I think I have a idea for a future moneypot for Topps. What do you think?

[Corndog]

During my early morning walk I was thinking of an idea for a new series that just help put Wacky Packages back on the map.

While I was having a brainstorming session of one, I thought what is a HUGE topic that has been in the news a lot? What has been polluting everything we do and buy day to day? What does everyone hate and/or love at the same time? What can we make fun of that might help people vent and laugh at? What could help bring in those lost souls that have no Wacky Packs in their life, and might help them find true happiness in our Wacky world?

Short answer is POLITICS. I know we had some wacky packages in the past that briefly touched on this touchy subject, and now are hard to find at a affordable price. However, how about having a set or series of sets similar to Attacky Packages, but have some past Wacky subjects modified by current/past politicians? Or even make new products endorsed by local celebrity politicians?

There could be subsets of popular Senators or Congress members. Heck even a subset of influential celebrities that have polluted our lives with politics.

We can have a political flashback series that republish previous political Wackies, and make new wacky products for older political figures from the past from decades ago. Of course we can have subsets of foreign political figures as well.

If done correctly I can see people searching for ALL of these Wackies no matter who their favorite politician is. Satire is FUN, especially when even touchy topics are addressed.

What say you? Do you think Topps could do such a thing? I know many people that are so sick and tired of politics dragging us down, but why not have a Wacky set that helps us laugh at the those who think they are better than us.

 

[DrDeal]

Great idea; but in the past, Topps would only support anti-right politics. The left was off limits based on what we have seen in the past.
Maybe that has changed with new ownership?

[Lavirus]

Sorry, terrible idea. Politics is so far from funny these days that I fail to see who the audience would be.

[koduck]

We've considered doing politics for both gpk and wackys over the last couple years. For now, the idea has been nixed, mostly due to the volatile state of politics lately. But who knows, the idea will probably resurface again in the future...

[JailOJohn]

Unfortunately, I agree with Lavirus. Theres nothing funny or Wacky about these bozos from both parties who are ruining our country. They also have no sense of humor and might threaten litigation.

[lcummins]

How about an all Topps edition using classic wax packs from the last 70+ years?

[Fanatical_and_Sickly]

How about an all Topps edition using classic wax packs from the last 70+ years?

There was a 115 card set of Topps wax wrapper images put out in 2018. (one of them was actually a Donruss wrapper that snuck through somehow)

[lcummins]

I meant a Wacky set like they did for the OS checklists. The set from 2018 was the 80th Anniversary set that featured wrapper artwork from both sports and non-sports wax wrappers.

[quas]

How about a set focused on major corporations and media outlets, but not specifically their products.  Walmart, Target, Macy's, TikTok, Amazon, McDonalds, Wendy's, Netflix, Twitter, Facebook, etc.  I realize some of these would overlap with previous Wacky issues but that's never stopped Topps in the past.

[BattleCaps]

Politics has infiltrated every facet of our society, including sports and the physical sciences. I'm tired of it and don't want to see wacky packages succumb to that.


  That being said, I wouldn't mind seeing Topps doing a non-sports set covering  U.S. History which seems not to be taught much any longer,. However, in the end it would probably be too P.C. and  would be named HORRORS OF THE UNITED STATES  (a playoff on the Horrors of War Set of the 1930's) 

[MoldRush]

Unfortunately, I agree with Lavirus. Theres nothing funny or Wacky about these bozos from both parties who are ruining our country. They also have no sense of humor and might threaten litigation.

Agree completely.  Given the state of the country and world in recent years, the word ‘politics’ doesn’t even begin to describe it.  The mind virus of wokeness being just one example.  Wackys are something I think most people gravitate to as an escape from the madness of this reality.

[Corndog]

Thanks for the feedback, but now I only have more questions. Based on your responses, I can only assume you have Topps decision insight…so please be frank and answer me this.

WHY would Topps only support anti-right politics? Please fill me in to what happened in the past?

Is the ‘terrible idea’ a personal opinion, or has this been backed up by study groups/experience? Because based on the prices of the already released political Wackies the prices are through the roof.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313&_nkw=wacky+trumpocracy&_sacat=0&_odkw=wacky+trump&_osacat=0
I personally would love to have this set, but I was out of the loop when this set was released. So you anyone would love to depart with their set of Trumpocracy Wackies. Please PM me.

As for infiltrating every facet of our society…I agree, but I personally think this satire set of Wackies would be a good release of people’s frustration of our current political atmosphere. A untapped venture for Topps.

The audience would be ANYBODY and EVERYONE who currently collects Wacky Packages, and those who would love to see our politicians laughed at with ridiculous funny satire Wackies.

As for the ‘volatile state of politics today’, I would agree if it is only ONE SIDED. I mean look at latenight talk shows. They are so ANTI-Trump they are not fun to watch, because they protect ONE party over the others. However, if there was a Wacky Package set that equally picks fun of ALL political figures…no matter what the political party, it would be fair. I mean doesn’t the Left preach about equity?

What litigation would they threaten? We violated their personal feelings. What happened to free speech?

Now I truly don’t mean any disrespect here, instead only would love a respectful conversation/debate. I again base my proof of the idea on current prices of Trumpocracy prices.

At least tell me why was it OK to do Trumpocracy then, but now politics is a no no?!? If anything NOW is the time to make fun of ALL and EVERYTHING Politics. It is ALL a joke. America is a country of over 300 million, and with just Trump and Biden as our top choices....screams pick fun of us Wacky Packages!!!

[Lavirus]

[MoldRush]

In terms of having an even-handed approach in roasting both the political left and right equally, I can only think of one satire vehicle that has consistently accomplished that - MAD magazine.

[Corndog]

More like...



 

[quas]

How about a set focused on major corporations and media outlets, but not specifically their products.  Walmart, Target, Macy's, TikTok, Amazon, McDonalds, Wendy's, Netflix, Twitter, Facebook, etc.  I realize some of these would overlap with previous Wacky issues but that's never stopped Topps in the past.

Let's leave politics aside for a moment.  What about this idea?  Feel free to knock it down, and knock it down hard, but I just don't want it to be ignored via getting lost in the politics crowd.

[Plastered Peanut]

WHY would Topps only support anti-right politics? Please fill me in to what happened in the past? 

Are you insane?   you want to talk "reasonably" about politics?   FORGET IT!!!!!!!!!!!!

[roughwriter]

Thanks for the feedback, but now I only have more questions. Based on your responses, I can only assume you have Topps decision insight…so please be frank and answer me this.

WHY would Topps only support anti-right politics? Please fill me in to what happened in the past?

Is the ‘terrible idea’ a personal opinion, or has this been backed up by study groups/experience? Because based on the prices of the already released political Wackies the prices are through the roof.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313&_nkw=wacky+trumpocracy&_sacat=0&_odkw=wacky+trump&_osacat=0
I personally would love to have this set, but I was out of the loop when this set was released. So you anyone would love to depart with their set of Trumpocracy Wackies. Please PM me.

As for infiltrating every facet of our society…I agree, but I personally think this satire set of Wackies would be a good release of people’s frustration of our current political atmosphere. A untapped venture for Topps.

The audience would be ANYBODY and EVERYONE who currently collects Wacky Packages, and those who would love to see our politicians laughed at with ridiculous funny satire Wackies.

As for the ‘volatile state of politics today’, I would agree if it is only ONE SIDED. I mean look at latenight talk shows. They are so ANTI-Trump they are not fun to watch, because they protect ONE party over the others. However, if there was a Wacky Package set that equally picks fun of ALL political figures…no matter what the political party, it would be fair. I mean doesn’t the Left preach about equity?

What litigation would they threaten? We violated their personal feelings. What happened to free speech?

Now I truly don’t mean any disrespect here, instead only would love a respectful conversation/debate. I again base my proof of the idea on current prices of Trumpocracy prices.

At least tell me why was it OK to do Trumpocracy then, but now politics is a no no?!? If anything NOW is the time to make fun of ALL and EVERYTHING Politics. It is ALL a joke. America is a country of over 300 million, and with just Trump and Biden as our top choices....screams pick fun of us Wacky Packages!!!

   I certainly agree that a set like this COULD be done, but also know that it WON'T be done under the current circumstances. I designed the "Rice-A-Romney" gag back in the ANS days, and barely got that one green-lighted. I'm not sure how the Trumpocracy cards snuck in under the radar, but the backblast from those was severe enough that NOTHING political will make it past Legal nowadays. I'm sure the artists would enjoy painting up designs, but I think there is ZERO chance that Fanatics/Topps would allow such a set to move forward. Anything like that would have to be privately produced.

[Corndog]

   I certainly agree that a set like this COULD be done, but also know that it WON'T be done under the current circumstances. I designed the "Rice-A-Romney" gag back in the ANS days, and barely got that one green-lighted. I'm not sure how the Trumpocracy cards snuck in under the radar, but the backblast from those was severe enough that NOTHING political will make it past Legal nowadays. I'm sure the artists would enjoy painting up designs, but I think there is ZERO chance that Fanatics/Topps would allow such a set to move forward. Anything like that would have to be privately produced.

Thanks for the insight. That does answer a bunch of my questions. It is SAD to know companies/people are so afraid to offend. I guess that so called 'Trump Derangement Syndrome' is a real sickness.

[Lavirus]

It's not a sickness, it's a clear-headed view of reality.

See? I don't want to do this! Arguing with strangers on the internet is pointless, no one is going to change their perspective. Politics has become bread and circus, a way to distract people from what's really going on. We shouldn't be fighting each other, we should be united against those who manipulate the system to siphon off money from the folks who aren't super-rich. We all want a government that helps us achieve our life goals, in big and small ways. We can disagree about how to achieve that but what we've got now is just anger and rage, it's not productive.

I want to focus on what we have in common. You are all my Wacky brethren! We are a very small group, and these silly cards bring us joy and bring us together. What I love about our community is how we all rally around each other when times are tough - just look at the outpouring of caring for Pat! So, for me, there's no humor to be found in political discourse. A set focused on the biggest corporations? Sure, sounds good. Not so sure about "media outlets", but then I'm one who thought the "Goes To The Movies" set was just dreadful.

We all know the challenges of the day - if it's not online, kids aren't interested in it. Sure, there's young people who collect vinyl and things like Magic The Gathering cards (but that's a game), but we'll never return to the heady days of the 70s in terms of collecting physical objects. I'm thrilled we have anything at all to geek out over. I've been going back to the 2020-2022 weekly/monthly sets and they're CHOCK FULL of great stuff. I say we keep going with our 500-1000 hardcore Wacky fans, the creators (many of whom are on this board) seem to have no dearth of great ideas.

[roughwriter]

   First off, THANK YOU for the kind words about the content of the Weeklies and Monthlies! We busted our butts on those, and I think we did a damn fine job on them! Gag writing and Art were both excellent! Compare them to any other period of Wackys History and I think they really shine!
      Second, although I think MAD proved that politics could be treated in a humorous fashion, and they even managed a few publications focusing solely on politics, but it wasn't enough to save them. I do not know to what extent political commentary contributed to the demise of MAD, but it probably isn't smart to make enemies of powerful people when you are in a precarious position. If Wackys were in a stronger position, it might be an acceptable risk, but in their current status, I don't blame them for being risk-averse.
        Finally, I agree that Wackys provide some much needed escapism from an increasingly hostile modern world. They allow us to time travel back to the golden days of our youth when life seemed so simple and hilarious laughs could be purchased for pocket change! On top of that, the fraternity of collectors has created an extended family for many that provides a comfort to us in a disconnected world. There is enough out there that divides us, so we should each enjoy this opportunity to share something that unites us. Long Live Wacky Packages!

[Swiski]

It's not a sickness, it's a clear-headed view of reality.

See? I don't want to do this! Arguing with strangers on the internet is pointless, no one is going to change their perspective. Politics has become bread and circus, a way to distract people from what's really going on. We shouldn't be fighting each other, we should be united against those who manipulate the system to siphon off money from the folks who aren't super-rich. We all want a government that helps us achieve our life goals, in big and small ways. We can disagree about how to achieve that but what we've got now is just anger and rage, it's not productive.

I want to focus on what we have in common. You are all my Wacky brethren! We are a very small group, and these silly cards bring us joy and bring us together. What I love about our community is how we all rally around each other when times are tough - just look at the outpouring of caring for Pat! So, for me, there's no humor to be found in political discourse. A set focused on the biggest corporations? Sure, sounds good. Not so sure about "media outlets", but then I'm one who thought the "Goes To The Movies" set was just dreadful.

We all know the challenges of the day - if it's not online, kids aren't interested in it. Sure, there's young people who collect vinyl and things like Magic The Gathering cards (but that's a game), but we'll never return to the heady days of the 70s in terms of collecting physical objects. I'm thrilled we have anything at all to geek out over. I've been going back to the 2020-2022 weekly/monthly sets and they're CHOCK FULL of great stuff. I say we keep going with our 500-1000 hardcore Wacky fans, the creators (many of whom are on this board) seem to have no dearth of great ideas.

Did I miss some news?! Something happen with Pat recently?

[MoldRush]

Pat lost her mom, couple weeks ago.  Condolences were expressed over maybe 4-5 days, so if you didn’t visit the forum for a week or so that may be why you missed it.

[koduck]

Let's leave politics aside for a moment.  What about this idea?  Feel free to knock it down, and knock it down hard, but I just don't want it to be ignored via getting lost in the politics crowd.

How about a set focused on major corporations and media outlets, but not specifically their products.  Walmart, Target, Macy's, TikTok, Amazon, McDonalds, Wendy's, Netflix, Twitter, Facebook, etc.  I realize some of these would overlap with previous Wacky issues but that's never stopped Topps in the past.


Hi Marc,

Your comment was starting to get buried, so I thought I'd reply before it went 6 feet under 

Your idea is good! It worked well in the past and would probably work well again.

As usual, the key to any new ideas are based on how well the latest set(s) do. If they do well, it opens the door to more possibilities.

[roughwriter]

How about a set focused on major corporations and media outlets, but not specifically their products.  Walmart, Target, Macy's, TikTok, Amazon, McDonalds, Wendy's, Netflix, Twitter, Facebook, etc.  I realize some of these would overlap with previous Wacky issues but that's never stopped Topps in the past.


Hi Marc,

Your comment was starting to get buried, so I thought I'd reply before it went 6 feet under 

Your idea is good! It worked well in the past and would probably work well again.

As usual, the key to any new ideas are based on how well the latest set(s) do. If they do well, it opens the door to more possibilities.

I can't agree with Koduck enough! "Money Talks, And B.S. Walks" is a harsh reality in the currently cutthroat business of trading cards. The only way new opportunities will open up is if sales do well. It is critical that the new ANS set sells impressively. If it does, additional options become viable. Spread the word to everyone who has ever liked Wackys that you know. BUY THIS SET!!!

[Fanatical_and_Sickly]

It is critical that the new ANS set sells impressively. Spread the word to everyone who has ever liked Wackys that you know. BUY THIS SET!!!

Is this a Spoiler??

[quas]

How about a set focused on major corporations and media outlets, but not specifically their products.  Walmart, Target, Macy's, TikTok, Amazon, McDonalds, Wendy's, Netflix, Twitter, Facebook, etc.  I realize some of these would overlap with previous Wacky issues but that's never stopped Topps in the past.


Hi Marc,

Your comment was starting to get buried, so I thought I'd reply before it went 6 feet under 

Your idea is good! It worked well in the past and would probably work well again.

As usual, the key to any new ideas are based on how well the latest set(s) do. If they do well, it opens the door to more possibilities.

Thank you Neil! Much appreciated!

[baileysr]

Depending on what type of politicians you do, maybe something could work.  I sell both Garbage Pail Kids and Wacky Packages on Ebay.  I am hands down the biggest Wacky Packages seller on Ebay.  Garbage Pail kids is hands down the biggest non sports collectible.  I think if they would bounce off of the GPK a lot more, it would revive Wacky Packages again.  The Sapphire and Chrome are are highly sought after in the Gpk world right now.  There are many avenues to go with this.  Just a thought?

[Corndog]

It's not a sickness, it's a clear-headed view of reality.

See? I don't want to do this! Arguing with strangers on the internet is pointless, no one is going to change their perspective. Politics has become bread and circus, a way to distract people from what's really going on. We shouldn't be fighting each other, we should be united against those who manipulate the system to siphon off money from the folks who aren't super-rich. We all want a government that helps us achieve our life goals, in big and small ways. We can disagree about how to achieve that but what we've got now is just anger and rage, it's not productive.

I beg to differ, but I agree here is not the place to debate this topic...When I see "clear-headed view of reality" thinking and if you're honest, then you would have to admit the current political games are just distractions and smoke and mirrors to hind what is really happening in the shadows. ALL of our government is corrupt and needs to be audited, cleaned out, and replaced by those who are NOT bought and paid for by special interests/corporations.

Thus, was the reason for my idea for political topics in a set. I do appreciate the feedback and honesty. I am naïve to the thinking portion of business/world of creating Wacky Packages. It is clear though that this industry has already been blinded by political agendas and bias. Disappointing to hear. With Wacky Packages I was hoping we were above this fray and censorship of ideas. But I get it...don't like it....but still will never dampen my love for Wackies.

I would still love to get my hands on a set of the Trumpocracy set.

Semper Fi,

Corndog

[roughwriter]

  I promise you that the politically-related Wackys ideas exist, because I've drawn several myself. The problem is getting them published. But there IS a way to get your fix still! Political cartoons are still a regular feature in the remaining newspapers, and many more can be found on online sites. I tried my hand at political cartooning in my college newspaper, and there are some great collections available annually. Cartoons have the ability to distill complex political issues down to their fundamental elements, and can create memorable images. Checking them out would be well worth your time!

[Corndog]

Roughwriter I understand there are other outlets that provide a political satire and many are funny. In fact I do possess other non-sports cards that are political in matter; I also have a small collection of newspapers from major events in our country/world.

I also collect non-sports cards related to everything military. This collection includes everything from Desert Shield, Horrors of War, etc., to T.V. shows like MASH, Gomer Pyle, and others. I guess that is just the Marine in me…a huge apart of my life. They all are in binders in my man cave, next to my other Marine Corps memorabilia, including sand from Iwo Jima (that I scooped up myself).

My whole point of this forum thread was not to start a negative debate, or spread discord. I just was hoping we could have a honest conversation about a possibility to revamping a series similar to the Trumpocracy series, to spread a bit of levity to current topic in America that is polluting our everyday life. I understand it is not a topic for everyone, but what truly is? However, it could be a set if done honestly and fairly where everyone may find funny, relatable, and/or even a bit therapeutic.

[vahsurfer]

Marc,

I like your idea - Corporate Wackiness!

Richard
#StayWacky

[quas]

Marc,

I like your idea - Corporate Wackiness!

Richard
#StayWacky

Thanks Richard!

[JasonLiebig]

My whole point of this forum thread was not to start a negative debate, or spread discord. I just was hoping we could have a honest conversation about a possibility to revamping a series similar to the Trumpocracy series, to spread a bit of levity to current topic in America that is polluting our everyday life. I understand it is not a topic for everyone, but what truly is? However, it could be a set if done honestly and fairly where everyone may find funny, relatable, and/or even a bit therapeutic.

I think it's lovely to engage in an honest conversation.  I think that satire and politics are indelibly intertwined. And certainly, Mad magazine's creative DNA and that of Wacky Packages are connected, even if Wacky Packages are, by their nature, far more limited in what their format can successfully accept. 

But politics and Wacky Packages? That just seems like a bad idea to me, and one that will not put Wacky Packages "back on the map". 

I think about it this way: Yes, making fun and parodying brands is a bit trite in 2024, and there was a time when it was far more bold and controversial. So, Wacky Packages are, by their very nature, just kind of trite nowadays and not nearly as relevant. 

But grafting politics onto them in any major way fundamentally changes what they are, in my honest opinion. And it still wouldn't make them bold, controversial, or more relevant. I think they'd just be sad.

Mad Magazine took on right wing and left wing extremism 55 years ago, and they took on the Vietnam war too, though I don't think they infused their Vietnam coverage with much humor or satire (I recall in one case, they just showcased how horrible what everyone including the United States was doing over there). And, even Mad Magazine couldn't really make that kind of output a regular occurrence.

Poking fun at Irish Spring soap and Mountain Dew and consumerism and corporate marketing are what Wacky Packages are fundamentally about.  And honestly, THAT might be the best release from politics that we could hope for from these happy little stickers. 

[faustxxx]

     Lol, "AN" idea. Just saying