FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 2, 2002

Contact: Anne Garinger
Ph: (212) 255-0200 ext.263
Email: agaringer@publishers.org

Free Comic Book Day Partners with Get Caught Reading!

New York, NY: Get Caught Reading, the nationwide literacy campaign supported by the Association of American Publishers and the Magazine Publishers of America, has announced its support for Free Comic Book Day, an event designed to spur interest in comic books as an original American art form.

At the same time, Diamond Comic Distributors (the organization coordinating Free Comic Book Day) has declared its support for the literacy efforts spearheaded by Get Caught Reading. "In the comic book industry, we've always known that comics are great tools for encouraging literacy, particularly among young males and reluctant readers," said Roger Fletcher, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Diamond Comic Distributors. "In the past few years, more and more teachers and librarians have begun using comic books and graphic novels in their collections and classrooms to teach and promote reading with great success. Literacy is one of the causes everyone should be interested in, and we're proud to be a part of that movement. All ages should experience the joy of reading, and on May 4 they can do so with a free comic book!"

"There once was a time when some people would frown upon reading comic books," said Pat Schroeder, President and CEO of the Association of American Publishers. "But as we've come to understand the importance of literacy in social advancement and intellectual development, it has become obvious that reading of any kind is productive and should be encouraged. Comic books are as intelligent, compelling, and demanding as any other form of storytelling, and they are a worthy addition to any parent, teacher, or other adult's arsenal of reading tools. We're happy to join with Free Comic Book Day to promote our common goal of getting more people to read."

Free Comic Book Day will take place on May 4, 2002 in over 2,200 comic book stores throughout the U.S. and in 29 countries. Anyone can go to a participating comic book store and receive a comic book absolutely free on that day.

The event takes place during May, which has also been designated as Get Caught Reading Month.

For more information about Get Caught Reading, visit the website at www.GetCaughtReading.org

More information about Free Comic Book Day (including a list of participating stores) is available at www.FreeComicBookDay.com.

Launched in 1999, Get Caught Reading is a nationwide, public service campaign to promote the joy of reading. Celebrities, along with members of Congress, have been photographed 'caught reading' their favorite book or magazine for the advertising campaign.

Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc. -- the world's largest distributor of English-language comic books and related merchandise -- is based in Timonium, Maryland, with strategically located Distribution Centers servicing more than 4,500 specialty retailers worldwide. Free Comic Book Day is an initiative by the comic book community to promote comics as an American art form.