Toy & Anime giant Bandai America gears up for Comic-Con 2004
CYPRESS, CA, July 20, 2004 - Renowned among fans for their popular
toy and home entertainment properties, Bandai America Inc. and Bandai Entertainment
Inc. (booth #3629) today announced a full slate of activities for this year's
Comic-Con International, being held July 22-25 at the San Diego Convention
Center.
"As the largest pop-culture gathering of its kind, Comic-Con is the
perfect venue for us to bring our extensive toy lines directly to the fans
and enthusiasts," said Matthew Golding, director of marketing for Bandai
America Inc.
Fan favorites such as Gundam Seed, Superior Defender
(SD)
and Astro Boy will all be featured in Bandai's numerous toy displays.
In addition, special activities surrounding Bandai's hottest new toy
line, Teen Titans, will be held at the booth, including exclusive
autograph signings with the talent behind the hit TV series. Fans will have
the opportunity to meet producer Glen Murakami, producer David Slack and actor
Ron Perlman, the voice behind the character "Slade."
Most exciting for those who need to be "in the know" will be a
sneak peak of Bandai's newest entertainment property, D.I.C.E.,
set to debut in 2005. Bandai Entertainment will host a panel session featuring
the creators of the animated series and unveil the details of the show that
has, until now, been shrouded in mystery. An exclusive foil cover D.I.C.E.
comic will be distributed throughout the convention.
"D.I.C.E. is unique in that it was created entirely by Bandai's
in-house talent, and it's rare for one company to produce both the show
and toys based on that property," said Ken Iyadomi, executive vice president
for Bandai Entertainment Inc. "It's very important for us to offer
the first sneak peek of D.I.C.E. to the Comic-Con audience. Their feedback
and support will be integral to making a property like this a success next
year."
Bandai will be highlighting Gundam Seed, the latest incarnation of
the 25-year old Japanese property that can currently be seen on Cartoon Network.
Gundam Seed toys will be on display and the home entertainment division will
be screening preview clips from their upcoming DVD release of the series. Bandai
also hopes Rear Admiral Buskin Alexander (B.A.) Avatar, Director of Enrollment,
will be on hand to speak to potential cadets for the Gundam Pilot Academy (www.GundamPilotAcademy.com).
"The response to Gundam Seed has been phenomenal," said
Jerry Chu, marketing manager for Bandai Entertainment Inc. "As the latest
and most dynamic series in the history of the franchise, Seed broke ratings
records when it first aired in Japan last year, and the fan response in the
U.S. has been the most enthusiastic we've seen since Gundam Wing first
appeared here six years ago. I think people will be very pleased with the DVDs
we have planned for later this year."
Bandai's new Cards and Collectible Games division will make its Comic-Con
debut with demonstrations of the game that has been building tremendous buzz
on the summer convention circuit, Navia Dratp. In addition, a revamped
version of the Digimon CCG will be on display, allowing gamers to get a taste
of the new game mechanics.
"Our presence with Navia Dratp has mostly been at game oriented conventions
so far this year," said Danny Satyapan, head of Bandai's cards
and collectibles division. "This will be the first time such an expansive
audience sees just how eye-catching this game is to display, and how easy - yet
challenging - it is to play."
On the video game front, Bandai (www.BandaiGames.com)
will be showcasing some of its most anticipated titles, including Ghost
In The Shell, Gundam Seed Battle Assault, SD Gundam Force - Showdown!,
Galactic Wrestling featuring Ultimate Muscle, and Inuyasha - all
for PlayStation 2.
Panels and events currently scheduled for Comic-Con are:
Friday, July
23 rd
12:30-1:30PM (Room #9) - What is D.I.C.E.? - As
the premier distributor of Japanese animation, Bandai Entertainment is proud
to unveil its upcoming animated feature, D.I.C.E. Come check out all
the details surrounding this new 2D/3D CG series and toy line coming to North
America in 2005. An exclusive foil cover D.I.C.E comic will be given away to
those in attendance.[g2:13438 size=400]
1:00-3:00PM (Bandai Booth #3629) - Teen Titans Celebration & Autograph
Signing: Bandai America invites you to meet the creative talent behind
the hit animated show on Cartoon Network and Kids! WB . Legendary producer
Glen Murakami, writer David Slack, actor Ron Perlman (the voice of "Slade"),
actor Greg Cipes (voice of "Beast Boy") and story editors
Rob Hoegee and Amy Wolfram will be on hand to sign autographs for
fans and celebrate the successful launch of Bandai's Teen Titans toy
line . A limited number of exclusive Bandai 1.5" Robin (as "Red X")
figures and Teen Titans Go! comic books will be given away.
Saturday, July 24 th
10:30-11:30AM (Room #2) - Bandai Entertainment Panel: Executive
VP Ken Iyadomi and marketing managerJerry Chu will be on hand to answer
questions on such favorite anime titles as Witch Hunter Robin, Wolf's
Rain, Gundam Seed, and Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex.
Check out the next wave of cutting-edge anime coming to North America from
BEI, as well as score exclusive DVD and T-shirt giveaways.3:30-5:30PM (Bandai Booth #3629) - Teen Titans
Celebration & Autograph
Signing: Bandai America invites you to meet the creative talent behind
the hit animated show . Producer Glen Murakami, writer David Slack, actor
Greg Cipes (voice of "Beast Boy"), story editor Rob Hoegee
and more will be on hand to sign autographs for fans and celebrate the successful
launch of Bandai's Teen Titans toy line . Additionally, a
limited number of Comic-Con exclusive 1.5" Robin (as "Red X")
figures and Teen Titans Go! comic books will be given away.
Those attending Comic-Con should check the daily show schedule and booth #3629
for a complete listing of all activities taking place at Bandai's massive
50-foot display.
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