Rare, 1-of-1 collectible artists’ sketch cards discovered in company’s latest entertainment product are going off the charts in the secondary market

Carlsbad, CA (May 14, 2010) – Less than a month ago, the Upper Deck Company released its much-touted Marvel Iron Man 2 trading card set. On May 7, the actual movie premiered and the reaction from movie goers has been incredible. Collectors can’t get enough of Iron Man 2 collectibles and memorabilia and Upper Deck’s latest product launch has it all. From limited-edition autograph cards from stars like Mickey Rourke and Don Cheadle to rare movie-used costume cards, the Upper Deck set has collectors clamoring for a piece of the movie’s legacy. But what’s been most eye-popping is the reaction – and subsequent eBay postings – to the set’s artists’ sketch insert cards.

“With Iron Man 2 having just premiered, collectors can’t get enough of this action hero,” said Brandon Miller, Upper Deck’s Marvel Brand Manager. “We’re ecstatic, to the say the least, by the reaction so far to our trading card set, which has completely sold out in the Hobby, and we’re even more excited to see what some of the artists’ sketch cards are going for up on eBay.”

More than 160 artists from across the globe were commissioned by Upper Deck to supply their own sketches for many of the characters portrayed in the action movie. Some arrived as rough, hand-drawn pencil sketches while others came in finely tuned with finished paint. Upper Deck then sprinkled the various works of art into the set’s packout as rare, 1-of-1 artists’ sketch cards. From Aaron Sowd and Bob Layton to Adam DeKraker and Dan Panosian, these talented artists’ work is now raising the bar when it comes to eBay’s online collectible art auctions.

A quick glance at some of eBay’s most recently closed auctions of these 1-of-1 efforts shows sketch cards fetching top-dollar prices. For instance, a color drawing of Iron Man 2 from artist Sanna Umemoto closed for $199 on April 23, while another beautifully drawn color sketch of Iron Man 2 by fellow artist Sarah Wilkinson fetched $134.99 on May 2. In other recent eBay postings, a full-color Iron Man 2 sketch card by Bob Layton sold for $129.50 on May 4; a Kate Bradley original closed at $374.99 on May 6; and a Charles Hall original sketch card of “Pepper Potts,” the sexy character portrayed by Gwyneth Paltrow in the movie, closed on May 3 for $600!

About Upper Deck

Upper Deck is the leading sports and entertainment trading card and collectibles company. For more information on Upper Deck and its products please visit www.upperdeck.com.

About Marvel Entertainment

Marvel Entertainment, Inc. is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 5,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in licensing, entertainment (via Marvel Studios and Marvel Animation) and publishing (via Marvel Comics). Marvel's strategy is to leverage its franchises in a growing array of opportunities around the world, including feature films, consumer products, toys, video games, animated television, direct-to-DVD and online. For more information visit www.marvel.com.

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Media Contact:

Terry Melia

Public Relations Manager, Upper Deck

760-929-3055; or terry_melia@upperdeck.com