COSTA MESA, CA – Since their re-introduction in 2003, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have sold more than 35 million action figures—enough to stretch from New York to Los Angeles—reaching a whole new generation of turtle-loving fans.  Now, the Turtles continue their quest for world domination with the most exciting toys yet from Playmates Toys.  Launching in the fall of 2005 is the remote-controlled Sewer Spewer, the first-ever ooze-spewing Turtle vehicle, M.E.C.H. Wrekkers, which are giant robot-walking Turtles and the Sour Power Mutant Maker, which creates edible ninjas and marks the Turtles’ entry into a whole new product category.

“There is no other word for the success of our Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles line other than phenomenal,” said Lou Gioia, senior vice president, Boys Division.  “The widespread awareness and popularity of this property just continues to grow, and given the ongoing support of 4Kids TV and Cartoon Network, we anticipate even greater success as we introduce these incredible new toys in the fall.”

Playmates will support the launch of the newest weapons in the Turtle arsenal with its most extensive television advertising campaign ever.  In addition, the brand will be promoted through costumed character appearances and new added value toy/entertainment promotions.  Furthermore, there will be on-air promotions on 4Kids TV during October’s “Mutants & Monsters” month and on the Cartoon Network.  The super-powered Turtles – Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello and Raphael – continue to invade homes with episodes airing on both 4Kids TV and Cartoon Network.

Poised to drive even greater awareness and excitement for the brand, Warner Bros. and the Weinstein Company have announced plans for a new computer-generated theatrical film to be released worldwide in 2007.  4Kids Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: KDE) will handle exclusive worldwide merchandising rights, while Playmates will develop a brand new toy line based on the film.  The CG animation will be created at Imagi Animation’s state-of-the-art Hong Kong facility and will be the fourth feature film based on the franchise.

“We are absolutely thrilled about the new feature film that’s in the works,” said Michael Rinzler, director of boys marketing for Playmates Toys.  “The commitment on the part of Warner Bros. and the Weinsteins to produce a major movie based on the Turtles underscores the enduring and rampant popularity of this exceptional property.”

Playmates’ fall line-up includes:

• Sewer Spewer – Hit the button and let it rip with the new ooze-spewing machine from the sewer! This remote-control tank allows you to control every movement with its transmitter. Go forwards, backwards, right, and left, and use the special ooze release button for canon-like spewing action! This unique vehicle comes loaded with silly string ready for launch and includes one can of string. Refill cans will also be available. Up to three figures can also be secured for added play. Available for the suggested retail price of $39.99.
• M.E.C.H. Wrekkers – With its alternating slashin' swords and shoulder mounted missiles, the M.E.C.H. Wrekker is one mean, green, smackdown machine! Based on characters from the new animated TV series, these action-packed toys feature real motorized forward walking action, working front shocks and swinging foot stabilizers! Includes one Turtle figure. Available for the suggested retail price of $19.99.
• Sour Power Mutant Maker – A first for Turtle toys, the Sour Power Mutant Maker lets you create your own tasty Turtle, Shredder, or Foot Soldier concoction you can really eat! Pick your favorite mold, use the press crank knob to compress your liquid combination, cool it, then send it through the sugar coating chamber to mysteriously create a sour ninja figure. The Mutant Maker lab includes three 3-part figure molds with character indicators for easier combining. It comes with three sugar packs and one sourizing pack. Refill packs are also available for endless creating and fun! Available for the suggested retail price of $17.99.

About The Playmates Toys Company

With more than 35 years of experience, Playmates Toys, Inc., is among the most well respected and innovative marketing and distribution companies in the global toy industry. Playmates has a proven history in the creation of profitable, long-term brand franchises.

Among the company’s best-known proprietary brands are the unique water-filled “Water Babies®” dolls that have sold more than 15 million units, “Speedeez™” micro vehicles and play sets and the “Amazing” brand of interactive dolls and plush toys. Core licensed character and entertainment brands include Disney® Princesses and classic characters, Universal Studios’/Peter Jackson’s King Kong, Nickelodeon’s “everGirl,” Breakthrough Entertainment’s production of the Cartoon Network’s television series “Atomic Betty” and Mirage Studios’ “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.” From its offices in Hong Kong, China and the United States, Playmates designs, develops, markets and distributes its products in over 60 countries worldwide. Playmates Toys, Inc., is a division of Playmates Holdings Limited, a Hong Kong-based company whose stock is traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.