Batman Begins Children's Books

MEREDITH CORP., DC COMICS ANNOUNCE AGREEMENT FOR SERIES OF CHILDREN'S BOOK PRODUCTS BASED ON "BATMAN BEGINS" MOVIE

Meredith to Produce Children's Books and Products Based on New Installment in Popular Batman Film Franchise

Meredith Corporation (NYSE:MDP), the publisher of The New York Times bestseller Trading Spaces: Behind the Scenes, and DC Comics, the largest English-language publisher of comics in the world and the home of Superman and Batman, announced today an agreement to develop and publish a portfolio of children's books products, ranging from sound storybooks, paint books and coloring books to sticker story books, based on the upcoming feature film Batman Begins.

The film, slated for release in June 2005 from Warner Bros. Pictures, explores the origins of Batman. Directed by Christopher Nolan (Memento) and starring Christian Bale (American Psycho, Empire of the Sun), Michael Caine, Liam Neeson, Katie Holmes and Morgan Freeman, the film depicts a masked crusader who uses his strength, intellect and an array of high-tech deceptions to fight the sinister forces that threaten his city.

Doug Guendel, vice president, Meredith Books states, "This agreement reflects our continued strategic goal of expanding our publishing business into the children's book marketplace, especially in the licensed character arena. We are looking forward to being part of the excitement surrounding one of the summer's most anticipated movies."

"We are thrilled to begin a partnership with Meredith," said John Nee, vice president of business development for DC Comics. "It's important that DC Comics continues to create new projects that can reach younger audiences."

The agreement builds upon Meredith's expanding portfolio of book products based on popular comic book characters and their film adaptations. "We are uniquely positioned to create children's products that reflect the passion and excitement of the Batman character as he will be portrayed in this film," says Todd Davis, executive director, new business development for Meredith Books.

Meredith Books is a division of Meredith Corporation (www.meredith.com), one of the nation's leading media and marketing companies. With more 350 books in print Meredith Books turns great brands into great books. Brands such as TLC®, The Home Depot®, Disney®, the Food Network sm, and Better Homes and Garden®, and products such as Trading Spaces™, American Chopper™, Miracle Gro®, Monster Garage™ and Spider-Man trust Meredith Books to produce bestsellers that capture the essence of their brands.

DC Comics, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is the largest English-language publisher of comics in the world and home to such iconic characters as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and the Sandman. These DC super heroes and others have starred in comic books, movies, television series (both animated and live-action) and cyberspace, thrilling audiences of all ages for generations. DC Comics' Web site is located at www.dccomics.com.