In 2011, Topps made huge upgrades to a Platinum set that had been lacking in a lot of ways. Larger patches, awesome chrome design, and added on card autograph content made it a huge hit for the beginning part of the year. Considering how much I disliked previous versions of the set, I was thoroughly surprised as to how well it turned out. I wasnt the only one either. My favorite looking cards of the entire set were the 1/1 red logo shield patch autos, if not only because the design of the set was built 100% around the shape of the NFL shield.

Now that we are getting our first look at 2012 Platinum, for the first time in a long time, Im not sure I like what Topps is laying down.

First, I absolutely love the base design and the on-card autos for the rookies. I think this particular orientation fits the content really well, and the full bleed border-less layout looks awesome. Adding in the swoops as the “border” is a really cool idea, and these cards will no doubt be ones from this set that I chase. They look incredible. Before anyone talks about the fact that these cards do not have NFL uniforms, and that they look dumb, these are just mockups which will be adjusted before the cards are created.

Moving to the box hits, I am left without a true feeling for these cards because Im not sure what the final release will eventually look like. Without seeing a completed card, this preview is a complete downgrade from last year. I really like that the player is shown as the focus of the card, but I am not sure if I like the hovering swatch window. I also see that Topps ghosted the area behind the sticker, and even that looks odd where it would normally look cool. I have a feeling that this preview does not do the actual card justice in the way it will turn out, but I am skeptical.

As for the dual booklet, I like that Topps has done jumbo patches on two booklet ends for the first time in a product like this. I also like the tapered swatch window, as it adds depth to the design content. Collectors will obviously like this booklet because of the players who are on the two cards, but I think this is a pretty cool looking addition to the set.

The whole theme of a cut gem for the backgrounds of the cards is kind of lost on a mockup preview but could end up looking pretty cool with the chrome stock. Right now, it looks more like spotlights than anything, and I think it isnt that great looking. I cant help but feel as if the patch auto is more of a rehash than a new design, and that kind of bothers me. I think if the single ends from the dual booklet were the final patch auto design, I would have more of a draw to the final cards. As of now, im really not feeling the main hits that collectors will get in their boxes.

Maybe once the packs hit shelves, it will end up looking much better on the stock.