Monster Island News: Malaysia

From BERNAMA

Malaysian fans of the Japanese superhero, Kamen Rider can prepare themselves for the arrival of the most popular Kamen Rider character - Kamer Rider 000.

For the first time in South East Asia, Litt Tak Sdn Bhd (Litt Tak) together with Bandai Namco Group (Bandai) will introduce the character that has been described as the most successful one in the history of the series.

Set up in 1985, Litt Tak is the main distributor of Japanese action figures and toys.

Litt Tak, along with Bandai, are also the distributors of other superhero action figures including the Power Rangers, Ultraman and Ben 10.

Bandai (H.K) Co. Ltd Sales Manager, Yun Keichin said that the Bandai toy industry was valued at US$5 billion, 14 per cent of which came from the sales of toys and products related to the Kamen Rider series.

THE ORIGINS OF KAMEN RIDER

Kamen Rider (translated as the Masked Rider) is a weekly Japanese fictional drama by manga artist Shotaro Ishinomori, featuring a motorcycle-riding superhero with an insect motif who protects the world by battling off supervillains.

The television series premiered in 1971. The popularity of the series has spawned many television, theatrical and film sequels, as well as turned it into a large network of product franchise.

"Of all the variations of Kamen Rider, the OOO version, with 48 episodes, is the most popular one. We are also fond of it because one of its episodes served as the 1000th episode of Kamen Rider series since it premiered 43 years ago", added Yun.

In Japan, the Kamen Rider OOO series recorded the highest percentage of viewership in television history, capturing the attention of over 25 per cent of children aged between four and six.

Kamen Rider OOO differs from his predeccessors due a new ability to collect special coin-like medals called the O-Medal. The medals are the centre of the superhero's different powers, enabling him to transform and face different battle scenes accordingly.

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Source: The New Straits Times

Well three Ultraman heroes Tiga, Nexus and the newest in the Ultraman family, Max, have beamed themselves from the furthest reaches of outer space to be at Sungei Wang Plaza to meet and greet their fans until Sunday, as part of the mall's Ultraman Showcase 2008.

Specially organised for the June school holidays, the event gives Ultraman fans both young and old the opportunity to see their superheroes in action and take some pictures with them for just RM12.

The photo-op is available at the concourse level at three different slots: 1pm, 4pm and 7pm from tomorrow to Sunday.

There will be two slots today, at 1pm and 4pm.

Around 35 children from Petaling Jaya Rumah Hope were the first to see their favourite superheroes in person during tha launch of the Ultraman Showcase.

One little fan, Eeh Kar Seng, 10, said he likes Ultraman because the superhero has super powers and could always defeat evil monsters.

ellow fan Ng Hock Wen , 12, said he always watches Ultraman movies."I like Ultraman Tiga caused he is the best. I have one Ultraman toy and will collect more," he said.

The Ultraman Showcase will also feature an Ultraman merchandise fair which features toys, games and other paraphernalia.

Sungei Wang promotions and public relations manager K.K Lim said the response from previous showcases held in 2004 and 2000 had been overwhelming.

"This is the first time we've presented three Ultraman heroes to the fans. We hope shoppers, especially parents and children, will have an enjoyable time at Sungei Wang," he said.

For More Information Visit: The Ultraman Showcase