THQ and Marvel Enterprises today announced a worldwide agreement naming THQ exclusive interactive game licensee of some of Marvel's hottest comic and entertainment properties including Captain America, The Punisher, and Nick Fury. The all-inclusive relationship grants THQ rights to all classic, TV and film versions of each of the properties for every viable game system including those manufactured by Sony, Nintendo and Microsoft, as well as PC through 2007.

The two companies also announced they will collaborate on the upcoming comic series, The Call. Based on the adventures of real-life heroes in New York City, The Call may feature many of the most popular characters in the Marvel Universe such as Spider-Man and the X-Men. The Call is scheduled to make its comic debut in fall of 2003 followed by an interactive debut in spring of 2004.

"Working with Marvel not only on rich properties like The Punisher but in jointly creating a brand-new property like The Call is a huge win for THQ as we continue to execute on our strategy of bringing the best gaming content to market," stated Germaine Gioia, vice president, licensing, THQ. "THQ looks forward to tapping into the essence of these characters from their comic book roots and creating true digital experiences that reflect Marvel's future plans for the franchises."

"Marvel is looking forward to a true partnership," said Bill Jemas, President and COO, Marvel Enterprises, Inc. "THQ's top developers will work closely with Marvel's best creators to produce the most exciting games on the market. We are especially excited about jointly developing The Call - an all-new property about real-world heroism."

Jemas added, "The interactive category has become a cornerstone of property development, and we feel very fortunate to be working with a company that knows how to build a property and bring it to the mass audience."

"This deal has come together during an especially exciting time for these Marvel brands," stated Russ Brown, Executive Vice President, Marvel Enterprises, Inc. "Rolling Stone just declared Nick Fury the 'certified cool' comic book of 2001, The Punisher has been outselling Batman ever since its 2000 re-launch and, based on initial orders from comic shops, Captain America will be the top selling comic in America this May - right in the middle of the Spider-Man movie hype."

The first game under the new agreement is The Punisher (working title) scheduled for release in 2003.

THQ has made a similar deal back in February this year with TV company Nickeledeon. THQ holds the rights to publish games based on all existing and future individual Nickelodeon animated TV and movie properties targeting kids ages 6-11 on every game system through 2005.