JAKKS Pacific's Flying Colors® division will launch a full line of fashion and beauty accessories in Spring 2003. A line of American Idol branded stationery including portfolios, binders and writing instruments for back-to-school 2003 will follow. The fashion and beauty accessories, targeted to "tweens," are scheduled to launch in January 2003 to coincide with the launch of the second season of American Idol. Under this new license, the Flying Colors line will feature cosmetics, hair accessories, fashion activity, body art and stationery products.

American Idol is a music reality program that empowers viewers to discover America's next solo superstar. During the show, competing hopefuls perform their favorite songs for a panel of expert industry judges - Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson -- and for the home voting audience. America votes weekly for their favorite performers, eventually narrowing down the competition to two finalists who compete for a major recording contract and the "American Idol" title. The second season begins with a two-part premiere Tuesday, Jan. 21 (8:00-9:30 PM ET/PT) and Wednesday, Jan. 22 (8:30-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

"As one of the hottest reality shows on television, American Idol is well positioned for success at retail," said Jennifer Richmond, Vice President of Licensing, JAKKS Pacific. "With young people across the nation aspiring to be super stars, we think American Idol's young fans will be excited to emulate the glamorous look of the show and its contestants at home."

FremantleMedia, formerly known as Pearson Television, is one of the largest international producers of entertainment and drama programs in the world, producing more than 260 programs in over 39 countries. FremantleMedia's international distribution division distributes 19,000 hours of programs to 150 countries worldwide. FremantleMedia is the content business production arm of the RTL Group, Europe's largest television and radio broadcast company, with interests in 23 television channels and 14 radio stations in nine European countries. RTL Group is part of Bertelsmann AG, an integrated media and entertainment company that commands leading positions in the world's major media markets.

American Idol™ 19 TV Ltd and FremantleMedia Operations BV. Based on the TV program 'American Idol - The Search for a Superstar' produced by FremantleMedia North America and 19 TV Ltd. Licensing by Fremantle Brand Licensing.

19 Entertainment, founded by Simon Fuller, is the creator of "Pop Idol," the format on which "American Idol" is based. 19 is known for many leading music artists, such as Annie Lennox, the Spice Girls and S Club, and whose activities encompass movies, TV, video/DVD, internet and commercial relationships - see www.19.co.uk.

JAKKS Pacific, Inc. is a multi-brand company that designs and markets a broad range of toys and leisure products. The product categories include: Action Figures, Arts & Crafts Activity Kits, Stationery, Writing Instruments, Performance Kites, Water Toys, Sports Activity Toys, Vehicles, Infant/Pre-School, Plush and Dolls. The products are sold under various brand names including Flying Colors®, Road Champs®, Remco® Child Guidance®, Pentech®, Trendmasters®, Toymax®, Funnoodle® Laser Challenge™ and Go Fly a Kite™. The Company also participates in a joint venture with THQ Inc. that has exclusive worldwide rights to publish and market World Wrestling Entertainment(™) video games. For further information, visit www.jakkspacific.com.

"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This press release contains forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current views of the Company with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual future results or events may vary materially from those described herein.