MaxBoost

Playmates Toys Secures License to Manufacture and Market 'MaxBoost!(TM)' Action Figures and Vehicles Based on the #1 Cartoon for Street Racing Fans Worldwide, New 'MaxBoost' Action Figures and Vehicles Will Be a Hit With Kids Everywhere Next Year.

COSTA MESA, Calif., June 10 -- The fast, furious -- and sometimes delirious world of MaxBoost -- will come alive in the form of new "MaxBoost!(TM)" action figures and vehicles created by Playmates Toys Inc. of Costa Mesa, California. The company announced today that it has become the master toy licensee for the new line of MaxBoost toys and collectibles.

The Playmates MaxBoost figures -- which will include Max, Otto, Todd and other characters in the MaxBoost world -- will delight kids of all ages as they recreate the thrilling story of an enterprising young street racer (Max) as he clumsily squares off against Todd -- and his own confidence problems -- while competing for the coveted title of "King of the Racers."

"Because of the building popularity of 'Import Tuner Cars' -- vehicles that have been turned into racers with special features including dynamic paint jobs, loud stereo systems, racing rims and "techy" interior accessories -- these Playmates vehicles are being introduced at the perfect time," said Pat Linden, Director of Marketing, Boys Toys Division of Playmates Toys. "The line will consist of several vehicle models and action figures that kids will enjoy playing with as they cruise around the imaginary city of Motorville," Linden added.

For nearly three years Autocannon's MaxBoost comic strip -- to the delight of one million readers -- has appeared monthly in the internationally distributed, Import Tuner Magazine. It is now the #1 cartoon for street racing fans worldwide. In addition, Autocannon has produced a 3D animated cartoon that is more than four minutes long and plans are in the works to turn MaxBoost into an animated TV series. J.A. Roth and Associates represent Autocannon's licensing activities.

"We are delighted to be part of the 'MaxBoost' universe," said Jill Will, senior vice president of Playmates Toys. She added that the first wave of characters and vehicles will be racing into Toy Fair this October and will be available in stores everywhere in fall '04.

Autocannon's comic series, a proven clothing line for men and boys (Shift Gear, Speedsports GT, Dizzyz Dub Club), an exciting new ladies/girls line (Racerette), an independent film (The Last Race, directed by Alex Ranarivelo), Racing School (Autopilot Performance Driving School) and the MaxBoost 3D animation has added to the visibility of the characters. MaxBoost is also highly promoted at car festivals and at leading national custom import events.

"Autocannon has proven itself as one of the dominant design companies in the industry and Playmates Toys is delighted to have been selected to manufacture the full line of MaxBoost characters and vehicles that will create additional excitement in the MaxBoost Universe," concluded Will.

Playmates Toys Inc. manufactures and distributes a range of girls' and boys' toys, activity and novelty electronic products based upon character-rich licensed entertainment properties. Among the company's best-know brands are the unique water-filled "Waterbabies" dolls.

Key licensed properties include Disney's Princesses and classic characters from The Walt Disney Company, Twentieth Century Fox's "The Simpsons," and Mirage Studios' "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles." Playmates Toys Inc. is a division of Playmates Holdings Limited, a Hong-Kong-based company whose stock is traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

Additional information about Playmates Toys and MaxBoost can be found on these web sites: www.playmatestoys.com and www.MaxBoost.tv.