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Kids’ WB Acquires New Series “Megaman: NT Warrior”

[via press release]

“Megaman: NT Warrior” Logs Onto Kids’ WB! This Summer 2003

(February 14, 2003 – Burbank, CA) – Kids’ WB!, the #1 broadcast network for kids, and ShoPro Entertainment, a leading producer-licensor of Japanese entertainment, have joined forces to bring one of Japan’s hottest new animé hits, “MEGAMAN: NT WARRIOR” (working title) to kids in the United States on Saturday mornings this Summer 2003. The announcement was made today by John Hardman, Senior Vice President, Kids’ WB!, and John Easum, Vice President, ShoPro Entertainment.

“We are excited to be working once again with the creative team that helped bring ‘Pokémon’ to Kids’ WB!,” said Mr. Hardman. “ShoPro Entertainment and its consortium in Japan are now helping us bring kids in the U.S. the next hot animé-adventure series. The newest incarnation of this beloved and time-proven character is sure to captivate kids and delight audiences everywhere. In line with our year-round launching strategy, ‘MEGAMAN: NT WARRIOR’ will make a great addition to our top-rated schedule this summer.”

“We’re thrilled to be launching ‘MEGAMAN: NT WARRIOR’ on Kids’ WB!, the number 1 kids broadcast network,” said Mr. Easum. “’MEGAMAN: NT WARRIOR’ is our newest production and currently enjoying huge success in Japan. We are confident that this high-tech cyber-adventure will strongly appeal to Kids’ WB!’s audience and complement their tremendously popular Saturday morning line-up.”

“MEGAMAN: NT WARRIOR” (working title), based on the popular comic book series, is set in the not-so-distant future during the Cyber Revolution of the year 200X, where virtually all technology is linked to a central computer system. Citizens of ACDC Town interface with this network using their personal “NetNavis” (Net Navigators) via their portable terminals (PETs). Each NetNavi possesses characteristics and traits like its owner, but also includes enhanced technological powers. The animé-adventure series follows the discoveries and exploits of fifth-grader Lan, whose NetNavi – and alter ego– is a blue-suited, virus-fighting, virtual superhero named Mega Man.

This futuristic world requires kids and their families to interact with rapidly progressive technology…where hackers and high-tech computer crimes threaten their lives and the entire universe. The responsibility to save the computer-generated world and protect their town falls upon tech-savvy Lan and his NetNavi, Mega Man with his advanced power upgrades. Lan and his friends plug in different power-chips to change their personal NetNavis’ gadgetry and defense capabilities. These net-warriors unite to expose the darkness within their digital universe. Plug in…log on…and power up…for an energizing cyber adventure.

Currently airing in Japan on TV Tokyo since March 2002, “MEGAMAN: NT WARRIOR” (working title) is a top-rated animated television series produced by ShoPro. With 2003 marking “MEGAMAN’s” 15th year anniversary, this high-marquee property has captivated millions of fans in Japan alone. The series’ characters have reached legendary status as their devoted viewers have enjoyed their storylines and appearances in several high demand products of this multi-media property, including the hugely-successful comic book series inspired by a Mega Man video game, as well as a trading card game series, among others. To date, Mega Man is one of the most popular comics in the CoroCoro comic series by Shogakukan with monthly sales of more than 1.5 million copies. Now ready to take on the U.S., ShoPro Entertainment kicks-off Toy Fair 2003 with today’s formal introduction of the eagerly anticipated property.

Kids’ WB!, a leader in kids’ television, is the children’s programming service of The WB Network. The #1 broadcast and cable network for the core demographic of Boys 6-11, Kids’ WB! has maintained its position as the #1 broadcast network since Spring of 1999. Continuing to set precedent with its new powerhouse 2002-2003 programming slate, Kids’ WB! introduced this season’s all-new “What’s New Scooby-Doo?,”the ground-breaking “!Mucha Lucha!” and the innovative buddy-cop comedy “Ozzy & Drix.” The network also brings viewers the returning top-rated hits “Yu-Gi-Oh!,” “Jackie Chan Adventures,” “Pokémon: Master Quest,” “Static Shock,” “X-Men: Evolution,” “The Mummy: Secrets of the Medjai” and other Kids’ WB! favorites. Kids can find more on Kids’ WB!’s web site at www.KidsWB.com.

ShoPro Entertainment, the U.S. producer for Japan-based Shogakukan Production Co. Ltd. (ShoPro), has brought multi-billion dollar properties and highly-rated Japanese television series, including “Hamtaro,” “Inuyasha” and “Corrector Yui” to broadcasters around the world. ShoPro has produced a variety of successful animated series such as “MEGAMAN: NT WARRIOR,” “Pokémon,” “Hamtaro” and “Zoids.”

ShoPro Entertainment and ShoPro are both subsidiaries of Shogakukan Inc., one of Japan’s largest publishing companies. For more information on ShoPro Entertainment and its properties visit www.shopro-entertainment.com.