Discover the 1990 Topps Simpsons Set
In 1990, The Simpsons was just getting started, but Topps was already one step ahead. Before the show became the longest-running primetime series in television history, before Homer’s “D’oh” became a household catchphrase, and before Bart was plastered on every lunchbox in America, Topps dropped a bold and brilliant 88-card trading card set that gave fans their very first collectible window into the world of Springfield.
After 35 years, the 1990 Topps Simpsons set remains a colorful and chaotic time capsule of the show’s earliest days.
Perfect Timing
When Topps released this set, The Simpsons had just made the jump from short segments on The Tracey Ullman Show to a full-blown primetime hit. The Christmas special, Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire, had aired in late 1989, and the show officially launched in 1990 with its first season. Bart Simpson, with his slingshot in his back pocket and “Don’t have a cow, man” on his lips, quickly became the face of a new kind of animated television.
It was rare for a cartoon character to become a cultural icon so quickly, but Bartmania was real. Topps, which had already created landmark pop culture card sets for franchises like Star Wars and Batman, knew exactly what it had on its hands. The company leaned in and created a set that was loud, irreverent, and full of early Simpsons flavor.
Loud Colors and Classic Characters
The card fronts feature screenshots from the earliest episodes. Whether it was Homer yelling, Bart skateboarding, or Lisa blowing her saxophone, each moment felt like a snapshot of a brand new world viewers were still just getting to know. The borders came in neon yellows, bright reds, sky blues, and grassy greens. The captions on the front added an extra layer of humor or context, while the back of each card included character quotes, one-liners, or quick jokes that gave fans even more reasons to laugh.
The focus was heavy on the Simpson family, especially Bart. Nearly every third card was dedicated to him. But you still got moments with characters like Krusty the Clown, Moe, Principal Skinner, and of course, Mr. Burns. These early depictions captured the characters before they became refined and polished. They looked a little rough, the animation was still evolving, and that only adds to the charm today.
The Simpsons Stickers Everyone Peeled
In addition to the 88 base cards, the set included 22 sticker cards. And these weren’t just throw-ins. The stickers were colorful, bold, and wildly collectible. Each one featured a Simpson family member in a pose or with a quote that fans would immediately recognize. Whether it was Bart saying “Cowabunga” or Homer giving his blank-eyed stare, these stickers were perfect for notebooks, binders, lockers, and more.
The catch is that many kids peeled them back then. Finding mint condition stickers today is much harder. That only adds to their appeal now, especially for collectors who are trying to build or grade a full set. The stickers also showed off unique character art that sometimes didn’t even appear on the show, giving them a bit of extra flavor and originality.
The 1990 Topps Simpsons Set is Complete Nostalgia
Now, 35 years later, The Simpsons is still on the air, but the vibe has changed. What makes the 1990 Topps set special is how raw and honest it feels. This was The Simpsons before the layers of digital polish, before celebrity cameos in every episode, before the show became a living monument to itself. This was when The Simpsons still felt punk. And Topps captured that perfectly in cardboard form.
Collectors who grew up during this era often point to the Simpsons set as one of their first introductions to non-sports cards. It also set the tone for how animated comedies could be translated into collectibles. This was not just a kids show, nor was it just a kids card set. It was smart, funny, and built to last.
The 1990 Topps Simpsons Chase Continues
Today, unopened boxes of 1990 Topps Simpsons cards are harder to find, and PSA-graded cards or sticker inserts can command strong prices. But even a simple, raw base set is worth collecting. It’s a blast from the past that still packs humor, style, and heart.
Whether you’re a lifelong Simpsons fan or just starting your journey through Springfield, this set is a reminder of where it all began. No gimmicks. No gloss. Just jokes, family dysfunction, and cartoon history frozen in time.
In the words of Bart himself, if you do not own a card from this set, you just might have a cow.
