When you do something great right off the bat, it's hard to ever go back. Now on it's third release, the 2013 Cryptozoic Big Bang Theory Autographs checklist does a solid job of landing most of the show's lead cast. But does it pack the same punch as the previous sets?
2013 Cryptozoic Big Bang Theory Season 5 has 20 different autographs that combine to fall one per box (1:24 packs). Leading the way are Jim Parsons (Sheldon) and Johnny Galecki (Leonard). They're joined by Simon Helberg (Howard), Kunal Nayyar (Raj), Mayim Bialik (Amy) and Melissa Rauch (Bernadette).
Noticeably absent is Kaley Cuoco who stars as Penny. She signed for the previous two sets including an Autographed Costume card in BBT Seasons 3 and 4. It's likely that Cuoco was slated to be number A3 in the set, which is missing from the final checklist.
The Season 5 autographs lack a little of the sizzle of the last release. But that might not be a bad thing. For the first set, the hook was just that -- it was the first time the lead cast had autographs.
Seasons 3 and 4 upped the ante by giving the main cast autographed costume cards. There was also a stellar lineup of guest stars famous for their work outside the show.
Season 5 has a couple of notable guest stars, but overall, it's not on the same level. Leonard Nimoy is the notable exception. The photo on his card, a Mego Spock doll, is also quirky enough to help it stand out.
For collectors looking to finally land a signature from any of the lead stars, this might mark the best chance yet. The new license smell is gone. There are no added layers of memorabilia to deal with. The result should be slightly more affordable autograph cards than sets past.
With such a large checklist, it's going to be difficult to land any one signer, even if all have equal availability. Perfect collation would require nearly two 12-box cases to get a complete set.
Below is a complete visual guide to all 20 of the 2013 Cryptozoic Big Bang Theory Season 5 Autographs. You can shop for specific cards on eBay by clicking on the name or image.
