Behind the Design of Topps Mercury: Victor Wembanyama
In the world of trading cards, few athletes have made as immediate an impact as Victor Wembanyama. Topps noticed the attraction that is Victor Wembanayama and decided to commemorate this rising star’s sensational rookie season with a comprehensive set as part of their new Mercury brand, with the towering Frenchman as the perfect figurehead. As Topps Senior Art Director Thomas Regan explained, “Topps Mercury is a new brand built to capture out-of-this-world athletes in sports. Victor Wembanyama is such a rare athlete that he was the perfect player to launch this brand.”
Like Wembanyama, Mercury is a rookie product with high-end appeal reflecting the superstar’s once-in-a-generation talent. Both Wemby and Mercury are must-sees in their respective fields, making this set a true collector’s dream. I had the chance to speak with Regan, who offered some incredible insights into the creation of the 2023/24 Topps Mercury: Victor Wembanyama set.
Capturing a Once-in-a-Generation Talent
“It doesn’t happen often that a 20-year-old basketball player becomes an immediate superstar,” Regan explained. “This type of talent deserves a comprehensive trading card set commemorating his dominant debut campaign.” From the beginning, Topps wanted to create something unique, something collectors could truly treasure as Wemby’s career took off. “We wanted to give collectors a chance to collect truly unique cards and relics from his rookie season,” Regan added.
One of the set’s highlights is the dual cards, which feature Wembanyama paired with some of basketball’s greatest names—and a few surprises. “Wemby’s rookie season proved he’s on a superstar trajectory,” Regan noted. “It made sense to pair Wemby with greats like LeBron, fellow Frenchman Tony Parker, and other legendary athletes.” These dual cards offer fans the chance to see Wembanyama standing alongside the legends he’s bound to join. A particularly unique pairing is Wembanyama with NFL star CJ Stroud. “One of the best duals in the set features Wemby and CJ Stroud because both players dominated their sport as rookies,” Regan said.
The Design Process: Liquid Mercury and Beyond
As with any great trading card set, the design is key. Regan and his team drew inspiration from an unusual source. “The design motif was inspired by liquid Mercury,” he explained. “That’s why you’ll see amorphous hits of silver on each of the designs. Each insert captures Wemby’s towering presence and other-worldly talent.” This futuristic, fluid design emphasizes the exceptional nature of Wembanyama’s game, making each card stand out.
The international aspect of Wembanyama’s stardom also played a role in shaping the set. “We wanted to include elements of his French heritage in the set,” Regan shared. “That’s why you’ll find the Tony Parker dual auto with a French Flag in the background. The Côte to Coast Insert is a nod to both Wemby’s French heritage and the 2002-03 Topps Chrome basketball Coast to Coast insert.” This thoughtful approach to design ensures that every card in the set tells a part of Wembanyama’s story.
When asked about his favorite cards to work on, Regan was quick to point out the rookie patch autos. “Each card was fun to work on and design,” he said, “but from a hobby perspective, it is easily the rookie patch autos. It’s such a rewarding experience to see Victor Wembanyama’s rookie patch autos out there. I’m so proud of the work our team put in to make these stunning cards for collectors.” And for collectors seeking a little extra flair? “It isn’t an Easter egg, but my favorite parallel is the Alien face numbered to 5,” Regan revealed. “The green refractor with the alien face pattern in the background is legendary!” This unique parallel adds a fun twist to the collection and is sure to be a hit among hobbyists.
Fitting Wemby into Project Mercury
“These cards are the first Topps Mercury cards ever, so there is always pressure to get it right,” Regan admitted. “Once we decided on the name for the brand, we worked tirelessly bringing it to life with a cohesive design motif.” With suchmeticulous attention to detail and creativity, the 2023/24 Topps Mercury: Victor Wembanyama set is sure to become a fan favorite.
