Bandai at American International Toy Fair 2003

Phoenix's Rage (Former Staff) — February 19th, 2003 — 11:29
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Bandai will be represented at the American International Toy Fair 2003. The company will be prepared to show off its latest anime properties, video games, action figures, and more! Here's a look at some recent acquisitions:

Bandai is bringing more action, drama, and mechas in the form of Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam. The series begins seven years after the defeat of the Zeon army. However, a Federation military force known as the Titans threatens war between Earth and the space colonies. The show consists of 50 half-hour episodes. The series will be released later this year. Along with the series, Bandai will also release 4.5 and 7.5 inch action figures with a varying degree of details.

.hack//SIGN has already invaded the airwaves. It is currently being played on Cartoon Network's Toonami Saturday block at 3:00 PM (Eastern). The show follows Tsukasa's attempt to find a way out of "The World", a futuristic gaming environment, after being stuck trying to log out. The limited edition DVD of the first volume comes with a collector's box that includes an exclusive "Grunty" plush doll, t-shirt, original CD soundtrack, postcard set, stickers, and a free .hack//INFECTION demo game. The remaining volumes will also see a limited edition release that will include an original CD soundtrack.

Bandai has obtained the license to bring s.CRY.ed to North America. s.CRY.ed is an explosive series from the creative team behind Infinite Ryvius, with animation by Sunrise studios. The series features genetically enhanced humans with unique powers called Alters. The main character is an Alter named Kazuma, who is confined to an isolated island with others just like him. A secret organization known as Holy threatens his life and a fight for freedom ensues. Bandai promises a lot of DVD extra materials such as special footage, exclusive interviews, textless opening and endings, etc.

Bandai is also bringing Kikaider to North America. Based on works by Shotaro Ishinomori, Kikaider is a robot with human qualities. He has a duty to protect Dr. Komyoji's children and battle against the evil Dr. Gill. The release is being planned for this summer.