April Fools’ Day and Topps Crazy Cards

Revisiting 1961 Topps Crazy Cards

In 1961, Topps released Crazy Cards, a 66-card set that featured what appeared to be a collection of Ripley’s Believe It or Not-type feats on the front. That is, until you flipped them over and got the punchline on the back. 

This makes Crazy Cards the perfect set to celebrate April Fools’ Day (you’re welcome in advance for us not pulling a goofy stunt instead). While the “joke” is the main feature of the set, the actual art shouldn’t go unnoticed. All 66 cards were illustrated by Wallace “Wally” Wood, an EC Comics legend who did extensive work on Tales from the Crypt, as well as Marvel, DC, and even early Mars Attacks sketches for Topps. 

Let’s dive in!

65 Years of Topps Crazy Cards

Card #40 is probably as good a place as any to start. On the front it reads,, “‘Quick Draw’ Lee was the fastest gun in the West.” Feels very much like the 1958 Vita-Brits “Ripley’s Believe It or Not” set so far, (or even Topps’ own “Funny Valentines” set, which had a similar format), right?

But then you see, in the bottom right, a relatively small instruction to: “TURN OVER.”

On the other side? “But not in the East!”

How about card #19? “An animal tamer won 300 fights with lions!”

And you turn it to the back for the gruesome reveal…

The set even dove a little into 14th century legends with a William Tell card:

At this point, you probably have an idea of where things are headed…

Here are a few more Crazy Cards to enjoy as you question everything this April Fools’ Day!

Happy April Fools’ Day!

Topps Crazy Cards Collector FAQs

• What year did the Topps Crazy Cards set come out?
  • 1961.
• Are old novelty/comedy cards good choices for collectors?
  • While rarely valuable, old novelty and comedy cards can be great choices to add flavor and vintage color to a collection, and some niche collectors still focus on the cards for PCs.
• Who was Wally Wood?
  • He was a famed comic artist who also worked on beloved Topps sets like Mars Attacks and Crazy Cards.
• Does Topps still make April Fools’ Day cards?
  • Some modern releases, like recent editions of Topps Wacky Packages Postcards, do specifically celebrate April Fools’ Day.

Key Facts

• Occasion: April Fools’ Day
• Featured Set: Topps Crazy Cards
• Release Year: 1961
• Artist: Wally Wood

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