Official Press Release

The first reviews are in, and to the surprise of no fan of Eisner and

Wizard Fan Award-winning writer Brian Michael Bendis, February's THE PULSE

#1 is getting unequivocal raves.

Comics Buyer's Guide picked the debut issue - with pencils by Bendis'

ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN partner MARK BAGLEY - as "Head of the Class" of the

February titles reviewed in its "Comics In Your Future" section of CBG #1572

(1/1/04).

Bendis is well on his way to earning an advanced writer's degree with CBG,

as their review panel also selected ULTIMATE FANTASTIC FOUR #1 (co-written

with Mark Millar) as "Head" of its December 2003 class.

THE PULSE #1 scored an average "Grade" of "A" by the review panel of six

comic book retailers.

Here is just a sampling of some of the glowing comments...

"The concept and cast offer Bendis and Bagley remarkable storytelling

opportunities... Bagley's art is particularly impressive... It perfectly

compliments Bendis' story.

Grade: A+" - Cliff Biggers

"Bendis prove his versatility as a writer once again... Razor-sharp and

realistic dialogue continues to be one of the best facets of this series

along with genuine characterization and (of course) marvelous art by the

hard working Bagley. Wonderful!

Grade: A" - Jeremy Shorr

"An excellent start to yet another hit series for Bendis.

Grade: A" - Charlie Harris

Readers wanting to give the book their own early review can check out the

11-page full color preview in next week's MARVEL PREVIEWS #5 (for books on

sale March 2004 ).

THE PULSE #1 [DEC031556], featuring appearances by SPIDER-MAN and LUKE CAGE,

goes on sale February 18th 2004 with a cover by artist Mike (MARY JANE)

Mayhew. Readers and retailers are reminded February 2004 is "BRIAN BENDIS

MONTH" and also features the premiere of what WIZARD calls the 2nd biggest

"BUZZ EVENT of 2004", SECRET WAR!

Readers, ask your local comic book retailer to reserve your copy of THE

PULSE #1!