Background

With all of the controversy surrounding Kobe Bryant with the demanding of (and then backing off of) his trade from the Lakers, Upper Deck’s All-Star Vinyl Kobe might quickly become a collector's item.  Then again, with only 2,000 pieces produced, it already was that.

Released on April 24th, the All-Star Vinyl figure quickly sold out.  It was available in two-packs or as single – Home and Away – figures.

Packaging

Due to the Kobe’s pose, the window front box is a little larger than the rest of the line.  There is a flap on the front, similar to the entire ASV line, and the figure sits in a plastic tray.  Also, the Kobe artwork is shown – from different angles – on the sides of the packaging.

The Figure

The Kobe Bryant All-Star Vinyl measures in at approximately 10“ in height.  The limited
edition figure is available in both Home and Away jerseys.  The Home
version is limited to 1,500 pieces, while the Away version is a smaller
run of 500 pieces.

Each figure has 5 points of articulation (waist, upper legs and
shoulders) and is made of rotocast vinyl.  The Kobe figure (and artwork) was designed by Chris
Brunner, who is responsible for designing UD's NBA line.

The vinyl figure is in a crossover position, and Kobe is poised to dribble
the ball between his legs.  This means that he is a little wider than
most of the ASV figures. 

Our Opinion

Being a Sixers fan, I’m not a huge Kobe Bryant fan.  He seems to be a
player who fans love to hate…unless he’s on your team.  Nevertheless,
there must have been at least 2,000 Kobe fans who gobbled up the
All-Star Vinyl figure.

Looking at the initial photos, I wasn’t overly impressed.  It’s
probably because I’m not a fan.  Once you actually see the
figure in person…it’s great.  Being in a basketball stance (the
crossover position) is different from other figures in the NBA line.
You get a little attitude with his raised eyebrow, halfway closed eyes
and leaned back head.  And all of the intricate details (tattoos,
jersey and basketball) add to the realistic - yet stylized - look.

You can pick one up at the following:

You'll have to check ebay to find this figure.

Kobe Bryant ASV Grades:

Quality: 9/10
Paint: 9/10
Durability: 9/10
Hype: 9/10
Fun Factor: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Overall: 9.5/10