Bandai America and Cartoon Network Bring the Alien Adventures of Ben 10 to Comic-Con 2006

(CYPRESS, CA - July 21, 2006) – Master toy licensee Bandai America Incorporated and Cartoon Network are teaming together to bring the action-adventure of the network’s new hit series Ben 10 to Comic-Con International 2006 (San Diego, CA; July 20-23, 2006). 

Fans and attendees can meet the unique talent behind the show at an exclusive Cartoon Network panel session on Sunday July 23rd from Noon-1:00pm (Room 6A).  On hand will be Sam Register, executive producer; Alex Soto, supervising producer; Tramm Wigzell, director of development, original series; Tara Strong, voice of Ben; and Megan Smith, voice of Gwen. 

Cartoon Network will also host Alex Soto, Tara Strong and Megan Smith in its Comic-Con booth (#2415) for an exclusive autograph session/meet & greet on Sunday from 11:00-11:30am, just prior to the panel.

In addition, Bandai America will distribute an exclusive 1” translucent figure of the alien Heatblast, who is prominently featured in the series, along with a collectible lenticular card (while limited quantities last).   

 

Ben 10 follows the adventures of 10-year-old Ben Tennyson, an unlikely hero who discovers a strange device resembling a wristwatch inside a crashed meteorite.  Once the watch, called the “Omnitrix,” permanently locks itself on his wrist, Ben discovers that he can transform into 10 different and fantastic alien beings, each with unique powers and abilities—but while retaining his 10-year-old personality.  As he learns to control these newfound powers, he decides to use them to right wrongs and fight evil.  But sometimes he cannot resist using the Omnitrix to satisfy his own curiosities, landing him in some major kid-style trouble.  Fortunately his grandfather Max and cousin Gwen are there to keep him in check and bail him out of trouble when he needs it.

Since the series’ debut earlier this year, it has shown strong ratings growth week-to-week. 

Ben 10 beat the competition on both broadcast and cable for Q2 2006, ranking #1 with boys and kids 6-11 and 2-11.  Currently, the show strips weekdays at 5:30 pm EST on the Miguzi block.

Bandai America’s Ben 10 toy line has been flying off retailer shelves.  Featuring action figure play unlike anything in the boys’ category today, the unique lineup offers one-of-a-kind figures, dynamic role-play and other products, including:

• Alien Collection: Collectible 4” figures of all the 10 aliens that Ben can initially transform into come with a collectible lenticular card that shows Ben transforming into one of the aliens, as well as an exclusive animation disk of 8 cels from the show that can be used with the Alien Laboratory playset and Omnitrix Alien Viewer.
• DNA Alien Heroes: 6” figures that ooze DNA slime bubbles from their bodies when you press the button on their backs
• Metamorfigures: 8” figures that transform from their alien forms into unique spy gear, including a working flashlight, binoculars and water gun
• Transforming Alien Rocks dissolve in water to reveal a translucent miniature 1” alien figure hidden inside
• Alien Ships are space vehicles inspired by the home planets of the aliens and feature unique water pumping action 
• Role-play, including the Omnitrix Alien Viewer, where kids can insert the animation disks (from the 4” figures and deluxe playset) into the device’s face to see Ben transform right before their eyes, and the Omnitrix F/X, which features red and green flashing lights and transformation sound effects from the show   
• Deluxe playset, an exact replica of the “Rust Bucket” that Ben is traveling in, transforms into an Alien Laboratory where kids can conduct their own experiments

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 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, Ben 10 and Tamagotchi. The company is headquartered in Cypress, California and information is available at www.Bandai.com.

About Cartoon Network

Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com), currently seen in more than 88 million U.S. homes and 160 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s ad-supported cable service offering the best in original, acquired and classic animated entertainment for kids

and families.  Overnight from 11 p.m.-6 a.m. (ET, PT), Cartoon Network shares its channel space with Adult Swim, a late-night destination showcasing original and acquired animation for young adults 18-34.

About Cartoon Network Enterprises

Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE), the global branding and merchandising arm of Cartoon Network, is charged with building consumer product franchises for Cartoon Network, its brands and characters from the channel's growing library of award-winning original programming.  CNE also works to secure and support long-term licensee partnerships across all key merchandising categories.  The division currently offers consumer product programs for an array of marquee animation franchises including Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends, Ben 10, The Powerpuff Girls,  Ed, Edd and Eddy, Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi, My Gym Partner is a Monkey, Camp Lazlo, The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy, Adult Swim and more.