Battle of the Planets is back, and two new products based on the fondly remembered show stand ready to join the celebration. Both are imported from Japan by Diamond Comic Distributors, and are sure to be a hit with Battle of the Planet-philes and serious collectors alike.

Known in its native Japan as Gatchaman, Battle of the Planets (a.k.a. G-Force and Eagle Riders) first debuted in the U.S. in 1978, and went on to become one of the most popular animated programs of its time. The recent release of the show on DVD met with tremendous success, which should have fans clamoring for products related to the show.

First, the Battle of the Planets Building Block Figures Six-Piece Set (from Yujin) presents all five team members and their leader as 1�" building block-style figures. Scheduled to ship in December 2001, each figure features a fully sculpted face, clear visor, and weapons, and all six come packaged together in an illustrated window box. Then, the Battle of the Planets God Phoenix Die-Cast Vehicle from Uni-Five puts the team's legendary spaceship into fans' hands. Measuring 8" long, and scheduled to ship in February 2002, this dead-on replica sports opening compartments, all of the team members' mini-vehicles, firing bird-missiles, a Center Neptune display stand, and a 18" long soft vinyl cover that can be fitted over the ship to simulate its explosive "phoenix effect."

Fans can find this and other great products based on today?s most popular anime programs at their local comics shop, or by contacting the Comic Shop Locator Service toll free at 1-888-COMICBOOK (1-888-266- 4226) or online at http://csls.diamondcomics.com.