These new relationships will expand the reach of the Marvel Universe(TM) and strengthen Marvel's well-established brand of Super Hero(TM) based consumer product offerings. Through the deals, Upper Deck Entertainment has been granted the global license to create a special line of collectible trading cards and games featuring the popular Marvel heroes. Master Lock, the worldwide leader in padlocks and security products, will utilize the Marvel characters as the centerpiece for a national contest and promotion generating a tremendous amount of consumer impressions and Marvel brand awareness.

Additionally, Marvel has further strengthened its high-profile licensing and promotional programs through deals with top costume-maker Disguise Inc. and Leading Edge Promotions, Inc., which in partnership with the number one bowling equipment manufacturer, Brunswick, will sponsor Marvel branded bowling clubs.

"The Marvel brand has proven itself to be one of the hottest names within the marketplace accounting for more than $2 billion worth of Marvel-branded licensed consumer products purchased at retail in 2002," said Russ Brown, Executive Vice President Consumer Products, Promotions and Retail Sales. "This success is a direct result of Marvel's overwhelming appeal to a broad consumer demographic and the long term value our characters offer our licensees. By partnering with some of the best names in their respective business, like Upper Deck Entertainment and Master Lock, we continue to increase the number of overall consumer impressions of our characters while providing high quality products through our licensees."

Licensing Line-up Enhanced

Upper Deck Entertainment, the leading sports and entertainment company, will utilize Marvel's Classic character library, including the world-famous Spider-Man(TM), Incredible Hulk(TM), Captain America(TM) and Daredevil(TM), to create a special line of trading cards and games. Each card and game pack will feature the ever-popular characters in skillfully drawn renderings aimed at providing enjoyable play and high collectability. The arrangement provides Marvel an upfront guarantee as well as royalty fees. The first products are scheduled to hit shelves in June 2003.

Due to the overwhelming success of its current partnership with Marvel, costume-maker Disguise, Inc. has greatly expanded upon the scope of its licensing agreement. Under the new terms with Marvel, Disguise Inc. has taken on the license for the newly created preschool property Spider-Man and Friends(TM) as well as Classic Spider-Man in addition to other popular Marvel heroes. Some of the products being manufactured include: holiday masks, holiday costume accessories, plastic pumpkin pails, holiday treat bags, holiday candy cups and playtents.

Promotional Power Increased

Marvel and its partners continue to create innovative promotional programs to appeal to a wide audience. Through its new promotional deal with Marvel, Master Lock will utilize several of the Company's classic characters including The Incredible Hulk, Daredevil, Elektra(TM), Iron Man(TM) and Captain America throughout its promotion. The Incredible Hulk will be featured on specially-marked packages of combination and Sphero locks. As part of the campaign, Master Lock has commissioned Marvel to create 50,000 custom comic books featuring Master Lock products in the story line. This customized book will only be available to consumers who access the Master Lock promotional Web site (www.masterlock.marvel.com) and enter a promotional code found on specially-marked packages.

Master Lock will also sponsor an exclusive "Big City Comic Book Contest" hosted on the promotional Web site. As part of the contest, each month one strip created by Marvel will be placed on the site without copy. Online visitors will then submit text to accompany the panels that will be viewed and judged upon by the Marvel editorial staff. Over 3,000 prizes will be awarded, including an all-expense paid trip to the Marvel Comics headquarters in New York City and $1,000 spending cash.

In addition to Master Lock, Leading Edge Promotions, Inc. has signed a deal with Marvel to create a "Marvel Action Hero Bowling Club". This entertainment-based bowling league program will be available in more than 1,000 bowling centers this summer and will feature exclusive one-of-a-kind Spider-Man and the Incredible Hulk Viz-A-Balls manufactured by the number one bowling equipment manufacturer, Brunswick. The two-year promotion in the United States and Canada will also include Spider-Man, The Incredible Hulk, X-Men(TM), Fantastic Four(TM), Hulk, Daredevil and Elektra.

Marvel Enterprises, Inc. 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.