BRIEFLY

* DC Comics on Monday announced an investment in Flex Comix, a newly established manga production and publishing company in Japan. Flex Comix is comprised of a diverse consortium of investors. including DC Comics, Softbank Technology, Archetype Technologies, Movida Entertainment and T&M. Flex Comix will create original manga titles that will be distributed digitally across the web and on mobile phones with subsequent print editions available through traditional book trade outlets throughout Japan.

The agreement will position DC Comics as the worldwide English language print and digital publisher of titles created by Flex Comix. In March 2007, DC established DC Comics Japan, Ltd. to invest into and manage its interest in Flex Comix. This marks the first time an English-language publisher has made a significant investment in an overseas manga company. The move will complement DC's existing manga imprint, CMX.

Details on the exact nature of the DC Comics/Flex publishing plan will be announced later.

* Marvel Entertainment announced an expanded presence in the apparel category through new or expanded agreements with industry leaders. Marvel has entered into an extensive licensing agreement with Fruit of the Loom for the children's underwear category.

Marvel has finalized agreements with Crocs and has expanded its agreement with master apparel licensee Kids Headquarters.

Fruit of the Loom will initially create product lines based on the upcoming Marvel Studios feature films Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk. It has also obtained the rights to develop products inspired by a diverse range of Marvel heroes and villains including Spider-Man, Wolverine, Captain America, Daredevil, Thor, Fantastic Four Black Panther, Blade, Doctor Octopus, Dr. Strange, Elektra, Green Goblin, Nick Fury, Punisher, Silver Surfer, Venom and Sandman.

Through a new agreement, Crocs will develop a line of their footwear based on a range of Marvel's popular Super Heroes, including Spider-Man, X-Men, Fantastic Four, Incredible Hulk and Captain America.

Through its recently extended multi-year license agreement, master apparel partner Kids Headquarters will expand its offerings of Marvel-branded apparel to include merchandise based on next summer's Incredible Hulk film.