Category Archives: Sketches

Artists Get Early Jump on 2018S2 GPK Sketch Cards

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Updated 9/12 to remove Magnus Von Robotsoon and add Emma Burges per the checklist from Topps.

Updated 7/20 to add Ryan Moffett

Updated 5/29 to add Mike Stephens.

Updated 5/17 to add Clinton Yeager.

Update 9/12: Topps has released the official list of sketch artists for the first time as part of their checklist. The checklist can be found here. The article has been updated below to reflect all official names.

Topps has decided to make a number of changes to the sketch cards for the next retail set. One change right off the bat is the early jump start they have given the sketch artists. Before being officially announced by Topps, sketch artists were invited and sketch blanks already sent out to begin work! With a perspective fall launch, artists have been given ample time to complete the sketches. A mid-June deadline has been set by Topps for artists to return their batch of sketch cards.

Perhaps the biggest change to the sketch cards is the cards themselves. As stated in the e-mail invite to artists, Topps is going with a “Horror” theme for the upcoming set. While artists can still draw any of the previous approved characters, they are being encouraged to draw previous horror themed sketches this time around. The sketches all feature a new orange banner with black lettering for the first time. Orange nameplates are also found on the front of regular sized sketches. Classic horror GPK characters adorn the backs of the cards as well. Nasty Nick appears on the back of the regular and panoramic sketches. While Dead Ted and Weird Wendy can be found on the back of the new 3-panel sketch type, Tryptych. This new sketch type has been used previously in Star Wars sets by Topps, but is making its GPK debut. The tryptych looks to be replacing Dual Artist Panoramic sketches. Artists are are no longer being asked to complete those. Topps is also staying true to the theme by offering for the first time coffin shaped die-cut sketches. Artists were given both coffin and trashcan die-cut sketches to complete. After a small survey of artists it would appear all were given the same number of sketches to complete. Each artist is set to complete 36 regular sized, 8 puzzle, 6 die-cut (mixture of coffin and trashcan), 3 panoramic and 2 tryptych. Some artists who have already received their sketches have complained of quality issues. Many artists are reporting that some or all of their tryptych sketches came creased. They also have a handful some badly off centered regular sketches. No word yet from Topps if those sketches will be replaced prior to production.

The confirmed sketch lineup for the upcoming set is just as robust as the previous offerings. The last set, 2017S2 Battle of the Bands, had a record 55 artists take part. Of those 55, so far the following 44 have confirmed they are coming back. Those returning artists are; Bryan Abston, Simone Arena, Ro Garcia Astorga, Quinton Baker, Michael Barnard, Bobby Blakey, John Brewer, Neil Camera, Pat Chaimuang, Daniel Contois, Jasmine Contois, Sobot Cortez, Jason Crosby, Dave Dabila, Vincenzo “Chenduz” D’Ippolito, Joseph “Grotesque” Dobbins, David Gacey, Patrick Giles, Jon Gregory, Kelly Greider, Jason Heil, Lowell Isaac, Simon Jacobsohn, Robert Jimenez, Kevin Lea, Paul Mangione, Mike McHugh, Rory McQueen, “Smokin” Joe McWilliams, Chris Meeks, Lily Mercado, Rich Molinelli, JM Monserrat, Victor Moreno, Darrin Pepe, Steve Potter, Cathy Razim, Chad Scheres, Brent Scotchmer, Matt Steffens, Floydman Sumner, Gregory Tilson, Dan Burn Webster, and Gavin Williams. A total of 11 artists, for various reasons, have decided to not do GPK sketch cards this time, they are; Mike Arnold, Sean Bolger, Josh Ginter, Cecilia Granata, Marisol Henriquez, Matthew Kirscht, Ande Moores, Barry Nygma, Anthony Skubis, Magnus Von Robotsoon, and Matthew White.

Topps isn’t stopping there. So far an additional 14 artists have been identified that are either new to GPK, or returning sketch artists. After making their debut on last year’s online GPK Classic set the following artists will make their retail debuts; David Acevedo, Joey Fitchett, Shane Garvey, Daniel Goodroad, and Rickey Kipfer. Also, Dennis Gortakowski, Ryan Moffett, and longtime GPK artist David Gross will be making their GPK sketch card returns after some time off. Finally, Topps has added brand new GPK artists Emma Burges, Jay O’ Leary, Shawn Cruz, Clinton Yeager, Mike Stephens and Todd Rayner to the lineup. That brings the current known sketch artist total to 58. That is a new record high for a GPK set. There could still remain some artists out there that haven’t spoke up. This article will be updated as new artists begin known.

The final big change to sketch cards this time around is centered on artist return cards. In previous sets artists could e-mail a scan of the card to Topps for approval. However, after a number of controversies within the card hobby, Topps is changing the rules. Last year with the Star Wars sets rumors begin to swirl online about a few artists that were using questionable means to complete sketches. From using an overhead projector, to tracing images, to even using photocopied images, collectors started to question the legitimacy of sketches from a select few artists, (Note: No artists being questioned have worked on a GPK set to date.) There were also rumors of artists having other artists do their returns for them. Topps also begin to see artist returns being sent to collectors from artists prior to the set’s release. This all has added up to changes across all Topps brands when it comes to artist sketches. Starting with this next retail set, all artist returns need to be completed and mailed back to Topps with the regular sketch cards by the deadline. Topps will work to approve the sketches, and mail them back to the artists just prior to the set’s release date. In turn artists can deliver to their clients upon the release. While it does protect the quality of sketches going out, it opens up the possibility of shipping loss and damage. The “banned sketch” list continues to be the same. Artists are not allowed to sketch cards featuring Stan Lee, Gene Simmons, the Hundreds set, Riot Fest set, and all Disney properties including Star Wars and Marvel.

Expect sketch previews to start showing up from artists as the art director begins approving sketches. While no official announcement has been made, except a fall 2018 launch for 2018 Series 2 Garbage Pail Kids.

 

2018 Series 2 Garbage Pail Kids to be Horror Themed

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While sell sheets haven’t been released yet, Topps has started sending out invites to sketch artists for the next Garbage Pail Kids set. In the email to artists it’s mentioned the theme of the next retail set will be “Horror”. Artists are encouraged to do some sketch cards based on previous horror themed GPKs. Last year’s most successful online set, Halloween, was horror focused and paved the wave for the upcoming retail set.

Another big piece of news to come from the artist sketch invites is a new type of sketch card will debut in GPK. The new sketch is called a “Tryptych”. These are 3 panel connected sketch cards much like the panoramic cards have 2 panels. There is no mention of dual artist pano sketches on the invites. These new tri-panel sketches might be replacing them. Artists are set to complete a similar number of sketches as previous series. The due date is set for mid-June for the sketches to be returned by artists to Topps.

Generally sell sheets are released before the sketch invites. You can expect Topps to release official information on the upcoming set including release date.

2018 Series 1 GPK We Hate the 80’s Sketch Card Preview

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Sketch artists for 2018 Series 1 Garbage Pail Kids We Hate the 80’s received their sketch blanks months ago. For the most part artists received them with their sketch blanks for 2017S2 Battle of the Bands. Some artists completed their sketches weeks ago, while others are still working hard to complete due to many other commitments. The deadline for artists completing sketches for We Hate the 80’s is quickly approaching in early December. Artists who have completed their work have started posting their sketches after getting approval from Topps. A record high 55 artists will complete sketches for the first set of 2018. I will keep a running post below as artists share sketches. (Note that all sketches must be approved by Topps before being inserted into packs. Also, Topps will hold sketches back for replacements.) All photos courtesy of the artist, their Facebook page and/or website. 2018S1 GPK We Hate the 80’s will hit stores on 1/17/18.

Updated 12/20/17 (Showing sketch previews from 29 of 55 confirmed artists.) Continue reading 2018 Series 1 GPK We Hate the 80’s Sketch Card Preview→

2017 Garbage Pail Kids Classic Sketch Card Preview

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While there has been no official announcement around the Garbage Pail Kids Classic online set, the work still continues. So far 32 artists have been confirmed to be working on sketches for the set. The deadline for artists to return sketches to Topps is 9/27. Some artists have already completed their sketches and are starting to show them off. Look for more artists to show sketches in the next couple of weeks. I will keep a running post below as artists share sketches. (Note that all sketches must be approved by Topps before being inserted into packs. Also, Topps will hold sketches back for replacements.) All photos courtesy of the artist, their Facebook page and/or website.

Updated 9/27/17 (Showing sketch previews from 14 of 32 confirmed artists.)
Continue reading 2017 Garbage Pail Kids Classic Sketch Card Preview→

2017 Series 2 GPK Battle of the Bands Sketch Card Preview

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GPK sketch artists have been spending countless sleepless nights working on sketch cards for both 2017S2 GPK Battle of the Bands and 2018S1 GPK We Hate the 80’s. The deadline for artists completing sketches for Battle of the Bands is quickly approaching in early September. That hasn’t stopped some artists from not only completing their sketches, but also getting Topps approval. While I’ve only seen a couple of artists gain approval so far, more will be in the coming weeks. I will keep a running post below as artists share sketches. (Note that all sketches must be approved by Topps before being inserted into packs. Also, Topps will hold sketches back for replacements.) All photos courtesy of the artist, their Facebook page and/or website.

Updated 10/12/17 (Showing sketch previews from 34 of 49 confirmed artists.) Continue reading 2017 Series 2 GPK Battle of the Bands Sketch Card Preview→

2017S2 & 2018S1 GPK Sketch Card Lineups Take Shape

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Updated 9/14 to add Derrin Pepe.

Updated 9/8 to change Jon Gregory and Simon Jacobsohn to 2018S1 only.

Updated 9/7 to add Josh Ginter, Bobby Blakey, Quinton Baker, and Pat Chaimuang.

Updated 8/11 to remove Dennis Gortakowski.

Updated 8/9 to add new artist Dave Gacey.

Updated 8/8 to add new artist Simon Jacobsohn.

Updated 8/7 to add new artist Mike Arnold.

Two months after announcing the next GPK set, 2017 Series 2 Garbage Pail Kids Battle of the Bands, Topps began sending out invites this week to perspective sketch card artists. In a bit of a surprise the invites were not just for 2017S2, but also for 2018S1. Artists accepting will be shipped sketch cards for both sets at once. This will give the artists more time to complete the sketches for the 2018S1 set. With just over 3 months between sets, Topps is trying to stay ahead with the GPK brand so 2018S1 isn’t rushed.

For 2017S1 GPK Adam-Geddon, released back in January, Topps had 38 sketch artists take part in the set. Of those 38 it appears only 28 are confirmed to return for 2017S2, while 31 are confirmed for 2018S1. The following artists from 2017S1 Adam-Geddon will return for both 2017S2 and 2018S1; Simone Arena, Michael Barnard, Neil Camera, Daniel Contois, Jasmine Contois, Sobot Cortez, Jason Crosby, “GPK” Dave Dabila (2018S1 Only), Vincenzo “Chenduz” D’Ippolito, Patrick Giles, Cecilia Granata, Jon Gregory (2018S1 Only), Kelly Greider, Jason Heil, Marisol Henriquez, Lowell Isaac, Robert Jimenez, Matthew Kirsch, “Smokin” Joe McWilliams, Chris Meeks (2018S1 Only), Lily Mercado, Rich Molinelli, JM Monserrat, Barry Nygma, Steve Potter, Cathy Razim, Chad Scheres, Anthony Skubis, Matt Steffens, Magnus Von Robotsoon, and Dan Burn Webster. Six artists who worked on the last series are not returning for various reasons. Mainstay GPK artists Brent Engstrom and Joe Simko will continue to paint numerous base cards from in the upcoming series, but will not be working on sketch cards. Longtime GPK sketch artists and fan favorites Dustin Graham, Dennis Gortakowski, Ryan Moffet, and Sean Norvet all decided for various reasons to no longer create sketch cards. Finally Denis St. John is undecided.

Topps isn’t stopping there. As with the last few sets, there are many artists making their GPK debuts. The following artists have confirmed accepting the invites; Bryan Abston, Mike Arnold, Ro Garcia Astorga, Quinton Baker (2018S1 Only), Bobby Blakey, Sean Bolger, John Brewer, Pat Chaimuang, Dave Gacey, Josh Ginter, Joseph Grotesque, Simon Jacobsohn (2018S1 Only), Kevin Lea, Paul Mangione, Mike McHugh, Rory McQueen, Ande Moores (2018S1 Only), Victor Moreno, Darrin Pepe, Brent Scotchmer, Floyd Sumner, Gregory Tilson, Matthew White, and Gavin Williams. While a couple of these artists will be making their Topps sketch debut, the majority have worked on other Topps properties in the past. In most cases these artists have also been GPK collectors for a long time. The total of new artists for 2017S2 is 21, while 24 artists will work on 2018S1. The largest group of new artists in some time brings a record 49 artists working on 2017S2, while 2018S1 will break that mark with 55 artists.

While the number of sketch artists is increasing, their workload is getting smaller. Artists will be shipped the same number of sketch blanks for both sets. While Loaded, Panoramic, and Dual Artist Panoramic sketch numbers appear consistent with previous sets, the amount of regular and die-cut sketches has dropped versus 2017S1 Adam-Geddon. This can mean a couple of things. Most likely, sketch cards will be tougher to come by in the next two sets. Of course this is also all based on production numbers. While Topps has pre-order info for 2017S2, they have not solicited yet for 2018S1. There is no way to know at this point how much product gets ordered. If the products are popular and prove to sell well, then sketches will be very hard to pull. This will be especially true with the Shaped sketches which are now only found in Collector boxes. Topps has cut back by up to 66% on the amount issued to artists. We saw this with Adam-Geddon. Despite production being lower, sketch odds were longer than previous sets. Bottom line is, it keeps getting harder and harder to pull a sketch card in packs.

One improvement this time around compared to Adam-Geddon is the deadlines the artists have to complete sketches. Artists will have nearly two months to complete 2017S2 sketches, with a deadline in mid-Sept. The 2018S1 sketches are not due until early Dec., giving artists ample time to work on sketches. Artists had just over a month to complete sketches for Adam-Geddon, so the slightly longer deadlines should help the artists. Besides the deadlines, not much else appears to have changed with sketch card rules. Artist Return sketches still must be completed prior to the set’s release. Approval via scan by the Art Director must happen before they can be mailed to customers on the release date. The “banned sketch” list continues to be the same. Artists are not allowed to sketch cards featuring Stan Lee, Gene Simmons, the Hundreds set, Riot Fest set, and all Disney properties including Star Wars and Marvel. Expect sketch previews to start showing up just prior to release after approval towards the end of Sept. 2017 Series 2 Garbage Pail Kids Battle of the Bands is set to hit stores on Oct. 18th, 2017.

Sketch Artists Begin Work on 2017S2 & 2018S1 Sketches

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GPK artists began receiving their blank sketch cards in the mail this past weekend for the next two sets. The 48 artists who have accepted invites for either both or one of the next sets can now begin the long nights of sketching.

The sketch blanks for 2017 Series 2 Garbage Pail Kids Battle of the Bands features the Live Mike character from OS 2 on the back of the regular and panoramic sized sketches. The backs of the sketches are light blue, while the front of the regular sized sketch has a yellow name plate. The usual red banner returns to the fronts.

While not much is known about 2018 Series 1 Garbage Pail Kids, we have our first clue. The backs of the 2018S1 sketches feature the character Reuben Cube, card #277a, from OS 7. Rumors online have been the 2018S1 set will be 80’s themed. If that’s the case a character parodying a Rubik’s Cube certainly fits. The color on the backs is the same as the 2017S2 light blue. However one big change is to the banner. Instead of a white background with the red banner, it is a yellow background. The name plate on the regular sized sketch is pink for this series.

The rules around sketching look to have remained the same. Artists are not allowed to sketch cards featuring Stan Lee, Gene Simmons, the Hundreds set, Riot Fest set, and all Disney properties including Star Wars and Marvel. Sketch artists will have to get busy quickly as Dual Artist Panoramic are due back Aug. 1. Artists will have much more time to complete the other cards of both sets. 2017S2 GPK Battle of the bands is set to launch on 10/18/17, while 2018 S1 GPK will launch sometime in Jan. 2018.

2018 Series 1 Garbage Pail Kids Set for January

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The ink hasn’t dried on 2017 Series 2 GPK Battle of the Bands yet, but Topps is already fast at work on the first retail series of 2018. Nothing has been publicly announced by Topps yet, but with Battle of the Bands cards already complete the focus has shifted to getting a head start on the next set. Topps also begin soliciting artist sketch card invites today for not only 2017S2, but also 2018S1 sets. Not much else is known about the 2018S1 set. Topps seems to be following the same release schedule as the previous sets. Based on timelines for when sketches are due, it appears Topps is shooting for a mid-Jan 2018 release. This will make only 4 months between retail sets. However unlike last year when sketch card deadlines were extremely tight for 2017S1, artists will have much more time to complete the cards for 2018S1. We are still probably a couple of months away from seeing sell sheets for the 2018S1 set, as Topps usually gives a 6 month window on those. Stay tuned to GPKNews as more info comes out.

2017 Garbage Pail Kids Adam-Geddon Sketch Card Preview

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Updated 12/20 with sketches from Chenduz, Heil, Moffett, Isaac and Camera.

imageSketch card artists have been hard at work the last few weeks on the sketches for the next retail Garbage Pail Kids release, Adam-Geddon, set to release in stores on Jan. 18th. The floodgates have opened and artists have been sharing their approved sketch cards. I will keep a running post below as artists share sketches. (Note that all sketches must be approved by Topps before being inserted into packs. Also, Topps will hold sketches back for replacements.) Originally when the artists signed up for sketches on this set, Topps said they could not show previews. It’s good to see the leadership at Topps change course on that edict, and allow this great work to be shown. Take note that there is a change to the Dual Artist Panoramic cards this year. Artists were matched up with multiple artists in some cases. This was due to timing issues with artists living outside of the United Stated. There will be many new pairings this time around. All photos courtesy of the artist’s Facebook page and/or website.

(Showing sketch previews from 33 of 37 confirmed artists.)

Artist: Simone Arena

Artist: Michael Barnard

Artist: Neil Camera

Artist: Daniel Contois

Artist: Jasmine Contois

Artist: Sobot Cortez

Artist: Jason Crosby

Artist: “GPK” Dave Dabila

Artist: Vincenzo “Chenduz” D’Ippolito

Artist: Brent Engstrom

Artist: Patrick Giles

Artist: Dennis Gortakowski

Artist: Dustin Graham

Artist: Cecilia Granata

Artist: Jon Gregory

Artist: Kelly Greider

Artist: Jason Heil

Artist: Marisol Henriquez

Artist: Lowell Isaac

Artist: Robert Jimenez

Artist: Matthew Kirsch

Artist: Joe McWilliams

Artist: Chris Meeks

Artist: Lily Mercado

Artist: Ryan Moffett

Artist: Rick Molinelli

Artist: JM Monserrat

Artist: Sean Norvet

Artist: Barry Nygma

Artist: Steve Potter

Artist: Cathy Razim

Artist: Chad Scheres

Artist: Anthony Skubis

Artist: Denis St. John

Artist: Matt Steffens

Artist: Magnus Von Robotsson

Artist: Dan Burn Webster

2017 GPK Adam-Geddon Sketch Card Artist List Comes Together

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Updated 1/26 to add Joe Simko.
Updated 12/13 to add Brent Engstrom.
Updated 11/15 to add Joe McWilliams.

panobackThe last six weeks have been very busy for Topps and the Garbage Pail Kids brand. Topps has been busy with the release of 2016 GPK Trashy TV and the online exclusive presidential election sets. That doesn’t leave a whole lot of time from now until Jan. 20th to get 2017 Garbage Pail Kids Adam-Geddon ready for release. Last week sketch cards artists for the set have begun to receive invitations to work on the set from Topps. With an early Dec. deadline to have sketches finished, artists will be drawing cards with their turkey this Thanksgiving. In fact artists have already received their blanks, and are hard at work on those sketches. The sketches feature a black back, with a pink autograph bubble on the regular sketch front. See below for pictures of all the blank sketches, thanks for artist Magnus for the pictures!

With the 2016 GPK Trashy TV set Topps expanded the artist lineup. 34 total artists completed sketch cards for the set. The majority of those artists have confirmed they will return for the first set of 2017, while some newcomers will also make their debut. The following is a list of artists who worked on the Trashy TV set, and will return for the Adam-Geddon set. Simone Arena, Michael Barnard, Neil Camera, Daniel Contois, Sobot Cortez, Jason Crosby, “GPK” Dave Dabila, Vincenzo “Chenduz” D’Ippolito, Patrick Giles, Dennis Gortakowski, Cecilia Granata, Jon Gregory, Kelly Greider, Jason Heil, Marisol Henriquez, Lowell Isaac, Robert Jimenez, Matthew Kirsch, Chris Meeks, Lily Mercado, Ryan Moffet, Rich Molinelli, JM Monserrat, Sean Norvet, Barry Nygma, Steve Potter, Cathy Razim, Chad Scheres, Denis St. John, Matt Steffens, Magnus Von Robotsoon, and Dan Burn Webster. Long time GPK artist Jeff Zapata has decided to take a break from GPK, and will not be completing sketch cards for the set. The mystery artist from last set, Yeldarb, as been confirmed as artist Brad Tabar. Brad will not be doing sketches on the Adam-Geddon set. Also of note, mainstay GPK artists Brent Engstrom and Joe Simko are returning to sketch cards after not doing them for the last few years. That makes 34 returning sketch cards artists.

Topps also decided to add on additional artists to the set who have all worked for Topps in the past. Joining on for the Adam-Geddon set is Jasmine Contois, Dustin Graham, Joe McWilliams and Anthony Skubis. Dustin Graham is a veteran GPK sketch artists who missed the Trashy TV set, but has worked on multiple sets in the past. The other new artists are all veteran Topps sketch artists. That brings the current total sketch artist count to 38 for the Adam-Geddon set. If anyone knows if any other artists confirmed for the set, please let me know!

Despite the large number of artists, Topps is cutting way back on the number of sketch cards each artist will complete. According to some of the sketch artists, their work load has been cut back 50% or more for the various sketch types. Its too early to tell, but this could have a huge effect on the set. If Topps prints the same amount of Adam-Geddon as they did Trashy TV, sketches will be very tough to find. Probably up to twice has hard or more on the odds. The only other possible explanation would be if the Adam-Geddon was severely under ordered by distributors for both retail and hobby. The bottom line is there will be far less Adam-Geddon sketches available this time around.

Topps has also made some changes to take note of with the sketch return card process. Once again artist’s return sketch cards need to be completed prior to the release of the set, and approved by Topps. This was a controversial change Topps started with the Trashy TV set, however this time the cards do not need to be mailed into Topps. The art director will be approving scans of the returns this time around, limiting the possibility of damage by the postal service. Another change is more additions to the “banned” character list. Previous, artists could not draw cards featuring Stan Lee, Gene Simmons, or the Hundreds set. This time around no Disney properties can be drawn, this includes Star Wars and Marvel. Also the recent music festival set cards from, Riot Fest, can not be sketched most likely due to license agreements. Finally, Topps also will no longer allow the artists to show teasers of their sketch cards prior to the release date. Personally this is disappointing, as GPKnews usually compiles all the previews right up until the release date. Let’s hope Topps backtracks from this, and realizes the previews is the best free PR Topps can get.