‘Hot Wheels Battle Force 5’ Merchandise

Includes Del Rey Graphic Novels

At this week’s Licensing International Expo in Las Vegas, Mattel announced a number of licensed products based on its upcoming Hot Wheels Battle Force 5 animated TV series (see “Cartoon Network Spins New ‘Hot Wheels’”). The CGI-animated show premieres in the U.S. on Cartoon Network Sept. 6 and features five teenagers in “ultra-cool, ultra-fast” cars fighting against enemies from outer space.

Nearly 30 different products across 15 different categories will complement the series, including backpacks, watches, apparel, and bedding, along with a tie-in promotion with McDonald’s late this year and in 2010. Notable products include graphic novel titles from Del Rey/Random House; trading cards by EnterPlay; and a video game (to be released in November) by Activision.