DARK HORSE UNVEILS 2009

COMIC-CON EXCLUSIVE, AS PART OF

UPCOMING DOMO BLIND BOX PROGRAM



APRIL 15, MILWAUKIE, OR – Dark Horse will offer attendees of this year’s Comic-Con International the chance to grab a special exclusive variant of their upcoming series of Domo “Qee” toys, a translucent variant produced in conjunction with Hong Kong based Toy2R. This special version will only be available at this year’s event, held in San Diego, from July 23-26, 2009.

The special 2” version of the lovable mascot turned iconic viral superstar from Japan’s NHK television network is growing in popularity in the United States. Dark Horse has been an early licensee of Domo, under the auspices of licensing agency Big Tent Entertainment, and has already produced sold-out limited editions of Domo as flocked vinyl figures, stationery, journals and sculpted magnet products.

The Domo Qee program, to be launched nationwide in August, is Dark Horse’s first try at the popular “blind box” or “mystery box” format. Individual figures are packed in small boxes; the only way to know which particular figure is inside a particular box is to purchase and open the box. In the Domo blind box assortment, figures are sold in counter displays of 15, and each display box of 15 figures is further packed into a master carton of four cases.

In addition, the boxes each contain one component of a “Build-A-Domo” clear transparent figure. When the correct six components are accumulated, the buyer can put together the complete bonus Domo. There will not be a “Build-A-Domo” component in the Comic-Con Exclusive figure.

“We presented a Comic-Con exclusive 5.5” Domo vinyl figure last year,” recalls Dark Horse VP of Product Development, David Scroggy, “and were blown away as all of the limited-edition sold out. This year, with an entirely new toy, we expect an even faster depletion of our Comic-Con stock. Since last year’s was a yellow variant, we chose the same color for the Qee toy.”

Starting from a very unusual place as an advertising icon, Domo’s unique look and personality has catapulted the character from 400 television spots in Japan into one of the Internet’s biggest sensations, sparking worldwide recognition. As the poster child for personalized, user-generated content, Domo has been able to transition from popularity within Japan to a worldwide following, spawning countless fan-made images, websites and videos, along with a first-ever licensed product line including plush, toys, fashion and collectibles selling at major trend retailers nationwide. Most recently, Domo has taken America by storm, being featured prominently at major retailers all over the U.S. and even starring in his first worldwide manga.

About Qee

Qee (pronounced "key") is a collection of designer toys created by Hong Kong-based company Toy2R, which was founded by Raymond Choy in 1995. Qees are produced in limited numbers and are highly collectible. Many contemporary artists and designers from Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America have designed figures. Domo is the mascot of NHK television in Japan, and is breaking out worldwide as animation, toys, publishing and apparel.

About Big Tent Entertainment LLC


Big Tent Entertainment, LLC (www.bigtent.tv) is an entertainment company specializing in the integrated development and management of media brands. Formed in 2002, the company manages a portfolio across both traditional and new media while focusing on brand strategy, community building, viral marketing, licensing and retail merchandising. Big Tent currently serves as the worldwide (ex Asia) marketing and licensing company for viral sensation Domo and the North American agency of record for a number of children’s properties including: Discovery Kids, the leader in real world, educational content for children; The Wiggles, the world’s most popular pre-school entertainers; and Miffy & Friends, one of the largest brands for infants, toddlers and preschoolers with an all-new tween/teen program. Additionally, Big Tent serves as the U.S. licensing agent for the masters of freestyle motocross, the Crusty Demons, and the world’s most popular series about girls and horses, The Saddle Club. The Company is also the worldwide management company for renowned art licensing agency Alaska Momma.

About Dark Horse

Since 1986, Dark Horse Comics has proven to be a solid example of how integrity and innovation can help broaden a unique storytelling medium and establish a small, homegrown company as an industry giant. In addition to publishing comics from top talent like Frank Miller, Mike Mignola, Neil Gaiman, and comics legend Will Eisner, their highly successful line of comics and products based on popular properties includes Star Wars, Aliens, Conan, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Emily the Strange, Tim Burton, Trigun, and The Incredibles. Today Dark Horse Comics is the third largest comic-book publisher in the U.S. and is recognized as the world's leading publisher of licensed comics material.Dark Horse Deluxe is an imprint of Dark Horse Comics, Inc.