"Knights Of The Zodiac" Repeats International Success In The U.S. With Unique Toyline

by Jay Cochran
March 02, 2004
Knights of the Zodiac Television Show Continues to Deliver Key Boys' Demo as Much-Anticipated Toyline Debuts from Bandai America Incorporated


Recognized as a leader in the boys' action figure category for the last decade, Bandai America Incorporated unveiled its expanded toyline at Toy Fair 2004 for the famed international property Knights of the Zodiac. Launched in partnership with children's entertainment provider, DIC Entertainment, the Knights of the Zodiac television show has already debuted to spectacular ratings on Cartoon Network and continues to gain momentum among key demographic of boys 2-11.

Knights of the Zodiac is a futuristic action series that follows the adventures of Bronze Knight Seiya as he leads his team in battle against Phoenix and the Black Knights for control of the Golden Cloth of Sagittarius. The first wave of action figures from Bandai America debuted at retail stores starting in January 2004, with additional action figures, role-play toys and a playset coming in the fall.

"Given Bandai Japan's 18-year history with the Knights of the Zodiac property, resulting in sales of more than 25 million action figures globally, it was time that U.S. audiences were finally introduced to this international hit," said Bill Beebe, senior vice president, sales and marketing for Bandai America. "The large collector community in the U.S. already familiar with Saint Seiya - the orginal Japanese version of Knights - has been eagerly anticipating this debut, so we are proud to deliver a line of exclusive action figures for both them and the new fans of the property."

Cartoon Network currently airs the Knights of the Zodiac television series on its Saturday Action Block at 12:30 AM. The show debuted in late August 2003 to spectacular ratings as the #1 show in its time slot and has since remained popular.

"The orginal Knights of the Zodiac television series debuted in 1986 to sensational ratings in its native Japan, and its success has been mirrored throughout Asia, Europe and Latin America, Now, kids in the U.S. are discovering Knights if the Zodiac for the first time, and DIC - along with our extensive network of partners - will continue to develop this unique anime property into a boy's action mega-hit," said Nancy Bassett, senior vice president, worldwide consumer products for DIC Entertainment.

Bandai America's fall lineup will include gold colored versions of the 5-inch and 8-inch articulated action figures that are exclusive to the U.S. market. The Action Sound Gauntlets will allow boys to role-play at their favorite knight and reenact scenes from the show with light and sound features. The Battle Arena Playset doubles as a carrying case and opens up to reveal the arena where the knights wage their battles. It comes with an exclusive action figure, numerous accessories, and light and sound features.

To support the brand, Bandai America and DIC Entertainment will launch a comprehensive marketing and public relations campaign that will include national print and television advertising, Anime convention support, licensed product cross-promotions and an in-pack promotion with General Mills cereals. In addition, the interactive www.Knightsofthezodiac.com Web site features episode guides, character bios and an immersive online gaming arena.


Knights of the Zodiac 2004 Product Line


Knights of the Zodiac in a futuristic action series that follows the adventures of Bronze Knight Seiya as he leads his team in the battle against Phoenix and the Black Knights for control of the Golden Cloth of Sagittarius. A property with a legendary history, the Knight of the Zodiac television show has already debuted to spectacular ratings on Cartoon Network's Saturday Action Block. Bandai America Incorporated brings the international phenomenon to the U.S. for the first time in 2004 with a line of much-anticipated action figures, role-play items and other toys.

5" Action Figures - These detailed and articulated action figures feature all of the main characters from the TV show. Assortments include a line of black knights as well as gold knights. All the 5" figures come with character's corresponding zodiac symbol. SRP $7.99. Release date June 2004.

8" Action Figures - Each articulated Knight is based on one of the unique characters from the futuristic hit television show. The figures come with a set of chrome-plated cloth which they wear during their hand-to-hand battles. The cloth can also be removed from the figure to form the character's corresponding zodiac sign, the symbol from which they draw their mystical powers. SRP $14.99. Release date June 2004.

Action Sound Gauntlets - Kids can re-create all the hand-to-hand battles with these Action Sound Gauntlets that resemble the ones worn by the characters from the TV show. All comes with light and sound features. SRP $14.99. Release date $14.99.

Battle Arena Playset - Doubling as a carrying case, the playset opens up to reveal the arena where the knights wage their battles. Compatible with all 5" and 6" action figures, it also comes with an exclusive 5" action figure, numerous accessory pieces as well as light and sound features.


5” Action Figure – Black Phoenix




5” Action Figure – Black Swan




5” Action Figure – Black Dragon




5” Action Figure – Black Andromeda




5” Action Figure – Ares




5” Action Figure – Knight of Golden Leo




5” Action Figure – Knight of Golden Sagittarius




8” Action Figure – Knight of Golden Sagittarius & corresponding zodiac symbol figure






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