Youngest NHLer to Reach 200 Career Points Gets Own Action Figure: Upper Deck to Launch Limited-Edition Pittsburgh Penguins Phenom Sidney Crosby March 27; Character Based on 'Stylized Realism' Found in Comic-Book Art

CARLSBAD, Calif., March 22, 2007 -- Sidney Crosby possesses an uncommon vision on the ice, enabling him to escape bone crushing checks and score points at a pace rarely seen before, Now as he savors hitting the 200-point plateau younger than anyone in NHL history, Crosby is ready to launch his new Upper Deck Authenticated All Star Vinyl action figure.

Upper Deck will launch two Crosby themed superhero-inspired vinyl action figures -- in road and home versions on March 27 at 8:07 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.nhl.com -- while supplies last.

"Crosby continues to amaze in his second season by putting up big numbers and has his team readying itself for the Playoffs, so to celebrate another of his career milestones we're keeping the print run on the Crosby All-Star Vinyl action figures extremely small to maintain long-term value and collectibility for collectors," said Upper Deck sports figure product manager Dave Sanders. "This is in keeping 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 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.