NEW YORK, Nov. 18, 2003 -- What's hilarious, downright gross... and in your Christmas stocking this holiday season? It's those disarmingly disgusting Garbage Pail Kids stickers!

Now in stores after a 15-year hiatus, The Garbage Pail Kids brash brand of irreverent humor is back and entertaining fans of all ages. This latest incarnation -- featuring an all-new gang of mischievous misfits, from Harry Potty and Fartin' Martin to Zitty Whitney and Phat Phil -- is already popping up on "must-have" holiday gift lists.

Much to the surprise of many industry observers, the stickers are not only attracting the 6-to-12 kid crowd, but also legions of twenty and thirty-
something's who grew up on the "Kids" when they were initially released in the mid '80's. These older fans are snatching up product by the boxload, while younger collectors are savoring the individual packs.

The new blockbuster series has been hard to keep in stock. "GPK" creator,
The Topps Company, is readying a third printing which will be available in time for the holidays. And retailers and distributors couldn't be happier.

"The Garbage Pail Kids stickers are among our bestsellers throughout the entire trading card and collectibles categories... and there's no end in sight," says Steve Jones, VP at Excell Marketing.

Excell manages sports and entertainment products for many of the nation's leading retailers, including: Target Stores, CVS, Eckerd's, ShopKo, among others. Wal-Mart, another key Garbage Pail Kids destination, is also bolstering holiday shipments to capitalize on the strong interest and the expected upswing in store traffic.

Speculating on the reasons behind the successful Garbage Pail Kids revival, Topps VP Ira Friedman offers: "In this increasingly complex and high-pressure world, old-fashioned 'bathroom humor' is a welcome and comical relief to children, young adults and even parents, too."

With internet traffic skyrocketing on the official website (www.garbagepailkidsworld.com), and fans clamoring for more stickers, Topps is already developing a follow-up series for release next year. In the meanwhile, set a few extra places at the holiday dinner table for some Garbage Pail Kids... and don't be surprised if there's something gross stuffed in a stocking hanging above your fireplace.

Founded in 1938, Topps is a leading creator and marketer of distinctive confectionery and entertainment products. The Company's confectionery brands include "Ring Pop," "Push Pop," "Baby Bottle Pop" and "Juicy Drop Pop" lollipops as well as "Bazooka" bubble gum. Topps entertainment products include trading cards, sticker and album collections, and collectible games.

For additional information, visit www.topps.com.