June 2006 -- Sherman Oaks, CA -- Toynami is very pleased to announce that it has acquired the license to create figurines, statues and collectibles based on the popular manga and anime property from VIZ Media - Shonen Jump's BLEACH.

BLEACH made its debut in Japan as manga in SHONEN JUMP in 2001 and on television in 2004. BLEACH tells the story of Ichigo, a fifteen-year old student with the ability to see ghosts. When Ichigo encounters a soul reaper, Rukia, and absorbs her powers, his world is changed forever. The manga is available in North America from VIZ Media and the TV series is coming soon to Cartoon Network's Adult Swim.

"We can't wait to start bringing the world of BLEACH to life in three dimensions," said Toynami President George Sohn. "It's a marvelous, compelling property that will translate wonderfully to toys and collectibles."

Toynami plans to create both non-articulated and articulated action figures and figurines, resin figurines with diorama bases, collectible and limited-edition statues, and deluxe 1/4-scale collectible maquettes, as well as the company's trademark bookends. More details on the product line and pricing information will be released soon. The first products are expected to arrive in stores Fall 2006.