September 28, 2005 - Diamond Select Toys and Collectibles has signed an extensive license agreement for rights to produce action figures, ships, statues, Minimates and other collectibles based on the long-lasting Star Trek franchise! Future plans for license include all-new starship and prop replicas, resin statues, Minimate block figures and a growing number of super-detailed action figures based on all five Star Trek series and the feature films.
While Diamond Select Toys is now the license-holder, the renowned sculptors at Art Asylum will continue to develop each collectible with the same attention to detail and dedication that has propelled each previous Star Trek release into homes nationwide. Star Trek: The Next Generation® will see the first releases, beginning with action figures of Commander William Riker® and Lieutenant Commander Worf®. Multiple exclusive versions of each character will allow fans the opportunity to show the progression of each character by releasing action figures based on each character's most memorable moments.
"Our goal is to continue bringing the best possible products straight to Star Trek fans everywhere with a seamless transition," stated Marketing and Sales Supervisor Michael Leavey. "We've been very fortunate to receive such a great response on our recent releases and we know with the continued support of Art Asylum and Viacom we will continue to deliver great Star Trek products. With Star Trek's 40th anniversary approaching next year, we've got some big plans that fans will be very excited to see."
"We are truly excited to partner with Diamond Select Toys to extend the Star Trek franchise in the collectible figure market," said Sherice Torres of Viacom Consumer Products.
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 Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products
Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products is a part of Nickelodeon Enterprises, the ancillary business unit of Nickelodeon Networks. It is responsible for licensing Nickelodeon brands and characters as well as the properties of Paramount Pictures, Comedy Central, Spike TV and MTV International, as well as some non-Viacom properties. Nickelodeon Enterprises is active in all ancillary markets, including merchandise licensing, home video, interactive software, electronic media, online, wireless, book and magazine publishing, music, live tour and stage shows, theme parks and themed hotel venues. Nickelodeon Enterprises manages the largest TV-based licensing business in the world with $4 billion in retail sales. Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, Paramount Pictures and Spike TV are trademarks of Viacom International, Inc.
About Art Asylum
Brooklyn, NY�based ART ASYLUM was founded by Digger in 1996 as a creative studio providing premier work services to the toy industry. This state-of-the-art studio and office complex with a staff of 20 joined forces with Jay Foreman and Adam Unger in 2000, and transformed itself into a fully functioning new force in the action figure business. The company's current roster includes such lines as Star Trek, Tony Hawk, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Eminem, Bruce Lee, Dark Angel, and their own new brands of toys: N' The Box, Asylum Ultimate, and MiniMates. www.artasylum.com.
