Gatchamania.net - Print: Imagi Signs Agreement With Hot Toys

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Posted by tatsunokofan on 24-10-2007 at 01:59:

Imagi Signs Agreement With Hot Toys

Hello all!

In a new press release from Imagi, the studio has announced that they have signed an agreement with the toy company Hot Toys to create highly detailed 1/6th scale versions of the characters from both Gatchaman and Astro Boy (Which, apparently, now now has the single word title "AstroBoy," in accordance to the wishes of Tezuka Productions).

Here's the body of the press release:

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IMAGI ANNOUNCES DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT WITH HOT TOYS FOR GATCHAMAN AND ASTRO BOY TOYS

Hong Kong (October 23, 2007) - Imagi Animation Studios (Imagi) today announced that it has entered into a licensing relationship with Hot Toys Ltd. (Hot Toys) for collectors' action figures based on the studio's next two CG-animated feature films, Gatchaman and AstroBoy. Under the agreement, Hot Toys will design, manufacture and globally distribute highly detailed 12-inch models of the principal characters in the two movies.

The Gatchaman and AstroBoy toy lines are expected to include high-end collectible figures. "We are delighted by the new collaborative relationships we have formed with Imagi, which extends our collectibles product line to CG-animated film-related characters. Many of the Hot Toys staff are long-time fans of Gatchaman and AstroBoy, including myself. With our experience in producing classic AstroBoy collectibles and other finely crafted products, the Gatchaman and AstroBoy collectibles will closely replicate the look and story line of the films," said Howard Chan, President of Hot Toys. The toy lines will ship with the release of the two films, to maximize impact and generate greater interest in both the movie and toys. Gatchaman is slated to release in Spring, 2009 and AstroBoy in Fall, 2009.

"Hot Toys has demonstrated an ability to craft collectible figures with an extraordinary level of detail and realism," said Felix Ip, Imagi's Creative Director. "Imagi's richly-detailed CGI characters are a perfect fit with Hot Toys' meticulous modeling approach."

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I've seen some of the figures released by Hot Toys in the past, and they do have the talent to do a very nice job with these. If you wish to see what some of the Hot Toys figures look like, you can see them on their website at:

www.hottoys.com.hk

Of course, with a high level of detailing comes a high level price tag. Most of the more basic-style figures I've seen start around $90.00, and quickly go up from there. Many of their better figures tend to hover in the $125.00~$150.00 range. So, while we can safely assume that these will be great looking figures, expect them to take a serious bite out of your wallet.

James

Posted by clouddancer on 24-10-2007 at 02:17:

Thank you for the information James.
Things keep looking better and better for the movie to be produced.

I know it is just me but I keep waiting for the axe to fall on all our hopes and dreams and we hear an announcement saying there is not enough interest the movie will not be produced.

Cloud runs out of thread before the Tomato are thrown in her direction.

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Posted by Transmute Jun on 24-10-2007 at 03:22:

Thanks for the information, James! I am sooo looking forward to toys... the only thing better, IMHO, is the movie itself!!!!

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Posted by kimiko on 24-10-2007 at 14:06:

I can't wait to see these and the movie! I hopefully will have my ADV all bought by then and have the cash to buy! I am wondering how much they will look like the original. Or more like the OAV? I would prefer the former.

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