Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) and DC Comics announced today that it is collaborating with adidas, the official uniform and apparel provider for the NBA, to produce a Superman-inspired line of merchandise featuring the iconic DC Super Hero, Superman and NBA All-Star, Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic.
The upcoming adidas line will consist of footwear and apparel, co-branded with the legendary DC Comics Hero, Superman, along with Howard, whose on-the-court persona has often been compared to the Man of Steel. Items will include t-shirts, fleeces, jerseys and track jackets, as well as athletic footwear. The products will be distributed globally at sporting goods stores, stadium shops, athletic apparel and footwear stores, specialty and department stores and will be available to consumers by Holiday 2010.
"Superman is the universal symbol of strength and speed, not to mention he has one heck of a vertical leap," said Brad Globe, President, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. "Dwight's super heroic feats on the court make this partnership with adidas an ideal collaboration for basketball and comic book fans alike."
"I've always been a big fan of Superman and to be able to team up on this new line is a dream come true. I can't wait to check out all of this great gear and share it with my fans," added Howard.
NBA superstar, Dwight Howard, is a four-time All-Star, four-time All-NBA team selection, three-time All-Defensive member, and two-time Defensive Player of the Year. Howard has been ranked consistently as one of the best in the league in rebounds, blocks, field goal percentage and free throw attempts, and has set numerous franchise and league records. He has led the Magic to three division titles and one conference title, and he was the winner of the 2008 NBA Slam Dunk Contest with his Superman dunk. In the 2008 Olympics, he was the starting center for Team USA, which went on to win the gold medal.
"Dwight is one of the most dominant players in today's game, and Superman has been wowing audiences of all ages for decades," said Chris Grancio, head of global sports marketing, adidas basketball. "We're excited to bring these two icons together on adidas apparel and accessories and look forward to offering consumers a great product line."
Superman is the Man of Steel, the Last Son of Krypton and the protector of Earth; he is the original, archetypal hero. Superman has been depicted in every kind of media, including newspaper comic strips, radio, a Broadway musical, novels, television series, movie serials, animated cartoons and feature films.