As recent as last week, I spoke about how companies have been fighting each other and themselves for the creation of the next big thing in card collecting. Of course, the assumption is that the next big thing will focus on a deeper connection to the players, but after seeing something that Blowout posted on twitter today, Im not so sure!
Back during the release of 2011 Upper Deck Goodwyn Champions, many collectors were curious to see how they could bounce back from losing licenses in every major sport collected by the hobby. Goodwyn was a very successful set despite the loss, and much of the success was the addition of elements that did not meet normal expectations of the collecting base. One was non-sport autographs that played off of Allen & Ginter’s success, and the other was cards that contained an entire sample of some very unusual insects. Well, despite some objections, the cards sold like hotcakes, and personally, I am not surprised. They are truly awesome.
In fact, someone posted a complete set on eBay recently with a RIDICULOUS price. Scary thing is, he might get somewhere in that range:
2011 Upper Deck Goodwyn Entymology Bug Card Complete Set
I would go so far as saying that Upper Deck doesnt have many prospects in the pipeline for continuing to be the brand we all loved so many years ago. I have said on numerous occasions that a company like Panini is stupid for not buying them out for a drastically reduced value. Considering their brand loyalty and player exclusives for both Basketball and Baseball, waiting for the contracts to expire is not in their best interest with their slate of products on the horizon.
As much as it pains me to say it, Upper Deck is not ever going to return to the glory they once had without help.
Wow, I’m shocked someone actually completed a set of those cards.
I hadn’t thought about Panini buying up Upper Deck, but agree with you – that would be their best way to compete with Topps. I bet if they did, that would be their best chance to win back a coveted MLB license.
Who the hell wants a frog legged beetle? I collect sportscards, not this crap. I do have to give some credit to Topps though. THey make a boatload of money year after year from A@G, and do people actually watch box breaks of that? It’s 100 bucks for three one color jersey cards, and boring base cards that are worthless/boring. When’s Panini gonna cash in on this concept?
and if Panini did purchase Upper Deck what makes you think they would treat UD’s brands any less careless then their own?
Oh…and you are wrong aboout prospects in the pipeline…..you shall see….
I miss SPAuthentic with NFL Uniforms 🙁