Upper Deck is expanding its entertainment collectibles portfolio through a new licensing agreement with Hasbro that will bring several of Hasbro’s fan-favorite franchises to trading cards and games.
“Hasbro is one of the most recognizable brands in the world and has shaped generations of fans and pop culture storytelling,” says Jason Masherah, President of Upper Deck. “The characters and universes they’ve created represent lasting connections to stories that have been cherished for decades. Our goal with this collaboration is to create trading card experiences that honor the franchise legacies while giving fans new ways to engage with the titles they love.”
The collaboration begins with Transformers: The Movie 40th Anniversary Special Edition trading card set, which launches exclusively at Target in September. The set celebrates the 40th anniversary of The Transformers: The Movie with cinematic poster-inspired cards featuring Autobots and Decepticons.
Source: Hasbro
Source: Hasbro
Source: Hasbro
Each box includes the complete base set, along with a Stellar System insert series featuring characters against a galaxy backdrop. Collectors can also look for parallels and autographed cards from Peter Cullen, the voice of Optimus Prime.
“Choosing to collaborate with Upper Deck opens the door to premium trading cards that commemorate the properties fans have loved for generations,” shares Marianne James, Senior Vice President, Global Licensing at Hasbro.
Later this year, Upper Deck will release a second The Transformers: The Movie 40th Anniversary trading card set through its Fleer brand. The 100-card base set will feature characters and scenes from the film across Fleer-inspired base and parallel designs.
The Fleer collection includes From Screen to Page inserts featuring artwork from the 20th anniversary IDW comic series; More Than Meets the Eye flip lenticular cards showcasing characters in robot and vehicle modes; and Instruments of Destruction 3D lenticular cards featuring the Decepticons and other villains. Select voice actors will also be featured on autograph cards.
Source: Hasbro
Source: Hasbro
The new Hasbro licensing agreement extends beyond Transformers, with future Upper Deck collections inspired by Power Rangers, G.I. Joe, M.A.S.K., Jem and the Holograms, and additional Hasbro properties.
“Transformers, Power Rangers, and G.I. Joe continue to inspire passionate communities around the world,” James adds. “We’re proud to work with a company that understands what makes these brands resonate so deeply with fans and how to capture those moments in beautifully designed trading cards.”
The partnership comes as The Transformers: The Movie celebrates its 40th anniversary and ahead of Transformers Day Sept. 17.
Learn more at upperdeck.com.
