Upper Deck Gets Some Style

Before McFarlane got into the sports figure game, you could describe sports merchandise with three words: dull, dull, dull. But something interesting is happening at Upper Deck, one of the biggest dealers of sports swag.

They've hired comic artist Sean Galloway to design vinyl figures of various sports stars. I'm ashamed to say I've never heard of this guy, but he's definitely helping to breathe some life into the moribund world of sports figures. Teaming up with sculptor Rocco Tartamella, they're getting ready to produce some nice stuff! Look how caricatured this design is - it's great to see some exaggeration going on for a change. To be sure, these could be taken further when you compare them to designs being done overseas, but this is one of the first sports toys I've been tempted to buy!

Thanks to the Upper Deck Blog and Plastic and Plush for the info!