Review: 2024 Topps Chrome Star Wars
The 2024 Topps Chrome Star Wars trading cards have quickly become my favourite of recent releases. I’ve loved other sets from Topps such as the 2022 Mandalorian Chrome, 2023 Flagship, Book of Boba Fett, and Obi-Wan collections, but for me, these stand out because of their sleek and distinctive look.
The design is exceptional. Each card in the 150-strong base set is presented with a dynamic and colourful background, that is a cross between a marbling and different colours of swirling smoke. Combined with the shine of a reflective chrome set, it creates the best backdrop I can remember for one of these sets.
Its noteworthy that there are also numerous parallels, variations and numbered cards compared to other sets, running to higher numbers. While this could be seen as reducing rarity overall, it added hugely to the enjoyment of opening the two hobby boxes we ripped. You have a greater chance of pulling something unique, and the colour schemes are all great and eye-catching so its satisfying to find one. I found it a refreshing twist in chasing the thrill of discovery.
The attention to detail in the set and the artwork also stood out to me, particularly the inclusion of ‘debut’ badges on cards which are a character’s first appearance on a card - a ‘rookie card’ in sports card terminology. Each character card in the base set also has a short print ‘insert’ version where the text is in Aurebesh, I love this touch. It looks fantastic, why didn’t they do it sooner!
As well as the base cards, parallels, and Aurebesh short-prints, there are a range of other inserts (including The Rise of Palpatine, The Heiress, Galactic Civil War and Galactic Gear), and of course sketch and sticker autograph cards. The autos are the main chase for me, particularly the lower numbers, and I love their designs and variations much like the base set, and the inclusion of debut badges. If you’re an Andor fan you’ll love the range of actors offering autos.
The quality of the printing feels substantial and weighty, adding to the sense of quality. We opened two hobby boxes with ten packs of ten cards, which also felt like a really substantial and fun box break, compared to some other chrome sets that have fewer cards per pack. I have to say across the whole set, not just the base cards, inserts, autos and parallels we pulled, the design and aesthetic stands a cut above other sets I’ve seen.
In summary, the 2024 Topps Chrome Star Wars has a remarkable design, increased variety and excitement in numbered and insert cards (albeit less rare overall), and fantastic autograph features. It offers an enjoyable and memorable breaking experience, making it a standout release across recent Star Wars cards.
Hobby boxes are now sold-out on the Topps website (as are value boxes of eight packs with five cards each), but are available through other vendors and on eBay. These are often at a higher price (sometimes slightly, sometimes vastly) than retail so its worth shopping around, but if you can find one for a good price and enjoy chrome, or ripping Star Wars cards, this set gets a strong recommend from me. Or have fun on Ebay picking up single cards that stand out to you!
MTFBWY
