Press Release

BATMAN #608, the debut issue of "Hush" by Jeph Loeb, Jim Lee and Scott

Williams, is the number one issue in copies for October instore books as announced by Diamond Comic Distributors. This ranking is based on initial orders only.

"We're excited by the response," says Bob Wayne, DC's Vice President - Sales & Marketing. "Between the high quality of the work Jeph, Jim and Scott are turning in and our team's ability to get the word out, this run on BATMAN is among the most highly anticipated projects of the year. As soon as fans see the entire issue, they'll realize it's so good that word-of-mouth will push demand even higher. I suggest retailers check their orders on subsequent issues and increase them as soon as possible."

Lee, also Editorial Director of WildStorm Productions, says, "Jeph, Scott and I thank retailers for their overwhelming support for BATMAN. We're all having a blast with it and I hope it shows in the finished work."

Loeb says, "This SO rocks. I'm incredibly proud to be associated with this amazing team of Scott, Alex Sinclair, Richard Starkings, Morgan

Dontanville, Mark Chiarello, Bob Schreck and, oh yeah, Jim what's his

name. Thanks go out to everyone at DC, all the retailers and especially the readers and fans who have made this dream come true and returned Batman to its rightful place!"

DC also announces that beginning with this issue, the paper stock for

BATMAN will be upgraded. Group Editor Bob Schreck says, "We considered a paper upgrade from the very start and went back-and-forth on it. Once the work started to roll in and we saw just how amazing the whole package looked, it was an easy choice."

* BATMAN #608 (AUG020206) is scheduled to be instores on October 23 and

is available for advance reorders.

* BATMAN #609 (SEP020160) is solicited in the September issue of

Previews, Volume XII, #9 with an instore date of November 27.

* The BATMAN BY JIM LEE POSTER (SEP020259) is advance solicited in the

September issue of Previews, Volume XII, #9 with an instore date of

February 26, 2003.

* BATMAN #610 (OCT020739) will be solicited in the October issue of

Previews, Volume XII, with an instore date of December 26.