The History of Dune on Cardboard
We all have that one friend who has read every Dune book and knows every minor character, every Byzantine storyline, and every nuance of the franchise.
But do they have the cardboard?
Now, the biggest Dune fans have an amazing new set of cards to expand their collections of memorabilia from the films even more. The 2024 Topps Dune set is easily the most exciting Dune collectible to hit the market since the first film by Denis Villeneuve took the box office by (sand) storm in 2021. The set arrives at the perfect time, just as we’ve all had a chance to catch the latest film, Dune: Part 2, in theaters this spring.
The 2024 Topps Dune set was limited to only 500 boxes, selling out in minutes. It’s a real stunner, especially the numbered foil parallels in various colors and limited numbers that please the eyes even more than the film on an IMAX screen.
Eschewing quantity in favor of quality, 2024 Topps Dune only includes 10 key characters from the films: Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides, Zendaya as Chani, and Christopher Walken as Emperor Shaddam. If you’re unfamiliar with it, get the full checklist details HERE. And don’t worry, you also get this creep.
We won’t gush about our product too much, as you can see for yourself the quality, desirability, and value of these cards for any Dune fan or collector in general. In celebration of the 2024 Topps set, let’s look at the Dune cards that dropped 40 years ago.
That’s correct; a card set was produced for the 1984 Dune film directed by David Lynch. Like Lynch’s film, the 1984 Fleer cards were weirder, lacking the polish and the beauty of the 2024 Topps set, but they still retain a certain charm. And it’s the only place you’ll pull a Sting rookie card!
The 1984 Fleer set included 132 base cards, an ample supply of 44 different stickers, and a gum stick in every wax pack. The set features stills from the film that do a great job summarizing the plot, especially on the card backs, which feature dialogue, trivia, and story recaps.
And you have to love that design, with stark red-and-yellow borders and the sand dunes illustration framing each card’s title. It’s also likely the only set that you’ll ever see the phrase: “That Floating Fat Man.”
This kitschy Fleer set is definitely a lot of fun, so we won’t be offended if you also want to start your collection of vintage 1984 Dune cards along with the 2024 Topps set. But wait, there’s one more Dune-related card worth mentioning. You guessed it, the Garbage Pail Kids have their take on the franchise with the “Dune Boone” card from 2022. Spicy!
