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2011 Marvel Beginnings Breathes New Life into Classic Comic Legends
Posted by: | CommentsUpper Deck’s upcoming 2011 Marvel Beginnings set brings a thrilling dichotomy to the modern mythology of the Marvel Universe. It will honor the traditional legends by updating them with intense new artistic interpretations. Comic book fans around the globe will once again be able to study superhero stats and stories on the backs of their favorite trading cards, while celebrating the coolest characters ever created through fresh new compositions.
Marvel Beginnings is going to make your favorite Marvel characters shine by polishing up their legendary history. In May, the first part of this three-set release will roll out a swarm of heroes and villains. Each base card will combine a loud modern portrait with a small snapshot of that characters origin story. Upper Deck is bringing some exciting new subsets to the entertainment market with die-cut, holofoil and Micro-Motion inserts cards. Upper Deck has been hinting about another insert in this product that will have everyone talking as well. We’ll just have to see what they come up with there.
And then, to top it all off, certain lucky collectors will own original art the likes of which the hobby has never seen. Sketch card artists were given the freedom to interpret the Marvel Beginnings theme in any way their muses moved them, and they achieved spectacular results. These are true one-of-a-kind collectibles that could hold their own on a museum wall. Imagine what will happen to the eyes of the fortunate fanboy that pulls one of these.
The artwork of the incomparable Charles Hall
Charles Hall actually applies oil paint to the surface of his cards, and his work has taken the origin story to another level. Detailed drawings of the character’s appearance were applied as a background, followed by his usual mind-boggling brushwork. This was an utterly brilliant idea that was executed to perfection.
Remi Dousset brings the stars out at night
Remi Dousset remained regal with his sketches, and they create a sense of timeless truth. With so many fans flocking to each new media outlet, Marvel Comics characters are becoming more real with each passing day in the imagination of our species. Pretty soon they will be considered family ancestors, and they look like it already on these sketch cards.
Dan Panosian really brings the Marvel Universe to life!
Dan Panosian turns up the volume way past the top of the dial. His cards, like all the other sketches, will be hidden in small foil wrapped packages. They will surely start screaming as soon as they are released. It is a style that is rather rock and roll.
The detail in work by Frank Kadar is simply amazing!
Frank Kadar brings our sketch card survey to a close with a crazy combination of classic and contemporary. His work is intense, yet structured and refined. Collecting original art sketch cards provides an opportunity to own an actual piece of pure creativity. Getting your hands on a Kadar would make you a champion.
Keep your eyes peeled for the 2011 Marvel Beginnings set when it hits store shelves in early May. It will bring the thrill back to Marvel trading cards, and it will provide a cardboard kick like this hobby has never seen.
Rian Fike is a teacher, writer and an expert on comic sketch cards from Miami, Florida. He runs a sports and entertainment blog called Full. Body. Transplant. as well as a blog where he features the work of sketch card artists called The Sketch Card Saloon.
Popularity: 3% [?]
Find Miniature Masterpieces in Upper Deck’s Thor Set
Posted by: | CommentsYesterday the hammer dropped as Upper Deck’s Thor trading cards hit store shelves. What makes this product release unique is that it arrives well before the theatrical release so fans can get a sneak peek at what the movie is all about just by going through the trading card product. And some of the hidden treasures found in Thor packs are going to rock the collecting world. Leaving aside the opportunity to pull an actual piece of Natalie Portman’s movie-worn pants from a pack or autographs from the stars of the film like Chris Hemsworth, today I want to focus on the miniature masterpieces that will be available in this epic release. I’m talking about the original art sketch cards created just for this release.
Upper Deck's Thor trading cards are on sale in stores now!
In case you are new to the game, sketch cards are hand-drawn, one-of-a-kind inserts. Each card is unique and will never be duplicated. Some cards fit together to form puzzles, such as the magnificent battle between Thor and Loki drawn by Jose Jaro shown below. All sketch cards are officially approved by Marvel before Upper Deck can include them in packs and it seems like they did a great job of approving the best of the bunch.
Four cards are used to make up this amazing battle between Thor and Loki. All four cards can be found in one "hot" pack.
Remy “Eisu” Mokhtar is one of the most exciting artists in the field, and he will be adding his talents to the Thor set. These are some of his “Artist’s Proof” cards that are not released in packs, but kept by the artist to show off what they can do. Both vertical and horizontal cards can be found randomly tucked inside the foil packs. This allows a fresh new take on the composition of the original interpretations from comic books.
The "AP" designation on these cards indicate they are "Artist's Proof" cards and will remain with the illustrator.
Wendy Chew is a newer illustrator on the scene and her sketch cards will be eagerly chased. She has a perky, whimsical take on the timeless legend of Thor which will undoubtedly breathe new life into the story. Her cards are sure to bring a wide grin to the face of the lucky collectors that find her creations.
Artists like Wendy Chew have a more playful take on sketch cards in the Thor set.
George “Geo” Davis draws tiki funk masterpieces in a special saucy style that is both instantly recognizable and really fun to collect. Transferring his unique brand of boldness to the hammer-pounding saga of Thor creates a thrilling combination of modern and ancient flavor that is sure to please a global community currently drooling with anticipation.
Sketch cards from artists like George Davis help link movie fans back to the comic.
I wanted to end today’s preview gallery with one of the loudest screams in the sketch card world. Jonboy Meyers is back with a roar. The Thor set contains the original pencil sketches of this unabashed master of mayhem, and the foil wrappers can barely contain them. I hope the lucky collector who opens a Jonboy sketch card is sitting down because those things can knock you flat on your back.
Marvel fans love the artwork of Jonboy Meyers.
This is just a sample of the original art sketch cards available in Upper Deck’s Thor trading card set. Get out there and slam your own hammer on a box or two. You might find a museum-quality masterpiece and capture a one-of-a-kind lightning strike of collecting glory.
Rian Fike is a teacher, writer and an expert on comic sketch cards from Miami, Florida. He runs a sports and entertainment blog called Full. Body. Transplant. as well as a blog where he features the work of sketch card artists called The Sketch Card Saloon.
Popularity: 2% [?]
