DeVito, Mantegna, Hartman And Brooks Take Center Stage in Playmates' The Simpsons 2002 Action Figure Lineup

NEW YORK (American International Toy Fair, Feb. 10, 2002) �The Simpsons' stars will shine in this year's Playmates Toys industry-acclaimed action figure line based on America's most colorful family. Building on the tradition of excellence, earning the "World of Springfield" recognition as one of the industry's best action-figure lines, Playmates introduces its latest Simpsons action figures, playsets and more at Toy Fair 2002.

New additions to Playmates' The Simpsons "World of Springfield" Intelli-Tronic line include characters fans have long clamored for, featuring the real celebrity voices behind Springfield's quirkiest and most memorable personalities: Herb Powell (voiced by Danny DeVito), Troy McClure (voiced by Phil Hartman) and Fat Tony (voiced by Joe Mantegna).

Named Best Action Figure Line (Based on an Animated Property) and Best Store Exclusive (for the Toys "R" Us 2001 Treehouse of Horror environment) by Lee Publications, as well as Best Toy Line by ToyFare magazine, the Playmates "World of Springfield" line continues to set the standard for licensed properties with its highly sought-after Intelli-Tronic action figures and playsets. The Simpsons figures capture the best-loved characters and scenes from television's longest running series, and replay phrases in the actual character voices.

Now in its third sellout season, a new wave of the "World of Springfield" assortment will hit retail shelves throughout the year. With the introduction of new BLOCKO™ figures, bobble-heads, retailer exclusives and more, Playmates continues to expand The Simpsons universe in 2002.

"All-Star Voices" Celebrity Figure Assortment Stars from Danny DeVito to Albert Brooks have lent their voices to memorable characters on The Simpsons. Now Simpsons fans can bring these celebrities home to guest-star in their own toy collections. The celebrity figures work in all compatible "World of Springfield" environments, and spout phrases in authentic celebrity voices.

Series 1

• Phil Hartman as Troy McClure
• Danny DeVito as Herb Powell
• Joe Mantegna as Fat Tony

Available: February 2002
Estimated Retail Price: $6.99

"World of Springfield" Figure Assortment:

In 2002 Playmates brings even more of the dysfunctional denizens from The Simpsons hometown to life. From Groundskeeper Willie to Sideshow Bob, your favorite character is sure to turn up among Playmates' 2002 line of 5-inch articulated action figures. Each character, crafted in the beloved animation style of The Simpsons, comes to life and speaks in the authentic character voice when connected to a compatible "World of Springfield" Intelli-Tronic environment.

Series 7

• Dolph
• Cletus
• Mrs. Krabappel
• Officer Lou
• Hans Moleman
• Officer Marge

Now available
Estimated retail price: $5.99

Series 8

• Kearney
• Uter
• Sherri & Terri
• Superintendent Chalmers
• Ripped Willie
• Daredevil Bart

Available: March 2002
Estimated retail price: $5.99

Series 9

• Sunday Best Grampa
• Sunday Best Lisa
• Prison Bob
• Busted Krusty
• Rod & Todd Flanders
• Disco Stu

Available: June 2002
Estimated retail price: $5.99

Series 10

• Marvin Monroe
• Resort Smithers
• Sunday Best Marge & Maggie
• Stonecutter Homer

Available: September 2002
Estimated retail price: $5.99

"World of Springfield" Environment Assortment:

Fans of The Simpsons can now visit their favorite Springfield hangouts at their leisure with Playmates' 2002 "World of Springfield Environments." Decorated as faithfully as each location appears in the series, each environment is compatible with dozens of "World of Springfield" action figures and features a unique figure available nowhere else.

Assortment C

• Simpsons' Kitchen with Muumuu Homer
• Krusty Burger with Pimply Faced Teen

Now available
Estimated retail price: $19.99

Assortment D

• Springfield DMV with Selma
• Springfield Elementary with Lunchlady Doris

Available: March 2002
Estimated retail price: $19.99

Assortment E

• Police Station with Eddie
• Springfield Retirement Castle with Jasper

Available: June 2002
Estimated retail price: $19.99

Assortment F

• Burns Manor with P.J. Burns
• Doctor's Office with Nick Riviera

Available: September 2002
Estimated retail price: $19.99

Springfield Elementary School Bus

Join Bart, Otto and the rest of the crowd as they make their way to another day of class at Springfield Elementary.
Available: June 2002
Price: $19.99

"Collectible Episodes" Mini-Figures Multi-Pack Assortment

Each of these five-piece gift sets features miniature action figures portraying a scene from a classic Simpsons episode � each package comes complete with series trivia for the true aficionado.

Wave 1

• "Homer at the Bat"
• "Deep Space Homer"

Available: June 2002
Price: $9.99

Wave 2

• "Homer the Heretic"
• "Brother from the Same Planet"

Available: November 2002
Price: $9.99

RETAILER EXCLUSIVES � Playmates also presents exclusive Simpsons merchandise available only through the following partners:

DIAMOND/ELECTRONICS BOUTIQUE:

"World of Springfield" Exclusive 2-Packs Exclusive environments capture key moments from classic The Simpsons episodes and include two exclusive figures available nowhere else.

• High School Homer & Marge at Prom - Available: June 2002 - Price: $19.99
• Bill & Marty with KBBL Radio Station - Available: September 2002 - Price: $19.99

DIAMOND/KAYBEE:

Simpsons BLOCKO™ Figures Three-Pack Assortment

Playmates takes action figures a step further with these new BLOCKO™ figures. Each 2�" figure is fully articulated and comes with authentic plug-on accessories. Inspired by The Simpsons visit to Blockoland and reflecting an emerging trend sweeping the action figure genre, these figures bring The Simpsons to life in terrific Blockland style. Enthusiasts can even mix-and-match their favorite characters, since all figures feature modular bodies with interchangeable plug-on arms, legs and heads. Each three-pack comes with a base and themed diorama for hours of Simpsons entertainment!

Wave 1

• Homer, Marge, Lisa
• Bart, Grampa, Apu
• Mr. Burns, Smithers, Karl

Available: February 2002
Price: $9.99

Wave 2

• Barney, Moe, Lenny
• Krusty the Clown, Sideshow Bob, Milhouse
• Comic Book Guy, Ned Flanders, Pimply-Face Teen

Available: June 2002
Price: $9.99

Wave 3

• Principal Skinner, Groundskeeper Willie, Otto
• Chief Wiggum, Mayor Quimby, Snake
• Captain McCallister, Hans Moleman, Kent Brockman

Available: September 2002
Price: $9.99

KAYBEE:

Bobble-Head Assortment

The Simpsons meet kitsch classic with these all-new Bobble-Head figures based on classic Simpsons characters.

Wave 1

• Homer
• Krusty the Clown

Available: July 2002
Price: $14.99

Wave 2

• Barney
• Apu

Available: October 2002
Price: $14.99

TARGET:

9" Collectible Figure Assortment

These 9-inch, fully articulated action figures are carefully sculpted to reflect the unique style of Simpsons animation, and make perfect display collectibles for the discriminating Simpsons fan.

Wave 1

• Homer
• Mr. Burns

Available: July 2002
Price: $19.99

Wave 2

• Moe
• Smithers

Available: October 2002
Price: $19.99

TOYS "R" US:

"All Star Voices" Celebrity 2-Pack

It's double the fun with these Simspons guest stars. Each celebrity figure comes packaged with a special version of a Simpsons regular, and speaks in the authentic celebrity character voice from the TV show when connected to the exclusive "World of Springfield" Intelli-Tronic environment.

• Colonel Homer and Lurleen Lumpkin (Voiced by Beverly D'Angelo) - Available: March 2002 - Price: $19.99
• Bowling Marge and Jacques (Voiced by Albert Brooks) - Available: June 2002 - Price: $19.99

Main Street with Crazy Old Man

For the ultimate Simpsons fan, this environment showcasesfacadesof four of Springfield's most famous locales, including Moe's Tavern. Springfield Main Street features Playmates' Intelli-Tronic voice articulation and is compatible with every "World of Springfield" figure manufactured to date; it comes complete with exclusive "Crazy Old Man" figure available nowhere else.
Available: June 2002
Estimated retail price: $49.99

Treehouse of Horror 3

Halloween 2002 is sure to be the scariest yet with the third annual "World of Springfield" Treehouse of Horror exclusive collectible gift set. The all-new Intelli-Tronic environment is to die for and comes complete with Alien Maggie, Raven Bart, Witch Marge, Donut-head Homer and the family pets.
Available: August 2002
Price: $34.99

New Year's Times Square

Ring in the New Year with The Simpsons � in New York City's storied Times Square. This holiday environment features exclusive renderings of the whole family (Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie) decked out in their holiday finest to welcome 2003.
Available: September 2002
Price: $34.99

About Playmates Toys

Playmates Toys Inc. manufactures, markets and distributes a wide range of girls' and boys' toys, activity and novelty electronics, and products based upon character-rich licensed entertainment properties. Among the company's best-known brands are the "Amazing" family of interactive dolls and the unique water-filled "Waterbabies" dolls.

Key licensed properties include Disney's Princesses and other classic characters from The Walt Disney Company, New Line Cinema's "Lord of the Rings," Sony Pictures Family Entertainment's "Jackie Chan Adventures," Twentieth Century Fox's "The Simpsons," and Mirage Studios' "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles." Playmates Toys is a division of Playmates Interactive Entertainment Limited, a Hong Kong-based company whose stock is traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

About THE SIMPSONS

Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie take traditional comedy and family life and turn them upside down in FOX's critically acclaimed series, THE SIMPSONS. Voted the best show of the 20th Century by TIME magazine, THE SIMPSONS exploded into a cultural phenomenon in 1990 and remains one of the most visible and marketable properties both domestically and internationally. This Emmy Award®-winning series successful entry into syndication only added to its appeal, reaching a whole new generation of fans. THE SIMPSONS is also famous for featuring celebrity guest voices such as Michelle Pfeiffer, Mel Gibson, Elizabeth Taylor, Kim Basinger, Danny DeVito and musical guests 'NSync, Britney Spears and Aerosmith. THE SIMPSONS is currently airing its 13th Season.

Twentieth Century Fox Licensing and Merchandising, along with Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, comprise the retail-oriented strategic alliance of Fox Consumer Products. A recognized industry leader, Twentieth Century Fox Licensing and Merchandising licenses and markets properties worldwide on behalf of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, Twentieth Television and Fox Broadcasting Company, as well as third party lines.

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