NEW YORK -- May 15, 2003 -- It happens only once every 500 years! 4Kids Entertainment today announced a world of spirits and ghosts is about to descend on FOX BOX this fall with the debut of "Shaman King," the Japanese anime television series based on Hiroyuki Takei's multi-million selling graphic novels. 4Kids Entertainment will produce 26 episodes for U.S. broadcast on FOX BOX beginning September 2003.
Regarded as one of Japan's top creators and artists, Hiroyuki Takei created "Shaman King" in 1998 with the release of the first volume of the graphic novel. To date, with the release of all 19 volumes in Japan, the title has sold more than 16 million copies. TV Tokyo successfully debuted the television series in 2001.
This adventurous series takes place in a world where anything is possible... where spirits and ghosts interact with humans. The main character is a thirteen year-old boy who is a modern-day shaman, one of the gifted few who can see the spirit world. His power comes by teaming up with Amidamaru a samurai warrior spirit -- together they travel the globe fighting evil spirits and misguided shamans on their quest to be the next Shaman King. Each battle prepares them for the once every 500 years "Grand Tournament," that will name the new Shaman King.
"We are thrilled to add another popular Japanese brand to the FOX BOX lineup. 'Shaman King' combines the excitement of intense competition with the intrigue of the spirit world in a fast-paced series that speaks to the competitive spirit in all kids today," said Al Kahn, Chairman and CEO of 4Kids Entertainment.
About 4Kids Entertainment, Inc.
Headquartered in New York City, with international offices in London, 4Kids Entertainment, Inc. is a global provider of children's entertainment and merchandise licensing. 4Kids, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, provides domestic and international merchandise licensing; product development; television, film, music and home video production and distribution; media buying and planning; and Web site development. For further information, please visit the company's Web site at www.4KidsEntertainment.com.
About FOX BOX
Saturday morning kids TV has taken on a whole new shape with the fall 2002 launch of FOX BOX. From 4Kids Entertainment, FOX BOX is the TV network home for the all-new "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," "Kirby: Right Back at Ya!," "Ultimate Muscle: The Kinnikuman Legacy," "The Cramp Twins," "Ultraman Tiga," "Fighting Foodons" and "Pirate Islands." FOX BOX airs Saturday mornings 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (ET/PT) on Fox Network affiliates nationwide.
