"Our 25th anniversary will prove to be a tremendous year for Bandai as we unveil new toy lines, build on our evergreen brands and enter new toy categories," said Bill Beebe, senior vice president, sales and marketing, Bandai America Inc. "We're excited to introduce a complete line of innovative and dynamic toys that boys and girls of all ages are sure to love."

BOYS CATEGORY

Power Rangers

With a decade of protecting the world from evil, the Power Rangers are back for their 11th season with "Power Rangers Ninja Storm." Based on the ABC and ABC Family television series, the toy line promises to be one of the most popular ever. Building on the success of the previous 10th anniversary season, the Power Rangers will maintain the distinction of being the No. 1 action figure brand for boys with new action figures, megazords, playsets, talking figures and ride-on vehicles. In addition, Ninja Storm will introduce the Power Rangers into new categories such as die cast vehicles and collectible game cards.

Gundam

A property with a legendary history of more than 20 years in Japan, the Gundam series is back with more action, drama and robots in "Zeta Gundam." Cartoon Network currently airs the "G Gundam" series on its Toonami block five days a week. The new Zeta line will feature 4.5-inch action figures with more than 14 points of articulation, 4.5-inch deluxe action figures with more than 20 points of articulation, 7.5-inch action figures with more 25 points of articulation, battle scarred action figures, and action figure model kits with unique articulation and action.

Digimon

Based on the popular television series, the Digimon line includes collectible figures, Digivices and game cards kids can utilize to help the Digi-Destined fight evil in the Digital World. Each Digivice features its own unique LCD game and Digi-Digit Code Technology. Kids can collect them all or connect them with their friends for the ultimate in head-to-head battles. In addition to the battle functions of the cards, all the game cards contain Digi-Digit Codes that allow kids to unlock more Digimon on their Digivices.

Superior Defender

Superior Defender is the next BIG thing when it comes to robots! This action packed and humorous story features robots - the Mobile, Knight and Musha Defenders - from three different worlds who join together to fight the enemy known as the Dark Axis. The new toy line will consist of snap-together action figures with various skill levels, 5-inch action figures, 1.5-inch figures, deluxe vehicles and playsets. The Superior Defender television series will also debut in Fall 2003 on Cartoon Network.

Ultimate Muscle

"Ultimate Muscle: The Kinnikuman Legacy," an animated slam-o-rama that airs Saturday mornings on the FOX BOX, is a new license for Bandai America. Combining intergalactic adventure, humor and wrestling, the line includes more than 100 collectible 1.5-inch Micro Wrestler Figures, and 6.5-inch Super Wrestler Figures with more than 25 points of extreme articulation that allow kids to re-enact all of the awesome wrestling moves from the show. Bandai will also release collectible playing cards that will be continually refreshed.

Jagun Fighters

Jagun Fighters - which translates to "evil eye" - is the only game playing activity that includes collectible action figures with specialized game pieces. Featuring a mysterious and dark look, this new line from Japan utilizes game pieces called stone fighters that kids use to battle with. There are more than 100 different fighters in the collection, and game play ranges from basic up to the advanced skill level.

Godzilla

Bandai Creation, a subsidiary of Bandai America Inc., has released a line of collectible action figures based on one of the biggest movie monsters of all time: the 180-foot treacherous terror known as Godzilla. Featuring all of the famous signature characters from more than 22 movies, including Mothra and King Ghidorah, the line consists of 6.5-inch and 2.5-inch action figures, as well as adventure sets that come with their own figures that knock down bridges and destroy office buildings.

The Big O

Bandai introduces The Big O, a stylish Japanese anime series that combines evil and mystery in Paradigm City. A dashing character, Roger Smith confronts evil with his loyal butler Norman, an android named Dorothy, and a giant robot known only as The Big O. The line will feature 6-inch collectable figures, as well as a mega-size figure that stand 12-inches tall with various features from head to toe, including lights, talking, arm cannons and missile launchers.

GIRLS CATEGORY

Strawberry Shortcake

One of the most popular dolls of all time is poised to delight a new generation of girls when Bandai re-introduces Strawberry Shortcake. The dolls, playsets, rides, plush and other toys will reflect the "berry" fresh look that licensor American Greetings, in partnership with DIC Entertainment, has given Strawberry Shortcake and her friends. The dolls sport the same signature scents and cuteness factor, but have a fun and contemporary look complete with wide-brimmed hats, colorful t-shirts and blue jeans. The line includes 5.5-inch and 2.5-inch dolls, 1.5-inch collectible wearables, rag dolls, houses and rides - and all come with a very special scent.

Glamma Jammaz

Bandai introduces the newest pop sensations, the Glamma Jammaz! This new sassy and trendy toy line combines interactive play, music and fashion with six dolls (three singers and three musicians) that talk, play music and allow girls to create their own music mix. Combine them all to form the band and create even more interactive jamming and mixing fun.

Hello Kitty

The world's most adorable little kitty continues to deliver big smiles. The new Hello Kitty collection includes removable fashions and accessories available in three novel themes: "Get the Party Started," "Be a Designer" and "Beach Party." As for new playsets, the "At Home with Hello Kitty" line will see Hello Kitty moving into her Deluxe Terrace House, which allows girls to build their own retail store below Hello Kitty's loft style home.

Activity Line

Bandai is excited to introduce a line of activity toys that will take it into two new categories: arts and crafts with B*Stylin, and cooking with B*Cookin. B*Stylin introduces the easy-to-use Button Designer that creates buttons that can be applied to clothing, hair clips, backpacks and much more. The line will also include a Sticker Creator, an easy-to-use system that lets girls take their own artwork and make laminated stickers, as well as the Stencil Studio, a unique learn to draw and decorate art studio in a case. With "magical" baking processes and fun ways to "cook" real food, B*Cookin allows kids to make food without the use of electricity or heat. B*Cookin will include food mixes and accessories for various treats and sweet snacks.

PRE-SCHOOL CATEGORY

Pre-School

Another new category that Bandai is excited about entering is the Pre-School aisle. The "My Friendly" brand features familiar household items such as a mailbox that allows young children and parents to role play and customize voice greetings. "Fit & Find Friends" is a new way of putting together some friendly characters that play messages when they are correctly assembled.

About Bandai America

Bandai America Inc. is a subsidiary of Bandai Co. Ltd., the world's third largest toy company, with 27 subsidiaries in 8 countries worldwide. Global interests include toys and children's entertainment, video game software, multimedia, music, full-length feature films, vending machines, trading cards, candies and licensed apparel. Bandai America Inc. is the master toy licensee of some of the most popular properties in children's toys and entertainment, including the Power Rangers, Gundam, Digimon, Strawberry Shortcake, and Hello Kitty product lines. Bandai America is headquartered in Cypress, California and company information is available at bandai.com.