Only the Finest From Star Wars
The 2023 Topps Star Wars Finest set embarked on an intergalactic adventure in a galaxy where creativity knew no bounds. Leading this thrilling journey was Jeff Zachowski, the Topps Senior Creative Director, whose enthusiasm radiated like a supernova.
“For starters,” Zachowski enthused, “we brainstormed concepts for the overall set design, considering the use of chrome substrates, clear PETG for premium hits, and other unique features of the program.” The team didn’t settle for the ordinary; they aimed for the stars, pushing the boundaries of design to create something truly extraordinary.
Balancing Old and New School
As for the main inspirations behind this year’s product, Zachowski explained, “Building on the success of previous sets, the 2023 edition of Star Wars Finest explores a carefully curated selection of both classic and newer characters from the expansive Star Wars universe.” This selection wasn’t just a hasty grab from the galaxy; it was a thoughtful curation that aimed to appeal to fans across generations. A galaxy-spanning celebration of characters.
But what really makes this set a stellar standout? Zachowski teased, “Keep an eye out for Enemies of the Empire SSP cards. These extremely limited cards are printed on translucent PETG and highlight a who’s who of the Galactic Empire’s most collectible antagonists.”
But there was more to this cosmic journey. Delving into the brand’s archives, the Finest Warriors emerged, their design adapted from a “Warriors” themed subset in the 1997 Finest Baseball collection. These were the most common inserts in the 2023 Finest Star Wars, a nod to the brand’s storied history, falling 1:3 packs.
An Out-of-This-World Collector’s Journey
The heart of the set is a character-driven experience spanning the vast Star Wars saga, from epic movies to recent television series. With 100 cards in the base set, each card had nine parallels, ensuring collectors could discover their favorite characters in various stunning forms.
In the end, the 2023 Topps Star Wars Finest set was more than a collection of cards; it was an opportunity to capture the enigmatic allure of the Empire’s foes in a unique way. It was a collector’s journey like no other, where design met the force, and the result was truly out of this world.
