For a very long time, collectors everywhere have looked for the next big thing to hit trading cards. Since the explosion of game used relics in packs during the late 1990s, companies and bloggers alike have all speculated on what could be the game changer that would bring things back to where they were around that time. Before the 1990s, collecting was a hobby that few enjoyed, but those few were loyal people who spent lots of money to maintain their habits. After the 1990s, cards became a billion dollar industry, all because of innovation. It is now approaching 20 years since the first jersey card, and Topps is definitely thinking outside of the box in trying to bring about something new and creative.

First off, if I am talking about UFC cards on the blog, you know its something interesting. As you can see, this fighter used ink to press his fistprint onto the cardboard, thus creating the first ever “fist-o-graph.” Not only do I think this is a very unique piece for a collector to pull from a pack, it begs the question of how far this could go. Upper Deck explored hand print signatures for LeBron James, but those were framed pieces from UDA, not pack inserted. This card takes that concept and makes it accessible, something that I find very promising and cool.

Now, athletes are notorious for having enormous hands, which means that its close to impossible to insert a print into a pack. On the flip side, its most likely possible to insert a hard signed hand print as a box topper under the right conditions. Personally, I think its an awesome idea to explore, but I know that it may be tough to convince the players that its something positive for them to do for their fans.

When considering the affect that jersey cards had on the hobby, I think it’s a flash in the pan scenario, almost impossible to re-create. I also believe that as long as the economy is where it is, there will be no return to glory for the industry. Additionally, with companies more focused on churning out a huge quantity of below par products instead of a smaller quantity of above par products, its tough to win over raving fans.

Topps has already committed to delivering redemptions for full size memorabilia in Five Star, which only adds to the incredible inscriptions that Five Star is known for. More movement in the industry’s creative departments towards making ideas happen is a very good thing, and after hearing that there are a few cool things in the pipeline during my trip to Chicago, who knows what is actually possible. I guess possible versus confirmed are two statuses that are so far apart that its tough to play the ‘what if’ game, but we should be having these discussions frequently. It’s the only way things will continue to grow, rather than shriveling and dying.