Hit anime series to receive new U.S. action figures. Mattel revealed at Toy Fair their newest toy license in the form of the ninja sensation: Shonen Jump’s NARUTO. One of the most popular anime and manga series of all-time in Japan, this U.S. version of the cartoon series is currently mopping up the competition on the Cartoon Network.
Mattel's U.S. toy line will star the misfit ninja-in-training Naruto, his friends and foes with numerous sized action figures, games and role play items. These include:
* Naruto Eight-Inch Action Figure Assortment: The first wave of eight-inch sculpts include Naruto, Sasuke and Rock Lee. Each character comes with a chakra power base. MSRP: $14.99, Available: July 2006
* Naruto Training Deluxe Figure Assortment: The deluxe training figures feature the signature moves of each of the show’s heroes. Each figure comes with an action scene from the anime. MSRP: $9.99, Available: July 2006
* Naruto Battling Basic Figure Assortment: Each 4¾-inch figure comes with ninja weapons that launch projectiles. MSRP: $6.99, Available: July 2006
* Naruto 12-Inch Shinobi Warrior Figure Assortment: Each highly articulated figure (Naruto and Sasake) performs ninja kicks and punches with electronic battle sounds. MSRP: $19.99, Available: July 2006
* Naruto Headband Assortment: The headband features the image of the symbol of a ninja academy graduate. For first-year students, the symbol is of the Village Hidden in the Leaves, home to Naruto and his friends. The headband is made of blue cloth with a metallic symbol plate. MSRP: $7.99, Available: July 2006
* Naruto Stealth Skillz: This role play item features two weapon launching gauntlets. The left gauntlet fires six shuriken disks and the right gauntlet propels three kunai darts. MSRP: $14.99, Available: August 2006
* Naruto Chakra Challenge: Every young ninja needs to hone his skills through intensive training. Under the tutelage of sensei Kakashi the Chakra Challenge allows kids to master dozens of hand seals. The hand seals are the key to molding chakra and performing intense ninja moves. The Chakra Challenge base reacts to the movements of the included wireless gloves. Chakra disks are launched when hand seals are performed correctly in the proper sequence – but if the young ninja makes an error, the base will fire chakra disks at the player. Once the final level has been completed the base will erupt with the ultimate chakra barrage. The Chakra Challenge features a sound chip with the voice of talent from the TV show. MSRP: $ 29.99, Available: September 2006
