Upper Deck has lost Marvel to Fanatics.

[fabiani12333]

Originally Posted by HiltonL

On the other hand, if they get Superfractors and Sapphire and like it, then the old inserts fade into history like everything else when there is a new hotness

A problem arises when Topps inevitably pumps out several chrome Marvel products every year with superfractors and sapphire parallels of the same characters -- it'll get old fast.

There will be a push by Fanatics marketing, breakers and influencers to pump up the first few Marvel releases -- chase the first Spider-Man superfractor, bro! It'll sell well due to the novelty. But after that, Topps will either need to make unique and desirable products to hold people's interest and attention, or find some other types of gimmicks like bounties to drive sales.

I say, good luck.

[finfangfan]

A lot of discussion has been on the comic art side of Marvel cards, but I think Fanatics has a better chance than UD of getting actor autos for the MCU sets. We might even get some Marvel actors who haven’t signed for awhile.

[newhobbygeek]

Originally Posted by finfangfan

It wasn’t just MM that UD put out while Rittenhouse was making Marvel sets… UD also released IM2, Marvel Beginnings, the first couple Marvel Premier, Retro, etc while Rittenhouse was also putting out Marvel sets (their last one being Avengers Silver Age in 2014, I think).

I’m not sure we’d ever get a split Marvel license again … at least in the US territory.

I wasn't in hobby back then, but Spider-man 3 (2007) set Rittenhouse released has Upper Deck Entertainment on back. It was almost like Rittenhouse sub-licensed Marvel for a period. Rittenhouse was also putting out Agent of Shield sets until 2015: https://www.scifihobby.com/products/...leasedates.cfm.

[newhobbygeek]

I really hope whoever ends up with the Marvel license puts more effort into the MCU sets for costume and prop relics. I think those are some cards that make movie/tv sets special. Upper Deck has done an amazing job recently with signers.

If Fanatics overbid the Marvel license though, I fully expect that cost to be pushed down to consumers. Also, Marvel actors signings have gotten a lot more expense vs. late 2000's/early 2010's.

I think someone already said this, but if Fanatics does have the Marvel license and contract is final. They will announce it at Fanatics Fest.

[fabiani12333]

Originally Posted by finfangfan

A lot of discussion has been on the comic art side of Marvel cards, but I think Fanatics has a better chance than UD of getting actor autos for the MCU sets. We might even get some Marvel actors who haven’t signed for awhile.

This has potential -- just think of a Deadpool & Wolverine release with hard-signed Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman cards.

But then Fanatics will have to contend with all the subpar MCU and Disney+ movies and shows that are in the pipeline. The most popular Marvel movies and shows are in the rearview mirror -- Upper Deck already did the Infinity War and Endgame products, for example.

[fabiani12333]

Originally Posted by newhobbygeek

I really hope whoever ends up with the Marvel license puts more effort into the MCU sets for costume and prop relics.

Yeah, but will they be production relics or actual actor worn pieces?

Topps has already rolled back on using MLB Authentication stickers in their baseball patch and swatch cards, making their origins uncertain. They could just do what Panini does with patches and use retail patches.

[finfangfan]

Yeah… I’m not a fan of patch cards. The “used in the production of” language on the back of the UD swatches was always a bit questionable as to what you were actually getting.., left over material they had lying around after making the costumes? All the GotG 1 swatches being the same yellow fabric and there being a Rocket costume relic when he was CGI turned me off on them.

[newhobbygeek]

Also, I'd like to see an increase in Concept Art inserts and Comic Cover inserts associated with each movie/show. Movie/tv poster cards.

Give me a whole set of MCU concept art by Ryan Meinerding. I wouldn't mind seeing some autos from composers.

I'm not saying the above are major draws for all collectors, but I think an MCU movie/tv set benefits by including more than just actor autos. I'd take a box of Thor Dark World over Endgame/Infinity War/No Way Home. The later movies are much more popular and higher grossing, but I found the Thor Dark World product much more enjoy to open.

[Rictor]

If it's more than a rumor, I'd be curious on the date. For all we know, Upper Deck's Marvel license is good for another 2 or 3 years.

[Ehawk89]

Originally Posted by Rictor

If it's more than a rumor, I'd be curious on the date. For all we know, Upper Deck's Marvel license is good for another 2 or 3 years.

Recently some breakers during their breaks have let it slip that Fanatics was putting out Marvel cards next year. I believe there was talk a European listing for Marvel Topps Chrome had popped up. Where there's smoke there's fire.

[finfangfan]

Originally Posted by Rictor

If it's more than a rumor, I'd be curious on the date. For all we know, Upper Deck's Marvel license is good for another 2 or 3 years.

Right… it could be a couple years before things switch. And that’s even assuming UD does lose the license. It’s just rumor at this point.

[finfangfan]

Originally Posted by newhobbygeek

I wasn't in hobby back then, but Spider-man 3 (2007) set Rittenhouse released has Upper Deck Entertainment on back. It was almost like Rittenhouse sub-licensed Marvel for a period. Rittenhouse was also putting out Agent of Shield sets until 2015: https://www.scifihobby.com/products/...leasedates.cfm.

Here is the card back for the 2007 Spidey you mention and it does mention sublicense which sounds like an odd arrangement. 2007 predates when Disney bought Marvel so it’s possible that changed how sublicenses could be made. I have a hard time seeing such an arrangement in today’s Marvel card market beyond the different licensing arrangements in areas across the globe.

[PapaStu]

The prime place for an announcement would be at D23 in 2 weeks. Topps digital has been there for Star Wars products in the past (I know they were there last D23 in 22).

[fabiani12333]

Another important factor to consider for the future of Marvel and DC cards is AI -- will Fanatics and Upper Deck utilize AI for their artwork?

I have to think this won't go over well with traditional collectors and hobbyists -- but the gamblers and flippers might not care.

AI artwork becoming the norm in card production would presumably boost the appeal and value of older sets with original hand-painted and drawn artwork, though.

[DynaEtch]

Originally Posted by fabiani12333

Another important factor to consider for the future of Marvel and DC cards is AI -- will Fanatics and Upper Deck utilize AI for their artwork?

I have to think this won't go over well with traditional collectors and hobbyists -- but the gamblers and flippers might not care.

AI artwork becoming the norm in card production would presumably boost the appeal and value of older sets with original hand-painted and drawn artwork, though.

Sure wouldn’t go over well with me, but I do think for the gamblers/flippers if we’re talking like the people who came in around Covid flipping PMGs, I’m not sure they do care about the origins of the art. They don’t care if it’s even new or just cut and paste comic art. Someone gonna tell me if you pointed out to them some PMG was either from Hulk #312 (and whatever artist…often people don’t know for that kind of art) or AI that makes any difference? It wouldn’t…it’s just checking off the boxes: 1. What is it (green PMG), 2. Which character (Wolverine), and 3. Does it look cool (and sometimes that doesn’t even matter). Nowhere on that list is which artist did it, for that kind of card.

I don’t know exactly where AI is at this point in terms of capability, but something tells me such art on a set would be pretty easy to tell (computerized, clean, digital looking art vs traditional painting).

But in terms of AI art…won’t someone please think about the original art collectors! We don’t get those beautiful OA paintings, showcase galleries from DDS with Marvel Masterpieces etc.

[1992UDFootball]

Originally Posted by fabiani12333

Another important factor to consider for the future of Marvel and DC cards is AI -- will Fanatics and Upper Deck utilize AI for their artwork?

I have to think this won't go over well with traditional collectors and hobbyists -- but the gamblers and flippers might not care.

AI artwork becoming the norm in card production would presumably boost the appeal and value of older sets with original hand-painted and drawn artwork, though.

Not buying any AI "art". Zero. None.

[fabiani12333]

Originally Posted by DynaEtch

I don’t know exactly where AI is at this point in terms of capability, but something tells me such art on a set would be pretty easy to tell (computerized, clean, digital looking art vs traditional painting).

It's coming hard and fast -- Wizards of the Coast already got caught using it for Magic the Gathering cards and then lying about it. It's going to completely transform and upend media and entertainment.

I imagine it will be the primary method of creating artwork and designs for trading cards. But it will also create demand for original hand-painted and drawn artwork for collectors -- so maybe there will be special products in the vein of MM that will be produced.

[Rictor]

Originally Posted by Ehawk89

Recently some breakers during their breaks have let it slip that Fanatics was putting out Marvel cards next year. I believe there was talk a European listing for Marvel Topps Chrome had popped up. Where there's smoke there's fire.

Does Upper Deck even have a European license for Marvel?

[finfangfan]

Originally Posted by Rictor

Does Upper Deck even have a European license for Marvel?

Nope. It’s a separate thing entirely. Topps UK is supposed to be releasing a Marvel Chrome set.

[Xazark]

I dont have a problem with AI art, it if looks good, it looks good. They could easily do full original art sets with AI, I would definitely prefer that over recycled art as long as it looks good. Other than masterpieces and the sets where they have artist autos, I dont know/care who the artist is, I just want good looking cards

[finfangfan]

Yeah… I think AI art is fine and can produce some cool stuff…

[jduds]

I haven't been particularly impressed with Upper Deck handling Marvel so I'm cautiously optimistic. I'd love to see Fanatics do a better job tying to the comic book world or market better. In particular, I'd like to see them use artists that actually draw the comics. One of the reasons the Upper Deck Funimation cards are so cool is the usage of Jim Lee art. I'd also like more writer autos, but the weak secondary market suggests that might not be in the cards. The other major thing I'd like is for them to create a predictable yearly set that covers all of the films, shows, and comics released that year.

[dd316]

Originally Posted by finfangfan

A lot of discussion has been on the comic art side of Marvel cards, but I think Fanatics has a better chance than UD of getting actor autos for the MCU sets. We might even get some Marvel actors who haven’t signed for awhile.

Say what? UD has done an amazing job getting signers. I can only think of a small handful of big MCU names they haven't gotten at some point. Fanatics will be pumping out the "Thug #3" autos.

[cmixer]

Sorry if I'm slow to the party ...
Is this announcement now "official" or just speculation?

[finfangfan]

Originally Posted by dd316

Say what? UD has done an amazing job getting signers. I can only think of a small handful of big MCU names they haven't gotten at some point. Fanatics will be pumping out the "Thug #3" autos.

I think people like RDJ, Ryan Reynolds, Chris Pratt, etc that haven’t signed for awhile might be back on the table if Fanatics starts putting out MCU cards.