Marvel Masterpieces 1992-2020

[fabiani12333]

Great research, Dyna.

Do both sides of the error A Galactus/Sandman card have the same feel and finish?

[DynaEtch]

Originally Posted by fabiani12333

Great research, Dyna.

Do both sides of the error A Galactus/Sandman card have the same feel and finish?

Hmmmm….that’s a great question, since if the two sides were distinguishable then the out of /2 thing wouldn’t be the case and you’d have two distinct Galactus/Sandman’s on the same sheet, each with one side different texture.

So I just felt both sides of the error card…both sides do feel somewhat glossy but this is no surprise since 92MM base cards have gloss on front and back (whatever this error is, it would have to take after whatever any regular 92MM base cards were since it’s presumably using the same type of sheet going through the same process).

It is *possible* the Sandman side has a very slightly higher state of gloss (and that all 92MM have a slightly higher state of gloss on the front)…which would immediately make the Sandman the “front”. But I just don’t know..it’s really hard to tell, I may just be psychologically thinking so. In a blind test it probably feels the same on both sides, not sure I’d distinguish it.
Even if the Sandman side does have slightly higher gloss..that would technically break the symmetry and they’d be no longer /2, but I would argue thatd be so minute a thing that no one in the hobby would bother differentiating it, meaning it’d still be effectively /2 anyway.

[fabiani12333]

Dyna, I don't know if you saw this, but the metal mold for the Hulk FPG card was sold on eBay in mid-July: ebay.com/itm/116686587479

The listing says it came from the collection of Rick Shelley, whoever that is.

Kind of wild that something like that made it out into the market.

[DynaEtch]

Originally Posted by fabiani12333

Dyna, I don't know if you saw this, but the metal mold for the Hulk FPG card was sold on eBay in mid-July: ebay.com/itm/116686587479

The listing says it came from the collection of Rick Shelley, whoever that is.

Kind of wild that something like that made it out into the market.

I did see that listing….its quite bizarre indeed, as nothing like this was ever mentioned as a possible extra during the kickstarter. Which makes you wonder where it came from, how someone could end up with the mold.

That seller also apparently had a ton of bronze cards- many colored 1/1s etc- all saying from the collection of Rick Shelley (if that’s even an actual person…dunno). It’s remarkable so much came from one person. Not sure how that would happen.

[DynaEtch]

And just like that…Psylocke mold up for sale by the same seller.

[Fenian95]

The seller either has a deep connection to FPG or is the company that made the cards.

I just hope they didn't make extra copies of the rare cards.

[fabiani12333]

Originally Posted by DynaEtch

And just like that…Psylocke mold up for sale by the same seller.

Wild. I guess the Spidey is out there somewhere as well.

[fabiani12333]

Originally Posted by Fenian95

The seller either has a deep connection to FPG or is the company that made the cards.

I just hope they didn't make extra copies of the rare cards.

That was my first thought as well. Fortunately, the cards are numbered, so they won't be able to make too many without risking getting caught.

[DynaEtch]

Originally Posted by Fenian95

The seller either has a deep connection to FPG or is the company that made the cards.

I just hope they didn't make extra copies of the rare cards.

I agree….I am leaning toward this is backdoored…possibly by the company itself (just a guess, not saying anything for sure). A lot of stuff keeps being posted, including never seen mock-ups, molds, and other rare 1/1s. Just recently a lot of (4) color psylocke bronze (out of the 25), which is a bit concerning since my guess is not “packed out” with the extras.

Sellers other items includes an Original artwork from an old 1995 FPG CCG card game, and is located out of Pittsburgh…. would be very surprised if not connected to the company.

Also now says “From the collection of Rick Shelley. Just located by his widow.” in the listings….stranger and stranger…guessing not a real person. Maybe should bump the thread on here about this project.

[Fenian95]

There was a Rick Shelley in the card collecting space if you google his name. He also died a LONG time ago.

Affiliated with FPG apparently. Think he did a card or two for them. Very sus.

[DynaEtch]

Originally Posted by Fenian95

There was a Rick Shelley in the card collecting space if you google his name. He also died a LONG time ago.

Affiliated with FPG apparently. Think he did a card or two for them. Very sus.

Interesting…if it was before this FPG Jusko project…yes that doesn’t add up.

Man…this kickstarter project just keeps on giving….even this far out from completion. Cant make this up.

[Fenian95]

He died in 2001.

[fabiani12333]

Do you guys think 2024 Marvel Masterpieces will be the last MM-related release of any kind? Is the MM brand basically extinct at this point?

If so, it's such a shame.

[DynaEtch]

Originally Posted by fabiani12333

Do you guys think 2024 Marvel Masterpieces will be the last MM-related release of any kind? Is the MM brand basically extinct at this point?

If so, it's such a shame.

Would be curious to know, myself.

Part of me thinks this iconic brand will be seen again…not sure when or how. It may depend how long Fantatics holds the Marvel license, which could be awhile.

Not that Topps has shown any sign of making original sets in Marvel thus far, but say they wanted to….it’s a little unclear what exactly they’d be able to do in relation to MM- probably the old 90s MM art is fair game. I’m not sure about the name MM and its logo itself, but it’s possible even that’s fair game for them to use. If so..it would just take the will for Topps to make such a set. But I’m not sure.

IF the brand stopped forever at 2024…the only upside for me would be making it a finite thing to collect…as a MM collector can just spend my efforts polishing off these sets. Lots of money will be saved not having to deal with new sets. But a bummer to see the brand go extinct.

[Watchmee]

Originally Posted by fabiani12333

Do you guys think 2024 Marvel Masterpieces will be the last MM-related release of any kind? Is the MM brand basically extinct at this point?

If so, it's such a shame.

It's not going to be much out of pattern if we get again ~10yr hiatus:

Marvel Masterpieces 1992
Marvel Masterpieces 1993
Marvel Masterpieces 1994
Marvel Masterpieces 1995
Marvel Masterpieces 1996

Marvel Masterpieces (2007)
Marvel Masterpieces 2 (2008)
Marvel Masterpieces 3 (2008)

Marvel Masterpieces 2016 (Jusko)
Marvel Masterpieces 2018 (Bianchi)
...

[fabiani12333]

Originally Posted by Watchmee

It's not going to be much out of pattern if we get again ~10yr hiatus:

Marvel Masterpieces 1992
Marvel Masterpieces 1993
Marvel Masterpieces 1994
Marvel Masterpieces 1995
Marvel Masterpieces 1996

Marvel Masterpieces (2007)
Marvel Masterpieces 2 (2008)
Marvel Masterpieces 3 (2008)

Marvel Masterpieces 2016 (Jusko)
Marvel Masterpieces 2018 (Bianchi)
...

I can just see it now -- 2034 Marvel Masterpieces: AI Artwork Edition

[DynaEtch]

Originally Posted by fabiani12333

I can just see it now -- 2034 Marvel Masterpieces: AI Artwork Edition

Maybe it’ll have silver spectrum /10 autos by the AI?

Really though…I wonder about the future of marvel art cards sometimes.

[Watchmee]

Originally Posted by DynaEtch

Maybe it’ll have silver spectrum /10 autos by the AI?

One condition tho:

• These you will be able to get and see only if you are plugged in the Matrix...

[fabiani12333]

Originally Posted by DynaEtch

Maybe it’ll have silver spectrum /10 autos by the AI?

Really though…I wonder about the future of marvel art cards sometimes.

My feeling is Marvel Masterpieces will stand the test of the time, as the artists involved and the artwork used were mostly of high quality and not easy to replicate. But in terms of artwork going forward, AI will completely transform it. The skills of drawing and painting might gradually die off over time, similar to the art of hand-writing.

[DynaEtch]

Originally Posted by Watchmee

One condition tho:

• These you will be able to get and see only if you are plugged in the Matrix...

For MM? Just plug me in already!

Originally Posted by fabiani12333

My feeling is Marvel Masterpieces will stand the test of the time, as the artists involved and the artwork used were mostly of high quality and not easy to replicate. But in terms of artwork going forward, AI will completely transform it. The skills of drawing and painting might gradually die off over time, similar to the art of hand-writing.

Yea I agree…but it’s sad though if it comes to that, and loses most of what I value in marvel art cards. Sure I like the look itself of a MM card…but it’s because I associate it with a skilled artist who put work into it.

I will say right now AI marvel art is pretty dang easy to spot and usually generic, too sleek looking, kinda like how AI clips on FB are…but I’m sure eventually it could be perfected more and easily pass the “art Turing test” so to speak. If marvel sets start becoming AI based that’d be my cue to be done with the hobby I think. Maybe they would still do sets by actual artists that would go for a premium at least.

Also we’d lose the OA paintings with AI sets.

[fabiani12333]

Originally Posted by DynaEtch

Yea I agree…but it’s sad though if it comes to that, and loses most of what I value in marvel art cards. Sure I like the look itself of a MM card…but it’s because I associate it with a skilled artist who put work into it.

Yes, the labor and skill put into the artwork, but also the passion the artist has for the subject they are depicting, is a big part of what I value in original-art cards.

I know, for example, with 16 MM that Jusko grew up a fan of many of the characters he was painting. And that he took a lot pride in his work, which is part of why he missed the apparent deadline to complete it.

[MM92]

Hey first time posting here…
I have spent probably 2 weeks slowly reading this entire thread….so much to absorb!!
First and foremost a big thanks to all here who have put so much of their time into breaking down the cards and other analyses. (A particular thanks to Dyna! So much knowledge!)
Mostly a comic collector here, my brother bought me a blaster for my bday in June and soon I was sucked in. About a month later I was at a local comic shop and they had a hobby box which I picked up. I know this is frustrating to hear (as previously read) but I did open a loaded box which has been discussed. Inside was an emerald surge, blue PMG, a wood, pink laser and lower pulls. Confirms that there are boxes with two huge hits.
Since I have bought one more hobby box (red prism and pink laser in that box) and probably about 7 or 8 blasters now. Nothing quite as spectacular as that first hobby box (I would never assume to get such a pull again)
Personally am only looking to collect clear cuts (only 1 away), lenticular (about half collected), and recently decided red prisms (lol only 2) haha (they look too nice to not have a set).

[DynaEtch]

Originally Posted by MM92

Hey first time posting here…
I have spent probably 2 weeks slowly reading this entire thread….so much to absorb!!
First and foremost a big thanks to all here who have put so much of their time into breaking down the cards and other analyses. (A particular thanks to Dyna! So much knowledge!)
Mostly a comic collector here, my brother bought me a blaster for my bday in June and soon I was sucked in. About a month later I was at a local comic shop and they had a hobby box which I picked up. I know this is frustrating to hear (as previously read) but I did open a loaded box which has been discussed. Inside was an emerald surge, blue PMG, a wood, pink laser and lower pulls. Confirms that there are boxes with two huge hits.
Since I have bought one more hobby box (red prism and pink laser in that box) and probably about 7 or 8 blasters now. Nothing quite as spectacular as that first hobby box (I would never assume to get such a pull again)
Personally am only looking to collect clear cuts (only 1 away), lenticular (about half collected), and recently decided red prisms (lol only 2) haha (they look too nice to not have a set).

Welcome! This is definitely the place for all things MM-related. Nice username btw…surprised that was still there. There is also a thread on here for the 92MM Plat set specifically, so may want to check that out too.

Simply outstanding hobby box with the emerald + PMG. Appreciate that extra datapoint that further shows many of the emerald boxes also have a PMG (as do orange lava boxes usually having a PMG). UD loaded big hits together in that product- I’m being convinced more and more. I do wish UD spaced things out more, but I’m happy for those that hit the hot boxes I swear my avg box of 92 Platinum is a pink laser and holofoil. Maybe a red prism if I’m lucky. Haha. I basically stopped busting wax and went the singles route because of that. I’d be curious if you ever get any purple variant covers from the blasters- they are tough hits.

Chasing a full parallel set in 92 Plat is very fun. Been chasing various sets in this the whole year. With the red prisms, if you’re collecting the regular reds (not the variant covers), keep in mind #9 and #10 don’t exist (apocalypse and Adam warlock). So the red prism set is 98 total cards.

[DynaEtch]

This thread is probably a bit overwhelming reading it start to finish, being 35+ pages of sometimes dense and tedious content.

The main set info is all at the beginning…someone could end there and have a good idea of all these Masterpieces sets. I would say the next 30-some pages is mostly talking about peripheral stuff related to the sets, particularly error cards. This progression reflects master set collecting generally- once one gets the whole set, a natural move is to then chase rarities like errors where new things always arise. I’m not sure if many people find errors interesting, but they’re fun.

[MM92]

Haha I think I posted this in the wrong discussion. Don’t mind that I repost my OG comment in the MM92 platinum thread