CARLSBAD, Ca. � August 2, 2005 � Celebrating the successful launch of Upper Deck's new Fine Arts Collection, Upper Deck Entertainment (UDE) has announced plans to showcase the original "The Avengers" art piece, created and painted by legendary comic artist Alex Ross, at this weekend's Wizard World convention in Chicago. The first of several collections by Ross, the original artwork of "The Avengers" will be displayed at the UDE booth (#610) from Friday, August 5 through Sunday, August 7.

To accompany the special "Avengers" presentation in the UDE booth on Friday, August 5 (4 p.m.), Ross will sign autographs to attendees interested in meeting the artist. Those attendees will receive an autographed collectible Vs. System™ art card featuring original artwork by Ross.

"The Avengers" art piece features 24 of the most dynamic Marvel superheroes of all time. Using his well-known mastery of shadows and depth, the piece features the strongest characteristics of each figure, which include such superheroes as Captain America, the Hulk, Spider-Man and Wolverine, to name a few.

The new art piece will be released as signed giclees and, signed and unsigned lithographs. Giclees will be individually produced, and printed on archival grade canvas; lithographs will be printed on ultra-premium paper using two of the country's best printers. Signed giclees and lithographs are each available in separate editions of 250 pieces each, and unsigned lithographs will be limited to 500.

All signed prints will include a certificate of authenticity to protect retail partners, consumers, and the integrity of each art piece. The tamper-proof hologram will be included on each signed piece and will feature a one-of-a-kind serial number. Consumers will have the chance to register their art piece online using the unique serial number.

Collector's can also look forward to a new line of large and mini sculpted busts, which will be released in 2006.

Known as one of the world's most pre-eminent and well-respected comic artist, Ross' extensive list of art renderings includes favorite comic superheroes such as Superman™, Batman™, Captain Marvel™, and Wonder Woman™. Ross has won both critical acclaim and an international following for his fully-painted, photorealistic graphic novels, including Kingdom Come and Uncle Sam. In recent years, Ross has applied his artistic skills to outside projects with comic book roots, including a limited-edition promotional poster for the 2002 Academy Awards.

For more information on "The Avengers," and upcoming collections from UDE, please log onto www.fineart.upperdeck.com.

About The Upper Deck Company
Founded in 1988, The Upper Deck Co., LLC is a premier 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 or the company's products, please visit www.upperdeck.com.

UDE is a division of Upper Deck Company -- a premier sports/ entertainment publishing company which delivers a portfolio of relevant, innovative and multidimensional product experiences to collectors and sports and entertainment enthusiasts. For more information on UDE, please log onto www.upperdeckentertainment.com.

About Marvel Enterprises, Inc.
Marvel Enterprises, Inc. is a leading global entertainment licensing company with the world's largest character library of more than 4700 properties, which have entertained generations for over 60 years. Principally focused on licensing Marvel has talented creative teams in its Consumer Products (licensing), Marvel Studios, Marvel Comics and Toy Biz divisions. These divisions support the development of a broad range of entertainment (film/television/dvd), consumer products, toys, comics/trade paperbacks and promotions based on the Marvel characters. Visit http://www.marvel.com for more information.

Marvel, Spider-Man, Doc Ock, Black Cat, Daredevil, The Punisher, Prowler, Nova, Madame Web; the Sinister Syndicate, the Sinister Six, Lizard, Rhino, Venom, Vulture, Green Goblin, Electro and the distinctive likenesses thereof are trademarks of Marvel Characters, Inc. and are used with permission. Copyright Marvel Characters, Inc. All rights reserved. www.marvel.com.

Super Hero(es) and Super Villains are co-owned registered Trademark.