TOPEKA, Kan., June 18 -- One of Marvel's mightiest heroes -- The Hulk(TM) -- is being ushered onto the big screen this Friday from Universal Pictures, and to celebrate, Payless ShoeSource is launching a new line of Super Hero(R) shoes and accessories featuring the concrete-crunching Hulk and his fellow Super Hero, Spider-Man(TM), as well as other Marvel Comics characters.
Payless' new line of all-terrain footwear includes sneakers and the popular new aqua-terra shoe, a sport sandal and aqua sock in one. The line comes with a variety of coordinating accessories, including umbrellas, sunglasses, hats, and visors.
"Marvel's characters, especially The Hulk and Spider-Man, have appealed to parents and children alike for generations," said John Haugh, chief marketing officer and senior vice president of business development for Payless ShoeSource. "The mightiest of heroes, they exude a dynamic, positive energy that kids love to imitate. This summer parents can feel good about putting those super heroes on their little heroes because these shoes are developed using Payless' SmartFit(TM) technology, which delivers the fun kids are looking for with the quality and durability parents require -- all at Payless value with prices starting at $12.99."
Super Hero Summer begins immediately at Payless ShoeSource stores nationwide. While supplies last, Payless is offering a gift with purchase -- an exclusive collector's coloring book with posters of both characters.
Universal Pictures presents in association with Marvel Entertainment Group a Valhalla Motion Pictures/Good Machine Production of an Ang Lee film, The Hulk. Acclaimed filmmaker Ang Lee's concept for his film adaptation of the classic Marvel Comics series, The Incredible Hulk (TM), combines all the elements of a blockbuster visual effects-intensive Super Hero movie with the brooding romance and tragedy of Universal's classic horror films. In depicting The Hulk as both a Super Hero and a monster, a wish fulfillment and a nightmare, Lee and his team have stayed true to the early subversive spirit of the character created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, while completely updating The Hulk and projecting it into the dangers and aspirations of contemporary times.
Eric Bana stars as scientist Bruce Banner, whose inner demons transform him in the aftermath of a catastrophic experiment. Bana plays both the human Banner and -- through groundbreaking visual effects technology provided by the Oscar(R)-winning Industrial Light and Magic -- the superhuman Hulk. Jennifer Connelly portrays Betty Ross, whose scientific genius unwittingly helps unleash The Hulk; Nick Nolte plays Banner's brilliant father, who unwittingly passes on a tragic legacy to his son, and Sam Elliot portrays the commander of a top-secret military research center.
The Hulk is licensed from Marvel Enterprises, Inc., by Universal Studios Consumer Products Group (USCPG). The Hulk is a registered trademark of Marvel Enterprises, Inc. USCPG is a unit of Universal Pictures, a division of Vivendi UNIVERSAL Entertainment (VUE) (http://www.universalstudios.com), the U.S.-based film, television and recreation entity of Vivendi Universal, a global media and communications company and is responsible for global licensing and retail strategies as well as building brand recognition of VUE.
Marvel Enterprises, Inc. is a leading global character-based entertainment licensing company that has developed and owns a library of over 4,700 characters, which have entertained generations around the world for over 60 years. Marvel's operations are focused in entertainment and consumer product licensing and comic book publishing. Marvel's creative teams at its Marvel Studios, Marvel Comics and Toy Biz divisions support the development of feature films (and DVD/video), video games, TV series and toy lines based on its characters. Marvel also licenses its characters for use in a broad and growing range of consumer products and services including apparel, collectibles, food and promotions. Marvel Comics is a leading global comics publisher and an invaluable source of intellectual property; Marvel Studios works with studios to develop feature film and entertainment projects; and Toy Biz is a recognized leader in toy design, sales and marketing that develops and oversees both licensee and in-house toy lines. For additional information visit http://www.marvel.com.
Payless ShoeSource, Inc., the world's footwear authority, is the smart shopper's source for high-fashion, high-value footwear and accessories for the entire family. With 5,000 retail stores throughout North, Central and South America and its e-store Payless.com(SM), Payless puts more feet in the latest footwear fashions than any other retailer.
