MINNEAPOLIS, October 6, 2004 -- As part of its "Ready. Sit. Read!" program, Target launched a new initiative to promote childhood reading through a partnership with Marvel Enterprises, Inc. and its educational resource division, Cover Concepts. Together, the companies are producing and distributing a series of custom comics featuring Marvel's greatest Super Heroes, including Spider-Man and Captain America, in adventures that showcase the importance of reading. The comics were recently disseminated through a portion of Cover Concepts' authorized in-school network to nearly one million students in third and fourth grade classrooms nationwide.

The initial custom comic -- "Reading To The Rescue!" -- stars Marvel's Spider-Man, Mary Jane, Captain America, Jean Grey and Thor, but the real heroes of the comic are the kids that save the day by using their reading skills to outsmart the evil trickster, Loki. In Spring 2005, a second title, "Reading to the Rescue # 2: Assignment Impossible," will be created and distributed to more than two million school-age children.

To ensure the materials are curriculum-appropriate, Target and Cover Concepts enlisted the expertise of respected educator Forrest Stone, executive editor-in-chief of Education World and a former editor of Weekly Reader and Scholastic Voice. A short resource guide that includes helpful tips and classroom activity recommendations accompanied the comic books to further encourage teachers to utilize the comic books in their classrooms.

"Target believes that developing creative and engaging programs like this will help to get children excited about reading," said Laysha Ward, vice president, community relations, Target Corporation. "Studies show that if a child can't read by the third grade, he or she may never catch up. Our partnership with Marvel and its Cover Concepts division helps us reach many children at a critical point in their reading education."

"Our popular Super Heroes battle all types of obstacles, but being able to help combat illiteracy is arguably their most important task," said Robert Steffens, VP of Operations, Marvel Enterprises. "Partnering with Target on this program allows our heroes to really make a difference with children. Comic books, with their visually enticing layouts and fantasy concepts, are an ideal medium to attract children and get them interested in reading."

Jane Cronin, School Communications Specialist, Cover Concepts, added, "Cover Concepts is committed to working with school administrators and socially responsible companies to create and distribute materials with positive messages that inspire, encourage and empower students. We take pride in being associated with this pro-literacy campaign which will reach several million children nationwide."

Marvel Enterprises:

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.

Target: Ready. Sit. Read!

Target considers reading the foundation of all learning and created a
national campaign entitled Ready. Sit. Read! to encourage a love of reading among children at an early age. Ready. Sit. Read! was developed in partnership with the United States Department of Education and includes affiliations with the national non-profit organization Reach Out and Read, the Library of Congress "Letters About Literature" project, monthly children's crossword puzzles, a baby book shower contest and sponsorship of book festivals across the country.

About Target Stores

As of Sunday, October 10, Minneapolis-based Target Stores will serve guests at 1,313 stores in 47 states nationwide by delivering today's best retail trends at affordable prices. Whether visiting a Target store or shopping online at target.com, guests enjoy a fun and convenient shopping experience with access to thousands of unique and highly differentiated items. Target Stores, along with its parent company Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT), gives back more than $2 million a week to its local communities through grants and special programs. Since opening its first store in 1962, Target has partnered with nonprofit organizations, guests and team members to help meet community needs.

About Cover Concepts:

Cover Concepts, a division of Marvel Enterprises, Inc., is America's largest resource for free materials into the classroom, reaching 30 million kids grades K-12 in 43,000 schools nationwide. Cover Concepts recently expanded its network to include daycare centers, public libraries and summer camps in an effort to provide for as many kids as possible. Cover Concepts works in tandem with administrators and directors to distribute free, sponsored materials such as textbook covers, lesson plans, posters, bookmarks, specialty paks and other fun educational materials. Teachers and administrators interested in receiving free material like the custom comic for their schools or libraries can join Cover Concepts nationwide network at http://www.coverconcepts.com

Marvel, Spider-Man, Captain America, and Thor and the distinctive likeness thereof are trademarks of Marvel Characters, Inc., and are use with permission. http://www.marvel.com

Super Hero(es) is a co-owned registered trademark.