Upper Deck has lost Marvel to Fanatics.

[Jaysabz]

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.

Star Wars has been trending down in the autographs department (besides Stellar, which has been missing a while) since 2016, but - though I haven't been a buyer, I've seen Star Wars breaks where I haven't recognized one signer or character from a whole case since Fanatics took over, and it wasn't much better in the last few years Topps had the license.

Even Masterwork was being flooded with animated character signers from characters I couldn't even remember, and I've watched most of the animated series.

I agree, UD would deliver significant signers. Just take Allure as an example, as it was a more recent ePack release:

Base Rainbow:

3 Don Cheadle as War Machine - E 1:544
8 Jaimie Alexander as Sif - G 1:93
10 Hayley Atwell as Peggy Carter - F 1:312
14 Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye - E 1:544
15 Tom Hiddleston as Loki - C 1:3,231
25 Kat Dennings as Darcy Lewis - G 1:93
26 Chris Evans as Captain America - A 1:27,784
27 Georges St-Pierre as Georges Batroc - E 1:544
28 Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes - D 1:2,778
31 Karen Gillan as Nebula - F 1:312
41 Evangeline Lilly as Wasp "Wasp" - E 1:544
43 Tom Holland as Spider-Man - B 1:5,954
45 Emily VanCamp as Sharon Carter - F 1:312
47 Sebastian Stan as Winter Soldier - D 1:2,778
49 Anthony Mackie as Falcon - C 1:3,231
50 Chris Evans as Captain America - B 1:5,954
51 Elizabeth Olsen as Wanda Maximoff - E 1:544
56 Tilda Swinton as The Ancient One - F 1:312
61 Tessa Thompson as Valkyrie - A 1:27,784
62 Chris Hemsworth as Thor - B 1:5,954
63 Tom Hiddleston as Loki - B 1:5,954
70 Winston Duke as M'Baku - G 1:93
75 Chris Hemsworth as Thor "Bring Me Thanos" - C 1:3,231
76 Tom Holland as Spider-Man - B 1:5,954
79 Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes - D 1:2,778
80 Paul Bettany as Vision - A 1:27,784
81 Elizabeth Olsen as Wanda Maximoff "You Will" - C 1:3,231
83 Tom Vaughan-Lawlor as Ebony Maw - G 1:93
86 Evangeline Lilly as Wasp - G 1:93
92 Chris Evans as Captain America "Avengers Assemble" - C 1:3,231
95 Tom Holland as Spider-Man - B 1:5,954
97 Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye - E 1:544
98 Chris Hemsworth as Thor - B 1:5,954

Lots of big names, and very little filler. Sure, no RDJ, Ruffalo, Portman, Rudd, but pretty high quality nonetheless.

[aggie4ever]

Originally Posted by cmixer

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

I don't think we've seen an official announcement yet. However, I did see a couple of tweets last night saying that it was announced at SDCC.

[finfangfan]

Not sure I will get anything back other than a generic response, but I did send this message to UD customer service today…

“People are circulating rumors in the hobby community that Fanatics has snagged the US Marvel card license away from Upper Deck. Are there any truth to these rumors? How long does Upper Deck’s current trading card license last with Marvel?”

I will post whatever response I get.

[HiltonL]

Customer service reps at many companies get bombarded with veiled requests for proprietary info every day. They aren't going to tell us anything, not directly at least.

[finfangfan]

Worth a shot.

[newhobbygeek]

Upper deck has done well on getting new signers. Ruffalo, albeit SSP, is in She-Hulk but I haven't seen any his autos hit eBay yet. Portman was in Thor Love and Thunder. Upcoming GOTG 3 sales sheet has mock ups of Chris Pratt, but I don't trust that until you see a checklist.

I think big signers missing in MCU are SLJ, ScarJo and Zendaya. RDJ never signed for Upper Deck, but technically does have plenty of MCU autos. I think send ins couple years ago for RDJ were $900.

I could definitely see Topps/Fanatics spending to get RDJ signatures. I imagine they would only put total 1-5 autos of RDJ per set though. Topps a lot of times has decent checklists until you realize all top signers have very few autos less than 20-100 total per product print. Upper Deck I feel usually puts 100+ of top signers in their products if they get the signer.

A Stellar MCU set could be exciting but isn't affordable for most collectors. Also, I thought I read somewhere Fanatics was killing the Star Wars Stellar line up because ROI was to low.

I'm still waiting for collectors to see positive changes in Topps influenced by Fanatics. This isn't something I expect overnight. I think it will still be few years before Fanatics is stabilized and collectors see what the entire Fanatics ecosystem consists of. I feel like I read every 2-3 months Fanatics bought Company-A and acquired exclusive License-B. Those are actions I see of a company trying to boost their stock value and not build quality products for customers.

[prospectorgems]

From the simple standpoint of quality control issues; Upper Deck must have used the dullest blades on all of their cards regardless of thickness. I am not sure what cards are like for their Hockey Products but I haven't seen one Marvel product in the last several years not have an issue.

Honestly though, Topps/Fanatics has had their issues too but not to the level that UD had.

[finfangfan]

Originally Posted by prospectorgems

From the simple standpoint of quality control issues; Upper Deck must have used the dullest blades on all of their cards regardless of thickness. I am not sure what cards are like for their Hockey Products but I haven't seen one Marvel product in the last several years not have an issue.

Honestly though, Topps/Fanatics has had their issues too but not to the level that UD had.

Fanatics should have better QC since it bought its own card printer (GC Packaging).

[newhobbygeek]

SpideyHits had a live stream about week ago: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKmjjnW6u1M talking about Gossip of Fanatics acquiring Marvel license. This is before the short video posted last weekend from SDCC, which I believe started this thread. They layout reasons why license change might be happening. Speculating it could be shared like old days of Rittenhouse/UpperDeck.

Indicators they mention license is ending for Upper Deck is sketch card artists don't have new sketch card blanks available for APs or even knew Marvel work. Upper Deck has been putting out a lot new sets since end of pandemic, but recently they are coming out very rapidly. Upper Deck acquired the DC license.

Another reason I believe might be true is all the recent sales on Upper Deck ePack for Marvel products. It seems every other week new sale.

Interesting SketchCardHive had video with Upper Deck 3 months ago https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAOHKUQPt2s and talked about future sets with Upper Deck employees. I was expecting a Marvel MCU Series 1 and Series 2 set but maybe those aren't happening now.

I wouldn't be shocked if some of the Marvel social media influencers know that Fanatics has acquired the license. They knew who the 2022 Marvel Masterpieces artist was, had access to original art all before general public, and played along in their videos about wondering who the artist was or what characters might be in the set. Apparently they had to sign NDA for that information so not sharing is understandable.

One benefits of putting time into social media and networking is learning information first.

[newhobbygeek]

Originally Posted by prospectorgems

From the simple standpoint of quality control issues; Upper Deck must have used the dullest blades on all of their cards regardless of thickness. I am not sure what cards are like for their Hockey Products but I haven't seen one Marvel product in the last several years not have an issue.

Honestly though, Topps/Fanatics has had their issues too but not to the level that UD had.

Totally agree. Most of UD products since 2018(?) have had some type of printing issues. All my Captain America 75th are super clean cut cards. Sometimes its just one type of card, foil pattern or insert, but most times a lot roller markers on base. Edges that look like they were cut with steak knife

[dd316]

Originally Posted by newhobbygeek

Upper deck has done well on getting new signers. Ruffalo, albeit SSP, is in She-Hulk but I haven't seen any his autos hit eBay yet. Portman was in Thor Love and Thunder. Upcoming GOTG 3 sales sheet has mock ups of Chris Pratt, but I don't trust that until you see a checklist.

I think big signers missing in MCU are SLJ, ScarJo and Zendaya. RDJ never signed for Upper Deck, but technically does have plenty of MCU autos. I think send ins couple years ago for RDJ were $900.

I could definitely see Topps/Fanatics spending to get RDJ signatures. I imagine they would only put total 1-5 autos of RDJ per set though. Topps a lot of times has decent checklists until you realize all top signers have very few autos less than 20-100 total per product print. Upper Deck I feel usually puts 100+ of top signers in their products if they get the signer.

One thing that could put Fanatics ahead in terms of autos would be on-card autos. So while UD has a great track record of MCU talent autos, they're mostly stickers. If Fanatics could continue with great names, getting them on-card would make everyone forget the UD releases forever.

[cmixer]

tangential chime-in from an ex-employee in charge of celebrity signature acquisition ...

I know of a company who wants five signatures of a high-profile actor just to say "we had XXX sign for our product." -- Instead of even trying to deal with an Agent or Management Team, they just booked an employee to attend a Comic Convention and pay full-market rate.

I guess it's a win-win. Collectors get the cards (at very long odds), and the company gets to add the name to the Sell Sheet for promotion.

[DynaEtch]

Originally Posted by newhobbygeek

knew who the 2022 Marvel Masterpieces artist was, had access to original art all before general public, and played along in their videos about wondering who the artist was or what characters might be in the set. Apparently they had to sign NDA for that information so not sharing is understandable.

On this note, maybe under Fantatics there won’t be this secretive picking a few people, mainly influencers, and excluding the wider hobby for stuff like first dibs and access to original art. Dunno if it was UD or the artist more, but that rubbed a lot of people the wrong way for MM22, as it should.

[newhobbygeek]

Originally Posted by dd316

One thing that could put Fanatics ahead in terms of autos would be on-card autos. So while UD has a great track record of MCU talent autos, they're mostly stickers. If Fanatics could continue with great names, getting them on-card would make everyone forget the UD releases forever.

If Fanatics consistently puts out on card auto only sets, I believe they will definitely make people go "Upper Deck, who?" .

If it is a Stellar style set once a year at $8-10K for 20-30 on-card autos... I don't think you 10x the hobby or make people forget Upper Deck. If its a Masterworks style set, sadly you see stickers most time and on card autos for the toad lady . The last Star Wars Masterworks is $600+ right now... not consumer friendly.

Most the recent Topps Star Wars sets seem very Chrome/Sapphire so I'd expect stickers for autos. I'm not sure how well ink dries on Chrome. Has Topps done on card for Chrome sets on baseball or Star Wars before?

You are 100% right. If they do on-cards for all their autos, definitely draw people towards the new autos!

[newhobbygeek]

Originally Posted by DynaEtch

On this note, maybe under Fantatics there won’t be this secretive picking a few people, mainly influencers, and excluding the wider hobby for stuff like first dibs and access to original art. Dunno if it was UD or the artist more, but that rubbed a lot of people the wrong way for MM22, as it should.

I would guess it was the artist and not Upper Deck. It appears the person that helped the artist lived very close and networked to help. I believe the artist setup a Patreon to try and get average collectors access to other items, ie APs. I think the artist has done great job making himself accessible.

I think a lot of this is about networking. I would expect much of the same in the future if Fanatics does OA sets. If people put in the time and effort, they can learn things or gain access to information before others, ie OA artists or future product releases. Its just how world works. Some these Youtubers put in A LOT of time and work so I don't hold it against them if they benefit some.

The only way I see for general collectors to ever gain fair access to OA is if the art is well advertised being available and auctioned on popular site like eBay. However, it seems most artists avoid eBay now and just do direct sales to save that 15%. I assume most collectors don't check Goldin/Heritage auctions as much as eBay.

[finfangfan]

If Fanatics does get Marvel license more nonsports people will probably be joining the Montgomery Club to get first dibs on the early Marvel releases. Currently that club is largely dominated by sports card collectors/dealers as the benefits are heavily weighted in that direction.

[DynaEtch]

Originally Posted by newhobbygeek

I would guess it was the artist and not Upper Deck. It appears the person that helped the artist lived very close and networked to help. I believe the artist setup a Patreon to try and get average collectors access to other items, ie APs. I think the artist has done great job making himself accessible.

I think a lot of this is about networking. I would expect much of the same in the future if Fanatics does OA sets. If people put in the time and effort, they can learn things or gain access to information before others, ie OA artists or future product releases. Its just how world works. Some these Youtubers put in A LOT of time and work so I don't hold it against them if they benefit some.

The only way I see for general collectors to ever gain fair access to OA is if the art is well advertised being available and auctioned on popular site like eBay. However, it seems most artists avoid eBay now and just do direct sales to save that 15%. I assume most collectors don't check Goldin/Heritage auctions as much as eBay.

I have a different opinion and think the push towards exclusivity with MM and secretly choosing a select few to reap the benefits is not a good thing for the hobby. In terms of OA it’s not new, if I recall one single person had bought up the entire set of MM16 art from Jusko. I like that DDS got actively involved with the hobby, including doing interviews about the set…I’m just not a fan of how that went down, and I’m hardly alone. Not sure how to remedy it to give fair access, outside public auctioning or even like a lotto system where any collector has a chance at the OA pieces.

Anyway this is getting off topic with regards to UD/Fanatics, as you’re correct it’s probably the artist’s choosing.

[DynaEtch]

Originally Posted by finfangfan

If Fanatics does get Marvel license more nonsports people will probably be joining the Montgomery Club to get first dibs on the early Marvel releases. Currently that club is largely dominated by sports card collectors/dealers as the benefits are heavily weighted in that direction.

What does Montgomery club get you? Early access? Cheaper box/cases? Can anyone join?

[Zeldafanatic15]

Originally Posted by DynaEtch

What does Montgomery club get you? Early access? Cheaper box/cases? Can anyone join?

I think the last time they offered it, sign up was $2-300, can't remember exact price. They give you some exclusive baseball complete sets throughout the year(and maybe a shrub, no joke) and you get early access to buy sets at retail price. No discounts.

Sent from my SM-S928U1 using Tapatalk

[finfangfan]

Originally Posted by Zeldafanatic15

I think the last time they offered it, sign up was $2-300, can't remember exact price. They give you some exclusive baseball complete sets throughout the year(and maybe a shrub, no joke) and you get early access to buy sets at retail price. No discounts.

Sent from my SM-S928U1 using Tapatalk

2024 was $150 per the Blowout thread… https://www.blowoutforums.com/showpo...ostcount=43259

[Zeldafanatic15]

Originally Posted by finfangfan

2024 was $150 per the Blowout thread… https://www.blowoutforums.com/showpo...ostcount=43259

That was the renewal price. Last time they opened it up for new subscribers wad a lot more.

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[DynaEtch]

Originally Posted by Zeldafanatic15

I think the last time they offered it, sign up was $2-300, can't remember exact price. They give you some exclusive baseball complete sets throughout the year(and maybe a shrub, no joke) and you get early access to buy sets at retail price. No discounts.

Sent from my SM-S928U1 using Tapatalk

I can see early access being pretty big with marvel since the hot stuff could be sold out or jacked up in price in due time. Idk that seems kinda steep though.

Not much a fan of the exclusive club thing, could make it even harder to get product for us average joes.

[finfangfan]

Originally Posted by Zeldafanatic15

That was the renewal price. Last time they opened it up for new subscribers wad a lot more.

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Gotcha… thanks for clarification. Looks like free money for Topps. I’m surprised UD never did something similar on ePack. People would probably pay extra to get front in line for popular weekly releases and game dated cards.

[dd316]

Originally Posted by newhobbygeek

I'm not sure how well ink dries on Chrome. Has Topps done on card for Chrome sets on baseball or Star Wars before?

I think Bowman Chrome autos are all on-card. With the right pen it looks beautiful.

[BobCollects]

Time to start moving your cards off of e-Pack if you think the rumors are true.