Marvel Entertainment has released their first-quarter profit statement, and first quarter profits are roughly unchanged from a year ago, in no small part due to strong licensing sales and the DVD performance of Iron Man and Incredible Hulk, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The comic book/superhero juggernaut reported a profit of $44.5 million, which compares to a $45.2 million profit last year. Revenues went from $112.6 million to $197 million.

Marvel has raised the low-end of its profit guidance for 2009. The reason for the change is due to strong first-quarter performance in licensing and film areas of the company, and a decline in the anticipated full-year tax rate.