Characters Based on 'Stylized Realism' Found in Comic-Book Art

CARLSBAD, Calif. (Jan 25, 2007) -- They can throw a spiral faster than a speeding bullet. Bowl over defenders for a first down with more power than a locomotive. Leap over an end-zone wall into an adoring crowd in a single bound.

In the minds of many fans, NFL stars have powers beyond those of most mortal men. Helping to perpetuate that point of view, Upper Deck will launch three superhero-inspired vinyl action figures based on three Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks during the week of the big game: Ben Roethlisberger (Jan. 30; 9:07 a.m. PST), Brett Favre (Jan. 31; 9:04 a.m.) and Tom Brady (Feb. 1; 9:12 a.m.).

All hourly launch times tie back to each quarterback's jersey number.

Only 1,000 of each have been produced and will be offered exclusively online (www.allstarvinyl.com; MSRP $49.95), making the 11-inch action figures -- based on the stylized realism found in comic-book art -- arguably the most limited league-licensed football figures ever released to collectors.

"Even though these quarterbacks put up big numbers every January, we're going to keep our numbers on this release extremely small," said Upper Deck football product manager Dave Sanders. "Like their real-life athlete's on-field ability, these figures are rare. And like their fan's expectations, product demand will be high. If history is any indicator, there's no doubt they'll go fast."

According to Sanders, Upper Deck's first vinyl figures -- featuring LeBron James -- sold out in a little more than an hour. The Super Bowl quarter back series represent the first licensed vinyl figures from a sports league, and are a follow-up to Upper Deck's successful "The LeBrons" figures released last year in partnership with Nike and centered on LeBron's latest sneaker campaign.

Sanders also noted that Upper Deck's January NFL release is the start of All-Star Vinyl's product launch in all four major sport categories this year. Its NBA and NHL athletes hit retail in March, MLB players in May. In total, 38 elite athletes of the present and past will be unveiled on the All-Star Vinyl label in 2007.

More on Upper Deck's NFL All-Star Vinyl Action Figurines
At 11 inches and produced in the underground style of urban vinyl, Upper Deck's All-Star Vinyl NFL quarterbacks are a combination of art and realism not typically found in sports licensed products.

"In this medium, our designers are able to have fun by adding or playing up on player attributes and subtleties that give life to these athletes, highlight their distinct features, playing style -- design characteristics that make them highly unique in comparison to more traditional based sports figures."

To that, Sanders pointed out the cleft in Brady's chin and Roethlisberger's pinky on the ball, lifted a half-inch from the laces. Other features of note: Brady's eye black and boyish cowlick; Rothlisberger's backward baseball cap and hockey-style playoff beard; Favre's steely blue gaze and ever-present hand warmer and towel.

All three action figures are featured in their team's home jerseys, complete with Reebok logo on sleeve, NFL logo on chest. Away versions of all three quarterbacks will be launched in July.

To find out more on the Super Bowl quarterback set, Upper Deck has set up a blog written by Sanders at www.allstarvinyl.com. It will also give consumers a first look at upcoming sports action figure launches throughout the year, giving insight into the athletes to be featured, as well as the artist and sculptor behind the piece.

Information on Vinyl Artist, Sculptor; History of Urban Vinyl Collectibles
San Diego-based freelance comic and figure artist Sean Galloway, 32, designed the All-Star Vinyl Super Bowl quarterback series. Galloway's credits include commissioned art for Batman, Hellboy and Teen Titans.

"I love to create art; but what I love even more is to create with meaning. This project allowed me to reinterpret NFL players as we all envision them -- larger than life," said Galloway. The artist's artwork is featured prominently on each figure's packaging, giving collectors insight into the design of each player.

The sports action figures were sculpted by Rocco Tartamella, a well-known toy sculptor who has done work for such clients as Mattel, Hasbro, and McFarlane. Taratamella also sculpted Upper Deck's LeBron series.

The trend of urban vinyl collectibles originated in Hong Kong and Japan, recently becoming popular in the United States. A sign of its popularity: at the Toy Fair last February, the industry officially recognized this trend with its own exhibit hall titled "Urban Bazaar: Indie Art Toys."

Urban vinyl figures, or designer toys, are thought of as not just toys, but as pieces of art. Usually made of soft roto-cast PVC, referred to by collectors as "vinyl," many of the industry's product launches are held at gallery openings or release parties where the toys are displayed side-by-side with paintings and other types of art.

About the Upper Deck Company
Founded in 1988, The Upper Deck Co. is a premier global sports and entertainment-publishing company that delivers a portfolio of relevant, innovative and multi-dimensional product experiences to collectors, sports and entertainment enthusiasts.

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