Akira, Bome, Evangelion, Final Fantasy and more from Diamond Comics in June 2004

Akira Popularity Celebrated with New Capsule Toys

From Katsuhiro Otomo's landmark sci-fi manga and anime, Akira, comes this
awesome new set of trading figures, available exclusively in North America
from Diamond Comic Distributors!

Since its release in 1988, Akira has remained one of the most popular and
beloved anime in existence, as it captured the imagination of millions with
its dark, cutting-edge story, roguish main characters, and intense action sequences.
Directed by Otomo, the film is considered a masterpiece and a must-see for
any fan of anime and science fiction. Now, fans of the film can collect their
favorite characters captured in classic scenes with the Akira Capsule Toys
Series 3.

Imported from Japan and manufactured by Kaiyodo, this third series is considered
the "DX" line, as the pieces are larger and more intricate then the previous
releases. Sculpted by Masahiko Kagawa, these fully painted PVC figurines are
approximately 3" tall, and come in opaque capsules, making the contents a mystery
and collecting more enjoyable! This series offers incredible sculpting and
paint schemes, and includes Kei (Catalyst), Takashi (No. 26), Kaneda on Bike
(new), Tetsuo on Bike, and Tetsuo 'Attack', and Yamagata. Scheduled to ship
in September 2004, this is one figure series that no import toy collector or
anime/manga fan will want to be without.

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Bome's Sexy Anime Styling Soars with New Figure

The Japanese anime/manga style is more popular than ever, and one of the art
form's most beloved designers/artists is back with an all-new, sexy sculpture,
available exclusively through Diamond Comic Distributors!

Bome is a famous Japanese sculptor who, for many years, created popular garage
kits, then began to work with Kaiyodo. Most well-known for his sexy, anime-style
women, Bome is regarded as a "fine artist" by his many fans, and even hosted
an exhibit of his works in early 2001 in Paris, France! Now, fans of sexy anime
and alluring art can exhibit their favorite artistic styling with this new figure.

Imported from Japan, the Bome: Oni Musume 2 Figure is a marvelous replication
of a sexy She-Devil, in the sultry styling that is associated with the popular
artist. Produced by Kaiyodo, creators of the hit Trigun and Neon Genesis Evangelion
figure series, this non-articulated figure stands 8" tall, and is the third figure
in the "Monsieur Bome Collection". Scheduled to ship in October 2004, this is
one figure that no import toy collector or anime/manga fan will want to be without.

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Neon Genesis Wonder Showcase Figure Set Leaps onto Shelves

An incredible new set of figures based on one of the most popular anime science fiction properties ever is about to be released, and they are available exclusively through Diamond!

During Kaiyodo's bi-annual Wonder Festival (Japan's #1 consumer toy show),
an artist is selected from the amassed dealers, sculptors, and artists at the
show to join the Wonder Showcase line for the next 6 months between shows,
with their newest creations being offered under the Wonder Showcase brand at
the next Wonder Festival. The most recent addition is acclaimed artist Ken "Grimlock" Kawanishi,
who sculpted two figures based off the classic acclaimed science-fiction anime
property, Neon Genesis Evangelion.

Imported from Japan and manufactured by Kaiyodo, the Neon Genesis Evangelion
Rei Ayanami & Asuka Langley Wonder Showcase 2 Figure Set is the most recent
addition to the Wonder Showcase line. This pair of 6" tall, unarticulated PVC
figures captures - in amazing detail - the two popular characters from the
hit series. The set comes packaged in ultra-stylish window box packaging. Scheduled
to ship in September 2004, the figures are perfect for fans of anime and Neon
Genesis Evangelion collectibles.

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Final Fantasy VII Heroes Take Form as Statues

Two statues based on one of the most popular games in the Final Fantasy franchise is making its way to American shores, and they are available in North America exclusively through Diamond Comic Distributors!

Square-Enix's Final Fantasy line has been one of the most popular and profitable
video game series in the history of the medium, with each new installment selling
more copies and winning more converts than the one before it. The key selling
points of any Final Fantasy game are the incredible storylines, entertaining
side-adventures, and enchanting characters, leaving the fans ready to play
it again and again! One of the best selling installments of the series was
Final Fantasy VII, which broke sales records with 3.26 million units sold in
Japan in its release in 1997. Now fans can relive the game with the Final Fantasy
VII: Aerith Resin Statue and Final Fantasy VII: Cloud Resin Statue!

Imported from Japan, these highly detailed statues are from Kotobukiya -
creators of the Final Fantasy X: Yuna Vinyl Statue, Final Fantasy X: Heretic
Yojimbo & Heretic Bahamut action figures, and Armored Core action figures. These ststues were previously available and have been out of print for quite some time. They commanded high sales figures in the secondary market, and are now making a huge return! The Aerith statue stands 8" tall, and magnificently depicts the perky, faithful, and steadfast warrior. The Cloud statue stands 9" tall, and features the games' giant-sword-wielding hero in unbelievable detail. Both statues come painted and ready to display with the rest of the Final Fantasy collectibles. Scheduled to ship in October 2004, these will be two sculptures that no "Final Fan" will want to miss!

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Relive the Legacy with Alien Relief Sculptures

New sculptures based on one the classic Alien movie series are making their way from Japan to retailers' shelves, and they are available exclusively in North America through Diamond Comic Distributors!

In 1979, when the Ridley Scott-directed Alien came creeping onto movie screens
around the world, moviegoers were introduced to a new world of sci-fi horror.
The film - which featured highly praised actors such as Ian Holm and John Hurt,
and the big-screen breakout of a young actress named Sigourney Weaver - became
an instant sensation, as fans were both mesmerized and terrified by the chest-bursting,
face-hugging, acid-blooded, parasitic creatures from space that hunted Warrant
Officer E.L. Ripley (Weaver) and her crew. Now, the horror of the predatory
extraterrestrials is captured as Alien PVC Relief Sculptures!

Imported from Japan, the Alien Figure PVC Relief Sculpture and Alien In Egg
PVC Relief Sculpture are available as Previews Exclusive versions! These highly
detailed, 8" tall plastic reliefs - which depict the ferocious Alien in its fully grown form or its hybrid egg form - each feature a "flat" back, perfect for hanging on a wall, or as a display that stands alone on a shelf diorama style. The Previews Exclusive versions are scheduled to ship in September 2004. No fan of the Alien saga or collector of fine sculptures will want to miss these releases!

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Fans can find these and other great products based on today's most popular
movie properties at their local comics shop, or by contacting the Comic Shop
Locator Service toll free at 1-888-COMICBOOK (1-888-266- 4226) or online at
http://csls.diamondcomics.com.