Last year, when Five Star was released, it was obvious that Topps was aiming for the moon, and came up with a 500 foot home run. One of the main drawbacks to the product was the size of the checklist, as it was clear that a lack of licensing to start the year prevented some of the planning needed to flush out some of the products. Eventual Super Bowl champion Aaron Rodgers did not have autographs in the product, which was something that left a lot of collectors sour about the set, and Topps set out to make it right this year.

I think this was a perfect idea for the set, especially because Rodgers has not had on card autographs since 2008 Exquisite Collection, and having these autographs available again is a huge win. Additionally, it’s a great situation to see some of the additions to the product that Topps went with, including some of the Super Bowl relics that were included as a surprise.

Check out these awesome cards:

2011 Five Star Aaron Rodgers Super Bowl Pylon

2011 Five Star Aaron Rodgers Super Bowl Game Used Football

2011 Five Star Aaron Rodgers Super Bowl MVP Autograph

Although I think that Five Star does have its flat areas, I stand behind the on card autos of guys like Rodgers and company. Since the beginning of the year, there have been a total of ZERO on card autographs for players who are not rookies, and to have at least one product that features them first and foremost, makes a big difference.

I do understand that the NFL banks on its rookie class each year, and that this product is just as much about the veteran and HOF autos as it is the rookies. Five Star is fighting against a strong current just from the way the product is focused, and I see why the venom is there over swatch size and swatch content.

However, as I know many other people feel, we are MUCH more happy to have on card autos than sad about what the patches look like. Ill take well designed cards with hard signed signatures every day of the week over the alternative. Its not even a contest.