What's a Bulk Break? Well, it's basically a Buzz Break -- but with a lot of packs or something that's found in volume but not in box or case form. 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 lot: 2012 Cryptozoic The Big Bang Theory Seasons 3-4 (72 retail packs)
Where to buy: Will take some looking ... newer non-sports cards are here

Keep reading to see what was in this lot.

Continue reading →

This one comes from a team that only played in the reel world -- but it was all captured on film and that makes it game-used, right?

This second item this month in the Collecting Game-used series is one I grabbed a while back but it kind of got lost in the shuffle for a few reasons -- but with some year-end housecleaning I figured I'd take the time to revisit the set of Ballers for a piece of the action. (My other option would be to start a props series each month but ... that's just not happening yet.)

What is it this time? A teaser is above ... keep reading to see the details.

Continue reading →

What: Cheers Premiere Edition Trading Cards
Arrives: Feb. 26, 2025
Box basics: Two autographs and one memorabilia card per 24-pack box (12 boxes per case)
Pre-order: Click here

What's buzz-worthy: Making your way in the hobby world today may take everything you've got, but Rittenhouse Archives will start off a new year where everybody knows your name as the cast of this past classic -- and a number of notable guest stars known elsewhere -- come to cardboard for the first time.

Keep reading for more info on this one.

Continue reading →

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 pack: 2023 Leaf Metal Pop Century 1/1 Pre-Production Proofs (two)
Where to buy: Click here (when available)

Keep reading for a full breakdown and gallery for what was in this one.

Continue reading →

For years now, autographed books coming direct from the publishers -- or direct from the authors themselves -- have been an affordable way to collect ink from notable names in all realms of pop culture.

It's not a perfect system with stamped autos, fakes and autopens sometimes in the mix -- a problem for publishers to catch as they are not authenticators -- but thanks to dedicated collectors on the Blowout Cards Forum and elsewhere, those problems often get caught and fixed ... or at least become well-known enough to avoid if it's an issue that goes uncorrected.

Getting ink in-person is always best -- book tours still happen, of course -- but landing autographed editions from publishers, online sellers or celebs themselves via their websites or other appearances are common.

Our latest subject and autograph in this ongoing series? Game Of Thrones star Emilia Clarke but without the Daenerys Targaryen price tag.

Continue reading →

Like many collectors, Buzz is a fan of grading and knows that there are many reasons that collectors choose to slab cards. Sometimes it's to enhance the appeal and protect them when selling. Other times it's to protect an investment for the long-term or to protect for sentimental reasons. Or, it might be just for fun or curiosity about a potential grade.

Here's this month's grading diary here on The Buzz ...

STRONG SEASON ... WHAT'S NEXT?
The Card: Juan Soto 2018 Topps 582 Montgomery Club Set 1 -- Rookie Card
The Reason Graded: A big season that came up short of the goal ... but now it's time for a historic payday while still in his mid-20s. Soto's Rookie Cards (2018) aren't all that rare, really, but there's a lot of demand -- but they still might be good buys depending on where he goes next. (Mets? Watch out.) All those thoughts were in mind when I popped this one into a submission earlier this year along with other key names from this small set for Club members. It's not a traditional RC since it's from a small set, but it's still a good Soto to me ... so I slabbed it.
The Grade: CGC 10

Reality Check: Top grade of a small volume works for me. I'm sure there will be more and I'm sure the pops are higher elsewhere, but the range of the grades here shows it might not be the easiest kind of card to grade thanks to that retro stock.

Keep reading for more of this month's pick-ups and new slabs for Buzz.

Continue reading →

What: 2025 Keepsake Steve McQueen Premiere Edition trading cards
Arrives: Jan. 21
Box basics: One encased Keepsake Relic and one five-card pack per illuminated box (five boxes per case)
Order: Click here

What's buzz-worthy: The newest Keepsake release turns its commemorative lens toward a Hollywood icon who brought action and attitude to the big screen in the 1960s and 1970s.

Keep reading for more info and a selection of images.

Continue reading →

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: 2023 Leaf Metal Pop Century 1/1 Pre-Production Proofs
Where to buy: Click here (when available)

Keep reading for a full breakdown and gallery for what was in this one.

Continue reading →

Buzz buys and busts a lot of boxes right here for Buzz Breaks, but one of my goals is to rip a little less and talk more about cardboard that I -- and you -- might like. One way to do that? Simple show and tell -- present a few pick-ups and say why they captured my attention.

So, with all that said, here are a few Buzz Buys ... 

--

A HISTORY LESSON
The Cards: Huck Betts, Joe Oeschger & Whitey Glazner 2019 Historic Autographs Triple Play Cut Signatures Triple Play Booklet ... plus 1961 Topps Leon Cadore & Joe Oeschger (Brooklyn-Boston Play 26-Inning Tie) from the Baseball Thrills subset
The Price: $21 total
Why it’s Buzz-worthy: I'm not exactly sure what sparked my going down the rabbit hole to end up finding this one -- whether it was some trivia about the game or just a search of cut autographs I'm not sure as I found this earlier this year -- but for something different without breaking the bank this cardboard duo was worth a lead-off spot this time. As the Topps card details, on May 1, 1920, the Brooklyn Robins and Boston Braves played 26 innings to a 1-1 tie that ended due to darkness and that's still an MLB record. Cadore and Oeschger both pitched all 26 innings -- think about that a minute -- and that's their only Topps card appearance. As for the cut, Oeschger gets the center spot with an inscription for that game, while Betts was a rookie in 1920 for the Phillies and Glazner was a rookie for the Pirates later that year. Why are all three on this cut auto book? I'm not totally sure ... but all three did pitch for the Phillies at some point so it could be that beyond 1920 highlights. The center auto here is the key to me ... that's some good trivia.

Grab a box right here: Nothing for this one ... BlowoutCards.com for MLB

Keep reading for more interesting items ...

Continue reading →

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: 2023 Leaf Metal Pop Century 1/1 Pre-Production Proofs
Where to buy: Click here (when available)

Keep reading for a full breakdown and gallery for what was in this one.

Continue reading →

Like many collectors, Buzz is a fan of grading and knows that there are many reasons that collectors choose to slab cards. Sometimes it's to enhance the appeal and protect them when selling. Other times it's to protect an investment for the long-term or to protect for sentimental reasons. Or, it might be just for fun or curiosity about a potential grade.

Here's this month's grading diary here on The Buzz ...

THE AIR UP THERE ...
The Card: Michael Jordan 2009 Goodwin Champions
The Reason Graded: This is one I pulled from a pack of this Ginter-style rival throwback brand back when it arrived, and it's got an obviously appropriate background for Air Jordan. It's that simple touch (and it being a dunk shot) that makes this card -- in all its versions -- in some demand. This one had been in my "maybe grade" pile for literally years and I finally worked it into a bulk sub since the NBA season is here.
The Grade: CGC 10

Reality Check: It checked in higher than I had expected, though I tend to punt cards where the centering is just slightly off ... but those can still land a 10 like this one did. Ultimately I was good with any mark as, for me, this is more of a novelty slab -- about the only Jordan collecting I do is his baseball stuff. Interestingly, most copies of this card have checked in here -- that's surprising to me -- but with that overall volume still low that could change easily with time.

Keep reading for more of this month's pick-ups and new slabs for Buzz.

Continue reading →

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 seeFa busted? Send Buzz an email at BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com.

The pack: 2024 Fantasy Super Costplay Wrestling Series 4 trading cards
Where to buy: Will take some looking ... BlowoutCards.com for WWE/AEW

Keep reading for a full breakdown and gallery of what was in this one.

Continue reading →

What's Buzzing: Anthony Volpe keeps the Yankees alive, Freddie Freeman makes history, Allen & Ginter arrives, Costco Star Wars boxes and more.

Continue reading →

What: 2024 Topps Star Wars High Tek trading cards
Arrives: Jan. 8, 2025
Box basics: Two serial-numbered parallels 20-card box (12 boxes per case)
Checklist: Click here
Odds: Click here
Order: Click here

What's buzz-worthy: Topps brings Tek to this galaxy once again with a few different looks every time and with rarer chases being autographs and sketch cards.

Keep reading for more and a full gallery of images.

Continue reading →

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: 2023 Leaf Metal Pop Century 1/1 Pre-Production Proofs
Where to buy: Click here (when available)

Keep reading for a full breakdown and gallery for what was in this one.

Continue reading →

What's Buzzing: The World Series is here, Topps Update breaks, Judge vs. Ohtani and more in this Friday edition.

Continue reading →

What: 2024 Topps Chrome Disney trading cards
Arrives: via Topps UK
Box basics: 12 six-card packs per box
Checklist/parallel info: Click here
Order: Click here (when available)

What's buzz-worthy: The Topps Chrome show arrives with all the Disney flair for another year but this time with more rarities in the mix as it takes a look at the world of characters that spans generations.

Keep reading for more and a full gallery of images.

Continue reading →

What: 2024 Topps Star Wars Chrome Galaxy trading cards
Arrives: Nov. 1
Box basics: 18 four-card packs per box (12 boxes per case) -- one autographed card per case
Checklist: TBD
Order: Click here

What's buzz-worthy: Star Wars' art-driven Galaxy line gets one more turn on Chrome revisiting all aspects of the Star Wars universe but with autographs once again a case-level chase -- and some new rarities such as Blank Canvas art cards from Lucasfilm animators which will be tougher to find than the autos.

Keep reading for more as well as a gallery.

Continue reading →

Heroes, villains, iconic actors, illustrated legends and more ... much, much more.

There's so much to find in the just-arrived 2024 Kakawow Phantom Warner Bros. 100th Anniversary trading card set -- it's one that spans generations of entertainment all in one spot with heavy doses of icons from film and television. Ripping into a pack can mean landing icons as Superman, Batman and Willy Wonka in film or animated form as well as looks at past landmark releases and franchises such as The Wizard Of Oz, Friends, Tom & Jerry or The Matrix with a ton of modern-day flash and surprise. It's already is generating surprises on eBay early on after its formal arrival this week.

What are some of the variables creating those surprises? Well, for starters, this release is massive -- so big we'd be here all day detailing it but you can see all of the basics and a checklist here -- with literally more than 2,000 cards spread over tiers in a basic set, several numbered parallel versions and then some chase sets with parallels, too. And beyond the depth of who and what can be found here as it takes a look at 100 years of entertainment, it's also important to note that the distribution is global for this one, meaning those rarities are spread out. (There's no separate American Edition box with its own chases, for example, for this one -- the run is 10,000 cases of 500 cards apiece and that's it from Kakawow, which is a Chinese card company.)

Collect 'em all? That will be challenging ... heck, even picking what to collect within this one might be tough. Come with us as we take a look at some finds fresh from eBay via a gallery after the jump.

Continue reading →

What: Star Trek: Discovery Season 5 trading cards
Arrives: Dec. 18
Box basics: Four autographs and one Relic per 24-pack box (12 boxes per case)
Order: Click here (live soon)

What's buzz-worthy: The newest Trek series hits cardboard for the fifth time with this release including five hits per box and plenty more to chase.

Keep reading for more details.

Continue reading →

Buzz buys and busts a lot of boxes right here for Buzz Breaks, but one of my goals is to rip a little less and talk more about cardboard that I -- and you -- might like. One way to do that? Simple show and tell -- present a few pick-ups and say why they captured my attention. So, with all that said, here are a few Buzz Buys ... 

--

THERE'S ALWAYS TIME FOR TIFF
The Card: Tiffany Stratton 2024 Panini Instant WWE Red-White-Blue Autograph (/10)
The Price: $49.99 via Panini Instant
Why it’s Buzz-worthy: This was an instant buy for me for that price and I suspect that future autos for this rising WWE star will cost more when they happen again via Instant based on asking and sale prices over on eBay that are far higher. (And because Panini has charged more for names who aren't as popular.) It's not a perfect card with the auto running off the sticker to a small degree here (though others I saw were worse with that being part of the "T") but that doesn't matter to me much with this being a personal collection addition. The only question is whether I'll slab it or not and I'm leaning toward no as I don't want any surprises on a solid card. With this victory, she got a title match anywhere and at any time, so this is a key moment upon that rocketship ride to the top as she only started wrestling in any capacity in late 2021 and already has all the skills to pay the bills. (Here's one match to see.) There will be more Strattons to come here as long as the prices don't get too crazy.
Grab a box right here: Not for this ... WWE cards are here

Keep reading for more interesting items ...

Continue reading →

For years now, autographed books coming direct from the publishers -- or direct from the authors themselves -- have been an affordable way to collect ink from notable names in all realms of pop culture.

It's not a perfect system with stamped autos, fakes and autopens sometimes in the mix -- a problem for publishers to catch as they are not authenticators -- but thanks to dedicated collectors on the Blowout Cards Forum and elsewhere, those problems often get caught and fixed ... or at least become well-known enough to avoid if it's an issue that goes uncorrected.

Getting ink in-person is always best -- book tours still happen, of course -- but landing autographed editions from publishers, online sellers or celebs themselves via their websites or other appearances are common.

Our latest subject and autograph in this ongoing series? Rap icon LL Cool J.

Continue reading →

Like many collectors, Buzz is a fan of grading and knows that there are many reasons that collectors choose to slab cards. Sometimes it's to enhance the appeal and protect them when selling. Other times it's to protect an investment for the long-term or to protect for sentimental reasons. Or, it might be just for fun or curiosity about a potential grade.

Here's this month's grading diary here on The Buzz ...

A MONSTER YEAR ...
The Card: Shohei Ohtani 2018 Topps Heritage High Number -- Rookie Card
The Reason Graded: Ohtani had a monster season without even pitching -- first 50-50 Club member for starters and just short of the National League Triple Crown -- and his big-time potential had me submitting some of my RCs for him earlier this year. Did people expect this kind of showing, though? Probably not -- I know I didn't -- but I know Heritage RCs are my preference, so this one made the cut. The bottom corners seem to be the most-common issue with these cards, but this one was clean and so it made my sub -- and I will have two more on the way to grading, too, so you'll see more of this card during the off-season or by next spring.
The Grade: CGC 10

Reality Check: The graded volume is high here but perhaps still modest vs. PSA volumes -- I'm good with that -- and this one has only been topped three times. I dig that. This mark isn't that rare but it is one that would be in demand with the two slots below also where many will look.

Keep reading for more of this month's pick-ups and new slabs for Buzz.

Continue reading →

Their 40th anniversary will be celebrated in style.

A Kickstarter campaign to bring a new set of Transformers cards to life was funded in minutes and a number of options for collectors to partake in their celebration of the 1980s toys and now television and film icons.

Dynamite Entertainment is behind the Transformers 40th Anniversary Trading Cards set with pledges topping $180,000 so far via more than 700 backers after having a goal of only $19,840 when it launched -- there are 25 days left, too, to grab some premium pieces such as sketch cards alongside various packages.

Continue reading →

What: 2024 Leaf Metal Blue Mountain State football cards
Arrives: Nov. 8
Box basics: One autographed card per five-card box (10 per case)
Order: Click here (live soon)

What's buzz-worthy: Blue Mountain State's rumored comeback will include football cards for the Mountain Goats with plenty of reel world stars in play as well as a few from real-world football, too, in a jam-packed collection celebrating the cult classic.

Keep reading for more.

Continue reading →