DIGITAL TRADING CARDS
May 2020 marked the beginning of a new chapter in collecting GPK as collectors were introduced to GARBAGE PAIL KIDS ON THE BLOCKCHAIN! Met with equal parts excitement and confusion, this new partnership between Topps x WAX certainly shook up the hobby!
The future is here, and thanks to Topps x WAX collectors can now collect Garbage Pail Kids on the Blockchain! Blockchain technology allows collectors to enter a marketplace where they can purchase digital Garbage Pail Kids trading cards, propose and execute trades, showcase their inventory on social media, and search wishlists of other traders.
From their website:
By interacting with digital Garbage Pail Kids trading cards on the WAX Blockchain, anyone can see the details of the cards’ information and trading history. This enables everyone involved to make informed purchases, and trades, with anyone else in the world - instantly. The blockchain records every aspect of every card’s transaction and stores it forever. These blockchain records can’t be changed by anyone, and can be seen by everyone. Therefore, since the blockchain removes all uncertainty, there’s no need to blindly trust another trader.
There is A LOT to learn about digital trading cards...this page will not cover everything, rather is intended to be a high-level introduction to this new way of collecting including pics, info, links, videos, and more!
DIGITAL RELEASE TIMELINE
Digital Garbage Pail Kids have seen a number of different releases over the years. This timeline breaks down when each official release occurred:
2020
GPK Goes Exotic
Crash Gordon
Garbage Pail Kids Series 2
2021
Bernventures
GameStonk!
DIGITAL PACK EXAMPLES
In an effort to create some connection between the traditional card collector and a digital card collector, Topps has made a habit of issuing their digital releases in "packs". These packs vary in terms of not only how many cards are included, but also the odds of pulling the rare and sought-after chase cards
Below are images of the 'Wrappers', as well as a description for each packs released to date:
Series 1 - Standard Pack
Series 1 - Mega Pack
GPK Goes Exotic - Standard Pack
GPK Goes Exotic - Mega Pack
Crash Gordon - Standard Pack
Series 2 - Standard Pack
Series 2 - Mega Pack
Series 2 - Ultimate Pack
Bernventures - Standard Pack
Bernventures - Mitten Pack
GameStonk! - Standard Pack
Since many have never 'opened' a pack, I created this video that shows the process from start to finish. From scrolling to select a pack, to watching the cards 'drop', to viewing them in inventory after opening...it's all here!
DIGITAL CARD EXAMPLES
The GPK on WAX digital cards feature a new GPK banner that is a mix between the 'arched' banner of the 80s, and the 'straight' banner (post-lawsuit). Topps has done a great job taking advantage of the technology available and created some unique and creative 'chase' cards featuring reflections, transitions, and even full-blown animation
Below are pictures and information for some of the 'Chase' cards from the different releases:
BASE - Common
Standard cards, these cards feature a prismatic sheen effect
AVAILABILITY: all releases
RAW - Common/Uncommon
These 'static' cards are replicas of Final Artwork
AVAILABILITY: S2, Bernventures, GameStonk!
SLIME - Uncommon
Uncommon cards that feature a moving 'slimy' background
AVAILABILITY: S2
PRISM - Uncommon
Uncommon cards, these cards feature a prismatic sheen effect
AVAILABILITY: S1, Crash Gordon, S2
GUM - Uncommon
Uncommon cards with a drippy bubble-gum border
AVAILABILITY: S2
VHS - Uncommon
These uncommon cards feature tracking lines and jitters reminiscent of old VHS tapes
AVAILABILITY: S2
ORIGINAL ART - Rare
Rare cards showing the transition process of all new artwork
AVAILABILITY: S2
SKETCH - Rare
Rare cards that feature an animated transition from original sketches to final art
AVAILABILITY: S1, S2
RETURNING - Rare
Animated versions of returning characters
AVAILABILITY: S2
TIGER STRIPE - Rare
Rare cards with a moving tiger-print border
AVAILABILITY: Exotic
TIGER CLAW - Super Rare
Super rare cards with a special 'claw' animation
AVAILABILITY: Exotic
RELIC - Super Rare
Super rare cards with special animations
AVAILABILITY: Exotic, S2
ARTIST SIGNATURE - Legendary
These Legendary cards feature an animated artist signature
AVAILABILITY: Bernventures, GameStonk!
COLLECTOR'S EDITION - Super Rare
Super rare cards with special animations
AVAILABILITY: S1, Exotic, Crash Gordon, S2, Bernventures
GOLDEN TICKET - Ultra Rare
Ultra rare cards - often not released in packs
AVAILABILITY: S1, Crash Gordon, S2, GameStonk!
HELPFUL VIDEOS
Because the idea of Garbage Pail Kids on the Blockchain is new to most collectors I am adding a few helpful videos. These are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to building a digital collection, and there are a number of resources out there with just a bit of searching
INTRODUCING WAX x TOPPS
WHY SHOULD YOU BE EXCITED?
LINKS
In addition to the videos above, the following list of links is intended to provide assistance to collectors trying to improve their understanding of digital Garbage Pail Kids. In no way is this list complete, rather it's just a high-level introduction to sites that deal with GPK on the Blockchain:
All-in-all this is a confusing new release from Topps! It has brought a lot of controversy, as many 'traditional' collectors refuse to adapt to a new way of collecting. But consequently it has introduced a number of new people to the hobby who never collected GPK before. Regardless of whether it's for everyone or not, the instant-popularity means it's here to stay, and GeePeeKay will continue to update this site as the digital landscape grows!