Bandai America’s Powerhouse Heroes Embark on Magical Adventures as the New Power Rangers Mystic Force

(NEW YORK, NY '“ February 13, 2006) '“ Continuing its reign as one of the top boys' action brands, the Power Rangers reinvent themselves again with a hot new theme as Power Rangers Mystic Force. The 2006 lineup from Bandai America Incorporated features a colossal assortment of mystical action figures, vehicles, playsets, Megazords and other dragon-themed toys that help bring children's imaginations to life as they engage in the triumph of good over evil as their favorite Power Ranger hero. Bandai America also offers its largest role-play lineup to date '“ including unique costume sets with a Ranger mask and other accessories.

'œFor more than a decade, the Power Rangers brand has shown an incredible staying power in the industry and continues to be a leader in the boys' action figure category,' said Matt Golding, director of marketing. 'œOur success lies in the brand's ability to stay fresh with dynamic new themes that really tap into what young kids today love. Now with Mystic Force, children can fully immerse themselves in the Power Rangers' magical world while learning about the importance of teamwork, loyalty and courage.'

In the latest iteration of the Power Rangers' story, five brave young Sorcerers are called forth to take up the challenge and fight for the survival of the planet. Under the guidance of their wise mentor and the ancient Xenotome, the Book of the Unknown, these five teens will embark on mystical adventures, befriend magical dragons and battle dangerous beasts.
Power Rangers Mystic Force debuts February 20th on Toon Disney as the dynamic 14th season of this perennially popular boys' franchise from The Walt Disney Co., which continues to be a major ratings and retail success due to its powerful themes that resonate with kids. The new series will air 25 times a week on ABC Kids and the Jetix boys' action block on ABC Family and Toon Disney. Due to the unique synergy between the toy line and the show, Bandai America and Disney are able to create a seamless brand story that translates to the TV as well as at retail, enabling kids to play out the adventures as their favorite Power Ranger hero in their own homes.

'œThe tremendous interest in this year's Mystic Force theme is evidenced by Bandai's toys flying off store shelves even before the season aired its first episode in mid-February, said Joe Lawandus, vice president and general manager of Disney Toys North America. "We are confident that the line will grow the overall Power Rangers business in 2006.'

Power Rangers Mystic Force products can be found at all major retailers nationwide. This year's key items include:

• 5” Action Figures, the most popular product category, offers a total of four assortments with new and different features throughout the year, including lights, translucent bodies, sound, triple morphin action and the return of the Megazord action figures.
• Vehicles, from the new Mystic Force Cycles and the all-terrain Mystic Force Trackers to the Mystic Force Dragon Mobiles, Power Rangers vehicles remain key in the brand’s lineup. For increased collectibility and play possibilities, the missiles from the Cycles can be mixed and matched across the line.
• Megazords, including the Titan Megazord, which is comprised of five Power Rangers as super Zords, and morphs into three modes for endless play possibilities.
• Playsets, like the Mystic Force Dragon Tower Playset, which has two modes – Dragon Tower and Train – and has totally awesome features such as missile firing, cycle launching, zip line and more.
• Role-Play, featuring an expanded lineup that includes Mystic Morphers, the Titan Saber, Ultimate Dragon Saber and Mystic Saber Max, which are modeled after weapons seen on the TV series.

The Power Rangers brand will be supported by a multifaceted advertising and public relations campaign, and will include a unique promotion targeting kids and their parents via the new 'œGetPowerized.com' Web site. The site will feature a Family Activity Page with fun and interactive Rangers-themed activities for the whole family, such as the 'œConstruct & Create Your Own Megazord' in which kids build their own Megazords using items commonly found around the house.

Also new on www.getpowerized.com and ready for viewing, fans can check out an exciting webmovie featuring the Spring Mystic Force line of toys, with the Power Rangers defeating the attacking Evil Space Alien figures. Bandai America is developing a contest for kids of all ages to submit their own version of what they think happens next in the movie using video or other media.

In addition, fans of all ages can learn about how they can meet the Power Rangers in person as the Mystic Force team makes numerous exclusive appearances throughout the U.S. in 2006. Parents and kids should be on the lookout because they never know where the Rangers may be appearing.

About Power Rangers

Over the past thirteen years, the Power Rangers have been on Earth, in space, on the moon, under water, traveling through time, in the jungle and anywhere evil lurks. They've battled Rita Repulsa, Divatox, Master Org, Dark Spector, Toxica, Jindrax and many more evil-doers '“ villains who have been shrunk to miniatures, tossed in jail, reduced to ooze or banished. Over time, the brand has maintained its themes of teamwork, honesty, loyalty, courage, family, friends and above all, the victory of good over evil. With a far greater reach than any other kids' TV franchise, Power Rangers is currently seen in 25 timeslots each week, mornings and evenings during the Jetix action/adventure block on ABC Family and Toon Disney, and on the ABC Television Network every Saturday morning. The brand has established its ubiquity by introducing such words as 'œZord,' 'œMegazord' and 'œMorpher' into the modern lexicon.

About Bandai America Incorporated

A leader in introducing Japanese toy trends to the United States, Bandai America Incorporated is a subsidiary of NAMCO BANDAI Holdings (USA) Inc., a newly formed joint entity that resulted from the integration of Namco Ltd. and Bandai Co. Ltd. of Japan. Global interests now encompass five strategic business units: toys and hobby (toys, models, apparel and sundries), amusement facilities, game content (home and arcade console gaming), mobile content, and visual and music content (including home entertainment). Bandai America is the manufacturer and master toy licensee of some of the most popular brands in children's toys and entertainment today, including Power Rangers, Teen Titans, Firehouse Tales, Tamagotchi and Magical DoReMi. The company is headquartered in Cypress, California and information is available at www.Bandai.com.