'Mars Attacks' again, 50 years later is an article from USA Today which looks back at the Mars Attacks franchise and its future plans.
Perhaps I had forgotten about it, but it wasn't until early 2012 I realized that Mars Attacks was based on the trading cards from 1962 and that they were re-issued in the 80s and 90s even before the movie came out in 1996. So far really been digging the cool artwork from artist Wallace Wood, which has also led me to tracking the Weird Science comic book volumes that also featured his sci-fi works. Hoping to buy those later this year.
Sample of old cards.
I enjoyed watching Independence Day at the theatre in 1996 and was looking forward to Mars Attacks later that same year. Of course I was surprised as it was not what I was expecting, but eventually I did enjoy its tone and humour.
Looking forward to the various Mars Attacks merchandise being released this year in celebration of its 50th anniversary, including the commemorative book from Abrams Books.
From wiki:
"In 2012, in celebration of the franchise's 50th anniversary, Topps has partnered with a variety of companies on a merchandising campaign to include comic books (via IDW Publishing), bobble heads and vinyl dolls (Funko), action figures and plush (Mezco Toyz), costumes (Incogneato), statues and busts (Quarantine Studio), electronics skins (Gelaskins) and a hardcover commemorative book (Abrams Books). Topps will also be issuing a special 50th Anniversary card set.
It has been announced via the official Mars Attacks Facebook page that the IDW comic books will launch an all-new Mars Attack universe, with plans to expand into other mediums."
I now mainly want the Heritage 80 card base set which includes the original 55 cards. But looks like they are not selling factory sets at the moment and the box set which contains 24 packs is the only way to get them, with 6 cards in each pack. So there are no guarantees of acquiring the complete set with the box, but they told me every pack contains 4 classic cards and 1 each of the new universe and deleted scenes. So apparently with 24 packs it's most likely that one will get a full set. Box is priced $50 at the Topps website, but going on ebay for less. Some are even selling their own completed 80 cards set for $30 and less.
