(CYPRESS, CA – July 26, 2007) – It all started fifteen years ago, when five teenagers were plucked from obscurity to defeat evil space aliens as the Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers.  Now after two theatrical movies, 13 action-packed TV series and 15 seasons of dynamic toys, Power Rangers has made its mark on the pop culture landscape, while retaining its title of top-selling action figure brand of all time (according to the Toy Industry Association’s “Celebrating 100 Years of the Power of Play”). 

To honor every young boy’s favorite heroes, Bandai America Incorporated is launching a series of morphenomenal festivities to celebrate the Power Rangers toy line’s milestone 15th Anniversary.  After experiencing an amazing legacy of success, it’s only fitting that the Power Rangers be feted with:

• A fan-driven call to action to nominate the Power Rangers toy line for the National Toy Hall of Fame.
• An exclusive meet and greet event with the real-life Power Rangers at Comic-Con 2007 in San Diego.
• The 15th Anniversary Celebration Tour that hits major cities across the U.S. and Canada.
• The debut of limited edition toys from Bandai America to thank fans of all ages for their loyal support these last 15 years.

“The Power Rangers 15th Anniversary celebration allows us to engage and thank fans of all ages, from the 4 year old boy of today who loves playing with our action figures, to the adult fan who’s still collecting Power Rangers, having grown up with the TV show,” said Matthew Golding, director of marketing, Bandai America Inc.  “We invite everyone to join us for this once-in-a-lifetime celebration of the Power Rangers toy line.”

“There are few toy brands still in existence today that have the success and heritage behind it like Power Rangers,” said Chris Byrne, aka “The Toy GuyTM” and contributing editor to Toy Wishes Magazine.  “Having touched multiple generations of young fans now, kids play Power Rangers by watching the TV show daily, playing with their toys and even acting out the adventures on the playground.”  

"Vote for Power Rangers!”       

Bandai America is sounding the call to fans of all ages to help the Power Rangers toy line get inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame and Museum (www.strongmuseum.org), which recognizes products that have inspired multiple generations of kids.  Morph into action and download nomination forms at www.Bandai.com or get them on the 15th Anniversary Celebration Tour.  Vote now and vote often!

Power Rangers at Comic-Con 2007

Comic-Con fans (in San Diego, CA on Sunday, July 29th) have the rare chance to get powerized with the Power Rangers Operation Overdrive squad, as well as help officially kick-off the supercharged 15th Anniversary Celebration Tour.  Exclusive activities taking place on Kids’ Day (in Disney Consumer Products’ booth #3713 from 2:00-4:00PM), include:

• Spanning 15 years of the brand, a “Wall of Legends” historical display showcases the actual helmets worn by the Red Ranger from every season of the TV show. 
• Unveiling of Bandai America’s limited edition 15th Anniversary action figures, as well as the official debut and interactive demo of the all-new Mega Mission Helmet, which connects to the Internet to download dynamic role-playing missions.
• Learn how to morph into action to help Power Rangers secure its rightful place in the Toy Hall of Fame, the highest honor in the toy industry.
• Video game demos of Disney Interactive Studios’ “Power Rangers: Super Legends,” which debuts this Fall for the Nintendo™ DS, PlayStation®2 and PC.  The game allows players to battle enemies, solve puzzles and explore an interactive world as Power Ranger heroes from the original Mighty Morphin’ squad to the current Operation Overdrive team.  In the spirit of the property, players can play with a friend for cooperative missions and massive Zord battles.
• Free Power Rangers giveaways to all attendees!

Power Rangers 15th Anniversary Celebration Tour

Don’t miss this unique chance to learn moves and take photos with the real-life Power Rangers from Operation Overdrive, as they head across the U.S. and Canada on the Power Rangers 15th Anniversary Celebration Tour.  Visiting 15 cities for 15 dynamic years, the tour features fun games and activities such as the Morphin’ Obstacle Course, the Prize Chamber where you can grab prizes in a wind tunnel, and the Training Stage where young fans can learn cool Power Rangers moves.  Additionally, there will be a “Wall of Legends” showcase cultivated from the history of the TV series, an interactive station where kids can demo an exclusive mission from Bandai America’s new Mega Mission Helmet role-play toy, a display of the limited edition 6.5” action figures and 5” figure sets, video game demos from Disney Interactive and lots of free giveaways, including Power Rangers backpacks from Accessory Network. 

Visit www.Bandai.com for more information about the specific tour locations in each city, as well as the exclusive activities offered at each stop.

Limited Edition Power Rangers Toys

By 2007, Bandai America will have created more than 200 million Power Rangers action figures, Megazords and role-play toys since 1993—including 90 million 5” action figures, the most popular toy in the lineup.  To commemorate the Power Rangers legacy, Bandai America is offering these exclusive limited edition toys:

Power Rangers Mega Mission Helmet – Become your favorite hero and act out fun adventures with this wearable Red Ranger helmet.  Connect to the Internet, with the included USB cable, to download more than 20 different secret missions directly into the toy.  With lights and sounds, each adventure guides you through training exercises, Power Rangers moves and more.

6.5” Red Ranger Figures – Complete your Power Rangers toy collection with these action figures based on the Red Ranger from Mighty Morphin’ to Operation Overdrive.  These 6.5” figures come with a display stand and accessory — with a total of 13 to collect.  Look for the special anniversary logo on each package.

5” Figure History Sets – Missing a 5” action figure from the past?  Then this is the perfect collection for you as each set features five Red Ranger figures.  It’s a must-have for any young Power Rangers fan or action figure enthusiast. 

About Power Rangers
      
Over the past fifteen 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 core themes of teamwork, honesty, loyalty, courage and above all, the victory of good over evil.  For more information, please visit the new Power Rangers supersite at www.powerrangers.com.

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 new entity that resulted from the integration of Namco Ltd. and Bandai Co. Ltd. of Japan.  Global interests 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, Tamagotchi and Girlz Connect.  The company is headquartered in Cypress, California and information is available at www.Bandai.com.