LT home uniform

Upper Deck Stops Reigning NFL MVP LaDainian Tomlinson…Just Long Enough to Sculpt him for New All-Star Vinyl Action Figure

Sports collectible’s company releases four versions of the Chargers All World Running Back, based on ‘stylized realism’ found in comic book art

When you need to pick up the tough yards in the fourth quarter to keep the drive alive and the clock moving, you give it to your star running back, LaDainian Tomlinson.  Upper Deck knows this too, which is why the company is breaking the huddle with the latest league MVP as the next player to be replicated in action figure form as part of its All-Star Vinyl line.  Upper Deck will release an All-Star Vinyl action figure of the San Diego Chargers perennial Pro Bowler on Friday, November 23 (9:25 AM PST) to Platinum Club members and to the general public on Monday, November 26 (9:25 AM PST). 

Tomlinson’s vinyl figures will be available to collectors and fans alike in a white and blue trimmed home uniform version (numbered to 500), the fan favorite powder blue version (numbered to 1,000), an alternate dark blue road uniform version (numbered to 500) and of course, a coveted black edition (numbered to 250) featuring gold team graphics on an all black figure.  The sleek all black figures have become the most highly anticipated variants of the All-Star Vinyl line of collectibles due to its unique look and limited availability.  

“LT has stood head and shoulders above the competition ever since he came to San Diego from Texas Christian University,” said Upper Deck’s Dave Sanders, Brand Manager for the All-Star Vinyl Line.  “Fans will recognize Tomlinson’s intense game face stare added to his comic book stylized super hero stance.”

Powder blue uniform

Tomlinson continues put the National Football League with his stellar play, especially after scoring a league record of 31 total touchdowns during the 2006 season.  “LT is the best player in the NFL and is a threat to score every time he touches the pigskin,” added Sanders.

The new figures will run for $74.99, with the exception of the Black Edition, which is $99.99.  Eager fans will be able to scoop up a dual pack featuring a black edition and a black on black version for $150.00.  For more information on the All-Star Vinyl action figures, please visit www.allstarvinyl.com.

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 Jeremy Madl.” 

To offer more details on the All-Star Vinyl figures, 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.

LT wearing helment

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.