WORLD DOMO-NATION!

Dark Horse, Toy2R, and Big Tent Entertainment

Unveil New Line of Blind-Box Figures

Featuring Japanese Internet Sensation Domo



NEW YORK, NEW YORK (February 20, 2009)--At Toy Fair 2009, Dark Horse unveiled plans to produce a set of blind-box figures scheduled to release this July. The 2.5” figures will be created in conjunction with Toy2R as part of their Qee program, and will feature the likeness of Domo, the iconic viral superstar who was first introduced to the world in 1998 by Japanese Broadcaster, NHK and is represented world-wide (ex- Asia) by Big Tent Entertainment.

Packaging is "blind box," in which individual figures are packed in small boxes; the only way to know which particular figure is inside a particular box is to purchase and open the box. In the Domo blind box assortment, figures are sold in counter displays of 15, and each display box of 15 figures is further packed into a master carton of four cases.

In addition, each individual figure contains a component of a special “Build-A-Domo” transparent figure. By assembling six of these components, a new variant figure is created by the consumer. Each counter display contains enough pieces for two of these; each master carton yields ten of this special item when all the pieces are assembled.

Chase figures are being produced in addition to the common figures in the Domo assortment; with a total of 15 different versions with various levels of scarcity. See the graphic for exact details

Blind box packaging with the addition of chase figures creates an element of chance in purchasing the Domo Qee toys, and prompts some collectors to trade figures among themselves to complete their collections.

Starting from a very unusual place as an advertising icon, Domo’s unique look and personality has catapulted the character from 400 television spots in Japan into one of the Internet’s biggest sensations, sparking worldwide recognition. As the poster child for personalized, user-generated content, Domo has been able to transition from popularity within Japan to a worldwide following, spawning countless fan-made images, websites and videos, along with a first-ever licensed product line including plush, toys, fashion and collectibles selling at major trend retailers nationwide. Most recently, Domo has taken America by storm, being featured prominently at major retailers all over the U.S. and even starring in his first worldwide manga.



About Qee

Qee (pronounced "key") is a collection of designer toys created by Hong Kong-based company Toy2R, which was founded by Raymond Choy in 1995. Qees are produced in limited numbers and are highly collectible. Many contemporary artists and designers from Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America have designed figures. Domo is the mascot of NHK television in Japan, and is breaking out worldwide as animation, toys, publishing and apparel.



About Big Tent Entertainment LLC

Big Tent Entertainment, LLC (www.bigtent.tv) is an entertainment company specializing in the integrated development and management of media brands. Formed in 2002, the company manages a portfolio across both traditional and new media while focusing on brand strategy, community building, viral marketing, licensing and retail merchandising. Big Tent currently serves as the worldwide (ex Asia) marketing and licensing company for viral sensation Domo and the North American agency of record for a number of children’s properties including: Discovery Kids, the leader in real world, educational content for children; The Wiggles, the world’s most popular pre-school entertainers; and Miffy & Friends, one of the largest brands for infants, toddlers and preschoolers with an all-new tween/teen program. Additionally, Big Tent serves as the U.S. licensing agent for the masters of freestyle motocross, the Crusty Demons, and the world’s most popular series about girls and horses, The Saddle Club. The Company is also the worldwide management company for renowned art licensing agency Alaska Momma.



About Dark Horse

Since 1986, Dark Horse Comics has proven to be a solid example of how integrity and innovation can help broaden a unique storytelling medium and establish a small, homegrown company as an industry giant. In addition to publishing comics from top talent like Frank Miller, Mike Mignola, Neil Gaiman, and comics legend Will Eisner, their highly successful line of comics and products based on popular properties includes Star Wars, Aliens, Conan, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Emily the Strange, Tim Burton, Trigun, and The Incredibles. Today Dark Horse Comics is the third largest comic-book publisher in the U.S. and is recognized as the world's leading publisher of licensed comics material.