Upper Deck Launches Marvel® Thor Movie Trading Card Set

Much-Anticipated Release Is On Store Shelves Now!

Carlsbad, CA (March 29, 2011)– Earlier this month, the Upper Deck Company, in conjunction with Marvel Entertainment, Inc., released its much-talked-about “THOR” movie trading card set. Chock full of highly collectible cards showcasing many of the most memorable scenes from the upcoming Thor movie premiering on May 6, the 82-card base set consists of 70 regular cards, 11 “Talent of Thor” cards, and one THOR movie poster card.

“Entertainment fans of all ages will no doubt go wild for these cards,” said Brandon Miller, Upper Deck’s brand manager for Marvel. “We are extremely excited to see the reaction from Marvel fans and movie-going enthusiasts as this will provide a glimpse into the movie before it’s even released. With cards showcasing actual scenes from the movie, memorabilia directly from the costumes worn in the movie, and autographs from some of the top actors in the movie, the THOR trading card set has something for everyone.”

Topping the list of must-haves within the Thor set is its incredible lineup of insert cards including actual autographed cards from the film’s director, Kenneth Branagh, as well as two of the movie’s biggest stars: Chris Hemsworth (Thor) and Tom Hiddleston (Loki). In addition, pieces of actual costumes that were used in the movie have been embedded into movie memorabilia cards to bring collectors even closer to their favorite actors. Some of these items include a shirt worn by Hemsworth and pants worn by Oscar-winning actress Natalie Portman, who portrays Jane Foster in the film. Collectors can uncover at least two movie memorabilia cards inside every box. Eye-popping 1-of-1 original “Artist Sketch” cards from renowned illustrators such as Jim Cheung and Jonboy Meyers fall at an average rate of 1:40 packs.

Some of the exclusive subsets included boast classic Thor comic book covers (12 versions) and movie concept art cards (13). Actor headshots taken during the filming of the movie also adorn various card fronts. And finally, acetate movie cards depicting pivotal scenes from the film fall at a rate of 1:16 packs, providing yet another great chase for card collectors.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to team with Upper Deck on this particular release,” said Paul Gitter, President of Consumer Products at Marvel. “We know that Marvel fans and card collectors alike will really embrace this release. We’re all looking forward to it.”

Upper Deck’s multi-year agreement with Marvel Entertainment grants the trading card giant the rights to develop future products based on some of Marvel’s various other comic books and Marvel Studios’ feature films, including Captain America: The First Avenger and The Avengers.

Upper Deck’s THOR Trading Cards boasts seven cards per pack, 24 packs per box, and is currently on store shelves.

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.