Toronto-based UpTrend Media has signed a deal to represent DrunkDuck.com, an online community of comic readers and creators. The community of about 50,000 users, owned by Platinum Studios, will target over 15,000 Canadians.

UpTrend and DrunkDuck.com aim to build the site into the ultimate comic community - a virtual world connecting fans of all levels with message boards, forums, and other tools, products and services.

UpTrend managing director Duke McKenzie says comic book culture today is pervasive - from casual newspaper funnies readers to die-hard comic collectors. Platinum Studios director of software digital publishing Dylan Squires noted current members are "a loyal community of pop culture enthusiasts with a sincere passion for webcomics."

Kicking off in Houston yesterday, a three-year partnership between Geico and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums will take a traveling Geico Gecko exhibit to AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums across the US.

At each stop, an actor costumed as the popular Geico gecko, star of many a TV spot for the auto insurer, will greet visitors. And the non-flesh version of the amphibious spokescritter will be using his star power on behalf of zoos and aquariums in television and radio appearances highlighting his wild cousins.

"Our gecko has proven to be a powerful spokescreature for our auto and motorcycle insurance products", says Geico chairman Tony Nicely. "Now he's taking on an additional assignment to help promote the wildlife conservation work done by zoos and aquariums across America."

The only down side? The little green guy just may develop a career-threatening swelled head thanks to accolades such as the laudatory proclamation issued yesterday by both the City of Houston and the State of Texas.

www.aza.org

PHD Canada was not Suzuki Canada's former media AOR. The assignment was held by Sid Lee, with some parts of the media assignment outsourced to a Touche! PHD team residing within the agency. Incorrect information appeared in yesterday's issue of MiC.