{"product_id":"mars-attacks-50th-anniversary-collection","title":"MARS ATTACKS 50th Anniversary Collection","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis comprehensive book is the first-ever compilation of \u003cem\u003eMars Attacks\u003c\/em\u003e, the infamous science-fiction trading card series produced by Topps in 1962, and includes four bonus trading cards. Edgy, subversive, and darkly comedic, this over-the-top series depicting a Martian invasion of Earth has a loyal following and continues to win new generations of fans. For the first time, this book brings together high-quality reproductions of \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ethe entire original series, as well as the hard-to-find sequel from 1994, rare and never-before-seen sketches, concept art, and test market materials.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\n\nA science fiction-themed trading card series released in 1962 by Topps. The cards feature artwork by science fiction artists \u003cstrong\u003eWally Wood\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eNorman Saunders\u003c\/strong\u003e. The cards form a story arc, which tells of the invasion of Earth by cruel, hideous Martians under the command of a corrupt Martian government who conceal the fact from the Martian populace that Mars is doomed to explode and, therefore, proposes colonization of Earth to turn it into their new homeworld. The cards depict futuristic battle scenes and bizarre methods of Martian attack, torture and slaughter of humans, as well as various Earth nations being attacked.\n\nThe story concludes with an expeditionary force of humans volunteering to embark on a counterattack on Mars, in which the Earth force attacks the Martians in their manner (bayoneting and bullets). The Earth attack forces, after destroying the Martian cities and killing the Martians, depart just before Mars is destroyed in the predicted cataclysm, thus ensuring the peace and safety of Earth as the Martian race is seemingly doomed to extinction. Backstories included how the invading Martians used growth rays to transform insects into monsters to attack cities, Earth factions such as rival urban gangs and national differences having to be cast aside for the sake of repelling the invasion, or the sociology of Mars, in this case a small tribe of peaceful Martians who hoped to find a way to escape the destruction of Mars without attacking Earth, but their voice being overruled by the corrupt Martian government.\n\nThe cards proved popular with children, but depictions of explicit gore and implied sexual content caused an outcry, leading the company to halt production. The cards have since become collector's items, with certain cards commanding over $3,500 at auction.\n\nAlso included are an introduction by series co-creator \u003cstrong\u003eLen Brown\u003c\/strong\u003e and an afterword by \u003cstrong\u003eZina Saunders\u003c\/strong\u003e, daughter of the original artist, providing an insider’s behind-the-scenes view of the bizarre and compelling world of \u003cem\u003eMars Attacks\u003c\/em\u003e.\n\nIncludes preliminary sketches and artwork, including a facsimile of the original trading card mechanical on the inside back cover, with a reproduction of the 1962 handwriting from the original Topps production department.\n\n“The work produced by writer Len Brown and artist Norm Saunders, collected now in the anthology \u003cem\u003eMars Attacks: 50th Anniversary Collection\u003c\/em\u003e. . . continues to pass muster as a lurid snapshot of sci-fi paranoia at its most pulp-fictiony.” —Wired.com\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Abrams","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59643800781086,"sku":"MARSAH","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0999\/0684\/7006\/files\/marsah-mars-attacks-50th-anniversay-coll-book.jpg?v=1784520275","url":"https:\/\/shop.budsartbooks.com\/products\/mars-attacks-50th-anniversary-collection","provider":"Bud's Art Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}