THQ have just done a deal which will give them the rights to a number of big name Marvel stars.

CALABASAS HILLS, CA, April 8, 2002 – THQ and Marvel Enterprises today announced a worldwide agreement naming THQ exclusive interactive game licensee of some of Marvel’s hottest comic and entertainment properties including Captain America, The Punisher, and Nick Fury. The all-inclusive relationship grants THQ rights to all classic, TV and film versions of each of the properties for every viable game system including those manufactured by Sony, Nintendo and Microsoft, as well as PC through 2007.

The two companies also announced they will collaborate on the upcoming comic series, The Call. Based on the adventures of real-life heroes in New York City, The Call may feature many of the most popular characters in the Marvel Universe such as Spider-Man and the X-Men. The Call is scheduled to make its comic debut in fall of 2003 followed by an interactive debut in spring of 2004.

“Working with Marvel not only on rich properties like The Punisher but in jointly creating a brand-new property like The Call is a huge win for THQ as we continue to execute on our strategy of bringing the best gaming content to market,” stated Germaine Gioia, vice president, licensing, THQ. “THQ looks forward to tapping into the essence of these characters from their comic book roots and creating true digital experiences that reflect Marvel’s future plans for the franchises.”

The first game under the new agreement is The Punisher (working title) scheduled for release holiday 2003.