Last week I reviewed a sampling of the artistry, technique, layout and sizing of Topps original cartoons from the 1950’s into the 1970’s. That part 1 article shed light on how Topps produced comics on the backside of those vintage cards. Today in part 2 of a 3-part series, I’ll provide multiple examples of alterations Topps made before those cartoons went to press. I’ll also … [Read more...] about Topps Baseball Cartoon Artwork – Part 2: Take Two
Topps cartoons
Topps Baseball Cartoon Artwork – Part 1: Secrets Spilled
Like many, I grew up watching cartoons on TV for hours on end every Saturday morning. When programming eventually shifted to adult content, I marched from living room to bedroom and submersed myself into yet another batch of cartoons – the ones found on the backs of baseball cards. I’ve always been fascinated with the comic artwork and fun facts. Thanks to these, I learned … [Read more...] about Topps Baseball Cartoon Artwork – Part 1: Secrets Spilled
Funny Business: Second Chance 1966 Topps Baseball Cartoons
Last August, I wrote an article revealing how Topps reused photos on 20% of their vintage baseball team cards. That dark secret lurked for over 60 years right under our noses. Today, I have yet another untold practice Topps deployed nearly six decades ago that will no doubt raise more eyebrows. Of the 598 cards in the 1966 Topps baseball set, 481 of those include a single … [Read more...] about Funny Business: Second Chance 1966 Topps Baseball Cartoons
Notes: Topps Cartoons at the Hall; Topps Plant in ’91; Lakers Ring Ceremony Gear, Zajac Night Auction
The cartoons that appeared the backs of Topps sports cards have captured collectors’ fancy for years. For David Moody and his family, collecting the original artwork is a specialty. Now, some of what he managed to pick up over the years is on display through Spring 2022 at the Baseball Hall of Fame. Like the cards themselves, the artwork that managed to avoid … [Read more...] about Notes: Topps Cartoons at the Hall; Topps Plant in ’91; Lakers Ring Ceremony Gear, Zajac Night Auction
Original Drawings Reveal What Topps Did to Jim Lemon’s Weird 1969 Card
Jim Lemon had enjoyed a nice, long career as a big league player and was getting his chance to manage the Washington Senators. Little did he know in January of 1969 that he’d not only be fired a few weeks before the start of spring training but his misfortune would be subject to a rather cruel taunt from Topps. Collectors who pulled his card from packs in the third … [Read more...] about Original Drawings Reveal What Topps Did to Jim Lemon’s Weird 1969 Card