April 2003 - The armies of Middle Earth will invade the two largest summer cons for 2003 with an exclusive set of figures. Play Along Toys has announced a special exclusive set of figures with a pair of Ringwraiths and a Twilight Frodo will be available at the San Diego Comicon (July 17 to 20) and the Wizard World Chicago (August 8 to 10) Conventions.

The three-figure set includes 2 wraiths with swords drawn on a transparent Frodo with a black wash so you won't need to be part of the twilight world of the ring to see him. The figures are perfect for re-enacting the battle on Weathertop (or Amon Sul for Tolkien aficionados), or anywhere that ring-wearing hobbits are threatened by Black Riders.

The set will be limited to a run of 5000 figures, split evenly between the two conventions (2500 each). Pricing has yet to be determined, and the packaging shots are mock-ups so the final product may vary.

The rest of the Armies of Middle Earth should hit specialty stores (through Diamond and Marz distribution) and mass-market retailers (such as KBtoys, Target and Toys R Us) in mid-June. Release dates are tentative and based on the latest information, but are subject to change.