Upper Deck, in collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products and the NHL, has launched a groundbreaking series of trading cards that merges the worlds of hockey and DC Comics. This unique initiative, titled the 2025 DC Fanimation Crossover, features top NHL draft prospects reimagined as iconic DC Super Heroes. This collaboration marks a significant moment for collectors and fans, blending the thrill of sports memorabilia with the captivating universe of comic books.
The first set in this series of four, the 2025 DC Fanimation Crossover, is now available for a limited time exclusively on the Upper Deck e-Pack online platform. The collection showcases five high-profile NHL draft prospects, each meticulously illustrated in a dynamic, comic book-style artwork inspired by legendary DC characters. Matthew Schaefer embodies Superman, Michael Misa channels Batman, James Hagens becomes The Flash, Porter Martone takes on the role of Green Lantern, and Caleb Desnoyers is styled after Nightwing. These cards represent the beginning of an ambitious crossover initiative that Upper Deck plans to expand throughout 2025, promising collectors a series of exciting and innovative releases.
Jason Masherah, President of Upper Deck, emphasized the company's vision behind this crossover: "Far too often, the sports and entertainment worlds are thought of as separate paths that collectors can never cross. We wanted to bring fans together by reviving an iconic insert to spotlight some incredible Upper Deck athletes whose lives will change on draft day. While Fanimation cards have been sought after for decades, combining their unique art style with future NHL stars and the DC Universe is an innovation that collectors have never seen before." This initiative aims to bridge the gap between sports and entertainment, offering fans a novel way to engage with their favorite NHL prospects and DC heroes.
The second installment in the DC Fanimation Crossover series is already highly anticipated. It will feature Upper Deck exclusive spokesmen Wayne Gretzky and Connor McDavid, with artwork inspired by DC Studios' upcoming film "Superman," set to release on July 11th. This fusion of hockey legends with the Superman theme is expected to be a major draw for collectors, capitalizing on the buzz around the film's national theatrical debut.
Upper Deck has secured exclusive deals with several top NHL draft prospects, solidifying its position as a leader in sports collectibles. Matthew Schaefer, potentially the No. 1 draft pick, has an exclusive trading card and memorabilia deal with Upper Deck. Michael Misa and James Hagens also have similar memorabilia and trading card deals, while Porter Martone, Caleb Desnoyers, Roger McQueen, Kashawn Aitcheson, and Carter Bear are exclusive to trading cards.
Fans eager to get their hands on the 2025 DC Fanimation Crossover cards can purchase them for $5.99 per pack (1 card per pack) on Upper Deck's e-Pack platform until July 7th. These cards will be offered digitally initially, with printed versions available to ship within 8-10 weeks. Collectors can also explore autographed prints, pucks, and jerseys from Schaefer, Misa, and Hagens, along with other DC trading cards, at the Upper Deck Store.
Upper Deck is also the presenting sponsor of the June 27-28 NHL Draft. The company has planned several activations for the event, including a booth where fans can create personalized trading cards and play games to win prizes. This extensive engagement underscores Upper Deck's commitment to providing fans with unique and immersive experiences.
