Man Of Steel !

Stamp collectors will be excited by a unique set of stamps and collectables that has been issued by Jersey Post to celebrate the forthcoming release of Man of Steel, the new Superman movie starring Henry Cavill, who was born and educated in Jersey, Channel Islands.

The stamps feature a number of innovative printing techniques, each paying tribute to the Man of Steel’s super powers and brought together for the first time in one issue.

Jersey Post’s Philatelic Bureau started work on the project almost two years ago, opening discussions with the Henry Cavill Management Team as soon as it was announced who would be taking the lead role in the movie. Warner Bros. Pictures have also been actively involved in all the concept and development of the project, which received Royal approval this month.

Sally Diamond, Head of Philatelic at Jersey Post said: ‘This is an incredibly exciting day for Jersey Post. We are renowned for producing innovative and highly collectible stamp issues that reflect important cultural and historic moments with relevance to Jersey, such as the hologram stamp we issued last year to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. On this occasion we have produced a stunning set of stamps, which were inspired not only by a momentous cinematic occasion but also by the talent that this small island is capable of producing.’

The set of six stamps feature a number of innovative production techniques, developed by Cartor Security Printing in France.

Each technique pays tribute to the Man of Steel’s super powers and are brought together for the first time in one issue:

45p The face shows a close up of Henry Cavill as the Man of Steel. Scanning the stamp with a smartphone triggers a augmented reality App, which takes the user to the bonus material, including an exclusive interview with Henry Cavill in which he talks about the stamps. Users are introduced to the story behind each stamp, and are treated to bonus information, trailer and images from the film. There is also a gallery of stunning iconic views of Jersey from local photographer Danny Evans.

55p The image of Man of Steel in a dramatic mid air flying pose is set on a transparent stamp, to symbolise his x-ray vision

60p Printed on flat simili silver foiling, reflecting the Man of Steel’s incredible strength

68p Printed with thermochromatic ink; when warmth is applied to the face of the stamp, for example by holding it with your fingertips, the Earth is revealed beneath the Man of Steel in flying pose.

80p Crushed granite taken from just one pebble at Beauport Bay, which is Henry Cavill’s favourite place in Jersey, is applied to the face of each thermographic stamp to give its rough, tactile finish and once again acknowledging the Man of Steel’s strength.

88p Printed with ‘glow-in-the-dark’ ink, this stamp reveals a hidden message from the Man of Steel’s father, which is visible only in darkness.