MALIBU, Calif., June 9, 2004 -- JAKKS Pacific, Inc. announced today that the Company has expanded upon its previously announced worldwide licensing agreement with Marvel Enterprises, Inc. to produce multiple TV Games(TM). Now in addition to the ever-popular Spider-Man(TM) property, the expanded agreement includes products based on the top Marvel properties, The Incredible Hulk(TM), Blade(TM), Daredevil(TM) and Ghost Rider(TM).
The TV Games(TM) product is a plug and play gaming system that contains
multiple games in one single controller. All that is needed are batteries and a TV -- no videogame consoles or gaming cartridges are required. Simply plug the TV Games(TM) product into the A/V jacks of any standard television set, turn it on and play! The lightweight, compact, all-inclusive controller houses a combination of videogames with all of the hardware built right in. This technology allows gaming fans to enjoy a number of videogames with just one single purchase.
"Our expanded agreement with Marvel seeks to maximize the TV Games(TM) brand with Marvel's roster of hit properties," commented Stephen Berman, president and COO, JAKKS Pacific. "These are exceptional characters, and we expect them to have wide appeal to both gaming and Marvel fans worldwide."
Tim Rothwell, President of Marvel's Worldwide Consumer Media Group Division added, "The Marvel Universe translates extremely well into the TV Games(TM) format, and we thought expanding the scope of properties available to this product to include The Incredible Hulk, Blade, Daredevil and Ghost Rider was an exciting opportunity. We are confident in JAKKS' ability to develop a product line that will bring these Super Heroes to life."
These new TV Games(TM) products are expected to launch in 2005, with a suggested retail price of approximately $20.00. Spider-Man TV Games are expected to retail for approximately $20.00 and will be available at retail locations nationwide in October. For more information on JAKKS Pacific's TV Games(TM) line, please visit www.jakkstvgames.com.
About Marvel Entertainment, Inc.:
With a library of over 4,700 proprietary characters, Marvel Enterprises, Inc. is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies. Marvel's operations are focused in four areas: entertainment (Marvel Studios), licensing, comic book publishing and toys (Toy Biz). Marvel facilitates the creation of entertainment projects, including feature films, DVD/home video, video games and television based on its characters and also licenses its characters for use in a wide range of consumer products and services including apparel, collectibles, snack foods and promotions. Marvel's characters and plot lines are created by its comic book division, which continues to expand its leadership position in the U.S. and worldwide while also serving as an invaluable source of intellectual property.
About JAKKS Pacific, Inc.:
JAKKS Pacific, Inc. is a multi-brand company that designs and markets a broad range of toys and leisure products. The product categories include: Action Figures, Arts & Crafts Activity Kits, Stationery, Writing Instruments, Performance Kites, Water Toys, Sports Activity Toys, Vehicles, Infant/Pre- School, Plush and Dolls. The products are sold under various brand names including Flying Colors(R), Road Champs(R), Remco(R), Child Guidance(R), Pentech(R), Trendmasters(R), Toymax(R), Funnoodle(R), Go Fly a Kite(R) and JPI Color Workshop(R). The Company also participates in a joint venture with THQ Inc. that has exclusive worldwide rights to publish and market World Wrestling Entertainment(TM) video games. For further information, visit www.jakkspacific.com.
Marvel, Spider-Man, The Incredible Hulk, Blade, Daredevil, Ghost Rider and the distinctive likenesses thereof are trademarks of Marvel Characters, Inc., and are used with permission. Copyright (C) 2004 Marvel Characters, Inc. All rights reserved. www.marvel.com.
Super Hero(es) is a co-owned trademark.
