the worldwide exclusive rights to feature Marvel Comics Characters such as Spider-Man(TM), The Incredible Hulk(TM), X-Men(TM), Elektra(TM), Daredevil(TM) and the Fantastic Four(TM) in its new Genio Educational Card collection. The licensing agreement provides Genio with the opportunity to use images of the 4,700 Marvel characters and to feature them in its advertising and marketing materials. This multi-faceted experience for children ages 5-12 is a rare collectable card series that can be played and collected while providing true educational value.
The Genio card series consists of:
- A collection of 360 illustrated cards featuring Marvel Super Heroes and original artwork depicting 30 subject areas including Dinosaurs, Extreme Sports, Martial Arts, Concept Cars and Space Travel.
- The Official Genio Card Collector Album - contains 64 pages, each hosted by a Marvel Super Hero and featuring one of the educational themes.
- The Genio Power Challenge - players test the strength of their cards against an opponent.
Genio will market the Genio Cards through a variety of channels including an initial television commercial to be launched in mid August, which will feature Spider-Man(TM), and The Incredible Hulk(TM) and in-store displays and packaging which will include colorful Marvel Super Heroes that integrate the collectable nature and educational attributes of the Cards.
It is expected that Genio Cards will be shipped to select national retailers beginning in August 2003 coinciding with childrens' return to school in four product categories that include: a Starter Kit that contains the 64-page Genio Cards album, a pack of 9 Genio Cards and 9 adhesive sleeves; a MegaDeck that contains 36 cards, plus one of five full-size posters of a Marvel Super Hero; a 9-Pack Blister Card; and a pack of Clear Card Sleeves.
Russ Brown, Executive Vice President Consumer Products, Promotions and Media Sales added, "Genio shares Marvel's commitment to education and high quality entertainment. When our world-famous Super Heroes are integrated into this educational format, it makes the experience more accessible and interesting for learners of all ages."
"Genio Cards are a real win-win for kids and their parents during this back-to-school season and throughout the year," said Jeffrey Glickman, president, Genio Cards, LLC. "Children will be excited to return to school to play and trade Genio Cards with their friends, and parents will feel good knowing their children are learning cool and useful facts about animals, history, landmarks, science, space, sports and so much more."
About Genio Cards, LLC.
Genio Cards, LLC is a division of National Management Consulting Inc., a diversified retail marketing and distribution firm whose team has substantial experience in the development of marketing programs for a range of commercial products. NMCS holds a worldwide license with Marvel Enterprises, Inc. to manufacture and sell specific categories of products built around the globally recognizable Marvel Super Heroes.
About Marvel Enterprises, Inc.
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 licensed 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. Marvel, X-men and related characters: ((TM)) & (C) 2003 Marvel Characters, Inc.
