MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- G.I. JOE enthusiasts from all over the world will experience the world's first action figure in a whole new way when Hasbro introduces the new 8-inch G.I. JOE SIGMA SIX line to consumers at this year's International G.I. JOE Collectors' Convention on June 25th and 26th at the Marriot City Center in Minneapolis. The new line, featuring favorite characters like DUKE and SNAKE EYES, will closely follow the G.I. JOE team's new adventures in the G.I. JOE SIGMA SIX series debuting this fall on 4Kids TV.

The G.I. JOE team has been in service for more than four decades, and each generation of kids has had its own version. Hasbro's G.I. JOE brand was first introduced in 1964 representing the four major branches of the military: ACTION SOLDIER, ACTION SAILOR, ACTION MARINE, and ACTION PILOT figures. By the early '70s, the brand expanded with the ADVENTURE TEAM line and "KUNG-FU-GRIP" feature. In 1982, the 3 3/4-inch sized and newly themed G.I. JOE REAL AMERICAN HERO collection launched, with the G.I. JOE team seeking to thwart the ruthless COBRA organization. Now, after 40 years, G.I. JOE SIGMA SIX action figures are reinventing the brand for today's kids.

"The SIGMA SIX line offers fans of all generations a new way to play with their G.I. JOE action figures and provides an updated look to the characters made famous during the G.I. JOE vs. COBRA storylines," said Billy Lagor, Director of Marketing for Hasbro's G.I. JOE brand.

The SIGMA SIX line allows kids to relive the action of the new weekly SIGMA SIX animated series debuting this September, and features several of the most popular G.I. JOE characters including: DUKE, SNAKE EYES, HEAVY DUTY, SPIRIT IRON-KNIFE and the C.O.B.R.A. ninja STORM SHADOW. Each figure will be fully articulated and will come with their signature gear, as seen on the animated series. (Approximate Retail Price: $14.99; Recommended Age: 5 & up; Available: Fall 2005) The G.I. JOE SIGMA SIX line will also feature the NINJA LIGHTNING CYCLE, a motorcycle that changes into a hovercraft. (Approximate Retail Price: $14.99; Recommended Age: 5 & up; Available: Fall 2005)

"Hasbro and the G.I. JOE Collectors' Convention are giving thousands of G.I. JOE fans the very first opportunity to preview the new and exciting G.I. JOE SIGMA SIX line," said Brian Savage, director of the G.I. JOE Collectors' Club. "SIGMA SIX will entertain and excite G.I. JOE fans from all over the world at this year's convention."

In addition to the public premiere of SIGMA SIX, the ninth annual Collectors' Convention will also display the 3 3/4-inch world of G.I. JOE vs. C.O.B.R.A. Highlights of the line include 3 3/4-inch single pack action figure favorites, like SPIRIT IRON KNIFE, SGT. MUTT, MAJOR BLUDD, SCRAP IRON and LADY JAYE, all equipped with weapons and a file card detailing their background, and the 3 3/4-inch Bravo Vehicle Assortment.

The International G.I. JOE Collector's Convention is co-sponsored by Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE: HAS), the makers of the G.I. JOE brand, and the G.I. JOE Collectors' Club. At the event, consumers can browse through the newest and oldest G.I. JOE merchandise. For more information about the 2005 Hasbro International G.I. JOE Collectors' Convention, go to www.gijoeclub.com. For more information about G.I. JOE, go to www.gijoe.com.

Hasbro (NYSE:HAS) is a worldwide leader in children's and family leisure time entertainment products and services, including the design, manufacture and marketing of games and toys ranging from traditional to high-tech. Both internationally and in the U.S., its PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, TIGER, and WIZARDS OF THE COAST brands and products provide the highest quality and most recognizable play experiences in the world.