Every single year, I wait patiently until October for one of my favorite sets of the year. Even though 2012 Topps Flagship is going to be an epic set like we have never seen, Topps Chrome looks to be even more so. In addition to the autographs continuing to be on card, Topps is adding extra content that should bring it to the level it was last year.

In 2011, Chrome was the product that collectors chased upon release. So much so that the limited print run was not capable of handling the low price it was set at. By the time 2012 hit, Chrome was selling at close to double its MSRP, which is a direct correlation to its awesome design, and the added content. This year looks to be a very similar situation, but more available for everyone to enjoy. That makes me happy.

The best part of this whole set is how great the 2012 design facilitates an on card signature. To have the downward swoop in the name plate allows for the player to have a huge amount of room to sign. Additionally, the addition of new parallels like the prism refractor and the military camo should provide an incredible chase for player collectors to go after the rainbow set.

With the 1984 cards that will be making their debut in 2012 Topps Flagship, its great to see that there will further use of retro topps designs for more rookie autos. Using the iconic design of the Johnny Unitas RC for Andrew Luck card is a full circle job that should not go without tremendous applause, especially if there is a parallel with on card autographs. I have often said that Topps’ history is a competitive advantage that should be one of their go to tactics for sets like this.

One thing we aren’t seeing are the Bowman Chrome cards that have been included in the product for the last few years, and though we are getting a Bowman product next week, Im sad if they are gone for good. Last year’s BC cards were AWESOME, and I think that having them included is a big plus in added value for this set.

For the umpteenth year in a row, there is no doubt in my mind that Chrome will be a winner. The fact that unsigned base cards from this product carry value the way they do, should be a paramount indicator of how much impact this set has each and every year. It’s a beacon of consistently unlike any other, and that, above all else, is why I cant get enough.

Now, who has a mallet so I can start tenderizing my paypal account for the beating it’s going to take.