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1962 Topps Mars Attacks Original Art

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1962 Topps Mars Attacks Original Artwork for Card #25 "Capturing A Martian"

The Mars Attacks set issued by Topps needs no introduction. The artwork has been ingrained into the consciousness of our Popular Culture, and has had a lasting impact not only on the youth of the early 1960s, but on all generations since. Collectors have long appreciated the cards as the most significant and classic non-sport issue of the era. The extraordinary artwork, created by Norm Saunders, distinguishes this set as the most highly regarded of all non-sport Topps card issues. Offered is the original artwork to card #25, entitled "Capturing A Martian." Any original Mars Attacks artwork is an incredible find, but this example is one of the best, most shocking, and memorable of the series. In this scene, the Martian is in the process of being captured by soldiers with a net, and the Martian has grabbed the face of a bayonet-wielding soldier. Of special note, the original artwork shows the soldier's bayonet stabbing the Martian. This touch, it appears, was too gruesome even for Topps. The piercing of the Martian by the bayonet, and the resulting blood, has been covered by the title panel on the issued card. The original artwork presented here, however, allows us to see the entire image, as it was originally intended to be seen, giving this extraordinary artwork an added and unique dimension of significance. Determining what is the "best" of all Mars Attacks original artworks is a very subjective process, but the offered original artwork to card #25 is without question at least deserving of consideration. Of the 55 cards in the set, only 13 actually feature Martians. Of these, the offered example features the finest, largest, and most ideal image of a Martian in the set. The fact that the excessively graphic, violent image makes this one of the set's most horrifying cards (and we mean that as a good thing) is icing on the cake. If one were to have just one Mars Attacks artwork, a case could be made that this is the ideal. Original Mars Attacks artworks are, of course, extremely rare. Auction records for Mars Attacks artworks exceed $20,000. Theoretically all exist, but only a few examples have ever come to the marketplace over the years. The offered example has been locked away in a major collection for many years. It is a privilege to be able to offer any original Mars Attacks artwork, but all the more so to offer such a tremendous and prime example, which so effectively represents and captures the spirit of the set. The artwork (5.5 x 3.75 inches) is in Near Mint to Mint condition. Accompanied by an example of the issued Mars Attacks card #25. Reserve $5,000. Estimate $10,000/$20,000.

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