MARVEL TAPS ERIC JEROME DICKEY FOR SIX ISSUE STORM SERIES

*Press Release*

*MARVEL TAPS AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR AND NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER ERIC JEROME
DICKEY TO PEN SIX-ISSUE LIMITED SERIES OF STORM
*
New Series Reveals the Epic Romance of X-Men Favorite Storm and Black
Panther Series to Launch in February 2006, Coinciding With Black History
Month

*Eric Jerome Dickey*, critically acclaimed author of New York Times
bestsellers *Thieves' Paradise, The Other Woman*, and *Genevieve,* has
signed on to create a spectacular, six-issue limited series of Storm,
spotlighting the ever-popular X-Men heroine. The first highly anticipated
issue is scheduled to debut in February 2006, coinciding with Black History
Month.

*Dickey's *Storm story arc will present an epic romance, revealing the
untold love story of the world's two most popular African American Super
Heroes, Ororo (also known as Storm of the X-Men) and T'Challa (a.k.a. The
Black Panther), the world's first African American Super Hero. Marking
Dickey's first comic book writing effort, the captivating series blends
romance and adventure against the backdrop of Africa's cruel plains.
Emerging star David Yardin (Black Panther, District X) will illustrate the
books.

*"I never would have imagined that I'd get an opportunity to step into the
Marvel Universe and work on Storm,"* says *Dickey.* "She is such a
remarkable character. And being allowed to incorporate T'Challa, the future
Black Panther in the same series...wake me up because I have to be
dreaming."

The six-issue series follows how the famed African Prince T'Challa crosses
paths with Ororo, an orphaned street urchin who only survives by sheer wit
as her mutant powers are still in their infancy. As the story and romance
unfold, the duo come together to fight against a mutual foe who seeks to put
them in a cage and exploit them toward wicked ends.

"This is a truly groundbreaking storyline that will draw in readers from all
cultural backgrounds," said Joe Quesada, Editor-in-Chief of Marvel Comics.
"Eric's unique vision for this series will thrill traditional comic fans of
Storm and The Black Panther, as well as appeal to a whole new audience drawn
towards Eric's remarkable storytelling ability."

*Dickey's* novels *Liar's Game, Between Lovers, Thieves' Paradise, The Other
Woman, Naughty or Nice, Drive Me Crazy, and Genevieve* have all earned him
the success of a spot on The New York Times bestseller list.. *Liar's Game,
Thieves' Paradise, The Other Woman, Naughty or Nice, and Drive Me Crazy *have
also given* Dickey *the added distinction of being nominated for a NAACP
Image Award in the category of Outstanding Fiction in 2001, 2002, 2003, and
2004. His 12th novel, *Chasing Destin*y, will be released in May 2006.

www.ericjeromedickey.com <http://www/www.ericjeromedickey.com>

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