Me Geek, You Geek

So I was doing my daily stock market thing, looking through my portfolio (seeing how much I lost today...ouch) and I came across Marvel's ticker (MVL).  First of all I was amazed that my day trading and my comic book reading never mixed before.  I guess it shows I have very little faith in the comic book industry if I've never thought about investing my money in comics, other than the boxes upon boxes I have sitting in my basement.

But I digress...

So I kept digging into Spider-Man's company and found what I think is some interesting information regarding MVL's finances.  So here you go...

Well wait.  First of all, I need to say that it doesn't look all that bad.  Comparing this quarter with the same quarter 2006 there is a huge bump in profit and a decrease in expense and liabilities.  I know that is boring to be reading on a comic book blog, but all in all, they're doing a pretty dang good job.

Here's how it looks:

Revenue for 2007 (Months ending March 31, in millions):

So, first things first.  Look at the total difference in revenue, $69.1 million?  Really?  Man, how a little film about a Spidey nerd and a little film about a group of four do wonders to the bottom line.  Also notice that Corporate Overhead is down $1 million.  That was surprising to see.  I always thought corporate raised and raised and raised their own earnings.  Kinda like Congress does (do?) each year.

But now to the two biggest surprises for me:

1.  The comic book sales themselves only account for 10% of the their revenue?  Only 10%!  If you would have told me a number like 35% I wouldn't have batted an eye.  But only 10%?  I guess there is no money in comics.

2.  But, and this is good news for us comic book peeps, the Publishing wing of Marvel is up in revenue for this last quarter $8.9 million compared to last year.  $8.9 million?  Really?  Great news!  I guess there is money in comics.

So anyway, that is enough financials, my head hurts. If you want to read the whole report check it out at the SEC site.  It's actually interesting to read how they play around with the numbers of the upcoming Iron Man movie in order to hide profit and losses.  All in a days work as an accountant!

Oh, one more thing.  I wish I would have invested in in MVL on March 2nd, 2001.  The stock price was $1.  $1! If I would have purchased 10,000 shares (so invested $10,000) and sold it today (at a closing price of $24.27 per share) I would be $23,270 richer!  Not bad for 6 years of non-work.

Posted by Jon at 10:07 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

My shipment of comics came today...ahead of schedule which is a plus (I usually get them on Mondays from my favorite comic book shop mailordcomics.com).  Not only did I get some great comics, I got some kick ass Bowen Daredevil busts.  Here's what they look like:

These pics don't do the busts justice.  This is my first bust/statue that I've bought that isn't sculpted by Bowen himself, since no one else seems to do it as well.  But these Kucharek Brothers did a great job of capturing the essence of old hornhead.  The wire is awesome when you see it live.  Just awesome.  Go buy these....oops...you can't since they sold out already.  Sucka!

In other DD/Bowen related news, check out this upcoming statue of the Gladiator.  Since he's back and being a psycho again, there's never been a better time to proudly display him on your mantle.

Woot!  Woot!

And speaking of woots and busts, here's another upcoming bust coming out...

Woot!  Woot! Woot!

Labels: Marvel Comics

Posted by Jon at 8:56 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

The sixth show has been recorded and is ready for download or stream. 

Bart and I talk about our udder disappointment in World War Hulk #1.  Udder.  Disappointment.  Udderly.

As always, let us know your thoughts and what you would like to hear us discuss for future shows.

Labels: Internet Talk Show (MP3)

Posted by Jon at 9:31 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

...it's gonna kick ass.  EW has another pic out for all of fandom to see.  And while they are showing it because it's Robert Downy Jr., I am showing it because it looks kick ass.  Seriously.  I am putting my money where my mouth is (for once) and am going to predict that Iron Man will be the best new superhero movie yet.  Yes, better than X-Men and Spidey 1.  Now, I'm not saying it will gross more than these movies, far from it, but it will be a better made movie.  Iron Man is probably the only comic book movie being made that doesn't have to dick with the costume to make it look okay on film.  This is going to be a comic book realized IM on the big screen.

I'll save my predictions on if it will be better than Superman and Batman after the first trailer.  But it will be the best superhero movie since Blade revamped the superhero genre.  Mark my words.

Mark 'em!

Check out the repulsor ray in the palm, the chest plate under the shirt.  The whole thing looks like it is being made by hand, which of course it was.  It just looks kick ass.  And that IS Tony Stark.  And damn if I can't say it again, the armor looks like Adi Granov himself made the damn thing.  Perfect.

Mark my words fools!

Posted by Jon at 9:15 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post

So I am finally getting around to reading some Marvel Comics and one of the first is the revamp of Thor.  Bart said it was cool, says we need to podcast about it.  So I read it thinking I would hate it of course, since Bart liked it.  Even though this isn't a review (yawn) I have to say it wasn't that bad.  It wasn't that great, nothing that knocked my socks off though.  I mean, the god of the Marvel U. is back...let's at least have some ass kicking!  Me and Mr. Straczynski haven't been getting along since he wrote the Thing photocopying his ass and walking away leaving rock "crumbs" on the scanner.  And then he messed with Spidey.  Argh....did he mess with Spidey.  But I will give the new Thor title a chance, cause well, it's Thor.

Cutting to the chase, I post this since an ongoing joke between Bart and I (which is probably only funny to Bart and I) is the whole Ass Guardian, Giant Sized Man Thing, The Thing, and all the other superhero names in which we try to sexualize for kicks and giggles.

But for the first time I think we have proof that there is an Ass Guardian!  But, unlike what we presumed, it's NOT Thor!  No, it looks like Thor is indeed in need of an Ass Guardian himself.  Take a look fer yerself...

Yep, that goblin bady is going straight for Thor's backdoor business. 

Ass Guardian....Ho!

Posted by Jon at 9:51 PM | Permalink | Comments | links to this post