Kickstarter has seen several trading card campaigns in the past. However, the vast majority have been independent products kind of like the hobby equivalent of an indie album. However, that's about to change with the launch of a Mars Attacks Kickstarter campaign by Topps in May. Through it, collectors and dealers will be able to pre-order and, essentially, fund a new set of cards, 2015 Topps Mars Attacks: Occupation.
The product is a follow-up to 2013 Topps Mars Attacks Invasion. The 72-card Occupation base set includes a new storyline. Earl Norem, Bob Larkin, Alex Horley, Greg Staples, Ed Repka and Jason Crosby are among the artists working on the set.
Inserts are a mix of what you'd expect with some new concepts for the Mars Attacks line. Sketch cards and autographs are joined by things like metal versions of original Mars Attacks cards and handmade letter-press cards that have woodcut designs.
"We have to continue to push boundaries, and offer fans something that can live up to Mars Attacks’ pedigree as an icon of pulp science fiction," said Adam Levine, Topps Head of Outgoing Licensing, in a press release. "Utilizing Kickstarter as our development and pre-order platform is a great way for us to deliver the quality our fans desire, and will allow us to reach a more diverse group of fans across the globe -- particularly important on projects aimed at more niche audiences like Mars Attacks."
For those not familiar with Kickstarter, people go to a campaign and pledge however much (or as little) as they like. Typically different levels of pledges bringing increasingly lucrative rewards, kind of like the pledge-drive incentives PBS uses. While no rewards for the Mars Attacks: Occupation campaign have been announced, a small pledge might bring a base set or a handful of packs. Larger pledges would likely land boxes and other exclusives. You're only charged your pledge if the campaign reaches its goal amount.
Although the Mars Attacks: Occupation Kickstarter launches in May, collectors can sign-up on Topps' website to get an early look in April.
Should the campaign be successful, cards are currently scheduled to ship in December.
While this is Topps' first go at a Kickstarter campaign, it's not for the Mars Attacks franchise. Mantic Games raised more than $550,000 for a tabletop game in November, 2013.
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