Collectors haven’t seen the remaining sets from 2021 yet, but that isn’t stopping Topps from planning their 2022 releases. According to the internal yearly sales calendar for 2022, Topps once again has a full slate of Garbage Pail Kids sets planned, just with some delayed dates. The calendar is the yearly production plan by Topps for 2022. Nothing on the calendar is guaranteed to happen, but it’s the plan Topps is using for the upcoming year. While the Covid pandemic saw huge increases in trading card collectors and sales for Topps, it’s also caused huge delays across all their brands. Covid slowdowns and increased demand for trading cards have caused printers to be backed up which is resulting in delays for 2021 releases. The delays will also cause the firsts sets of 2022 to be pushed back later in the year. Collectors who are use to seeing the first retail set of the year in January will have to wait. The calendar shows 2022 Series 1 GPK is being planned for early August (8/10). This is why collectors haven’t seen the set announced yet by Topps. Artists are finishing up the artwork for 2022S1 now, Topps is expected to announce the set soon.
Chrome enthusiasts can rejoice as GPK Chrome is on the calendar once again. Chrome 4 isn’t out yet, with the current release date set for 12/31/21, but with all the trading card successes in the last year, it’s a no brainer for Topps to continue the Chrome line in GPK. While “OS 5” doesn’t show on the calendar, collectors can expect Topps to continue the theme with the set. GPK Chrome is set for a 11/9/22 release date, which if it happens will get the calendar back on track by the end of the year. Surprisingly, 2022 Series 2 GPK is scheduled to release just two weeks prior on 10/26/22. The dates on the calendar are certainly not set in store, and if 2022 continues anything like 2021, Topps will have to continue to adjust dates as the year goes along. Thanks to Jeff Pellegrino of Garbage Pail Kids Superstore at Hilltop Auctions for passing along the calendar. Be sure to check out their Facebook page!