Mars Attacks Heritage Card Set Announced

Mars Attacks has left an undeniable mark on pop culture, combining completely outlandish stories with equally outlandish characters. It also made the "rat tat tat" slightly unnerving when heard. Now though, Topps is slated to bring the property to its trading card roots.

The commemorative trading card set, currently in development for release in July, is a cornerstone of the 50th anniversary campaign. In addition to reprinting the 55 iconic cards which comprised the original series, Topps is adding 25 never-before-seen subjects. Ten cards, painted by Jason Edmiston, are based on storyboarded sketches from original series pencillers Wally Wood and Bob Powell that did not originally appear in the 1962 card set.

Edmiston’s finished works pay homage to the pulp sci-fi style of Norm Saunders, the master painter who first gave Mars Attacks its signature look. Fifteen all-new cards are provided by artist John McCrea, the illustrator of IDW’s forthcoming comic book series.

A variety of extra inserts are also designed to add collectibility and fun: limited edition multi-colored parallels and 3D lenticulars will be randomly included in packs. And, for the very first time, Topps will be including sketch cards in boxes. Many talented artists are on board to provide their one-of-a-kind hand-rendered sketch art.

Of course, it doesn't stop with trading cards. There will also be action figures and plush toys, comics and graphic novels, a commemorative book, model kids, costumes, t-shirts, status, holiday ornaments, limited-edition prints and bobblehead dolls. Yes, Mars Attacks is going corporate.

Full press release below.

"MARS ATTACKS" HERITAGE CARD SET ANNOUNCED AT COMIC-CON

Since its initial release in 1962, MARS ATTACKS has made an indelible impression on pop culture, inspiring legions of fans around the world.  Now, Topps is proud to announce MARS ATTACKS' triumphant return to its trading card roots. Coinciding this summer with the landmark half-century milestone the company is pulling out all the stops for collectors to re-connect with the cult classic while ushering in a whole new generation of fans.

The commemorative trading card set, currently in development for release in July, is a cornerstone of the 50th anniversary campaign. In addition to reprinting the 55 iconic cards which comprised the original series, Topps is adding 25 never-before-seen subjects.

Ten cards, painted by Jason Edmiston, are based on storyboarded sketches from original series pencillers Wally Wood and Bob Powell that did not originally appear in the 1962 card set. Edmiston’s finished works pay homage to the pulp sci-fi style of Norm Saunders, the master painter who first gave MARS ATTACKS its signature look. Fifteen all-new cards are provided by Eisner award-winning comic book artist John McCrea, the acclaimed illustrator of IDW’s forthcoming MARS ATTACKS comic book series.  McCrea is known to comics fans as the co-creator of Hitman (in collaboration with writer Garth Ennis), among numerous other high-profile assignments.  His new, powerful imagery for the card set will provide fans with added insights to the comics as well as to the all-new MARS ATTACKS universe.

A variety of extra inserts are also designed to add collectibility and fun: limited edition multi-colored parallels and 3D lenticulars will be randomly included in packs. And, for the very first time, Topps will be including MARS ATTACKS sketch cards in boxes. Many talented artists are on board to provide their one-of-a-kind hand-rendered sketch art.

The original MARS ATTACKS series enjoys the distinction of being the most sought after and valuable non-sport trading card set of all time. Its legacy status has earned the new series Topps’ full “Heritage style” treatment.  In order to preserve the product’s retro sensibility, all cards will be printed on thick, old fashioned card stock. Similarly, the design treatments for the display box and wrapper mimic the now-classic 1962 packaging.

The trading cards will be complemented by a product licensing program geared primarily to core hobby fans.  A host of premium quality tie-ins are in the works:  action figures and plush toys (Mezco), comics and graphic novels (IDW), a commemorative book (Abrams), model kits (Moebius), costumes (Incogneato), T-shirts (Impact), statues and busts (Quarantine), holiday ornaments (Gentle Giant), limited-edition prints (Russell Walks), bobble head dolls and vinyl figures (Funko).  Regular updates about the cards and the licensed merchandise are posted on the official facebook page (www.facebook.com/marsattacks), catering to a growing community of over 50,000 followers.