Toon Zone is reporting that the Cartoon Network will begin airing Zoids in early November.  According to the report, the series will premiere November 5th at 5 p.m..  Zoids is a venerable property that first appeared as Tomy toys in the early 1980s.  The toys were originally snap-together wind-up kits, and eventually evolved into motor-driven creatures -- mech-like dinosaurs, insects, etc..  The mechs were 'driven' by tiny pilots.  The toys were sold in the U.S. at various times over the years, ending in the mid-90s.  The anime dates from 1999, when it was first introduced in Japan.  There are approximately 90 half-hour episodes from two Japanese series available. 

 

A U.S. toy re-launch has also begun.  Toys R Us has a series of Hasbro exclusives available now with more on the way.  Diamond has solicited similar products for shipment in November, as well as some small pvcs and wind-ups.  One thing that has become obvious over recent months is that Cartoon Network exposure drives product sales; if the exposure continues for any length of time, it's likely that Zoids will become a major anime-based merchandising force.