Fort Lee, NJ -- Jan 18, 2007 -- Put your pant legs in your boots because the mice from David Petersen's MOUSE GUARD are coming courtesy of Diamond Select Toys and Collectibles (DST) and ASP Comics. The licensing agreement will bring to life collectibles based on the popular characters from the best-selling comic book series, including our heroes Saxon, Kenzie, Lieam, and Sadie; in time, other characters will include Celanawe the ancient mouse of the Old Guard, Conrad the brave but crusty peg-legged mouse, Midnight impersonating the Black Axe, and more.

More details and samples of this upcoming line will be available at the International Toy Fair, February 2007.

"You have no idea how excited I am about seeing these characters of mine brought to life," said MOUSE GUARD creator, David Petersen. "Heck, I'd even sculpted my own figures before - whether because I'm obsessed or in need of character study pieces, I don't know. What I do know is that none of this would have happened without the support of the fans who have helped turn MOUSE GUARD into something special. I can't wait to stage my own siege of Lockhaven in my living room!"

"When we first saw MOUSE GUARD," said DST Director Chuck Terceira, "we knew they'd inspire some terrific licensed products. With how strong and popular the series has been, and the ever-growing legion of fans David and ASP have created, we just had to produce these adorable but fierce warriors."

MOUSE GUARD is the story of a band of mice trying to survive in a hostile medieval world, to prosper among harsh conditions and vicious predators. The story began innocuously enough with three members of the Mouse Guard on a mission to find a grain peddler who disappeared on his journey from one protected mousehold to another. This seemingly minor event, however, opened the door to an epic mystery of intrigue, deception and danger as Saxon, Kenzie, Lieam and Sadie attempt to thwart a mouse in possession of the Black Axe and his plot to unify the mice under one, all-controlling, and all-powerful leader.

Each issue of MOUSE GUARD releases bi-monthly and is 24-pages, full color, 8"x8" and retails for $3.50. It is recommended for ages 10+.

ABOUT ARCHAIA STUDIOS PRESS
Mark Smylie founded Archaia Studios Press (ASP) in 2002 as the home for his epic fantasy comic book, Artesia. Artesia, winner of ForeWord Magazine's Best Graphic Novel of 2003, and its sequels -- Artesia Afield and Artesia Afire -- are available at finer bookstores and comic book shops everywhere. Artesia: Adventures in The Known World, a new RPG based on Mark's creation, expanded ASP into the world of gaming. In 2005, Mark expanded ASP to publish a line of creator-owned titles, including Robotika (by Alex Sheikman), Mouse Guard (by David Petersen) and The Lone and Level Sands (by A. David Lewis and Marvin Perry Mann). Other titles now include The Killer and Okko: The Cycle of Water, and The Secret History. More information can be found at http://www.aspcomics.com.

ABOUT DIAMOND SELECT TOYS AND COLLECTIBLES, LLP
Diamond Select Toys and Collectibles, LLC was founded in 1999 by sister company Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc. Envisioned to create unique and exciting collectibles for children and adults alike, the company has licensed a variety of pop culture properties to be turned into merchandise. With partners such as Marvel Enterprises, Universal Studios, Twentieth Century Fox, Hasbro and MGM, Diamond Select Toys and Collectibles produces a large range of products based on a wide variety of properties, and is headquartered in Timonium, MD. For more information, visit www.diamondselecttoys.com.