Fans in the United Kingdom and the United States both have something to look forward to in the mail later this year. First, the Royal Mail will introduce new stamps (pictured above) designed by Dave McKean featuring assorted mythical beasts. In addition, if you buy a presentation pack, the stamps will include a short story by Neil Gaiman. The stamps are due June 16.

And for those of us on this side of the ocean ... later this week the United States Post office will unveil the designs for stamps featuring the five main Simpsons characters -- Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie. No word on when the stamps will actually hit stores, but I'm sure they'll announce that on April 9 as well.