The Sith Lord’s Greatest Topps Appearances
What’s left to say about Darth Vader at this point? He’s the original Sith Lord, one of the most powerful Force users in the Star Wars universe, and by all accounts, the greatest movie villain of all time. From the helmet and cape to the iconic voice and mechanical breathing, he’s a fixture of pop culture and Hollywood history, just as much as Star Wars is itself.
Given his larger-than-life status in the franchise, Vader has made numerous appearances across Topps’ long catalog of Star Wars cards, from the original set back in 1977 to the modern Topps Star Wars Chrome releases. Let’s take a look back at some of the Sith Lord’s greatest Topps appearances.
Darth Vader’s Best Topps Cards
1977 Topps Star Wars #7 The Villainous Darth Vader
Set Info
• First Topps Star Wars Set commemorating the original film’s 1977 release
Card Info
• Darth Vader’s First-Ever Topps Card showing a scene from the original Star Wars Film
What They Said
“I Have You Now.” – Darth Vader
1980 Topps Star Wars Empire Strikes Back #10 Darth Vader Star File
Set Info
• 132-card set commemorating the release of 1980’s The Empire Strikes Back
Card Info
• Back features info on Vader, including his age (50), which was later revealed to be wrong
What They Said
• “I am altering the deal. Pray I do not alter it any further.” – Darth Vader to Lando Calrissian on Cloud City
2001 Topps Star Wars Evolution Autographs James Earl Jones Darth Vader
Set Info
• 90-card base set featuring a wide range of Star Wars characters
• 25-card Autograph insert set
Card Info
• James Earl Jones’ first-ever Topps auto
What They Said
• “James was an incredible actor, a most unique voice both in art and spirit.” – George Lucas on James Earl Jones
Topps Star Wars Living Set #1 Darth Vader
Set Info
• First Card in a long-running, ever-expanding Topps Star Wars Living Set
Card Info
• Carries the iconic blue and white background of the original 1977 Topps Star Wars Set
What They Said
• “You don’t know the power of the dark side.” – Darth Vader
2021 Topps Chrome Star Wars Galaxy #9 Darth Vader Wave Refractor /99
Set Info
• 100-card base set with refractor parallels numbered /150 to /1
Card Info
• Features a striking artistic rending of Vader by Eisner Award winner George Pratt
What They Said
• “I find your lack of faith disturbing.” – Darth Vader
