Topps - Attack of the Clones Widevision (2002)

The film The Attack of the Clones had some stunning visual moments; huge vistas, thousands of clone troopers and battle droids, arenas filled with aliens, sweeping views of Coruscant. Displayed nicely in the first series of cards issued by Topps for Attack of the Clones, many collectors still wanted to see these images in the now famous Topps Widevision format. Topps has come through for collectors again with their second series of cards for this film in full widevision. They've also focused more on the second half of the film for this card set. Their first card set was issued before the release of the film, making it necessary to avoid showing several key plot details.

With only a single widely available promotional card (released under two different card numbers, P1 in the US and S1 in the UK), the card set might seem under-promoted, but this single card shows everything you need to know about the set. Big widevision images on high quality card stock with the usual attention to little details (things like border design, captions, etc.) Topps is ensuring this card set will live up to collector expectations for a worthwhile set to collect.

A unique set of promotional cards was also issued through Wal-mart.com for shoppers who pre-ordered the DVD or video through that on-line store. This 5-card promotional pack is a nice bonus for those able to purchase through Wal-mart.

Are there any disappointments in the set? Perhaps. This is the first set (since the vintage) to have no chase cards. Well, almost no chase cards. There are chase cards, but they are autograph cards that are distributed at a ration of 1:24 packs. That's basically one to a box, although there is certainly no guarantee of an autograph in every box, and some lucky collectors will find two in a box. With so few opportunities to obtain chase cards, many collectors will not be inclined to try to collect a full set of the autograph chase cards. For those collectors, there will be no chase cards to hunt down. Although that makes it easier to build a set, it also makes it slightly less exciting. And die-hard collectors will have not only the standard autograph cards, but a special 'case card' autograph card to collect. The case card is not being shipped with retail cases (hobby only) but is being made available worldwide.

This card set has a number of nice features that card collectors will enjoy however, even if they only collect the common cards. Topps has done an excellent job with this set of making the card backs interesting. Although over half the card back is focused on a description of the film plot surrounding the image on the front of the card, each card also has a smaller and more interesting image on the back. These images range from behind-the-scenes moments on the set to production sketches and models. While only briefly described, they are a great opportunity to learn more about the artists who helped create Attack of the Clones and to see the actors and crew at work.

Released in November of 2002, this card set is timed to match the release of the Episode II DVD and video release.

Thanks also to Jeff Matthews.