Chicago-based Athlitacomics' new line of "football hero merchandise features none other than a comic version" of Colts QB Andrew Luck, according to Dana Hunsinger Benbow of the INDIANAPOLIS STAR. The merch shows Luck with "jet black hair" and an "intensely evil expression on his face." Standing at "what seems to be at least 10 feet tall," the figure is "creepy looking, a bit disturbing." The Luck merchandise is part of the newly launched Sports Heroes line by the company, which was founded by NFL free agent Israel Idonije. Luck "is among the first NFL players to be featured" in the Sports Heroes series, joining Packers QB Aaron Rodgers and LB Julius Peppers, Broncos QB Peyton Manning, Saints QB Drew Brees and Patriots QB Tom Brady. The other QBs also "look mean and distorted, though they are more easily recognized than Luck." Idonije said that the characters "are meant to look different than they do in real life," as it is "comic artistry." Other Luck comic merch "includes a black T-shirt with his image covering the front, a picture frame, a mounted figure and a Luck removable decal." The items "range in price from $4.99 to $79.99 and are available at athlitastore.com" (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 12/17). In Boston, Gayle Fee reports Idonije "plans to create storylines for real-life athletes from all four major professional sports and feature them in comic books and related merchandise." His company is licensed by the NFLPA (BOSTON HERALD, 12/17).
DRAWING A BLANK: In San Diego, Jonathan Horn noted the '15 Chargers calendars were given out to fans at Sunday's home game. One picture has the Bills logo on QB E.J. Manuel's helmet "photoshopped off." Chargers PR Dir Bill Johnston said, "Since a non-League sponsor (The San Diego County Toyota Dealers) is involved, all other team logos had to be less prominent or removed" (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 12/16).
