Category Archives: Artists

Topps Eliminating Artist Return Sketch Cards

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Since the early days of sketch cards in GPK products, artists were given Artist Proof, (Artist Return), sketch cards to create custom sketches to sell to collectors. In the future this will no longer be the case. Topps emailed sketch artists on Wednesday to alert them to the new policy. Topps announced a new compensation model for GPK sketch artists that eliminates AP cards, while increasing the per sketch rate they are paid by Topps. Topps mentioned in the email the new policy will help to reduce counterfeit sketches. The new policy will take effect on any new projects going forward. Any current sets, such as GPK Universe, will continue under the old rules.

10th Anniversary of Gross Card Con To Have Largest GPK Gathering Ever

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It’s hard to believe, but Gross Card Con is turning 10 this year! The upcoming show, which serves to celebrate its 10th anniversary, is shaping up to be the largest gathering of GPK artists ever. Gross Card Con will take place May 30th & 31st at the Ahern Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV. Like last year, GCC will take place inside the PokeKon show.

The highlight of every GCC is the artist lineup appearing at the show. This year’s group will be the largest gathering of current and former official GPK artists ever at one show. The artist lineup features numerous final card artists past and present, running from OS-modem GPK. There are also plenty of the top sketch artists, many making their GCC debuts. Leading the way is OS artist James Warhola, along with GPK final card artists Smokin Joe McWilliams, Neil Camera, Rory McQueen, Mike Stephens, and Lowell Isaac. Current GPK sketch artists scheduled to attend are David Acevedo, Jason Crosby, Fox Layng, Chad Scheres, Eddie Rhodes III, Barry Nygma, Shane Garvey, and Julie Kuaniver. Former GPK final card artists and Magic Marker Inc. owner Mark Pingitore will also have a booth at the show. Other former GPK artists in attendance include Pat Chaimuamg, Michael Bernard, and Jay O’Leary. Topps artist Halsey Camera is also one of the featured artists. There will also be a number of current sketch artists in attendance at the show; Adam Edwards, Terry Gordon, Jeff Cox, Albino Ryno, Ad Rock, and Jason Bryant. While they won’t all have a table you will find them around the show, some will even have special cards with them for the show. That’s 23 current and former GPK artists who will be at the show!

Of course that is not all. Clint Coleman and family, owners of GPK & Wacky Warehouse, (also promoter of GCC), will have plenty of GPK merchandise available to purchase. GetAGrip will be in attendance once again making deliveries of their popular GPK Mart preorders. Artist Will Green will be with the All C’s table representing Garbage Island with some of his own GPK inspired merchandise for sale.

You want more? Ok, the there will once again be the traditional show set featuring the artist’s GPK take on Pokémon characters. This year’s set features 18 cards, plus official GPK promo card from artist Rory McQueen. Show sets have 1:5 odds of receiving a sketch card. Additionally, each show set comes with a raffle ticket for prizes that will be announced Sunday at noon. You can purchase your show set from the GPK & Wacky Warehouse table at the show. There will also be a special limited edition Cracked Ice card by James Warhola to help celebrate 10 years of GCC. Cards are gold foil stamped out of /100.

Still more? Those that attended last year’s show will remember the tight space that housed all the artists in attendance. So how will this super sized lineup fit? This year the majority of GCC will be on the second floor with their own dedicated space. You’ll still want to checkout the main floor as there will be a few artists and vendors there as well. Part of the main GCC area will have their own dedicated stage! There will be a full lineup of events taking place through Saturday & Sunday of the show. There will be Pack Wars, two artist chats (one each day), a live artist jam, live breaks and more! The artist jam will have each artist contribute to one giant piece that will be auctioned off Sunday at the show, with proceeds going to the artists. Collectors will be sick of hearing my voice as I’ll be hosting a number of the planned events all weekend! The final stage schedule will be announced soon.

Still need more GPK that weekend? How about the traditional Saturday night dinner? The dinner is scheduled once again for Evil Pie on Saturday night from 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM. This ticketed even allows for collectors and your favorite artists to mingle while enjoying all you can eat pizza, salad, meatballs, wings, drinks, and more. Sadly tickets for the event are sold out. Collectors who have already purchased a dinner ticket will need to collect their ticket from the GPK & Wacky Warehouse table on Saturday, as collectors must have a ticket to attend. Collectors attending the dinner will receive an exclusive card done by artist Mike Stephens.

If you haven’t make your Vegas plans yet, it’s not too late! Collectors are in store for a full weekend of GPK events! The show is open Saturday 5/30 and Sunday 5/31 from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. VIP ticket holders can enter the show one hour early each day at 9:00 AM as well as attend the Friday preview night from 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Tickets for each day of admission or the VIP ticket can be purchasedw at the PokeKon website. You can find out more information about GCC from the GPK & Wacky Warehouse website and Facebook page. This show is not to be missed for all GPK collectors!

What Garbage Pail Kids Collectors Will Find At Fanatics Fest

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Fanatics Fest NYC won’t just be about sports. The show is set for 8/16-8/18 at the Javits Center in New York City. This will the first show from Fanatics as they try to take over the sports convention business. While the show will be mostly sports personalities and sports collectibles industry people, Fanatics will have an Artist Zone with some of their Topps artists. There are three artists with Garbage Pail Kids ties that will be attending the show. Long time final card artist David Gross will be there offering new prints, new cards, and final GPK artwork! Sketch card artists Mike Stephens and Jasmine Contois (8/17 only), will also be there offering their own artwork and meeting collectors. There are no plans for exclusive GPK cards or merchandise at the show. If your’re in the NYC area this weekend be sure to stop by and meet your favorites GPK artists!

Artist Offers Official GPK Artwork Prints/Blankets

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This past weekend’s Philly Non-Sports show, by all reports, featured a wide assortment of Garbage Pail Kids cards and merchandise for collectors. Current GPK artist David Gross debuted new prints and blankets featuring official GPK artwork at the show. There were a total of 14 prints measuring 11” x 14”. They all feature some of Gross’ most popular pieces. The prints are not numbered, and all are signed by the artist. Additionally, there are also two throw blankets measuring 50” x 40”, although only one blanket features official GPK artwork.

So just how was Gross allowed to sell these items? A new policy from Topps now allows the final card GPK artists to use their own artwork to create and sell anything in a limited amount, as long as it’s not a card or something Topps wants to use the artwork for. Topps still retains ownership of the art, but is giving the rights to the artists, similar to a licensing agreement. The items are not produced by Topps, nor are they officially licensed. They also aren’t bootleg, since Topps is giving the artists the rights. So we now have a third category of GPK merchandise that won’t have Topps copyrights, but does legally use official artwork. To help combat future bootlegs at least with prints, Gross will only be selling signed prints, so any secondary sales that are unsigned would be unauthorized. It’s not known yet how or if any other artists will be using their artwork. This could be a boon for the artists, and collectors might get plenty of new merchandise featuring their favorite artwork.

Viva GPK! Gross Card Con Returns to Las Vegas

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It’s been a couple of years, but the largest gathering of Garbage Pail Kids collectors is set to return with a bang. Gross Card Con is back, and will once again be in Las Vegas. The show is set to take place Nov. 4-6 at the the World Market Center. The show is now part of the Unicon Las Vegas Collectibles Convention. While it’s not hosting the event, the show hotel is the Downtown Grand. What can collectors expect at this year’s show?

GCC Show Guests

GCC is officially advertising six artists that all have a long history with GPKs. Current retail final card artist Smokin’ Joe McWilliams will once again be at GCC. He will be joined by former GPK Art Director and the artist of the new GPK Origins comic series, Jeff Zapata. The artist on the Madballs vs. GPK comic, Jason Crosby, will be attending his first GCC show. Also attending his first show, all the way from the UK, is longtime GPK artist and the artist behind GetAGrip’s products, Rory McQueen. Former GPK artist and owner of Magic Marker Ink, Mark Pingitore, along with current GPK sketch and Wacky Packages artists Chad Scheres will also once again be attending GCC.

It’s not just artists at the show. Collectors can meet and take pictures with Adam Bomb himself! Sam Gras will be making an appearance throughout the show in his popular Adam Bomb cosplay outfit. In addition the masterminds behind the popular GPK Boys YouTube show will be making an appearance at the show.

While not officially part of the event, there will also be a number of current and former GPK sketch artists with tables at the show. Collectors can meet and shop from Barry Nygma, Jeff Cox, Shane Garvey, Michael Barnard, and Victor Moreno.

Vendors & Show Exclusives

GPK & Wacky Warehouse is once again sponsoring the GCC show. Clint Coleman and family will be setup selling everything GPK. His booth will also be selling the show exclusive merchandise.

There will be the usual GCC card set. McWilliams, Zapata, Pingitore, Scheres, McQueen, and Crosby have created an 11 card set for the show. A set can be purchased for $25 at the GPK & Wacky booth. Collectors will have the chance of pulling a B&W sketch card and merchandise coupons from the sets.

There is also a show exclusive skateboard produced by GetAGrip and sold at the GPK & Wacky booth. The board features the GCC cards on one side with the GCC logo on the other. Boards are $100, and are limited to 50.

There will also be two special Topps licensed promo cards at the show. Adam Bomb and Sam Kablam celebrate the cosplay of Sam Gras with artwork from Rory McQueen. The cards are available for free with each purchase of the GCC card set, or GCC skateboard.

GetAGrip Skateboards will also be in attendance at the show. They will be offering Mystery Boxes full of official Garbage Pail Kids Merchandise. Each box will cost $125 and are limited to 100 boxes.

Show Hours and Tickets

The show is open on Friday 11/4 from 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Saturday 11/5 from 10:00 AM – 7:00  PM, and Sunday 11/6 from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Tickets can be purchased from Unicon’s website. Friday’s ticket is $15, while Saturday and Sunday is $25. A 3-day pass is also available for $45. Collectors should do everything thing they can to get to the largest gathering of GPK artists and collectors this year!

Former GPK Artist Justin Green (1945-2022) Passes Away

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Former Garbage Pail Kids artist Justin Green passed away April 23, 2022. Justin worked for Topps on both the ANS 4 and ANS 5 GPK sets. He was one of seven artists to complete sketches for the ANS 4 set, the first GPK set to feature sketch cards. For ANS 5, Justin finished the final artwork on the Alphabet Stickers insert card set.

While his time in the GPK world was brief, Justin was a key member of the Underground Comix movement in the 1970’s. He was known as the father of autobiographical comics with the release of his 1972 comic, Blinky Brown Meets the Holy Virgin Mary. The comic helped to inspire his roommate at the time, Art Spiegelman, to go on to create his award winning Maus comic book. Justin also was a master sign painter, with his work leading to be published as a book, Sign Game, in 1994. He continued to work in the comic industry his entire life.

Former GPK Art Director Jeff Zapata was kind enough to send over these thoughts on Justin. “Justin was very much like Jay Lynch. He was a very humble and approachable person with virtual talent. He could draw things in ways you didn’t think about. We did GPK alphabet stickers together with Jay, (who introduced him to me). We even did an unpublished Wacky Packages sticker album that was amazing. He had the deepest, kindest voice and when he answered his phone he wouldn’t say hello. In a very deep godly voice he would say, “This is Justin Green!”. Jay and I would imitate it constantly with fondness. It was an honor to work with him and will never forget that voice and old school talent. “This is Justin Green.” Rest In Peace my friend. This hurts.”

Justin, who lived in Cincinnati, Ohio,  is survived by his wife and daughter. His wife shared on Facebook that a memorial exhibit and celebration of life for Justin will be held in early December, with details to be released later.

Work Begins on 2022S1 Garbage Pail Kids Book Worms Sketches

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While Topps has still yet to release two GPK sets from 2021, work continues on the 2022 sets. Sketch artists began receiving sketch blanks this week from Topps for 2022S1 Garbage Pail Kids Book Worms. The number of sketches each artist is being asked to complete varies from artist to artist. Total number of sketches seem to be in line with previous releases, with an increase on shaped sketches and a decrease on panos and tryptych. Topps has given artists a very aggressive deadline of 5/2/22 to complete sketches, giving artists just over two weeks to finish. With the takeover of Topps by Fanatics, there are a couple of new rules artists have to follow. Artists can no longer sketch cards that have pee, poop, or blood on them. Any cards featuring racial stereotypes are also no longer allowed. While the racial stereotypes make sense, it’s a mystery why Fanatics would remove body fluids, a staple of GPK’s past.

As for the sketch cards themselves, the fronts feature blue banners on the panos, tryptych, and regular sketches, and Orange banners on the shaped sketches. The nameplate on the regular sketch is white this time. Topps is using classic original series characters on the sketch backs. Regular sketches have Brainy Janie, Panos have Nad Nerd, while Tryptych have Cranky Franky and 3-Dee. Once again, shaped sketches will comes in two varieties, trash can and the new open book shapes.

The total number of sketch artists for this set will be a slightly higher than what is confirmed for 2021S2 Vacation. Topps has a mix of current artists, returning artists, and even one new artist to GPK sketches.  So far 55 of the 57 artists confirmed form the 2021S2 Vacation set have confirmed they are doing sketches for the Book Worms set. Set to return are; David Acevedo, Simone Arena, Andrew Artz, Rö García Astorga, Robert Ball, Bobby Blakey, Emma Burges, John Brewer, Neil Camera, Nik Castaneda, Slippa Chervascus, Daniel Contois, Jasmine Contois, Sobot Cortez, Jeff Cox, Jason Crosby, Vincenzo D’Ippolito, Dave Dabila, Adam Dobrzeniecki, Joey Fitchett, Dave Gacey, Shane Garvey, Patrick Giles, Kelly Greider, Jason Heil, Lowell Isaac, Robert Jimenez, Karl Jones, Rickey Kipfer, Mike McHugh, Rory McQueen, Chris Meeks, Lily Mercado, Rich Molinelli, Victor Moreno, Nik Muggli, Erik Muller, Barry Nygma, Jay O’leary, Justin Olson, Mark Parisi, Darrin Pepe, Todd Rayner, Cathy Razim, Chad Scheres, Brent Scotchmer, Bekki Jane Sharp, Brandhen Snyder, Mike Stephens, Floydman Sumner, Gregory Tilson, Greg Treize, Magnus Von Robotsson, Gavin Williams, and Clinton Yeager. After taking a break, Topps is bringing back artists Quinton Baker, Daniel Goodroad, Jon Monserrat and Matt Steffens for this set. Finally, Barry Nibert will be making his GPK debut. For different reasons, Pat Chaimuang and Pat Dobbins will not be working on the Book Worms set. This brings the current confirmed sketch artist total to 60 so far. This article will be updated as any additional artists come forward.

2022 Series 1 Garbage Pail Kids Book Worms is currently scheduled to hit stores on 7/27/22.

Tom Bunk Featured in 2021 Topps Allen & Ginter Set

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Original Series Garbage Pail Kids artist Tom Bunk is featured in the upcoming 2021 Topps Allen & Ginter release. Thanks to collector Jeremy Lawson for first posting information about the card, and sending along pictures. Topps has been releasing Allen & Ginter (A&G) sets since 2006. While the sets primarily are focused on baseball players, they always include a number of celebrities and people of interest within the set. Bunk is card #250 in the regular base card set. The back of the card reviews Tom’s history of working for Mad Magazine and creating GPKs and Wacky Packages. It wouldn’t be Topps, if there also wasn’t a handful of parallels of the card to collect. Besides the base card, there are also regular sized Glossy (1/1) and Silver Portrait (Hobby Only) parallels. There are also a slew of mini parallels. The card can be found in Mini (1:1), A&G Back Mini (1:5), Black Mini (1:10), No Number mini (/50), Brooklyn Back (/25), Glossy (1/1), Wood (Hobby 1/1), and Framed Printing Plates (1/1). Cards have been showing up online this weekend, but the official release date for 2021 Topps Allen & Ginter is 8/11/21.

Super Premium Topps WWE Transcendent Set to Feature GPK Art

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Are you a big fan of WWE and GPK? Do you have 13k lying around? Then maybe Topps 2021 WWE Transcendent is for you. Yesterday, Topps announced the latest super premium WWE set. For those unfamiliar with the Transcendent line, it’s a ultra rare boxed set that contains limited card sets, inserts, autographs, original art, and a VIP ticket to a special party. As part of this year’s set each box will receive an original piece of Garbage Pail Kids artwork from Brent Engstrom or Joe Simko. The example shown is Steve Austin artwork Engstrom did previously for the WWE x GPK card set and merchandise. No other info is available yet on the different GPK x WWE pieces that will be inserted. WWE Transcendent is set to be released 7/25/21 and is limited to only 50 boxes. If you want to scratch that itch, Steel City has some available for the low price of $12,999.95!

Work Begins on Garbage Pail Kids 2021S2 Sketches

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The set might not have been announced by Topps yet, but that hasn’t stopped the work. Sketch artists began receiving their sketch blanks this week for work on the next Garbage Pail Kids retail set, 2021S2. With no permanent brand manager in place for GPK, employees are getting a head start on the next set to make sure everything stays on track. Multiple sketches artists have revealed that the theme for the next series will be GPKs on Vacation. One good thing about working ahead is artists were given one of the longest deadlines they’ve ever had for this release. Sketches are not due for approval until 7/16, giving artists plenty of time to complete their work. Artists are being asked to complete less sketches as they did for the most recent release, Food Fight. They are scheduled to complete 58 regular, 15 die-cut, 5 loaded puzzle, 3 panoramic, and 3 Tryptych sketches. It would appear production might be down compared to the previous set.

Topps is going with blue for the color scheme for the sketches with this release. The sketch fronts feature blue banners. The nameplate on the regular sketch is yellow. The backs are all blue with various OS characters. Regular sketches feature the return of Adam Bomb, Panoramic sketches have Tommy Tomb, while the Triptych has Silent Sandy and Alice Island. In addition to the traditional garbage can die-cut, there is a car shaped sketch to go with the vacation theme.

The total number of sketch artists for this set will be a little lower than 2021S1 Food Fight. 60 artists completed sketches for the Food Fight set. It doesn’t appear Topps has invited any new artists for this set. So far 56 of the 60 artists from the Food Fight set have confirmed they are doing sketches for the Food Fight set. Set to return are; David Acevedo, Simone Arena, Andrew Artz, Rö García Astorga, Robert Ball, Bobby Blakey, Emma Burges, John Brewer, Neil Camera, Nik Castaneda, Pat Chaimuang, Slippa Chervascus, Daniel Contois, Jasmine Contois, Sobot Cortez, Jeff Cox, Jason Crosby, Vincenzo D’Ippolito, Dave Dabila, Adam Dobrzeniecki, Joey Fitchett, Dave Gacey, Shane Garvey, Patrick Giles, Kelly Greider, Jason Heil, Lowell Isaac, Robert Jimenez, Karl Jones, Rickey Kipfer, Mike McHugh, Rory McQueen, Chris Meeks, Lily Mercado, Rich Molinelli, Victor Moreno, Nik Muggli, Erik Muller, Barry Nygma, Jay O’leary, Justin Olson, Mark Parisi, Darrin Pepe, Todd Rayner, Cathy Razim, Chad Scheres, Brent Scotchmer, Bekki Jane Sharp, Brandhen Snyder, Mike Stephens, Floydman Sumner, Gregory Tilson, Greg Treize, Magnus Von Robotsson, Gavin Williams, and Clinton Yeager. Three artists, Quinton Baker, John Cebollero, and Matt Steffens will not be doing sketches on this set. As of this writing  Anthony Skubis have not confirmed if they are returning. Topps is bringing back fan favorite Joe Grotesque for this set. Topps is also debuting a new artists to GPK, RJ Tomascik. This brings the current confirmed sketch artist total to 58 so far. This article will be updated as any additional artists come forward.

Hopefully Topps will send out the sell sheets soon for the set. 2021 Garbage Pail Kids Series 2 is expected to launch this fall.