RALEIGH, NC, August 19, 1997 -- For the first time in more than thirty years, the classic Lost in Space property has been officially licensed through New Line Cinema, and Inkworks is first in space to introduce an inaugural trading card series, Lost in Space Archives: Premiere Edition. New Line Cinema recently announced the licensing deal with Inkworks, which also includes a trading card series releasing in March 1998 which is based on the new, blockbuster Lost In Space feature film, set to premiere in April.

The Irwin Allen Lost in Space TV classic aired on CBS from 1965 through 1968 and became a worldwide syndicated hit, now airing daily at 9 A.M. on the Sci-Fi Channel. Lost in Space Archives: Premiere Edition premium trading cards follow the adventures (and often misadventures) of the Robinson family whose sabotaged spaceship is forced to wander the galaxy, bringing them into contact with an assortment of ominous aliens as they attempt to return safely to earth.

Our Lost In Space Archives cards are a great tribute to this wonderful sci-fi classic, said Allan Caplan, Inkworks' President and CEO. The show was part sci-fi drama, part campy romp! We strived to ensure the integrity of the show and its characters by employing the services of known experts in television history and the science fiction genre, i.e., Lost in Space fanatics. I think this premium card series will really knock the socks off of fans of the show and science fiction buffs as well.

Inkworks' Lost in Space Archives collector cards will be available in stores on November 19 and will include 81 full-bleed, UV-coated cards based on the 1960's TV classic . Geared toward baby boomers with a taste for nostalgia, the card series will feature full color images and be highlighted by rare photos and restored vintage images. The series was written by Gary Gerani, author of Fantastic Television, a well-known bible of fantasy/sci fi programs of the past including Lost in Space.

• Critics Choice: Favorites episodes will be highlighted with classic black and white photos.

• Behind the Scenes: Rare or never before published color photos take viewers behind the scenes of the filming of the beloved series.

• Character Cards: Featuring unique images of the original cast including Bill Mumy, Jonathan Harris, June Lockhart and more!

• Preview Cards -- A trading card first, only from Inkworks. A special nine-card preview of the upcoming Lost in Space Movie, not found anywhere else!

Lost in Space has always been a much-loved, but under-utilized franchise, said Greg Goldstein, Vice President of Licensing and Product Development at Inkworks. Inkworks is going to change all that. We're going to do for Lost in Space what we've so successfully done for our James Bond series -- make it into a powerhouse property! I think the folks will be very happy with the terrific looking movie coming out in April, and I'm sure Lost in Space will garner a whole new generation of fans.

• The Robinson Family -- Nine cards featuring the intriguing stories of the famous space wanderers (1:11 packs).

• Alien Wonders -- Ever wonder how some of those cheesy-looking aliens ever made it through their first audition? Six awesome aliens to trade and collect -- mine's goofiest! (1:17 packs).

• Danger Will Robinson: The Robo-Metallic Card -- Will was always in danger, and Robot always let him know it! This very rare, ultra cool card features fan favorite, Robot, in all his metallic splendor! (1:108).

Lost in Space Archives: Premiere Edition packs will contain 7 cards. High quality Collector Albums designed to hold the entire series will also be available.