NBA Playoff Bound Kobe Bryant Teams With Upper Deck to Launch Limited-Edition All-Star Vinyl Action Figure On April 24

Kobe Figure Based on 'Stylized Realism' Found in Comic-Book Art

CARLSBAD, Calif., April 23, 2007 -- With his effortless ability to loft a last minute game winning jump shot or a quick step around a defender to throw down a monster dunk Kobe Bryant possesses a super human knack for dominating a game. Much like his super power on court skill, Upper Deck Authenticated (UDA) has perfectly captured Kobe Bryant in the company's new All-Star Vinyl action figure.

Upper Deck will launch two Bryant themed superhero-inspired vinyl action figures -- in road purple jerseys and yellow home versions on April 24 at 8:24 am PT -- each will be extremely limited. Only 1,500 home and 500 away versions have been produced and will be offered online www.allstarvinyl.com (MSRP $49.95) and at www.kb24.com -- while supplies last.

"Every game Kobe reveals another side to his game, one night he single-handedly outscores his opposition, another night his pass leads to the winning score. Bryant performs at another level than his peers," said Upper Deck sports figure product manager Dave Sanders. "Kobe Bryant's play epitomizes the style of our All-Star Vinyl line. He plays like a superhero and is bigger than life. To ensure we keep Kobe's action figure 'real' with Urban Vinyl collectors we have produced a comic book based character with a limited production run. The Bryan action figures are arguably the most-limited NBA licensed product around."

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

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.