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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SEGA ANNOUNCES THE RELEASE OF ARCHIE COMICS 100TH ISSUE OF "SONIC THE HEDGEHOG" STARRING SEGA'S TRUE BLUE HERO
Sega's Celebrated Mascot Makes Comic Book History as First Video Game Character to see Issue #100
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - (August 14, 2001) - Sega® of America today announced the release of Archie Comic Publications 100th issue of the "Sonic The Hedgehog" comic book series, an adventure strip starring Sega's popular mascot, Sonic The Hedgehog(tm). First published in 1993, Archie's "Sonic The Hedgehog" is the first comic book based on a video game character to make it to its centenary issue. For the past eight years, the strip has traced the adventures of Sonic and the Knothole Village heroes as they take on the evil of Dr. Robotnik and the Robotropolis villains. The 100th issue, which coincides with the 10th Anniversary of Sonic The Hedgehog, will mark the return of the Freedom Fighters, a band of Sonic allies that help him battle Robotnik on his home turf.
"The 'Sonic The Hedgehog' comic book is very special to us and we are thrilled to see it reaching Issue #100," said Michael Silberkleit, Chairman and Publisher, Archie Comic Publications. "'Sonic The Hedgehog' is one of our top-selling comic books and we look forward to many issues to come."
"Since Sonic's 1991 debut as Sega's mascot he has been a leading icon among consumers, and our 'Sonic the Hedgehog' titles are consistent top-sellers for Sega," said Jane Thompson, director of licensing and character development, Sega of America. "Sonic embodies Sega's unique ability to create innovative properties and characters - a strength we've had for more than 40 years with Sonic leading the way." This summer, Sega shipped Sonic's latest action-packed video game, "Sonic Adventure 2," for the Dreamcast(tm) video game console. Sequel to the original top-selling "Sonic Adventure," "Sonic Adventure 2" invites players whiz through more than 30 fast action stages including hilly city streets, dark freeways at night, challenging army fortresses, forbidding mountains or ancient ruins. Players play as one of six playable characters from either the "Hero Side" or "Dark Side" to test their skills with all new moves as they rail-grind their way through a San Francisco-inspired stage or dodge on foot an 18-wheeler barreling down the highway. Sonic The Hedgehog #98, the comic book adaptation tie-in, was shipped at the same time. The "Sonic The Hedgehog" comic book is available on newsstands and in comic book stores nationwide for $1.99. "Sonic Adventure 2" is rated "E" for "Everyone" and is now available at retail stores nationwide or at
www.sega.com <http://www.sega.com> for $39.95.About Sega
Sega* of America is the American arm of Tokyo, Japan-based Sega Corporation, responsible for the development, marketing and distribution of Sega video game systems and video games in the Americas. Sega Corporation is a nearly $2.5 billion company recognized as the industry leader in interactive digital entertainment media, offering interactive entertainment experiences both inside and outside the home. Sega of America's World Wide Web site is located at
www.sega.com.About Archie Comic Publications
The Archie line of comic books is one of the most successful, longest-running lines in the history of the comic industry. Compared to other comic publishers whose audiences are primarily male, Archie Comics are read and enjoyed by males and females alike. With sales in excess of 1 million copies per month, Archie Comics can be found at such diverse outlets as supermarket checkouts, bookstores and comic shops. They are also published and distributed all over the world and are printed in nearly a dozen languages.
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