The next property to join Diamond Select Toys & Collectibles? growing library of licenses is none other than the 1968 classic that introduced the world to damn, dirty apes, Planet of the Apes! With five feature films, two television series, comic books and more ? the Planet of the Apes universe has been a part of popular culture for the past forty years. Now with DST at the helm, new Planet of the Apes merchandise will be hitting stores next year!

As with their successful Star Trek license DST has partnered with Emce Toys to release an array of ape-related products, beginning with reproductions of the hugely popular eight-inch cloth retro figures originally released by Mego in 1974! Beginning with the classic Cornelius and Ursus figures, fans of the original retro-style figures will be able to add these timeless collectibles to their collections complete with their original accessories and packaging style. Further assortments will include the popular Dr. Zaius and Dr. Zira as well as other figures from the classic line!

?The first Planet of the Apes toys were produced by Mego ? a fact which has guaranteed these innovators a place in toy history,? said Michael Leavey, Sales and Marketing Supervisor for Diamond Select Toys. ?Since their designs have withstood the test of time and become legends in the toy industry, it?s only natural to introduce these classic collectibles to the next generation of fans.?

Starting in 1974, Mego released their eight-inch cloth figures to phenomenal fan response. The runaway success of the Planet of the Apes franchise led the company to expand into playsets and other accessories. Available in 2008, the first Planet of the Apes figures in this classic style in more than twenty-five years will be Cornelius the chimpanzee and Ursus the gorilla. Just as with their original releases, both will feature traditional articulation, cloth uniforms and plastic accessories.