Opening Title Paintings From Spider-Man® 2 to Be Offered in Charity Auction on eBay Starting September 22

Starting September 22, 2004 through October 20, 2004, renowned artist Alex Ross' original paintings, which appeared in the opening title sequence to Columbia Pictures and Marvel Enterprises' blockbuster hit Spider-Man® 2, will be available in a charity auction on eBay (http://www.sonypictures.com/auction) with all proceeds going to the United Cancer Front (UCF) Women's Cancer Research Program at UCLA.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040922/LAW028 )

When director Sam Raimi and producers Laura Ziskin and Avi Arad were working with title designer Kyle Cooper on the opening title sequence to Spider-Man® 2, Ziskin came up with the idea of incorporating key images from the first film as a way to introduce the sequel. Arad, who is also Chairman and CEO of Marvel Studios, realized immediately that Ross, often called the "Norman Rockwell" of comic books, would be the ideal candidate for this unique artistic endeavor.

Ross' contribution to the Spider-Man 2 opening title sequence is another milestone in his remarkable career. His groundbreaking career spans award- winning graphic novels, eye-popping comic book covers, memorable magazine covers (including TV Guide), sculptures, lithographs, posters and t-shirts.

Critics have since singled out Ross' work for praise. A.O. Scott of the New York Times wrote, "The opening credit sequence is a beautiful montage of comic-book drawings ... "

The artist's 15 opening title paintings are testimony to his dedication to his craft, his skillful interpretation of the comic book genre and further proof of his artistry.

These one of a kind works of art will be listed exclusively on eBay with all proceeds donated to UCF, which is dedicated to working toward the eradication of cancer. "The United Cancer Front is a unique force bringing together nationally and internationally renowned scientists, physicians, and epidemiologists in a kind of 'Manhattan Project' to fight cancer; a group of diseases that will effect one in every two men and one in every three women," said Ziskin. "Sony Pictures and the filmmakers of Spider-Man 2 are delighted to be making Alex Ross' unique and beautiful artwork available to the public in the service of such a worthy cause."

For further information please contact: Steve Elzer, Senior Vice President, Media Relations, Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group, +1-310-244-7142, steve_elzer@spe.sony.com

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040922/LAW028
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN3
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

SOURCE: Columbia Pictures

CONTACT: Steve Elzer, Senior Vice President, Media Relations, Columbia
TriStar Motion Picture Group, +1-310-244-7142, steve_elzer@spe.sony.com

Web site: http://www.sonypictures.com/auction