'Heroes' branches into trading cards

NBC has linked up with manufacturer Topps to release a set of collectible trading cards based around the first season of Heroes.

The 90-card set, which has just hit shelves in the US, includes cards with original autographs from cast members such as Hayden Panettiere, Greg Grunberg, Milo Ventimiglia and Zachary Quinto. Other special items include cards that feature an authentic piece of a costume used during the production of the hit show.

NBC Universal's Senor Vice President Kim Niemi hailed the quality of the memorabilia: "Topps has done a first-rate job showcasing Heroes... with the autographs and bits of costume, these cards give the fans an actual piece of the show and we look forward to introducing more in the months to come."

The collaboration was also lauded by Topps's Vice President Ira Friedman: "The fervent Heroes fan base and the show's compelling on-air visuals are powerful trading-card ingredients. Add the engaging storylines and multi-seasonal episodes to the mix and Heroes has the potential to become a major mainstay in the collectible card category."

> Click here for our review of the latest Heroes episode