Buzz Break: 2021 Topps Luminaries baseball cards

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: 2021 Topps Luminaries baseball cards
First Buzz preview & checklist: Click here
Where to buy: BlowoutCards.com

Keep reading for what was in this one.

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

Autographs/Memorabilia: 1 (click for a closer view)
Home Run Kings Autographs (1) – David Wright (/15)

What's Buzz-worthy: One box, one card ... high-risk, high-reward. If you're a regular reader then you know how these can go when they happen here -- a fast simple break that will either wow you are leave you hanging, no in-between. (At least that's my experience and a reason I don't do a lot of high-end releases, actually.) This time? Captain America and his career-high 33 homers (2008) get him called a Home Run King ... maybe in New York? Materials- and design-wise, these cards -- even the basic ones like this -- are pretty nice and on-par with past years. The on-card sigs are showcased well but that "33" screams for memorabilia treatment and serve as a reminder of what could have been here instead of what is ... kind of rubbing in what else could have been. Hit that preview link for a preview of the possibilities of what could be found here -- there's plenty that should make one consider a box if the price is right -- with multi-player auto books some of the most-outrageous draws. Young stars' autos max at /20, while veterans like Wright here are /15 max ... and I worry that even him /10 would be disappointing. What might make this one more palatable or less of a risk? Go with two cards per box -- give it some safety in numbers, a higher-tier player and a lower-tier player in the same box. (I'd consider Wright lower-tier among the veterans, though some rookies in this one might not sell as well as him.) Five Star underwent a format change in the past and my gut feeling after a few years of breaks like this one (the basics) I think it might help the brand over time -- or at least lessen the sting when it's not a home run enough to keep people trying.

Product Grade: A-
Box Grade: C- (average at best here)
Fun Grade: B- (see above)

Follow Buzz on Twitter @BlowoutBuzz or send email to BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com. 

>> Click here to buy cards on BlowoutCards.com