Thq And Marvel Enter Into Exclusive Licensing Agreement For Video Games Based On Marvel’s Super Hero Squad

May 8, 2008

THQ AND MARVEL ENTER INTO
EXCLUSIVE LICENSING AGREEMENT FOR VIDEO GAMES BASED ON MARVEL’S SUPER HERO SQUAD

THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) and Marvel
Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: MVL) announced today that they have entered into an
exclusive licensing agreement to create video games based on the burgeoning,
kid-friendly Marvel Super Hero Squad franchise. Pursuant to the multi-year
agreement, THQ has obtained the exclusive, worldwide rights to publish content
for all current and next-generation consoles, handheld systems, as well as
Windows PC. The initial Marvel Super Hero Squad game is scheduled for release in
fall 2009.

The agreement fits perfectly in both
THQ’s and Marvel’s growth strategies. For THQ, the addition of the Marvel brand
further strengthens its position as the pre-eminent creator and publisher of
kids video games. For Marvel, the relationship with THQ provides a premier
interactive entertainment partner for its important Marvel Super Hero Squad
franchise, which is designed to be an engaging introduction into the Marvel
Universe for young kids.

“Marvel is one of the true crown
jewels in the entertainment industry and we are thrilled at the prospect of both
building the Marvel Super Hero Squad brand and further developing our
relationship with Marvel,” said Brian Farrell, president and CEO, THQ. “We are
dedicated to expanding our unmatched success story in the kids space and this
agreement with Marvel is an excellent complement to our portfolio.”

Simon Phillips, President, Marvel
International and Head of Worldwide Animation and Video Games, added, “Licensing
of the Marvel Super Hero Squad brand is a priority for Marvel, as we see it as a
great entry point for kids to experience our renowned characters. We are making
a strong commitment to the brand across toys, television and other media and
consumer product channels and developing Marvel Super Hero Squad as a video game
will play an important role in the development of this brand. The platform is an
incredibly powerful medium that enables kids to experience the excitement of our
franchises, as well as extend our characters and storylines. With THQ, we are
confident we have a partner with a best in class pedigree of building and
extending licensed kid-friendly brands in the interactive space.”

An all-new Marvel brand, Marvel
Super Hero Squad features an exciting, super-stylized look of the greatest
Marvel Super Heroes, serving to expand the traditional Marvel audience to a core
4-10 year-old audience. Fun and humor are waiting around every corner in Marvel
Super Hero Squad where popular characters including Iron-Man, Hulk, Spider-Man,
Captain America, Wolverine, Thor, The Fantastic Four, and many more are thrust
into adventures in a single caricatured Super Hero City. Along the way, they
will have to thwart the plans of popular Marvel villains Doctor Doom, Magneto,
Iron Monger, Loki, the Abomination and countless other infamous baddies.

Marvel is launching a major
multi-media campaign for the brand. Marvel Animation is currently in production
on an animated television series that is expected to debut on air in 2009.
Additionally, Marvel Comics is now featuring Marvel Super Hero Squad comic
strips within several of its all ages books and will be introducing a dedicated
Marvel Super Hero Squad comic book series in fall 2008. Marvel has already
secured deals with Hasbro as master toy partner, Disguise/Cesar for dress-up and
Mega Bloks for construction toys and continues to seek deals with industry
leading partners to develop merchandise based on the unique look of the Marvel
Super Hero Squad property.