Press Release: TOKYOPOP – Bumper King

TOKYOPOP Crowns Bumper King
Manga giant acquires worldwide media rights to hit Korean CGI animated series

Los Angeles, CA (February 13, 2005) – TOKYOPOP Inc. is proud to announce the acquisition of Bumper King, a stunning new 26-episode CGI animated action-adventure-comedy series for 6 to 12 year olds produced by FXDigital/DiFarm, a Korean and Los Angeles based digital studio specializing in 3-D animation production. Bumper King is a high-octane actioner set in a futuristic “super-cross” world of remote control bumper cars all competing to become the best of the best. In brilliant 3D animation, Bumper King represents a far out spin on the traditional tale of “the boy who would be king.”

TOKYOPOP, the largest publisher of manga (graphic novels) in the country, has had tremendous success bringing Japanese and Korean pop culture to the American market in the forms of manga and anime. Applying the same formula for success, TOKYOPOP is seeking to build another pop culture juggernaut with their new Korean acquisition. With all worldwide media rights, TOKYOPOP is positioned to launch Bumper King as a global brand franchise targeting various media platforms including TV, video console games, publishing, toys, apparel and multiple volume DVD releases. Marking TOKYOPOP’s first-ever acquisition of a Korean animated series, Bumper King will join the company’s current hit anime franchises Rave Master (airing daily on Cartoon Network), Initial D, GTO and Reign: The Conqueror.

According to TOKYOPOP’s Executive Director of Film & TV, Steve Galloway, “Bumper King appeals to us for its design aesthetic and terrific storytelling. Filled with dynamic characters and tons of cool adventure, we feel confident that Bumper King will become a hugely successful property with pre-teen boys as well as girls.” Adds Galloway, “Together with Bumper King’s creators, TOKYOPOP and its new Korean partners, Digital Image Farm, Seoul Broadcasting System and Daiwon.are ready to take the world by storm.”

About Tokyopop®
TOKYOPOP® is an innovative youth-oriented entertainment company that creates, licenses and publishes hundreds of book, DVD and music properties. With millions of books in print, including the hit series Fruits Basket, Princess Ai, DNAngel, Tokyo Tribes, Love Hina and Chobits, TOKYOPOP also discovers and promotes new artists and writers, creating original manga such as Warcraft, ShutterBox and @Large. Pioneers of the Cine-Manga® book format, TOKYOPOP’s best-selling releases feature Finding Nemo, Shrek 2, Lizzie McGuire, SpongeBob SquarePants, Greatest Stars of the NBA and Linkin Park’s Breaking the Habit. Its television properties include Rave Master, Initial D, GTO and Reign: The Conqueror, with consumer products programs tied into Rave Master, Initial D., Stray Sheep and Princess Ai. Visit www.TOKYOPOP.com for additional information.