The Upper Deck Company Turns Back Time With Retro Version of Tom Brady In New Set Of All Star Vinyl Figures

Patriot's famed QB immortalized in three new figures based on 'Stylized Realism' Found in Comic-Book Art

Carlsbad, Calif. (September 28, 2007) - Upper Deck gives collectors another reason to log onto allstarvinyl.com next week as Tom Brady's line of All Star Vinyl figures drop online. Brady's new figures come in three unique editions of the famed Patriot's passer, including a road edition which features Brady wearing New England's white jersey. Additionally, the line of new releases will feature a black edition figure of Brady, which has proven to be the most highly-sought after variant of the All Star Vinyl figures. Finally, to satisfy collectors looking to reminisce, Brady's likeness will be available to fans in a retro edition figure that features #12 in the nostalgic red jersey and white pants, complete with patriotic tube socks worn by the Pats in the 80's.

Tom Brady can count four Pro Bowls and two Super Bowl MVP awards among his many accolades. Now, the talented QB who was touted as Sports Illustrated's Sportsman of the Year in 2005 and was named to AP's All-Pro Team the same year, can add All Star Vinyl action figure to his extensive list of career achievements.

"Tom Brady is regarded throughout the NFL as an extraordinarily driven and determined player," said Upper Deck Authenticated Brand manager Dave Sanders. "Such characteristics are indicative of a player who will see long-term success in the NFL, making Brady's All Star Vinyl figures highly desirable for collectors."

Fans will be able to scoop up Brady'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 for $99.99 USD. Each figure is produced in limited quantities to ensure long-term collectibility.

Tom Brady's latest trio of figures will be available to members of the All Star Vinyl Platinum club Tuesday, October 2nd at 9:12 am PDT while the general public can race to obtain the collectibles twenty four hours later on Wednesday, October 3rd at 9:12 am PDT. Platinum club members are limited to one figure per member, with the limitation lifting following the public release on Wednesday.

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 Sean Galloway."

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.