Topps, known for its iconic trading cards, has struck a major deal with Disney Consumer Products to expand its reach into the realms of Disney, Pixar, and Marvel. This new agreement grants Topps global rights to develop trading cards featuring beloved characters and stories from these legendary franchises. It’s a big move for Topps as they step into producing Marvel trading cards on a worldwide scale for the first time.
This partnership also solidifies Topps’ longstanding relationship with the Star Wars franchise, a collaboration that has spanned decades and delighted collectors since 1977. The bond between Topps and Star Wars fans remains strong, with exciting releases like the recent Star Wars Chrome by Topps continuing to captivate enthusiasts.
The initial release under this new partnership will be the highly anticipated Topps Finest X-Men ’97, set to debut in the first quarter of 2025. This launch aligns with the resurgence of interest in the X-Men franchise and represents a significant milestone for Topps as they enter the global market for Marvel trading cards.
In addition to physical cards, the expanded agreement includes digital trading cards for Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars properties worldwide. While Topps has ventured into digital collectibles through apps like Disney Collect! and Marvel Collect! before, this deal greatly expands their physical product offerings, particularly in the United States.
Paul Gitter, Executive Vice President of Global Brand Commercialization at Disney Consumer Products, expressed excitement about the partnership, emphasizing the companies’ shared commitment to innovation in the trading card space. He highlighted the goal of bringing storytelling from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars to card collectors worldwide, catering to fans with a diverse range of products.
David Leiner, President of Trading Cards at Fanatics Collectibles, praised the collaboration’s potential to enhance the fan experience. He underlined Topps’ dedication to innovation and fan engagement, noting the success of their long-term partnership with Star Wars and the recent release of Star Wars Chrome by Topps as examples of this commitment.
While Topps has a history of producing Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars cards in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region, this new agreement marks a significant global expansion into markets like the U.S. With Disney’s rich storytelling and Topps’ expertise in collectible trading cards, the partnership aims to create innovative products that resonate with fans around the world.
Collectors can anticipate a wave of new trading cards celebrating the magic of Disney, the creativity of Pixar, the thrill of Marvel superheroes, and the epic saga of Star Wars. This collaboration promises fresh designs, unique collectibles, and immersive experiences that will excite trading card enthusiasts and fans of these iconic franchises alike.
The expanded partnership between Topps and Disney Consumer Products signals a new chapter for trading card aficionados, offering unprecedented access to cherished characters and stories that have shaped the landscape of entertainment. Get ready to embark on a card-collecting journey filled with wonder, adventure, and endless possibilities as these legendary worlds come to life in a whole new way.
