When I was a kid nearly everyone my age went through a phase where we collected bubble gum cards. I can remember collecting baseball, football, monster, Beatles, Monkees, and Batman cards. I wasn’t quite old enough to have collected Mars Attacks cards, but all of us knew their reputation.
Mars Attacks trading cards were released in 1962, but were quickly pulled because they were considered too gory for kids. Norman Saunders created paintings of the Martians blasting, burning and impaling humans in their quest to take over planet Earth. So most of us knew of the cards, but had never actually seen them. No matter, for our imaginations made the Mars Attacks cards much worse than the actual art ever could.
Now, for the first time ever…
- In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Mars Attacks, this comprehensive book is the first-ever compilation of the infamous science-fiction trading card series produced by Topps in 1962. Edgy, subversive, and darkly comedic, this over-the-top series depicting a Martian invasion of Earth has a loyal following and continues to win new generations of fans. For the first time, this book brings together high-quality reproductions of the entire original series, as well as the hard-to-find sequel from 1994, rare and never-before-seen sketches, concept art, and test market materials. Also included are an introduction by series co-creator Len Brown and an afterword by Zina Saunders, daughter of the original artist, providing an insider’s behind-the-scenes view of the bizarre and compelling world of Mars Attacks.
- Includes four Mars Attacks trading cards.
- Includes preliminary sketches and artwork, including a facsimile of the original trading card mechanical on the inside back cover, with reproduction of the 1962 handwriting from the original Topps production department.
The Mars Attacks book is a bargain and my guess is that many who buy it will be getting their first look at the cards they were never supposed to see.
