Tentative version of the Astro Boy cover

LOS ANGELES (February 4, 2004) -- TOKYOPOP Inc. and Sony Pictures Consumer Products are proud to announce their latest joint endeavor -- a jet-fueled Cine-Manga(tm) version of Astro Boy, one of Japan's most iconic anime titles. The same team that brought Jackie Chan Adventures from television to the printed page is working together again to bring Astro Boy's all-new adventures to a portable paperback format. Astro Boy, produced by Sony Pictures Entertainment Japan and Tezuka Productions, airs on Saturday mornings on the #1 kids' network, Kids' WB! Debuting this August, the Astro Boy Cine-Manga will capture all of the onscreen action for readers with digital images taken directly from the animation. TOKYOPOP's growing line of Cine-Manga -- essentially television to go -- is already sold by retailers throughout the U.S., including major booksellers and mass merchants.

Astro Boy, a favorite in Japan since its debut in the '60s, is the brainchild of legendary "God of Manga," Osamu Tezuka. The story is set in 2030 and revolves around the adventures of Astro, a jet-powered and fearless robot who courageously fights to protect mankind from evil and defend his fellow robots from injustice. In a futuristic, robot-based world, a brilliant, but evil engineer, Dr. Tenma, creates Astro to replace his lost son but soon abandons him. Rescued and adopted by the kindly Dr. O'Shay, Astro becomes a reluctant hero fighting evil with his incredible strength, laser weaponry, jet-rocket feet and telepathic computer brain. Mankind's only hope of surviving the attack of rebellious robots is a robot himself... the fearless, selfless, incorruptible champion known as Astro.

"We are delighted at the chance to work with Sony Pictures Consumer Products on such a cool project," said TOKYOPOP's Senior Editor of Cine-Manga, Elizabeth Hurchalla. "Astro Boy is an incredibly fun title, and we're confident that fans and newcomers alike will love seeing these adventures transcend the screen to steal their hearts."

"Astro Boy, with its exciting and jet-powered story line, has all the components for awesome Cine-Manga," stated Al Ovadia, executive vice president, Sony Pictures Consumer Products. "And we're sure that TOKYOPOP, with their extensive manga background, will develop a Cine-Manga that is as action-packed and exciting as the anime TV series."

About TOKYOPOP Inc.

TOKYOPOP Inc. is the leading North American publisher of manga, the fastest growing segment within the publishing industry. With exclusive rights to hundreds of licensed and original book, video and music properties, the company has rapidly become a media convergence leader. TOKYOPOP has millions of books in print and publishes many hit manga series, including Love Hina, Chobits, Rave Master, Initial D, GTO, Battle Royale and Cowboy Bebop. The company pioneered Cine-Manga(tm), releasing titles such as SpongeBob SquarePants, Finding Nemo, Lizzie McGuire, Spy Kids 2, Kim Possible and Jackie Chan Adventures. TOKYOPOP television properties include Reign: The Conqueror and the upcoming Rave Master, both airing on Cartoon Network. As a licensor, TOKYOPOP represents merchandising rights for Rave Master, Initial D, Stray Sheep and others. Visit www.TOKYOPOP.com for additional information.

About Sony Pictures Consumer Products

Sony Pictures Consumer Products (SPCP), based in Los Angeles and London, handles the merchandising and branding efforts for some of the most recognized properties in film and television and, through Spider-Man Merchandising, L.P., a limited partnership with Marvel Enterprises, the upcoming motion picture Spider-Man 2(tm). SPCP properties include such titles as the Academy Award-winning short, The ChubbChubbs(tm), currently in development as an animated series and feature film, television properties such as Astro Boy(tm), Jackie Chan Adventures(tm), and classic favorites such as Bewitched and I Dream of Jeannie, both in development for feature films. SPCP is a division of Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE), whose global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution, television programming and syndication, operation of studio facilities, development of new entertainment technologies and distribution of filmed entertainment in 67 countries.