click to see larger image (50k, 600 x 900)

February 2005 - Two new statues based on images from Masamune Shirow's popular art collection series, Intron Depot, will soon be available exclusively in North America and Europe from Diamond Comic Distributors!

Masamune Shirow is the highly praised Japanese artist who is best known for his work on some of the most popular anime in the industry, including Ghost in the Shell and Appleseed. In 1991, Shirow released a nearly complete archive of his color artwork from 1981 to 1991, including material from Appleseed, Dominion, Black Magic, Orion, and more. Based on the success of the first book, two more have been released. The most recent - Intron Depot: Ballistics - combined traditional art methods with modern-day CGI and 3D techniques for mind-blowing visual images. Now, fans of the series and Shirow's work can celebrate the master's amazing art style with the release of these new PVC collectibles!

Imported from Japan, the Masamune Shirow's Intron Depot: Ballistics PVC Statue depicts the character on the cover image of this popular art collection. The second in a Previews Exclusive series, this sculpture includes interchangeable weapons and a removable baton. Measuring approximately 6 �" tall and posed in a crouching position, this statue is in scale with the previous release, making it the perfect addition to the collection of all Shirow fans and collectors.

click to see larger image (44k, 600 x 900)

Also imported from Japan, the Masamune Shirow's Intron Depot Galhound Version 2 PVC Statue - designed by Vice and manufactured by Yamoto - is an 8" tall sculpture of Galhound, with an all-new paint scheme - the one preferred by Shirow himself. Intended for mature collectors, this piece is expertly detailed, from the skull logo on her hat to the breathe-right strip on her nose, and perfectly captures Shirow's renowned bishoujo style in 3D form.

Both of these statues are scheduled to ship in July 2005, and are ideal for fans of Masamune Shirow and collectors of fine art sculptures.

Fans can find this and other import toys at their local comics shop, or by contacting the Comic Shop Locator Service toll free at 1-888-COMICBOOK (1-888-266- 4226) or online at http://www.comicshoplocator.com.