Back in 2007, Topps released their first ever card that was more than a card. They connected two card surfaces in a bi-fold booklet for Triple Threads, and from there it became the go to chase card for many product. Although it was used further back in the history of the industry, Topps was the first to really use it in a widespread manner. It has gone into Upper Deck and Panini cards, even though Panini was about 4 years behind in getting them going.
I never really liked booklet cards, mainly because I didnt like Triple Threads. I hated the stupid phrases they die cut into each card, making them impossible to read, and therefore it took the ones used in Five Star
last year to convert me. In 2010, Topps Prime became a product built around booklet cards, and for the most part, it felt played out. The design just wasnt there.
This has changed this year, with a product built more around better design work, and inclusive of a whole new version of the booklet cards. I think they look a lot better this year than last, especially the 1/1 jumbo booklets, and I think the way the photos are done really help. Topps decided to use the full bleed photography in these, as well as employing some nice design work on the cards themselves. Although I dont think they come even close to the hard signed booklets from Five Star, they are a definite improvement.
Here are some of the ones that have been posted so far, check out the first jumbo 1/1 booklet. Aside from the event used football, it looks awesome.
Randall Cobb 1/1 Jumbo Swatch Book Autograph
2009 UD Exquisite ‘AutoBiography’ still has top vote from me. I am glad, however, that they are getting more attention. When done right, like the UD ones, they display very nicely.