Trading cards have been a cherished collectible for decades, allowing fans to capture and relive their favorite pop-culture moments. From sports to movies, trading cards have covered a wide range of themes. One particularly fascinating and enduring theme is that of aliens and UFOs. These extraterrestrial-inspired sets have captured the imaginations of collectors for years, resulting in some truly captivating trading card releases. In this article, we will explore the history of alien and UFO themed trading cards, discuss what to collect in this genre, and provide examples of some of the best sets featuring aliens and UFOs.
The concept of aliens and UFOs has always been a subject of intrigue and fascination for humanity. With the rise of popular media, such as science fiction movies and television shows, it was inevitable that these otherworldly beings would find their way onto trading cards. Here is a brief overview of the history of alien and UFO themed trading cards:
1960s-70s: The space race and increased interest in science fiction during this era led to the creation of various trading card sets centered around space exploration and aliens. Sets like Topps’ “Mars Attacks!” (1962) and “UFO” (1970) delved into sci-fi horror genres, depicting alien invasions and abductions.
1980s-90s: This period saw a resurgence of interest in extraterrestrial themes, partly due to the success of movies like “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” (1982) and TV shows like “The X-Files” (1993-2018). This resurgence resulted in trading card releases featuring aliens, UFO sightings, and government conspiracies.
2000s-present: With the advancement of technology and a deeper understanding of the universe, trading card sets began to explore diverse themes related to aliens and UFOs. From scientific documentaries to fictional stories, these sets offer a wide range of collectible options for enthusiasts.
When it comes to collecting trading cards featuring aliens and UFOs, there are several themes and categories to consider. Here are some popular options to help you curate an intriguing collection:
Science Fiction Movies: Many beloved science fiction movies have spawned trading card sets that include aliens and UFOs. Whether it’s iconic films like “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” (1977) or contemporary favorites like “Independence Day” (1996), exploring this category can offer a wide array of visually stunning and nostalgic trading cards to collect.
TV Shows: Popular TV shows like “The X-Files” and “Doctor Who” have dedicated fan bases, making their trading card sets highly sought after. These sets often feature characters, memorable moments, and unique encounters with aliens and UFOs.
Cryptozoology: While not necessarily focused on aliens, trading cards centered around the study of mysterious creatures like the Loch Ness Monster and Bigfoot often touch on extraterrestrial elements. These sets blend real-world mysteries with the concept of unknown creatures from other worlds, making them intriguing additions to any collection.
UFO Sightings and Conspiracies: For collectors interested in the real-world aspect of UFO sightings and government cover-ups, sets dedicated to documented encounters and conspiracy theories can be both educational and compelling. These sets often feature photographs, witness accounts, and official documents related to famous sightings.
Non-Sports Trading Card Sets: Many non-sports trading card releases dedicate subsets or entire sets to paranormal themes, including aliens and UFOs. These sets cover a broader range of topics, providing collectors with a diverse selection of cards to choose from.
Now that we’ve covered the themes and categories, let’s delve into some noteworthy examples of trading card sets that prominently feature aliens and UFOs:
“Mars Attacks!” (1962): This iconic set by Topps is one of the earliest and most influential trading card releases in the alien genre. With its vivid artwork, gruesome depictions of Martian invaders, and a captivating storyline, “Mars Attacks!” continues to be a highly sought-after set among collectors.
“The X-Files” (1995): Based on the popular TV series, this set captures the essence of the show’s extraterrestrial conspiracies and paranormal investigations. It features character cards, aliens, and iconic moments from the series, making it a must-have for fans of the show and trading card enthusiasts alike.
“Invasion: UFO” (1997): This comprehensive set takes a wide-ranging approach to exploring UFO sightings and conspiracy theories. It includes cards dedicated to famous encounters, alien technology, government cover-ups, and more. “Invasion: UFO” provides a captivating and detailed overview of the fascinating world of unidentified flying objects.
“The War of the Worlds: The Invasion Begins” (2012): Inspired by H.G. Wells’ classic sci-fi novel, this modern set combines stunning artwork with an immersive storyline. It follows humanity’s struggle against Martian invaders and offers collectors a visually impressive and narrative-driven experience.
“UFOs and Aliens: Are We Alone?” (2020): This non-sports trading card set takes a scientific approach to the study of extraterrestrial life. It includes cards exploring theories on the existence of UFOs, accounts of supposed alien encounters, and profiles of notable scientists who have delved into this fascinating subject.
These are just a few examples among a diverse range of trading card sets featuring aliens and UFOs. Exploring the rich history and varying themes in this genre will surely lead collectors to discover more captivating sets to add to their collections.
Trading cards featuring aliens and UFOs offer enthusiasts an opportunity to dive into the mysterious and unknown. Whether you’re a fan of science fiction, fascinated by UFO sightings, or simply captivated by the idea of extraterrestrial life, these cards provide an exciting and collectible way to celebrate this enduring theme. Happy collecting!
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