James Figure Based on ‘Stylized Realism’ Found in Comic-Book Art
Carlsbad, Calif. (August 1, 2007) – For more than a year now, Upper Deck Authenticated (UDA) has rocked the sports action figure scene in a relatively short period with its comic inspired figures depicting super star sports heroes in various athletic poses and its latest release will surely keep the streak going. On August 7 at 9:23 AM PST, UDA will launch the first All-Star Vinyl action figure featuring mega star LeBron James in his Cleveland Cavaliers red road and white home uniforms.
Each of these versions will be very limited to increase long-term, collectibility of the figures. James’s red away figure will have a print run of 1500 pieces while his white home uniform 500. As a special offer for the first time ever, the highly coveted black edition variant of LeBron will also be offered with the standard releases. This special figure in all black with gold trim is limited to only 250 figures. The black edition variants within All-Star Vinyl have become the most sought after sub-series of release. The LeBron James black edition figure will be included in a special 3-pack for $199.99 (red, white, black edition). UD is offering three distinct product packages for collectors: the Red Version $49.99; the Red and White Version 2-pack $99.99; and the Red, White, and Black version 3-pack $199.99.
James is the face of the league as he has taken his Cavs team to the NBA Finals in a very short time and continues to amaze fans around the Globe with his play on the US National Team. Collectors are drawn to the charismatic baller and continue to grab up his collectibles and will no doubt want to add one of his limited edition All Star Vinyl action figures to their collections. For more information on the super hero inspired All Star Vinyl action figures click on www.allstarvinyl.com.
Upper Deck has already launched four unique LeBron James themed vinyl action figures – the four figures were based on his extremely popular Nike ads featuring The LeBrons: All-Business, Kid, Athlete and Wise LeBron. Each edition was extremely limited and quickly sold out.
“LeBron is a global super star and does things many of his peers marvel at,” said Upper Deck sports figure product manager Dave Sanders. “LeBron is truly an icon and a magician on the court. He is a terrific addition to our All-Star Vinyl portfolio and collectors will enjoy the detail and attention we’ve used in creating his action figure.”
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 www.upperdeck.com or www.upperdeckstore.com.
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