Business Description

Jack Lake Productions Inc. has been republishing and distributing the Classics Illustrated line of comics- internationally, since 2003. The company also produces and distributes other related print media products such as coloring books, stickers, posters and other printed material that utilize the Classics Illustrated comic artwork. This is a retro line of comics dating back to the 1950's and is quite different in it's appearance and subject matter compared to the superhero and Japanese anime style of adult comics which currently permeate the market today. Even though the Archie comics and Disney retro comics are available they do not have the same classic fairy tale subject matter which the Classics Illustrated Junior comics contain.  In 2004, Jack Lake Productions Inc. started republishing and distributing the Classics Illustrated Special Edition line of comics in first-time-ever hardcover versions. In 2005, Jack Lake Productions Inc. republished #124 The War of the Worlds to celebrate the 50 ^th anniversary of the  first publication of this title from 1955. In 2006, Jack Lake Productions Inc. in partnership with First Classics Inc. began licensing internationally all artwork associated with the Classics Illustrated series of titles. In late 2007, Jack Lake Productions Inc. began republishing the regular titles of Classics Illustrated.

Jack Lake Productions Inc. operates out of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

The goals the company has set forth are as follows:

• Establishing distribution channels for these retro comic books
• To set up partners in education, fundraising, charities, promotions and sub-licensing
• To brand the artwork under the Classics Illustrated  banner name
• To have fun while doing all of the above.

Jack Lake Productions Inc. also actively seeks promotional opportunities in the corporate realm, particularly in networking with children's product manufacturers. Jack Lake Productions Inc. will also establish partnerships with educational, fundraising and charity organizations to provide support material. Through talented freelance artists, all Classics Illustrated Junior comics are redrawn from digital scans of original comics. The titles are printed in Newmarket, Ontario by JB Printing and shipped to various channels of distribution. The channels of distribution are as follows:

• Book Channel- Currently looking for a champion to distribute the entire line of 325 titles internationally. In late 2007, Papercutz from New York, USA will be introducing new adaptations of classic literature under the Classics Illustrated banner as well as republishing the First/Berkley series of titles from the early 90’s. Since 2005, Modern Times S. A. (Greece) has been republishing The Classics Illustrated Junior series with comics, stickers and coloring books. Since 2006, Egmont Scandinavia has been publishing the regular Classics Illustrated hardcover 4-title volumes for subscriptions.
• Direct Mail Catalogues- Bud Plant, Arthur Miller Educational Supplies
• Comic Book Distributor- Open
• Subscriptions- Amazon.com/Jack Lake Productions Inc.
• Retail- Jack Lake Productions Inc. own sales force for distribution into other channels such as grocery, hardware, drug, convenience, specialty and independent retailers.
• Marketing/Promotions- Tim Lasiuta email tlasiuta@telusplanet.net
• Licensing- Asia- Empire Multimedia Inc- Hubert Co-President www.empiremultimedia.com

Management Profile

Jack Lake Productions Inc. President Jaak Jarve, BSc. Background includes being a Product Development and Marketing Manager for the Okee Dokee Sticker Company – a children's retail sticker activity pack manufacturer and distributor, a Merchandising Manager for a direct-mail company Regal Greetings and Gifts, and a Visual Merchandising Coordinator for Granada Canada- a rental company for home entertainment equipment. His interest in art, photography, chess, military history and comics have played a major role in his coming of age in this endeavour.

Industry Overview

Jack Lake Productions Inc. through their own market research have identified a niche market which includes fairytales and historical/classical tales in a comic book format. Even though the comics are retro, in respect to publishing, they still hold an allure to the first time reader. What makes this line of comics so unique is that, they do not imitate any of the current formats or themes of today's comics (such as super hero, Japanese manga and animé, Disney or Archie comics). Like legends which endure over time, these fairytales also are classics in children's literature. Children's authors like the Brothers Grimm, Hans Christian Andersen, Charles Perrault are just a few of the well known authors represented by this line. They have already been accepted by the many generations of fairy tale readers.  With the regular Classics Illustrated series, great authors like Dumas, Cooper, Hugo, Stevenson, Dickens, Hawthorne, Twain,Verne, Shakespeare and Wells are represented in beautifully rendered graphic re-adaptations of their works. Especially in a current world filled with terror, war, disease and corruption- what a great time to launch a wholesome, nurturing escape from the harsh realities of the world as we know it.