Pittsburgh Penguins Phenom, Sidney Crosby Ready To Release Ultra Exclusive ‘Black Edition’ of his Vinyl Action Figure

Upper Deck to Launch 3^rd Version of Limited-Edition Collectible at Toronto ’s Sportcard and Memorabilia Expo

CARLSBAD, Calif. (May 2, 2007) –Sidney Crosby, the Pittsburgh Penguins phenom, who recently led his team to their first playoff birth in six years, is no stranger to super human feats on the ice and is launching his new EXCLUSIVE Black Edition Upper Deck Authenticated (UDA) All Star Vinyl action figure.  

UDA will launch the Crosby themed superhero-inspired vinyl action figure at the Sportcard & Memorabilia Expo held at Toronto International Center May 4-6^th.  The expo, which covets Canada’s premier national sport, hockey, will serve as an ideal launching pad for the exclusive new figure, as the expo annually draws the some of the most charismatic and passionate hockey collectible and memorabilia fans worldwide. 

The third in the Crosby series, the rare Black Edition action figure, with metallic gold Penguins markings and RBK logos, follows the limited release of the road and home versions of the young star, which debuted and promptly sold-out online March 27^th.  The Black Edition, in matching foil and gold packaging, will be the most limited in quantity, as there will be only 250 figures produced, making it the most sought-after of the series to date.  The figures will make their expo debut at the Upper Deck booth with an MSRP of $100.00 (CAD).

“Crosby, who continues to amaze in his second season by continuously breaking records and leading his team to the Playoffs, is celebrating another of his career milestones with the release of his super premium All-Star Vinyl action figure.  With only 250 figures produced, we purposely kept the print run at an all time low to maintain long-term value and collectibility for hockey collectors,” said Upper Deck sports figure product manager Dave Sanders.  “This is also consistent with the spirit of the under ground vinyl action figure movement.”

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.  “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.”

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.