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Star Wars PocketModel Promo

WIZKIDS UNVEILS STAR WARS POCKETMODEL TCG SAMPLE PACK PROMOTIONAL CAMPAIGN

Promotion with Diamond Comic Distributors and Alliance Game Distributors to Drive Mass Market Consumers to Hobby Retail Outlets

March 22, 2007 (SEATTLE) - WizKids Inc., a subsidiary of Topps and the creator of runaway hit games such as HeroClix® and Pirates of the Spanish Main™, in conjunction with Diamond Comic Distributors and Alliance Game Distributors announced today that it is launching a sample pack marketing campaign for its upcoming Star Wars™ PocketModel™ trading card game (TCG). The promotion, which will be advertised on top websites such as CartoonNetwork.com, was set up to drive consumers into their local hobby retail outlets by offering them coupons redeemable for free Star Wars PocketModel product samples. Sample packs contain three PocketModels (one X-wing™ and two TIE Fighters™), two playing cards and a marketing insert.

"This Star Wars PocketModel TCG advertising campaign will literally be seen by millions of potential customers and, for the first time ever, we can drive those consumers directly into local core market stores," said WizKids® president, Lax Chandra. "This kind of promotion never would have been possible without our partnership with Diamond Comic Distributors and Alliance Game Distributors. Getting closer to the retailer and providing them with great sales support is one of our primary strategic goals."

In order to redeem for the free Star Wars PocketModels sample pack, participants simply click through the Star Wars PocketModel advertisement found on various websites, including Cartoon Network, to a WizKids page that prompts them to enter their ZIP code in order to get a printable coupon redeemable at their local stores. The coupon gives the names, phone numbers and addresses of several nearby stores where the coupon can be redeemed. Customers then go to the stores with their coupons and pick up the product sample kits.

"We are pleased to be able to provide WizKids with the detailed presale information necessary to run a great program like this," said Steve Geppi, president and CEO of Diamond Comics. "It really demonstrates how this new partnership can benefit core market retailers and their customers."

Retailers must pre-order the Star Wars PocketModel TCG with Diamond Comic Distributors or Alliance Game Distributors by May 8 in order to participate in the program. Diamond and Alliance sales reps have detailed information on how the program works. The advertising will hit in early June to coincide with the retail launch of the Star Wars PocketModel TCG. Diamond Comic Distributors and Alliance Game Distributors will distribute the sample packs with their regular product shipments, and will overstock stores so that retailers can provide samples to their regular customers. WizKids encourages retailers to educate their consumers about the product and its organized play opportunities.

The Star Wars PocketModel TCG combines the best features of classic TCGs with those of constructible strategy games™ (CSGs), a category that WizKids pioneered for kids. This TCG innovation allows players to use characters and action scenes from the Star Wars movies on their cards to help control their fleets of PocketModel ships, as they attempt to destroy each other's objectives. This exciting, easy-to-learn game derives its content from all six Star Wars movies, making it possible for fans of all generations to enjoy battling for control of the galaxy! Each Game Pack (SRP $4.99) contains four to eight constructible styrene units, six game cards, two micro dice, assembly instructions and complete rules.

The Star Wars PocketModel TCG is expected to release at retail in June 2007, with a preview and samples available at Star Wars Celebration IV, May 24–28 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

About WizKids

A wholly owned subsidiary of the Topps Company (TOPP), WizKids is a Seattle-based game developer and publisher dedicated to creating tabletop games driven by imagination. Its HeroClix and Pirates brands are among the most successful games on the market today, with over 100 million miniature game figures sold worldwide. For additional information, visit www.wizkidsgames.com.

About Diamond Comic Distributors

Diamond Comic Distributors (www.diamondcomics.com) is the world's largest distributor of English-language comic books and related pop-culture merchandise. The company was founded in 1982 and is headquartered in Timonium, MD, with strategically located distribution centers serving over 4,000 specialty retailers worldwide.

About Alliance Game Distributors

Alliance Game Distributors is a recognized leader in Hobby Distribution, offering an exceptional range of products, services and programs to adventure-hobby retailers throughout North America and the world. With five sales offices and four warehouses in the U.S., the company takes pride in providing the best service, finest selection and best support in the industry. For additional information, visit www.alliance-games.com.

©2007 WizKids Inc. All rights reserved. HeroClix, Pirates of the Spanish Main, PocketModel and WizKids are trademark of WizKids Inc.
® & ©2007 The Topps Company Inc. All rights reserved. Topps is a registered trademark of The Topps Company Inc.

©2007 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All rights reserved.

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