Eric J. Moreels
May 9, 2003, 10:45 pm
<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/movies/topps_x2_poster.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/movies/topps_x2_postert.jpg" align=left alt="Topps X2 Movie Cards poster"></a>Reviewer: Eric J. Moreels, webmaster@xfan.cjb.net
Quick Rating: Good
Topps present the characters, story, and some behind-the-scenes of X2 in an x-citing set of 72 trading cards!
Distributor: The Topps Company
Project Manager: Matthew Saunders
Box Count: 36 packs (Hobby), 24 packs (Retail)
Set Size: 72 cards
<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/movies/topps_x2colossuschar.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/movies/topps_x2colossuschart.jpg" align=right alt="Topps X2 Movie Card #14: Colossus"></a>Topps has followed up its release of X-Men movie cards with a 72 card set for the blockbuster sequel, X2. Sticking to the format of its predecessor, the X2 Movie Cards set includes character cards which feature biographical information, storyline cards which summarize the plot of the film, and behind-the-scenes cards which give fans a glimpse at how the film was made. It's a fairly simple format, but an effective one that works well in enhancing the movie experience.
Breaking the set down, and the first 15 cards are dedicated to the characters of X2. All the major heroes and villains are here, as well as surprise inclusions Colossus and Mutant 143. The card fronts feature a close-up still of each character from the movie, whilst the backs feature a different, smaller still alongside well written and informative biographical information.
<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/movies/topps_x2nightraid.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/movies/topps_x2nightraidt.jpg" align=left height="100" width="140" alt="Topps X2 Movie Card #32: Night Raid on The X-Mansion"></a>The next 51 cards focus on the storyline of the film, and like the character cards feature a still on the front, and a smaller related still on the back with a text description of the scene. Notably absent from the trading card storyline is the film's climax, but for those who've seen the film you can understand why. Some of the still choices are a little odd, such as the "Lady Deathstrike Attacks" card featuring a shot of Wolverine on the front and a small pic of Deathstrike on the back. Also, several cards feature stills that have already been seen elsewhere. The set's storyline comes across as a tad unbalanced, with some of the movie's scenes given 2-3 cards whilst others are relegated to small stills or text descriptions on the card backs. Whilst the set does an adequate job, a little more variety would have gone a long way to presenting a more complete adaptation of the storyline.
<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/movies/topps_x2kidsxtra-bts.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/movies/topps_x2kidsxtra-btst.jpg" align=right height="100" width="140" alt="Topps X2 Movie Card #70: Kids With Something X-tra"></a>Finally, the set includes five Behind-The-Scenes cards showing such things as director Bryan Singer in action on the set, the make-up processes for Mystique and Nightcrawler, and a lighter moment for actor Hugh Jackman and the younger members of the cast. Along with the requisite Checklist card, this helps brings the set to a close nicely, rather than abruptly as many other movie card sets do.
<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/movies/topps_x2roguefoil.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/movies/topps_x2roguefoilt.jpg" align=left alt="Topps X2 Movie Card Prismatic Foil Rogue"></a>As for inserts, the Retail version features Clear and Prismatic Foil chase cards featuring the stars of the film. The Hobby version features Authentic Autograph and Movie Memorabilia cards which bring a whole new meaning to the term "ultra-rare". Whilst the initial approximate odds of finding an insert card in a pack are fairly standard - 1:54 for a Movie Memorabilia card and 1:30 for an Authentic Autograph, finding a specific insert is a whole different ball of wax. For example, the Storm Movie Memorabilia cards, which feature actual leather from Halle Berry's costume, are distributed 1:315 packs. Even more extreme, the Bryan Singer Authentic Autograph cards are distributed 1:4337 packs! One can only imagine what that particular card will fetch on eBay! :eek:
Staying with the Autograph cards, and fans wanting the chance to get signatures of Hugh Jackman, Kelly Hu, or Halle Berry will be disappointed by their absence. Only James Marsden (Cyclops), Alan Cumming (Nightcrawler), Bruce Davison (Senator Kelly), Shawn Ashmore (Iceman), Aaron Stanford (Pyro), Daniel Cudmore (Colossus), Michael Reid Mackay (Jason/Mutant 143), Katie Stuart (Kitty Pryde), Kea Wong (Jubilee), and the aforementioned director Bryan Singer have lent their signatures to this set. Despite the absence of signatures from some of the film's bigger stars, it's good to see the younger actors being given an extended moment in the spotlight.<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/movies/topps_x2senkellyauto.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/movies/topps_x2senkellyautot.jpg" align=right alt="Topps X2 Movie Card Authentic Autograph: Bruce Davison/Senator Kelly"></a>
Minor niggles aside, Topps' X2 Movie Cards is a good companion to the blockbuster film. The anticipation of getting an Authentic Autograph or a Movie Memorabilia card only enhances the thrill of collecting that much more. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to the X-Men's universe, you're sure to appreciate what the set has to offer.
DESIGN:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/movfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/movfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/movfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/movfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/movnone.jpg
VARIETY:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/movfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/movfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/movfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/movnone.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/movnone.jpg
INSERTS:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/movfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/movfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/movfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/movfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/movnone.jpg
OVERALL:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/movfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/movfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/movfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/movhalf.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/movnone.jpg
Purchase Topps X2 Movie Cards online now from X-World Comics and save! (http://x-worldcomics.com/yourvirtualstore/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=697&cat=CARDS)
For your chance to get the Bruce Davison/Senator Kelly Authentic Autograph card, be sure to visit the X-Fan Auctions! (http://www.stores.ebay.com.au/id=18536524&ssPageName=L2)
Quick Rating: Good
Topps present the characters, story, and some behind-the-scenes of X2 in an x-citing set of 72 trading cards!
Distributor: The Topps Company
Project Manager: Matthew Saunders
Box Count: 36 packs (Hobby), 24 packs (Retail)
Set Size: 72 cards
<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/movies/topps_x2colossuschar.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/movies/topps_x2colossuschart.jpg" align=right alt="Topps X2 Movie Card #14: Colossus"></a>Topps has followed up its release of X-Men movie cards with a 72 card set for the blockbuster sequel, X2. Sticking to the format of its predecessor, the X2 Movie Cards set includes character cards which feature biographical information, storyline cards which summarize the plot of the film, and behind-the-scenes cards which give fans a glimpse at how the film was made. It's a fairly simple format, but an effective one that works well in enhancing the movie experience.
Breaking the set down, and the first 15 cards are dedicated to the characters of X2. All the major heroes and villains are here, as well as surprise inclusions Colossus and Mutant 143. The card fronts feature a close-up still of each character from the movie, whilst the backs feature a different, smaller still alongside well written and informative biographical information.
<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/movies/topps_x2nightraid.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/movies/topps_x2nightraidt.jpg" align=left height="100" width="140" alt="Topps X2 Movie Card #32: Night Raid on The X-Mansion"></a>The next 51 cards focus on the storyline of the film, and like the character cards feature a still on the front, and a smaller related still on the back with a text description of the scene. Notably absent from the trading card storyline is the film's climax, but for those who've seen the film you can understand why. Some of the still choices are a little odd, such as the "Lady Deathstrike Attacks" card featuring a shot of Wolverine on the front and a small pic of Deathstrike on the back. Also, several cards feature stills that have already been seen elsewhere. The set's storyline comes across as a tad unbalanced, with some of the movie's scenes given 2-3 cards whilst others are relegated to small stills or text descriptions on the card backs. Whilst the set does an adequate job, a little more variety would have gone a long way to presenting a more complete adaptation of the storyline.
<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/movies/topps_x2kidsxtra-bts.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/movies/topps_x2kidsxtra-btst.jpg" align=right height="100" width="140" alt="Topps X2 Movie Card #70: Kids With Something X-tra"></a>Finally, the set includes five Behind-The-Scenes cards showing such things as director Bryan Singer in action on the set, the make-up processes for Mystique and Nightcrawler, and a lighter moment for actor Hugh Jackman and the younger members of the cast. Along with the requisite Checklist card, this helps brings the set to a close nicely, rather than abruptly as many other movie card sets do.
<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/movies/topps_x2roguefoil.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/movies/topps_x2roguefoilt.jpg" align=left alt="Topps X2 Movie Card Prismatic Foil Rogue"></a>As for inserts, the Retail version features Clear and Prismatic Foil chase cards featuring the stars of the film. The Hobby version features Authentic Autograph and Movie Memorabilia cards which bring a whole new meaning to the term "ultra-rare". Whilst the initial approximate odds of finding an insert card in a pack are fairly standard - 1:54 for a Movie Memorabilia card and 1:30 for an Authentic Autograph, finding a specific insert is a whole different ball of wax. For example, the Storm Movie Memorabilia cards, which feature actual leather from Halle Berry's costume, are distributed 1:315 packs. Even more extreme, the Bryan Singer Authentic Autograph cards are distributed 1:4337 packs! One can only imagine what that particular card will fetch on eBay! :eek:
Staying with the Autograph cards, and fans wanting the chance to get signatures of Hugh Jackman, Kelly Hu, or Halle Berry will be disappointed by their absence. Only James Marsden (Cyclops), Alan Cumming (Nightcrawler), Bruce Davison (Senator Kelly), Shawn Ashmore (Iceman), Aaron Stanford (Pyro), Daniel Cudmore (Colossus), Michael Reid Mackay (Jason/Mutant 143), Katie Stuart (Kitty Pryde), Kea Wong (Jubilee), and the aforementioned director Bryan Singer have lent their signatures to this set. Despite the absence of signatures from some of the film's bigger stars, it's good to see the younger actors being given an extended moment in the spotlight.<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/movies/topps_x2senkellyauto.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/movies/topps_x2senkellyautot.jpg" align=right alt="Topps X2 Movie Card Authentic Autograph: Bruce Davison/Senator Kelly"></a>
Minor niggles aside, Topps' X2 Movie Cards is a good companion to the blockbuster film. The anticipation of getting an Authentic Autograph or a Movie Memorabilia card only enhances the thrill of collecting that much more. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to the X-Men's universe, you're sure to appreciate what the set has to offer.
DESIGN:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/movfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/movfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/movfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/movfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/movnone.jpg
VARIETY:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/movfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/movfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/movfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/movnone.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/movnone.jpg
INSERTS:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/movfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/movfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/movfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/movfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/movnone.jpg
OVERALL:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/movfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/movfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/movfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/movhalf.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/movnone.jpg
Purchase Topps X2 Movie Cards online now from X-World Comics and save! (http://x-worldcomics.com/yourvirtualstore/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=697&cat=CARDS)
For your chance to get the Bruce Davison/Senator Kelly Authentic Autograph card, be sure to visit the X-Fan Auctions! (http://www.stores.ebay.com.au/id=18536524&ssPageName=L2)