NFL’s Iron Man Returns to UD’s All Star Vinyl Line With A Trio Of New Collectibles

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Brett Favre’s Latest Figures Include Road, Retro, and Black Edition Variants of last season's sell out figure based on ‘Stylized Realism’ Found in Comic-Book Art

Carlsbad, Calif. (August 31, 2007) – For the past year, Upper Deck Authenticated (UDA) has been revolutionizing the sports action figure scene with their All-Star Vinyl figures. The collectible line that portrays popular sports heroes from across the board is now set to release three new versions of Green Bay’s Brett Farve, including a new chase version of the Packer’s signal caller outfitted in a retro uniform sported by Green Bay circa 1937.



The throwback “home” uniform, which was worn as recently as 1994 during the NFL’s 75th Anniversary, was modeled after the late ‘30’s , Lambeau-era uniform, a nod to the famous founder of the Green Bay Packers. In addition to the Retro version, Upper Deck will also debut a Road version of Favre and a Black Edition figure of the famed QB. The Black Edition figures have become the most highly sought-after variant of the All Star Vinyl line.

“Brett Favre’s outstanding achievements in the NFL throughout the past 16 seasons have made him legend” said Upper Deck sports figure product manager Dave Sanders. “Having Favre’s likeness portrayed in three new styles, including the nostalgic retro uniform, seems fitting, considering his longtime devotion to the Green Bay Packers.”



Each version runs in limited quantities to increase long-term collectiblity of the figures. Fans will be able to score Favre’s Road Edition figure (limited to 1500) for $49.99 USD, a dual-pack featuring the Road Edition and Retro Home Edition (limited to 500) for $99.99 USD and the highly exclusive Black Edition in a triple-pack featuring one of each figure (the retro home, road and black edition) for $199.99 USD. Favre’s new line of All Star Vinyl figures will be available to Platinum Club members beginning at 9:04 am PDT, Tuesday, September 4th, and on September 5th for the public, at allstarvinyl.com.



Favre, who is often regarded as being the most durable Quarterback in NFL history, has previously been cast as an All Star Vinyl figure in January 2007 when his Super Bowl edition figure sold out. The NFL leader in pass completions is well respected throughout the league for his consistency and holds the record for the longest touch down pass at 99 yards. Going into the upcoming season, Favre is closely trailing behind Dan Marino’s exceptional record of most career touch downs.





More on Upper Deck’s All-Star Vinyl Action Figurines



At 11 inches and produced in the underground style of urban vinyl, Upper Deck’s All-Star Vinyl action figures are a combination of art and realism not typically found in sports licensed products. Adds Sanders, “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. Keeping with the comic book theme, the high end packaging and artwork was created by well-known comic artist Chris Brunner.”



To offer more details on the All-Star Vinyls, Upper Deck has set up dedicated web site with a blog written by Sanders - 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.



History of Urban Vinyl Collectibles



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 annual Toy Fair, in 2006 the industry officially recognized this trend with its own exhibit hall titled "Urban Bazaar: Indie Art Toys."



Upper Deck is the first and only company to recognize the possibility of combining urban stylized figures with licensed sports leagues to create a heroic depiction of sports stars. Upper Deck has released figures of NFL, NHL, NBA, and MLB players.



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. For more information on Upper Deck and its products, please visit The Upper Deck Company: Sports Trading Cards, Authentic Memorabilia, Sports Collectibles, & Entertainment Products or - Upper Deck Store.