INTRODUCING THE CULTYARD
San Diego Comic Con 2004
July 22-25, 2004
Aisles 4500 to 4600

Los Angeles, CA - July 8, 2004 - The Independent Toy Growers of America have unleashed THE CULTYARD, centralized marketplace pavilion at the San Diego International Comic Con that showcases the best in contemporary art, design and collectible products. Featuring twenty of the most innovative companies specializing in the savvy "20 to 30 something" lifestyle market, THE CULTYARD will feature a diverse combination of designer toys, apparel, print media, animation and performance. Most of the participating companies (see the complete list below) will be introducing new and never before seen products to the 70,000 Comic Con attendees.

"Comic Con has changed a lot in the last few years as the younger fans move from the mainstream to the counter-culture," says Jim Crawford, co-founder of the Independent Toy Growers of America. "THE CULTYARD brings a lot of the underground and designer-driven creators together under one roof-- it's going to be something to see."

THE CULTYARD will be located in the 4500 and 4600 sections at the San Diego Convention Center, 111 Harbor Drive San Diego, CA, July 22-25. 2004. The daily festivities will include an eclectic mix of entertainment and excitement: monsters that battle each other, depraved pirates performing dangerous tricks, artist signings, giveaways, and toys! Be sure to check your Comic Con 2004 schedule and listen for THE CULTYARD announcements, as we invite our favorite artists out to meet the fans and bring you all the fun you can handle.

For more information, visit http://www.toygrowers.com

*** THE CULTYARD ***

Achy Breaky Toys
Attaboy's Yumfactory
Biddies/Warning Label Design
Circus Punks
Critterbox Toys
Emily the Strange
Flopdoodle
Friends With You
Funko
Gama Go
Go Hero
Kaiju Big Battel
Lynne Naylor and Chris Reccardi
Rocket World
Rock AmericaSpanky
Spike and Mike Animation
STRANGEco
Super7
Superfun Company

About The Independent Toy Growers of America: The Independent Toy Growers of America (ITGA) is an affiliated fellowship of boutique toy companies whose primary focus is creating originally designed collectible toys with an emphasis on art, fashion and popular culture. Founded by Achy Breaky Toys and STRANGEco, with charter members Critterbox Toys, Superfun Company and Warning Label Design.