DC Unlimited To Produce Action Figures And Collectibles Based On 'Afro Samurai'

DC Unlimited, the new brand launched by DC Comics to license and promote the world's greatest pop culture characters and stories, is proud to announce the acquisition of a license to release a line of action figures and collectibles based on the Studio Gonzo produced "Afro Samurai" animated series. The series debuted on Spike TV January 4th and will be released on DVD in May by FUNimation Entertainment. The collectibles will be offered in the U.S. and Canada by DC Unlimited, with the first series of products debuting at the American International Toy Fair, held in New York in February 2007.

Adapted from Takashi Okazaki's manga, the series chronicles Afro Samurai's relentless quest to avenge his father's brutal murder. Featuring music by renowned hip-hop artist The RZA and starring Academy Award-nominated actor and executive producer Samuel L. Jackson as the Afro Samurai, the series is a groundbreaking fusion of American hip-hop and classic samurai story. Other voice talents working on the series include Ron Perlman ("Hellboy") and Kelly Hu ("X2").

"The opportunity to bring Afro Samurai to action figure and collectible fans was something we couldn't pass up," said Cheryl Rubin, Senior Vice President Brand Management at DC Comics. "The combination of Afro Samurai's hip, cutting-edge animation with the quality and attention to detail that DC Unlimited is known for is a perfect match."

DC Direct, best known for their authentic collectibles generated directly from the source material, will launch a line of Afro Samurai collectibles that will include fully articulated 6.75" and 14" action figures, resin busts and statues - all spotlighting the characters from the popular anime. The first wave of figures will include Afro Samurai, his sidekick Ninja Ninja and his deadly adversaries Kuma and Justice. The first wave of figures is slated to hit comic book and pop culture specialty retailers Fall 2007.

"With its innovative fusion of hip-hop and anime, Afro Samurai is such a unique title we knew we needed an exceptional partner to create figures befitting the animation," said Bob Brennan, Director of Licensing at FUNimation Entertainment. "DC Unlimited's reputation, superior design and attention to detail combined with their passion for this property made them the natural choice for this line."