DISNEY TO ACQUIRE MARVEL: INDUSTRY REACTION

The Continuum has reached out to the comics community -- and beyond -- for reaction of Disney's upcoming acquistion of Marvel.

Following are responses, which will be updated:

* DC Comics representative Alex Segura: "We're declining comment."

* Oni Press publisher Joe Nozemack: "This deal is further evidence of the maturation and importance of the comic book community to the overall entertainment industry. It also highlights the enormous value of the next generation of comic book companies such as Oni Press, who -- by developing amazing stories and characters in every genre that go beyond superheroes -- become even more valuable as the remaining studios and financial institutions seek intellectual property."

* Matt Hawkins, president and COO of Top Cow Productions: "The Disney acquisition of Marvel Comics is a testament to the value of comics, the properties and franchises we in the industry create, and a positive indication of how comic-book companies are valued by the larger entertainment industry."

* Jon Goldwater, co-CEO Archie Comics Publications: "What is good for Marvel Entertainment is good for Archie Comics. We are all connected as comic-book publishers, and the exposure from this acquisition will bring new attention to all of the industry's iconic IP's. Disney's acquisition of Marvel shows how important these properties are to pop culture. With comic-book characters becoming more prominent in TV, movies and animation, comics have become more relevant and more attractive to Hollywood studios than ever. We wish Disney and Marvel the best of luck in their new venture together."

* Dynamite Entertainment president Nick Barrucci: "It's an historic day. I'm very happy to see the hard work that all of our friends at Marvel have put in be rewarded with this opportunity."

* Aspen Comics' Vince Hernandez: "Disneyıs purchase of Marvel is exciting news any way you look at it. There are so many possibilities that come to mind with this merger itıs impossible to try to imagine them all, but itıs fun thinking of them. I think thereıs positives for both companies. With Disney, they now have a wonderful universe of characters and talent to draw from, and for Marvel, they get the powerful reach and the resources of Disney. Iım sure both companies see this as a tremendous, fruitful partnership -- and rightly so. "

* IDW Publishing's Chris Ryall: "I love seeing comics-related news like this dominate the Internet like it is, but it's too soon to say what it means for either side. I do only see upside in the deal, though."

* Chris Rupp of Ruppsworld.com: " With the power of Disney behind Marvel Comics I look forward to seeing more Marvel in the media and in turn more focus on the comics that started it all. "