Gibson Custom Shop looks to snare comic fans with Spider-Man guitar

Webslinger One features authentic Spider-Man artwork straight from the archives of Marvel Comics and features the shape of the legendary Les Paul, considered the signature instrument of Rock and Roll. Each pickguard of the first 75 instruments will be signed by Spider-Man creator, Stan Lee. The ebony wood fingerboard will feature a hand-inlayed pearloid web design. Volume and tone controls will have an arachnid pattern.

A set of limited edition Spider-Man picks, strings and strap compliments each guitar along with a Custom Shop hardshell case.

"At Gibson weve built a tradition of creating guitars that capture imagination and express excitement. The Spider-Man guitars do both of those things," commented Gibson Chairman and CEO Henry Juszkiewicz. "We couldnt be more proud of our relationship with Marvel Comics and Stan Lee. The legend that Stan and Marvel have created fits perfectly with Gibson's reputation for making great instruments that are fun, works of art and good investments too," he added.

Eric Ellenbogen, President and CEO, Marvel Enterprises, Inc., commented, "It's great to bring together two legendary names, Marvel and Gibson. The release of "Webslinger One" coincides with Spider-Man films, television and the opening of Marvel Superhero Island at the Universal Islands of Adventure in Orlando. We have always known that Spider-Man was cool and now, thanks to Gibson, music lovers will have an opportunity to add him to their collections."

Marvel plans to promote "Webslinger One" in each of the Marvel books during the month of July through a fun contest. One guitar emblem will be hidden in every book and contestants must find at least 10 emblems in various issues to win their own guitar. Contestants can send answers to Marvel on a 3X5 postcard or to the Marvel website at www.marvel.com. Contestants that submit 10 correct answers will become finalists and the winner will be randomly selected at a drawing. Winners will be announced in September.

"Webslinger One" guitars will be available in select outlets this Spring. The Webslinger One information phone number is: 1.877.348.4827.

Marvel Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE:MVL) is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies with operations in the licensing, comic book publishing and toy businesses. Through its ownership of over 3,500 proprietary characters, the Company has published comic books for over 60 years in the United States and numerous foreign countries. The Company licenses the right to use its characters in a wide range of products such as apparel, snack foods, video games and collectibles, as well as for television series and feature films. For additional company information, visit www.marvel.com.

Gibson is headquartered in Nashville, TN. The 105 year-old manufacturer is credited with being the only guitar maker to have a influential presence in the development of all the major music genre's of the 20th century. Gibson guitars have been played by Les Paul, Elvis, Bill Monroe, The Beatles, Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, BB King, Chet Atkins, Jimi Hendrix, Hank Williams, John Fogerty, John Lee Hooker among others. For more information visit www.gibson.com.