Category Archives: Philly Non-Sports

Philly Non-Sports Show Goes Virtual in October

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Covid 19 has caused the cancellation of most of the cons and card shows around the country in 2020. Taking a page from SDCC, the Philly Non-Sports Card Show is going virtual in October. Show promoters have scheduled a number of sessions with card industry leaders to take place Oct. 16-18, 2020. The sessions will be available to anyone who purchases a pass. The purchase also comes with two exclusive Philly Non-Sports cards, continuing their industry card series. Passes are $10 for US address, and $15 for international address. (Passes are only available while supplies last.)

The highlight of the show for Garbage Pail Kids collectors will be the Topps presentation, scheduled for for 10/16 at 10:00 AM EST. Ira Friedman and Jessica Kanzer are both scheduled to appear. Friedman is Topps VP of Licensing, and will be able to talk about all the various GPK products. Kanzer is the Brand Manager over GPK, this will be the first time she has be interviewed since taking over the reins of the brand. Long time GPK sketch artist Chenduz will have a session on 10/18 at 10:00 AM EST. Tom Lichtman from Sidekick Publishing and Adam Levine will have a session on 10/17 at 10:00 AM EST to talk about their Marks Attacks card set. See picture below for the complete lineup.

Collectors can signup for the virtual sessions, by going to the Philly Non-Sports website.

October Philly Non-Sports Card Show Cancelled

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In what is a surprise to no one, the October Philly Non-Sports card show has been cancelled. Show organizers made the announcement on their website and social channels yesterday. In a statement on their website they said, “As much as we love the hobby and love the show, the safety and health of everyone involved is our most important concern.” The Philly show, held twice a year, is the largest non-sports card show in the country. Organizers announced they are looking forward to the shows in 2021, which are scheduled to be held May 15/16 and Oct. 16/17.

Vegas Gross Experience Still On Despite Coronavirus Concerns

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This weekend’s Gross Xperience show within the Las Vegas Toy Con is still scheduled to take place. While many local governments and sports leagues around the country have postponed or cancelled events in the last 24 hours due to the coronavirus, that hasn’t been the case with the Vegas Toy Con. Nevada and Las Vegas currently do not have any local government restrictions in place limiting social gatherings. The show released information on their social media channels yesterday stating, “the show must go on”. As of 11:00 AM local time today, show promoters confirmed with GPKNews that the show would go on. Jon Gregory, one of the GPK artists scheduled to attend the show, will no longer be attending.

This isn’t the only convention coming up over the new few months that has a large Garbage Pail Kids presence. The next Philly Non-Sports card show is set to take place May 2-3 in Allentown, PA. As of now the show is still scheduled. Show promoters told GPKNews today that,  “They are still planning to hold the show unless the CDC orders all gatherings to be cancelled.”

Then there are the larger Comic Cons in San Diego and New York. Earlier today on their twitter account, the San Diego Comic Con posted that their sister con, Wonder Con (scheduled Apr 10-12), has been postponed. They said no decision has been made yet on the San Diego Comic Con, scheduled to take place July 23-26.

New York Comic Con has not commented yet, but their show is still a number of months away in October. The next few weeks/months will be chaotic for show promoters as they struggle with these decisions.

Philly Non-Sports Show Set for Next Weekend

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Every year October is a huge month for Garbage Pail Kids. Not only is there a new retail set, but with New York Comic Con, and the Philly Non-Sports shows, collectors are busy all month! Now that NYCC is over its time to focus on next week’s Philly Non-Sports Card Show. Collectors from around the world will once again descend on the Merchants Square Mall in Allentown, PA for the bi-annual card show. Now this show isn’t like the hustle and bustle of  NYCC show. This show is a more intimate setting, that allows collectors time to chat with their favorite artists and collectors alike. Plus the entire show is non-sports cards. Like usual there will be a heavy focus on GPK.

Two of the current GPK artists Brent Engstrom and Joe Simko will be guests at the show. You can have a chance to meet your favorite artists, buy some art, and get some autographs. The duo have painted an exclusive card for the show. Collectors attending the Meet & Greet on Saturday night will have the option to purchase the two Topps licensed cards for $20. The cost of the cards helps to offset the cost for the artists to attend the show. As a special bonus attendees to the Meet & Greet will receive a metal version of the card for free! There will be plenty of prizes at the Meet & Greet. GPK collectors could win one of the Chalkline GPK jackets.

GPK collectors will also enjoy a Saturday evening auction after the show, which many rare items. Roxanne Toser will also have a number of items from Jay Lynch’s personal collection for sale at the show. She also found a number of old 1980’s GPKNews merchandise items that will only be offered at the show.

While not GPK, collectors can also pick up two promo cards for two new sets that will be hitting Kickstarter soon. Both Mars Attacks and Weird Wheels are making a comeback, and there will be promo cards available at the show. There will be a number of other promos available as well.

The show takes place at the Merchants Square Mall in Allentown, PA on Saturday October 19th from 10:00-5:00 and Sunday October 20th from 10:00 – 3:00. Tickets are $8 per day, or a weekend pass for $14. All collectors i the area should make it a point to stop by the show next weekend!

Images for Exclusive Philly Non-Sports GPK Cards

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Yesterday the official website of the Philly Non-Sports Card show shared images of the officially Topps licensed cards that will be available at the show. The artwork was completed by GPK artists Joe Simko and Brent Engstrom and will be available as a pair with a/b names.

The artists will be among the guests at the next Philly Non-Sports show. The show is set to take place at the Merchants Square Mall in Allentown, PA on Oct 19th & 20th.

How can you get your hands on these cards? According The the website:

“Attend the Philly Non-Sports Card Show at the Merchants Square Mall, 1901 S. 12th Street on October 19 & 20. Sign up and pay for the Meet and Greet being held at the Hilton Garden Inn on Saturday, October 19 at 7:00 pm. The Meet and Greet is the place to eat and the cost is $22 pp and this will put you on the list to guarantee your purchase of a set (1a and 1b) of the cards for only $20! Visit with artists Jason Brower, Ted Dastick Jr., Joe Simko, Brent Engstrom at the Meet and Greet. To reserve: email [email protected]. Remaining cards will be sold at the show both Saturday and Sunday.”

Those attending the show will want to reserve their spot now before they sell out.

October Philly Non-Sports Show to Feature Rare GPK Items

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The next Philly Non-Sports Card Show is just over two months away. The 71st version of the country’s largest non-sports show is set to take place Oct. 19-20. Once again, the Toser’s have a lot of things planned for the show, with many interesting Garbage Pail Kids offerings. In addition, long time GPK artists Joe Simko and Brent Engstrom will be in attendance at the show. GPK collectors will also have the chance to purchase a number of rare items.

Joe Simko and Brent Engstrom will be collaborating on an exclusive Topps licensed card. The cards titled, Paint Job Joe(1a) and Brushwork Brent(1b) will be available at the show for $20. Collectors signing up for the Meet and Greet, Saturday night of the show, will have first crack at purchasing the cards. If you are interested in attending the Meet & Greet with Simko and Engstrom you should e-mail Roxanne Toser to reserve your spot. Only 100 copies of the cards will be available. The cost of the meet and greet is $22 and will be held 7:00 PM Saturday night at the Hilton Garden Inn after the show’s auction. By the way GPK collectors, the Saturday auction will feature a number of high end PSA graded GPK cards.

Collectors attending the show will have a chance to purchase a number of items from Jay Lynch’s personal collection/archives. After Jay’s passing his collection was donated to the Billy Ireland Museum in Columbus, OH. After organizing the collection, the museum wanted to sell off any duplicate items. Roxanne Toser was able to purchase many of these items. She will have many of these items, including a number of GPK and Wacky Packages items available at her booth during the show. About the items Roxanne told GPKNews, “We visited the Billy Ireland Museum in Columbus, OH where Jay Lynch’s collection was donated. It is 2-1/2 years since Jay passed and the museum personnel having been organizing the collection. The museum is fantastic and has so much material from many famous comic artists. Jay’s collection was quite unusual because besides the mammoth amount of correspondence and artwork, there was cards and card-related material. This doesn’t happen very often but the museum found it necessary to sell any duplicate material and gave me the opportunity to purchase it. The GPK and Wacky items are mostly from the 2000s but everything is in pristine condition. I am thrilled to be offering these items and feel collectors will be thrilled to purchase these items which were owned by Jay.”

Collectors who are after GPK merchandise from the 1980’s will also be in for a treat. While searching through a closet Roxanne hasn’t looked in for years, she came across a number of highly sought after merchandise items. Also at Roxanne’s booth will be, Pencil Billboards, Pencil Cases (one box available), Stick-On Pictures, Stick-Ons, Sunglasses, Stick-On Name Tags, Pop-Ups, Memo Books, Theme Books, Jewelry, Zipper Pulls, Hi Bounce Balls, Costumes, and Pencils! Some of these items, especially the pencils you don’t see come up for sale very often. Roxanne said the items will go on sale for the first time at the show and there will be a lot of each item available.

There will be more announced as the show gets closer. GPK collectors should start planning their trip now to the next Philly Non-Sports show. The show will take place at the Merchants Square Mall in Allentown, PA on Oct. 19-20, 2019.

GPK Collectors Enjoy Another Philly Non-Sports Show

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Last weekend collectors from all over gathered for the biannual Philly Non-Sports card show. This was the second show in a row where Garbage Pail Kids and Wacky Packages were in the spotlight. For GPK collectors the show didn’t disappoint. The highlight for many was the attendance of seven former and current GPK artists. The show also sports dozens of dealers selling all sorts of non-sports cards, allowing collectors to pickup a number of items for their collections. Anyone attending the Saturday night dinner also received two officially licensed Topps cards. The GPK card, #3 May Flowers, was painted by Layron DeJarnette, while the Wacky Packages card, #4, was painted by Chenduz. Collectors also received a special card from Tom Bunk at the dinner. Pictures of the dinner cards are below.

While GPKNews wasn’t in attendance, show promoter Roxanne Toser was kind enough to send in her review of the show. The Toser’s have been running the show for years now, and in addition have been one of the largest non-sports dealers in the country. At the dinner the Toser’s were given a special tribute. Aaron Booton, Jeff Zapata, Harris Toser and Marlin Toser all shared the many wonderful things Roxanne has done for the non-sports community. She was presented with a beautiful desk clock, inscribed with an Adam Bomb photo. Marlin was also presented with a large metal “Unsung Super Hero!” card. The sentiment she shares in the article is one I hear from everyone that attends the show. The show is a family atmosphere, where collectors of all types can meet artists, hand out with like minded friends, and add to their collections. Thanks to Roxanne for sending along the review!

The 70th Philly Non-Sports Card Show

by Roxanne Toser

I just can’t help but rave about the recent Philly Non-Sports Card Show held in Allentown, PA on May 4 and 5. This was the second of two shows with the theme of Wacky Packagesand Garbage Pail Kids. The first show was held in October of 2018 and featured artists Layron Dejarnette, Chad Scheres, Smokin’ Joe, Joe Simko, David Gross and Tom Bunk.

The featured artists at the May show were James Warhola, Tom Bunk, Chenduz, Jeff Zapata, Mark Pingatore, Fred Wheaton and Neil Camera. In addition, Neil’s daughter Halsey was set-up with her father and Lily Mercado, Jeff’s sister was set-up with him on Sunday.

On Friday night, we had dinner at the Airport Hilton Garden Inn (host hotel) with our helpers and the artists who were booked into the hotel. Two special helpers this time were our eldest son, Barry and his wife Jody. This was a very relaxing end to a long day which included getting the room at the Merchants Square Mall ready for the show. Most of us were up at an early hour.

Saturday was the first day of the show and we had the largest attendance in recent years. The line was very long waiting to get in. Everyone received a packet of promos and a ticket to win additional promos and prizes at the Cryptozoic booth. Cryptozoic is a California-based company and a great supporter of the show. The Faerie Metal Company attends regularly from Las Vegas and brightens up the room with their shiny small and large cards. Tom Lichman of Sidekick is another manufacturer who regularly supports us.

On Saturday evening, there was a dinner for 64 people. The dinner was sold-out, as was the dinner in October. At the October dinner, attendees were given two special promos drawn by Joe Simko and Fred Wheaton. The Halloween-themed promos were licensed by Topps. Another special dinner promo was done by Tom Bunk. This time, the Topps promos were drawn by Layron Dejarnette and Chenduz and had a spring theme. In addition. Tom Bunk supplied another dinner promo. Right before you entered the dinner room, you were greeted with a banner “Welcome to the Ratz Where Delicious Garbage is Served.” The buffet pasta bar dinner was, indeed,  delicious and included Blunder Bread (garlic bread), Goonman’s Looney Noodles (pasta bar/rotini), Raw Goo Sauce (alfredo sauce), Bigtumi Spaghetti Sauce (meat sauce) and Hostage Cakes (cupcakes). There were numerous prizes donated by Creepy Co., Topps, Joe Simko and Roxanne Toser Enterprises.

Every dinner table had a vase showing the four cards distributed at the two shows on the four sides. Inside the vase were flowers and the large head mounted on chop sticks of each of the artists, with the eighth table showing the head of George Wright who is an artist at every show and a long-time Wacky Packages buddy of mine. I made these center pieces and really enjoyed getting them ready. It was fun to tell the artists they would recognize where they were supposed to sit because we had asked for head shots but never told them why.

At the dinner Aaron, Jeff, Harris and Marlin all said wonderful things about me and my contributions to the hobby. I was presented with a beautiful desk clock, inscribed with an Adam Bomb photo. Marlin was presented with a large metal “Unsung Super Hero!” card (much deserved).

We surprised Aaron Booton by putting him on one of our special red-bordered Philly Cards given out at every show. Jeff Zapata has a short video on Facebook showing Aaron’s surprise when we gave it to him on Friday evening. Some other very special promos were Brent Engstrom’s 1b Roxanne Recon card (the October 1a version was titled Toser the Destructor and had a different colored background), Neil Camera’s April  Shower (Saturday promo) and May Allergy (Sunday promo) plus Del Monkey Fruit Cocktail (Sunday promo). All attendees also received a Horrible Kids promo from Mark Pingatore at both shows.

The Philly Non-Sports Card Show features many other card titles besides GPKand Wackysso even though these titles cannot always be the central theme, you will always find cards and related memorabilia at the shows. Hope to see many of you at future shows. The next one is only five months away on October 19 and 20!

Philly Non-Sports Show Readies Promo Cards

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Show promoters are putting the final touches on next weekend’s Philly Non-Sports Card Show. The bi-annual show is the largest non-sports card show in the country. Just like last October’s show, the focus once again is on Garbage Pail Kids and Wacky Packages. Not only will collectors have a stellar lineup of artists, but there are also a number of exclusive promos cards available at the show.

Collectors will be able to meet many of their favorite Topps artists at the show. Original Series GPK artists Tom Bunk and James Warhola headline a fantastic group of artists. Also attending Neal Camera, Fred Wheaton, Jeff Zapata, Mark Pingitore, and Vincenzo “Chenduz” d’Ippolito. Chenduz will be making his first appearance on the East Coast, traveling all the way from the Netherlands. Also, recently announced GPK sketch artist Lily Mercado will be making an appearance at her brother Jeff Zapata’s booth on Sunday at the show. This group has a few artist making their Philly debuts, so be sure to get out and meet your favorites!

Collectors coming through the doors will have different promos available to them on each day of the show. Collectors attending Saturday will receive a GPK inspired card from Neal Camera, 1a April Showers. Those attending on Sunday can get the 1b version of the Camera card, named May Allergy. Collectors on Sunday will also receive the Del Monkey Wacky inspired card also painted by Camera. All show attendees will also receive the 1b version of last show’s Toser the Destroyer card. The Brent Engstrom painted card is titled Roxanne Recon and features a slightly different background from the first version. Fans of Mark Pingitore’s Horrible Kids card will also receive a new promo card for the next Horrible Kids set.

Those attending the sold out Saturday night dinner will be in for some surprises as well. Show promoters haven’t revealed everything in store as of yet. However, guests attending the dinner will receive the next two official Topps promo cards, #3 & #4, in the Philly Non-Sport set. These two cards, one GPK and one Wacky, were painted by Layron DeJarnette and Chenduz and feature a spring theme this time. Dinner attendees will also receive a special card painted by Tom Bunk.

There will be other promo cards collectors can get their hands on as well. Cryptozoic will have a CZX outlander promo giveaway available at their booth for collectors breaking a box. George Wright will have a Galactic Groceries card for collectors. There will be a Fearsome Weirdos card from Robert Jimenez available. Collectors can also get their hands on a promo card from the Steven Universe set. Also the usual three Philly Non-Sport cards in their long running promos set will be given out as well. There is something for everyone.

Collectors in the area next weekend should take some time and check out the show. The show takes place at the Market Square Mall in Allentown, PA. Show tickets are available for $8 per day, or a two day pass for $14. The show will be open from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday 5/4, and 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Sunday 5/5. For more information on the show check out their website. Here are pictures of some of the cards available this weekend.

Philly Non-Sports Show to Focus Again on GPK/Wackys

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Just like clockwork, the next Philly Non-Sports Card Show is coming up in just under six weeks. This will be the 70th show, and much like the 69th, the show will once again focus on Garbage Pail Kids and Wacky Packages. The show takes place in the Merchants Square mall in Allentown, PA twice a year. The spring show is scheduled for the weekend of May 4-5, 2019. The show is the largest non-sports card show in the US and features dealers selling a wide variety of non-sport products.

Once again, there is a stellar lineup of current and former GPK artists scheduled to attend. The group is led by original series artist Tom Bunk, and also includes previous attendees Fred Wheaton, Jeff Zapata, and Mark Pingitore. Three newcomers to Philly will also attend including original series artist James Warhola, Neil Camera, and Vincenzo “Chenduz” d’Ippolito. Chenduz will be making his first east coast appearance all the way from the Netherlands. There is a lot of history and knowledge from OS and ANS days. All the artists will be on hand selling original art, prints, sketches, cards, and more. Show goers will also receive a promo card from Magic Marker Inc. (Pingitore). Prior to the show opening on Sunday there will be an artist chat. Be sure to register with the show prior to the chat. This is a great opportunity for collectors on the east coast to meet and support their favorite artists.

As with all Philly shows, there will of course be promo cards. The theme from the previous show will carry over to this show as well. All show attendees will receive a card from Brent Engstrom. The card is a different version of the Toser the Destroyer card from the previous show. This card will have a slightly different background, be numbered 1b, and named Roxanne Recon. Show goers attending Saturday and Sunday will receive a different card from Neil Camera each day as well. The usual Saturday night dinner will take place at the Ratz room inside the show hotel the Hilton Garden Inn. All guests attending the dinner will receive the next two official Topps promo cards, #3 & #4, in the Philly Non-Sport set. These two cards, one GPK and one Wacky, were painted by Layron DeJarnette and Chenduz and feature a spring theme this time. Dinner attendees will also receive a special card painted by Tom Bunk. The cost of the dinner is $19.95. Tickets are almost sold out for the show dinner, so act fast to reserve your seat! To reserve your spot contact Roxanne Toser at [email protected].

The Philly Non-Sports show is a show geared not only for collectors but for families as well. The first 20 kids into the show will receive a package including an assortment of stickers and cards to get their collection started. Show organizers are also planning a box break of GPK and/or Wacky’s. Participants purchasing a spot in the break will be randomly assigned a number to to pick special cards from the break. Show tickets are available for $8 per day, or a two day pass for $14. The show will be open from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday 5/4, and 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Sunday 5/5. East coast collectors this is your change to chat with artists and fellow collectors in person. For more information on the show check out their website.