Disney and Gemstone Relaunch Disney Comic Books

Posted on July 4, 2003

Disney Publishing Worldwide and Gemstone Publishing have announced a series of comic books featuring a variety of the most popular Disney characters. Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and other Disney favorites will be brought to life in monthly and bi-monthly comic books.

Gemstone Publishing will introduce the first two monthly comics, Walt Disney Comics and Stories and Uncle Scrooge, in June at $6.95. The first bi-monthly, Donald Duck Adventures ($7.95), will debut in July, with two additional monthlies, Donald Duck and Friends and Mickey Mouse and Friends ($2.95) hitting the shelves in September.

These Disney comics will be available at major booksellers and wholesalers, as well as specialty stores. Diamond Comic Distributors will handle the distribution of the comics throughout the United States and Canada. The comics will be available through subscription at gemstonecomics.com.

"As the comic book industry is experiencing a resurgence in popularity, Disney comics can now be enjoyed by a whole new generation while some of us older folks have the opportunity to once again be enchanted by their distinctive artistry and humor," said Steve Geppi, Gemstone Publishing president and CEO.

Gemstone has assembled a team of Disney comic veterans to preserve the quality of these classic comics. The new series of comic books will contain the recognized work of Disney artists Patrick Block, Daniel Branca, Daan Jippes, Don Rosa, Noel Van Horn, William Van Horn, and the legendary Carl Barks, as well as others.

Best known as the home of The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide, Gemstone Publishing was formed by Diamond Comic Distributors President and Chief Executive Officer Stephen A. Geppi as a conduit for his efforts in preserving and promoting the history of the comics medium. Gemstone publishes annual comic book and collector guides and Comic Book Marketplace, a monthly magazine for comic book collectors. Most recently, Gemstone added Scoop, a free, weekly email newsletter, to its list of publications.

Disney Publishing Worldwide is the largest children's publisher in the world, with 274 children's magazines and 120 million children's books sold each year. DPW publishes books, magazines and continuity programs in 55 languages in 74 countries, reaching more than 100 million readers each month. Global headquarters are in New York City.