ADV Toys, the newest division of AD Vision Inc., charged with creating exclusive toys and collectible merchandise based on ADV's extensive roster of anime, manga and original properties, has announced its first release, an exclusive Jonathan the Seal plush animal figure from the highly anticipated Kaleido Star anime series, which ADV Films will release in the U.S. on May 11.  Typical of many of the creatures featured in anime and manga, Jonathan the Seal is loaded with 'kawaii' or 'cuteness.'  Jonathan goes on sale this summer in a 5-inch version (MSRP: $7.99) and a 10.5-inch version (MSRP: $14.99).

Directed by Junichi Sato (Sailor Moon), Kaleido Star is a 26-episode anime series that chronicles the struggles of a 16-year-old girl who is determined to become a star in the circus.  Jonathan the Seal appears in Episode 6 of Kaleido Star and quickly becomes a mainstay of the storyline.