Diamond Select Toys, in cooperation with 20th Century Fox and popular toy manufacturer Medicom of Japan, is giving fans of the original Planet of the Apes a chance to revisit that popular dystopian future with four new Planet of the Apes Action Figures, available exclusively in North America through Diamond Comic Distributors.

(There will be 18 figures in all, with three or four available each month for several months. The figures solicited in the May 2002 Previews are: Lucius, Cornelius, Soldier Ape, and General Ursus.)

Planet of the Apes has had a tremendous impact on popular culture. Besides yielding four blockbuster sequels, the movie also inspired a live-action TV series, an animated series, and was the first film to spawn major licensing in the form of toys, models, comic books, games, and more.

This line of import action figures from Japan includes characters from the classic film series, including the Charlton Heston-approved Colonel George Taylor (portrayed by the actor in Planet of the Apes and Beneath the Planet of the Apes), Caesar (portrayed by Roddy McDowall in Conquest of the Planet of the Apes and Battle for the Planet of the Apes), and Dr. Zira (as played by Kim Hunter in Planet of the Apes, Beneath the Planet of the Apes, and Escape From the Planet of the Apes), among others. All of these highly detailed figures include various accessories, and come in eye-catching blister card packaging. These beautifully sculpted collectible figures are sure to be a hit amongst fans of the film and cool action figures.

Fans can find these and other great products based on popular classic movies 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.