Malibu Comics Entertainment, Inc. was founded in 1986 by Scott Rosenberg. The company quickly grew into the fourth largest comic book publisher in North America and was acquired by Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. (NYSE: MRV) in November 1994. Under the guidance of President and CEO Rosenberg, the company continues to grow in the fast-paced comic book industry.
In 1991 Malibu Comics distinguished itself from its competitors by introducing the world╒s first in-house computer coloring studio. The company was the first publisher to color all of its titles digitally using state-of-the-art computer technology and has since grown to be the #1 premier comics color production company in the world.
Malibu╒s launch of the Ultraverse line of comics in 1993 took the industry by storm and sold 15 million comics in the first year. Fresh superheroes were created for a new generation of comic book readers. The adventures of such characters as Prime, UltraForce, The All New Exiles, Rune, Mantra, Siren and The Night Man are leading readers to this new universe╤the Ultraverse.
Seeking to further its pursuit of becoming a full multimedia company, Malibu introduced Malibu Media in 1994. This subsidiary line of comics is based on licensed properties which provide Malibu another vehicle to reach a larger audience. Titles produced include Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, based on the phenomenally popular television series by Paramount Pictures; Mortal Kombat, based on the multi-million selling video game; Terminator 2, based on James Cameron╒s mega-hit film Terminator; and a variety of comics based on Sega video games.
Branching out to television in 1995, Malibu proudly launched its first-ever animated series UltraForce. Based on the popular comic of the same name, the series is syndicated nationally and is gearing up for a second season.
Hot on the heels of UltraForce╒s television debut, Lewis Galoob Toys introduced a line of action figures based on the series. Other licenses have been awarded to SkyBox Trading Cards, Pressman Games and numerous other companies for a broad range of merchandise.
Stretching its legs into the entertainment industry, Malibu looks forward to developing more properties for the silver screen. The William Morris Agency represents the company in its television and film ventures. Amblin Entertainment is bringing to the screen Malibu╒s Men In Black, starring Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith. Universal Studios is looking to make Malibu superhero Prime into a live-action film.
Beyond the quality of its comics and the scope of its potential, Malibu is also differentiated by the basic philosophy of its young executives and staff, most in their 20s and 30s. These youthful entrepreneurs, already boasting substantial combined experience in art, writing, publishing, marketing, distribution and retail sales, have forged an atmosphere where imagination and creativity are viewed as the most valuable commodities.
Given its progressive-minded orientation, reminiscent of the aggressive foundations on which such companies as Apple Computer and Fox Television were built, Malibu Comics is an industry rebel. It has been this mandate to defy, rather than embrace, tradition that has helped the company grow to new heights.
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CONTACTS: James Tuverson, Teri Bruno (818) 878-7400
