A look forward at soon-to-be-released stamps

After posting about the Star Wars stamps recently, I was exploring the US Postal Service web site when I saw the link to the 2007 commemorative stamp program preview. What I found so cool about the preview section was the link to a media kit, which includes downloadable images of the upcoming stamps from the USPS. The only real restrictions on using the images look to be unaltered full color reproduction (with the required exception to block out the stamp denomination for roughly-actual-size images) and inclusion of the USPS copyright symbol. Totally reasonable requirements. So reasonable, I’m counting myself as media and reprinting just a couple of the stamps that I think are really cool.

WASHINGTON – Marvel Comics, the art of Disney, Ella Fitzgerald, the settlement of Jamestown, Jimmy Stewart, Mendez v. Westminster, vintage mahogany speedboats, lighthouses and those stunning polar lights are just a sampling of diverse icons in the U.S. Postal Service’s 2007 commemorative stamp program lineup.

“Once again, the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee has delivered a powerful stamp program that reflects the American experience and highlights our values, heroes, history, achievements and natural wonders in an artistic collection of colorful postage stamps,” said Postmaster General John E. Potter.

International Polar Year

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The International Polar Year 2007-2008 will be highlighted on a souvenir sheet Feb. 22, when scientists around the world will conduct research and field observations to increase understanding of the roles that both polar regions play in changing ecosystems, coastal erosion and other phenomena. The sheet features two international rate stamps. One is a marvelous photograph of the aurora borealis. The second is an equally eye-catching photograph of the aurora australis. The souvenir sheet will only be available online at www.usps.gov/shop or by calling 1-800-STAMP-24. Advance orders will be accepted beginning Feb. 1.

. . .

Marvel Super Heroes

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Marvel Super Heroes will save the day when they arrive in July. The 10 stamps on a pane of 20 depict Captain America, Elektra, Iron Man, Silver Surfer, Spider-Man, Spider-Woman, Sub-Mariner, The Incredible Hulk, The Thing and Wolverine.

The other 10 stamps depict classic Marvel Comic book covers linked to the super heroes. Information about the artwork shown on each stamp appears on the back on the stamp pane.

I gotta get me some of those super-hero stamps. I’m a sucker for supers.

[tags]USPS 2007 commemorative stamp program, Planned stamp releases for 2007[/tags]