Topps, a division of Fanatics Collectibles, has struck an expansive deal with Disney Consumer Products to secure global rights for producing trading cards featuring iconic characters from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars. This groundbreaking agreement marks the first time Topps will introduce physical Marvel trading cards on a global scale, introducing a new era of collecting for fans across the globe.
The collaboration, a long-standing endeavor between Topps and Star Wars since 1977, is set to flourish further under this expanded agreement. Fans can expect a plethora of innovative and exciting trading card releases that encapsulate the magic of Disney, the creativity of Pixar, the thrill of Marvel superheroes, and the epic adventures of Star Wars.
Launching in the first quarter of 2025, Topps will unveil its first Marvel trading card collection, Topps Finest X-Men ’97, coinciding with the resurgence of interest in the X-Men franchise. This release will mark a significant moment for Topps as it steps into the realm of global distribution for Marvel cards, delighting collectors worldwide.
The renewed partnership between Topps and Disney Consumer Products will see the creation of both physical and digital trading cards, offering a diverse range of collectibles for enthusiasts of all ages. While Topps has previously delved into digital collectibles through the Disney Collect! and Marvel Collect! apps, the extension of this collaboration will see an expansion in physical product offerings, particularly within the United States market.
Diving deeper into the partnership, Paul Gitter, Executive Vice President of Global Brand Commercialization at Disney Consumer Products, expressed excitement about extending storytelling from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars to card collecting enthusiasts globally. The collaboration aims to enhance the fan experience by bringing innovative products that resonate with fans all around the world.
David Leiner, President of Trading Cards at Fanatics Collectibles, emphasized the shared commitment to innovation and fan engagement. The partnership’s focus on enhancing the collector experience will ensure that fans are treated to the best in innovation in the trading card hobby. Leiner highlighted the success of the Star Wars cards collaboration since 1977, including the recent release of Star Wars Chrome by Topps, showcasing the companies’ dedication to evolving with the times.
Topps’ history of producing Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars cards in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region is set to shift to a global scale with this new agreement, marking a significant foray into the U.S. market and other regions. By merging Disney’s captivating storytelling with Topps’ expertise in crafting collectible trading cards, the partnership is poised to deliver fresh designs, unique collectibles, and immersive experiences to fans worldwide.
As collectors eagerly anticipate the diverse array of new trading cards in the pipeline, this expanded partnership between Topps and Disney Consumer Products heralds an exciting new chapter for trading card enthusiasts. With unparalleled access to some of the most cherished characters and narratives in entertainment history, fans can look forward to immersing themselves in a world of wonder and nostalgia.
