Mars Attacks Launches First Original Card Set in Decades

Riding the momentum of the 50th Anniversary of their best-selling franchise and following the success of Mars Attacks comics from IDW Publishing, Topps today announced the first new set of story-based trading cards for the franchise in more than twenty years. While paying homage to the infamous card set that first shocked parents and delighted children in 1962, Mars Attacks: Invasion is described as "a bold revival, and will take the property into exciting new territory." "Last year's Heritage re-issue was a smash hit with fans and this brand-new series is what we've been building to," said Topps's Adam Levine. "It will be a fresh re-imagining of the original series and will stay faithful to Mars Attacks' pulpy, classic sci-fi roots.  This means all-new, traditionally hand-painted cards illustrated by a group of artists carefully selected to carry forward creator Norm Saunders' legacy." The set will boast an impressive roster of talent, from living legend Earl Norem and master illustrator Joe Jusko, to renowned painters Ed Repka, Glen Orbik, Gregory Staples and more to be announced.  Artists contributing to the 63-card, story-based portion of the set will each illustrate multiple cards, with the set being divided into themed subsets that combine to tell the story of an alien apocalypse. "Topps hasn't done a set like this in more than twenty years," says series editor David Waldeck. "It's a return to the days when trading cards hooked audiences with incredible imagery and imaginative storytelling. We've loaded the set with everything fans know and love about Mars Attacks: giant insects, flying saucers, ray guns, robots, damsels and death rays!" Topps will also have a small number of original 1962 Mars Attacks trading cards randomly inserted into packs.  These vintage trading cards from the most valuable non-sport trading card set in history have been certified by Topps in 2013 and will be available as rare chase cards in Mars Attacks: Invasion. Additional chase subsets and valuable collector-driven inserts will be detailed in the coming months. Mars Attacks: Invasion is scheduled for release in October 2013.