February 2005 - Diamond Select Toys & Collectibles, LLC has recently signed on with Backbone Entertainment to create a line of toys, collectible plush, and Minimates based on the upcoming video game, Death, Jr. The game, slated for release on for the new PSP handheld entertainment system, is due out later in 2005.
Based on the adventures of the Grimm Reaper's son, Death Jr. features a wide array of unique characters. From Death Jr. himself to his father, the Grimm Reaper, and good friend Pandora, the characters from this game have personality and depth. The success of the game has already been seen outside the gaming industry, with the recent solicitation of the Death Jr. comic book from Image Comics (in stores April 6th), based on the game as well as the feature film now in pre-production.
"The characters, the game, and the story of Death Jr. creates a great merchandising opportunity," said Chuck Terceira, Director of Diamond Select Toys, "We're happy to be on board from the beginning of this game and hope to see its popularity and character recognition grow."
"It's awesome to be partnering with Diamond," said Andrew Ayre, President of Backbone Entertainment. "Working with a group that has such great experience and skill in distribution and marketing, and is really excited about the property has been incredibly rewarding for us."
Plans for the plush line and Minimate series based on Death Jr. are slated for release in the summer of 2005. The deal with Diamond was facilitated by Russell Binder at J.A. Roth and Associates, Inc, Backbone Entertainment's official licensing representative for Death, Jr.
ABOUT DIAMOND SELECT TOYS AND COLLECTIBLES, LLC
DIAMOND SELECT TOYS AND COLLECTIBLES, LLC was founded in 1999 by sister company Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc. Envisioned to create unique and exciting collectibles for children and adults alike, the company has licensed a variety of pop culture properties to be turned into merchandise. With partners such as Marvel Enterprises, Capcom, Twentieth Century Fox, Hasbro, Backbone, Bliss House, and MGM, Diamond Select Toys and Collectibles produces a large range of products based on a wide variety of properties, and is headquartered in Timonium, MD. For more information, visit www.diamondselecttoys.com.
ABOUT BACKBONE ENTERTAINMENT
Backbone Entertainment is one of the largest and leading independent game developers in North America. Formed from a merger between ImaginEngine and Digital Eclipse, the company has studios and offices in Emeryville, CA; Vancouver; Boston; Los Angeles and Honolulu. Backbone's diverse properties encompass every major platform and every major age group. With over 10 years of history, the company has developed more than 250 titles, including several million-unit sellers.
