Upper Deck Launches New All-Star Vinyl™ Action Figure of Colts QB Peyton Manning

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Sports collectibles leader releases four ‘stylized realism’ variations of reigning Super Bowl MVP



Carlsbad, CA. (January 14, 2008) – Hot on the heels of completing his eighth NFL season with more than 4,000 passing yards and tenth straight season with at least 26 touchdown passes, Indianapolis Colts signal-caller Peyton Manning is the latest NFL superstar to be featured in Upper Deck’s growing line of All-Star Vinyl™ action figures. Upper Deck will release its four-tiered All-Star Vinyl action figure line of the reigning Super Bowl MVP starting on Tuesday, January 15, at 9:18 a.m. (PST) to All-Star Vinyl Platinum Club members and to the general public on Wednesday, January 16, at 9:18 a.m. (PST).



Manning’s ASV figures, which stand 12” tall, will be available to collectors and fans alike in a home blue uniform version (numbered to 1,000); the away white uniform version (numbered to 500), a red-and-white Pro Bowl uniform version (numbered to 500); and the coveted black edition (numbered to 250) featuring gold team graphics on an all-black figure. The sleek all black figures have quickly become the most highly anticipated variants of the All-Star Vinyl™ line of collectibles due to its unique look and limited availability.



“Despite the Colts’ surprising loss on Sunday, football fans still love Peyton Manning and appreciate his heroics out on the football field,” said Upper Deck’s Dave Sanders, brand manager for the All-Star Vinyl line. “And as the league’s reigning Super Bowl MVP, Peyton remains one of the most highly collectible NFL stars on the planet.”



Each of the new figures costs $74.99, with the exception of the Black Edition, which retails for $99.99. Eager fans will also be able to scoop up a dual-pack featuring both the black edition and home blue uniform version for $149.99. Manning represents the sixth NFL start to be featured in the ASV line, following in the footsteps of Brett Favre, Ben Roethlisberger, Tom Brady, Reggie Bush, LaDainian Tomlinson and Brian Urlacher. For more information on the All-Star Vinyl action figures, please visit UD Sports | All Star Vinyls.



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



Produced in the underground style of urban vinyl, Upper Deck’s All-Star Vinyl action figures combine art and realism not typically found in sports-licensed products. “In this medium, our designers are able to really play up the player’s attributes and subtleties that give life to each of these athletes, highlight their distinct features and playing style – design characteristics that make them highly unique in comparison to more traditional based sports figures,” said Sanders. Urban vinyl figures, or designer toys, are considered pieces of art by industry insiders. Usually made of soft roto-cast PVC, referred to as "vinyl" by collectors, many of the industry's product launches are held at gallery openings and/or release parties where the toys are displayed side-by-side with paintings and other pieces of art.



Keeping with the comic book/super-hero theme, the high-end packaging and artwork was created by well-known comic artist Jeremy Madl. For more details on the All-Star Vinyl figures, Upper Deck has set up a dedicated website with a Blog written by Sanders at UD Sports | All Star Vinyls. It provides consumers with a first look at upcoming sports action figure launches throughout the year, giving them insight into the athletes who will be featured, as well as the artist and sculptor behind each piece.



History of Urban Vinyl Collectibles



The trend of urban vinyl collectibles originated in Hong Kong and Japan, and recently became popular in the United States. Upper Deck remains the first and only company to recognize the possibility of combining urban-stylized figures with licensed sports leagues to create a heroic depiction of popular sports stars. Upper Deck has also released figures depicting players from the NBA, NHL and MLB.



About the Upper Deck Company



Founded in 1988, Upper Deck is a global sports and entertainment-publishing company that delivers a robust portfolio of products for sports and entertainment collectors alike. For more information, visit The Upper Deck Company: Sports Trading Cards, Authentic Memorabilia, Sports Collectibles, & Entertainment Products or - Upper Deck Store.