"We've had such a strong response from retailers and fans to DC Direct's action figure line that we couldn't resist introducing a whole new way to collect the entire DC Universe," says Syndee Barwick, Director - DC Direct. "DC has such a wide scope of colorful characters that they seemed like a natural fit for every fan's pockets."

Retailers and fans will get their first glimpse of the POCKET SUPER HEROES when a sample of the POCKET SUPER HERO GOLDEN AGE WONDER WOMAN figure arrives in stores in December. Fans can take home their first POCKET SUPER HERO on December 12 when the SOLOMON GRUNDY DELUXE ACTION FIGURE arrives in stores, including a free POCKET SUPER HERO GOLDEN AGE WONDER WOMAN.

In addition, retailers will receive one free POCKET SUPER HERO GOLDEN AGE WONDER WOMAN figure to help generate enthusiasm among customers prior to ordering. These samples are expected to arrive in stores on December 12, and the figure will not be available in any other packaging in 2002.

The POCKET SUPER HEROES stand approximately 3" and feature authentic costuming details and articulation. Packaged primarily in two-figure sets, they also include a backdrop art and story card with a plastic stand, and are priced at $9.95 U.S. per set.

"We've planned this program so that retailers and fans would have the chance to see a sample from the line before orders are placed," says Bob Wayne, DC's VP - Sales & Marketing. "Retailers should be able to generate enthusiasm with their customers and assess the sales potential of the line well before orders on the first wave are due."

The first wave of four POCKET SUPER HEROES will be solicited in the January issue of Previews (Vol. XII, #1), with the first sets scheduled to arrive in stores in July. Characters include Dr. Mid-Nite & the Atom, Aquaman & Black Manta, Green Lantern & Sinestro, and Starman & the Shade.

Further sets scheduled for 2002 release include the Flash & Captain Cold, Silver Age Wonder Woman & Cheetah, Red Tornado & Firestorm, Dr. Fate & the Spectre, Cosmic Boy & Saturn Girl, Solomon Grundy & Green Lantern Alan Scott, and Mon-el & Lightning Lad. The Martian Manhunter comes in a Deluxe Set with the Silver Age Justice League of America meeting table (approximately 5" in diameter) with 8 chairs.

The POCKET SUPER HEROES line comes in colorful packaging with a unified trade dress. The back of each package includes a checklist of upcoming releases.

"Our goal with the POCKET SUPER HEROES is to create as many DC characters as possible so fans can have their own little universes," says Georg Brewer, DC's Design Director. "To that end, we've faced a really interesting creative challenge in designing an iconic, pocket-sized action figure with sculpted details and attention to the characters' individual costumes."