Bandai America's new toy properties Jagun Fighters and Superior Defender will be previewed, as well as perennial fan favorite Gundam, now in its fifth year in the U.S. Bandai Entertainment will give convention attendees the opportunity to take a glimpse into the past, present and future of Japanese animation, including its new and highly anticipated titles The Big O II, s-CRY-ed, and Witch Hunter Robin.

Superior Defender

Bandai America and Bandai Entertainment presents "the next BIG thing in robots." Superior Defender (or "SD") is an intergalactic adventure of incredible proportions, featuring a variety of vertically challenged robots from three different worlds. The Mobile, Knight and Musha Defenders join forces to fight an enemy with a Napoleon complex of its own, the dreaded Dark Axis. Combining action and humor with a spunky look, the toy line from Bandai America consists of snap-together action figures, 5-inch action figures, 1.5-inch figures, deluxe vehicles and playsets. A brand new 3-D animation TV show inspired by the toys is set to debut in September 2003 on Cartoon Network (see the panel schedule following for a screening of the premiere episode), with an anticipated release on DVD home video 1st Quarter 2004.

Witch Hunter Robin

A runaway hit in Japan, Witch Hunter Robin is a "Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets X-Files" and promises to be one of the biggest DVD releases of 2003. In the world of Witch Hunter Robin, where witches abuse their supernatural powers, a special team is tasked with hunting this new threat to society. This organization known as the "STN" is comprised of several highly skilled craft users and experts in covert operations; however, their most powerful craft-user is a young woman named Robin. Her mysterious gift to summon deadly flames will determine the fates of her colleagues and lead her into the dark world of mystique and witchcraft

Fans are encouraged to stop by the highly interactive and entertaining Bandai Stage and Theater (Booth #3314) to check out the product displays, preview the new titles sing anime karaoke, and receive free giveaways. (Please visit the exhibit for an updated schedule of screenings and events.)

Thursday-Sunday, July 17-20
(Thursday-Saturday 10:00AM-7:00PM; Sunday 10:00AM-5:00PM)

Beware the Power of the Eye! Bandai America will showcase its latest hot toy property Jagun Fighters, a unique action figure brand combined with game play activity. Jagun Fighters sets opponents against one another as they battle with intricately crafted game pieces called Power Eye Stones. In addition to learning how to play the game, fans will receive exclusive Jagun Fighters giveaways, as well as have the opportunity to sign up as a beta tester for the brand. Beta testers (ages 8-14) will receive advance product samples to take home and battle with their friends, and their feedback may be used to create new items in the collection.

Bandai America presents "the next BIG thing in robots." Check out the newest pint-size action figures and toys in the Superior Defender product line. Superior Defender (or "SD") is an intergalactic adventure of incredible proportions, featuring a variety of vertically challenged robots called the Mobile, Knight and Musha Defenders. A brand new 3-D animation TV show inspired by the toys is set to debut in September 2003 on Cartoon Network (see the panel schedule following for a screening of the premiere episode).

Bandai America will host Gundam trivia contests at the Bandai Stage, and a display of unique action figure models straight from Japan. A massive six-foot Gundam statue, and replica uniforms of Mobile Suit Gundam characters Amuro Ray and Sayla Mass will also be on exhibit.

Panel Session: Thursday, July 17
"Bandai Entertainment Sneak Peek"
3:30-4:30PM, Room 9

Panel Session: Friday, July 18
"What's Next for Gundam"
2:30-3:30PM, Room 9

Panel Session: Sunday, July 20
"Bandai Presents Superior Defender"
11:00AM-Noon, Room 9

Friday-Saturday, July 18-20

Bandai America is calling on the vast legion of fans for the Gundam Model Building Contest. Participants will be given a random action figure model kit, and will have approximately one hour to complete their models. The goal of the contest is to see how the kit builders apply their creativity when customizing their own Gundam models at home, including battle-damage, scarring, special paint jobs, dioramas, etc. Participants must bring their own customizing tools (excluding razors, knives, or any sharp or combustible objects). All the finished models will be on display, and a panel of judges will select the winner who will receive an exclusive Gundam Perfect Grade or Level 8 action figure model kit. Contest times are at 11:00AM and 3:00PM on both Friday and Saturday, and fans must register onsite at the Bandai Stage for a preferred timeslot beginning on the first day of the convention.

ABOUT BANDAI AMERICA

Bandai America Inc. is a subsidiary of Bandai Co. Ltd., the third largest toy company in the world, 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 celebrating its 25th anniversary as the master toy licensee of some of the most popular properties and brands 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 www.bandai.com.

ABOUT BANDAI ENTERTAINMENT

Bandai Entertainment Inc. is the premier distributor of Japanese animation on DVD home video in North America. The company has distributed notable titles like Mobile Fighter G Gundam, Escaflowne, Cowboy Bebop, and .hack//SIGN. Bandai Entertainment Inc. is a subsidiary of Bandai America Inc., who makes the toys for the hit television series, Power Rangers, Digimon, and Mobile Suit Gundam. All U.S. operations are headquartered in a large, ultra-modern facility in Cypress, Calif. Bandai Co., Ltd is the third largest toy company in the world comprising 53 subsidiaries in 18 countries. In addition to toys and children's entertainment, Bandai Co.'s global interests include video game software, multimedia, music and full-length feature films, vending machines, trading cards, candies, and licensed apparel. Bandai Entertainment is headquartered in Cypress, California and additional company and product information is available through our website at www.bandai-ent.com.