Buzz Break: 2018 Topps Archives Star Wars Signature Series

From time to time, Buzz will break a box of something and post the results here. Like this and want to see more? Or maybe there's a box you'd want to see busted? Send Buzz an email at BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com.

The box: 2018 Topps Archives Star Wars Signature Series
Where to buy: BlowoutCards.com

Packs per box: 1
Cards per pack: 1
Base set completion: 
N/A

Autographs/Memorabilia: 1
Autographs (1) – Jerome Blake as Rune Haako from 2017 Topps Star Wars Galactic Files Reborn (/23)

What's Buzz-worthy: These encased buyback cards aren't wrapped in any way inside the boxes so once you flip the lid you know what you have -- and, to me, that's the fun part of these types of products from Topps. Sometimes you win big and sometimes you have a mystery. This card is an interesting one in that it exemplifies one key issue for this set that is a bit of a practical need. It's an autograph from Jerome Blake on a card for the character of Rune Haako, which he helped bring to life. However, you would only know that if you rip a lot of Star Wars and land a lot of ink or if you visit IMDb.com and look up the character. Blake does appear on the signers list issued by Topps, but not as this character. Why? He helped play several among the prequels and this one is from The Phantom Menace. The chase of the big-name autos and the appeal of that ink from memorable cards from the past is a cool one, especially if you're a diehard who knows everything there is to know about the Star Wars Galaxy. For those of us a little more casual to things, a simple sticker on the case or a slip noting the name might be a good inclusion for this one if/when it's done again. The visibility of this auto is a slight issue, too, but I'm ok with this one compared to some metallic pens out there -- I'd take this over that, though the buybacks do present some challenges for autograph visibility unless the signers are aware of the issue and try to sign on light spots. (Definitely not a given.) All in all, I like the idea but like many of this franchise's releases it is heavy on names I'm not that familiar with. The diehards? They want it all, and that's a reason why a set like this one exists.

Product Grade: A- (thanks to the big -- but rare -- inclusions)
Box Grade: C (this one feels like an average box)
Fun Grade: B+

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