Dark Horse placed 676,000 issues of its 16-page digest-sized Oni #0 comic book for insertion in two of the electronic gaming industry's biggest-selling magazines, GamePro and Gamer's Republic. This contract marks a resounding victory for the publisher, which has previously contracted with companies such as Motorola, Nintendo, TV Guide, General Mills, Converse, Toys `R' Us, Kellogg's, Galoob, KayBee Toys, and Tower Records on other successful custom comics promotions.
"All of the other custom comics deals we've done in the last few years have been geared toward reaching markets of this caliber," commented Dark Horse's Vice President of Sales and Licensing, Anita Nelson, "and this publishing deal is a fantastic indicator of the kind of work Dark Horse has been doing lately. For the last many years we've been recognized as the United States', and possibly the world's, leading publisher of licensed comics. Now we're leading the industry in promotional outreach, working with other major companies to promote their products using our fun and unique medium as a tool to convey their message."
The Oni custom comics will be packaged with the February edition of Gamer's Republic magazine, and the March issue of GamePro. As another exclusive bonus, The Official Oni Strategy Guide (published by Prima and distributed through computer and electronics stores nationwide) will include a four-page excerpt from Dark Horse's Oni #1 comic book. Oni #1 will be on sale nationwide starting February 14.
For more information on Dark Horse's custom comics program, please contact Rich Young at (503) 652-8815, ext. 318.