Red Dwarf: The Television Series - Futera (UK)

Futera looks set to become a major player in the non-sports hobby, following the release of its Red Dwarf: The Television Series trading cards in early July. Produced under Futera's premium brand Platinum, the new collection covers all eight series of the BBC sci-fi comedy.

The basic set consists of 64 foil stamped cards, which come divided into five sub-series. Included are cards dedicated to individual episodes, featuring scenes and plot synopsis, details of the main characters, behind the scenes information and alternative ending scripts for the 'Only the Good' episode. The collection really excels as far as insert cards are concerned, with 32 foil chrome cards depicting characters, monsters, spaceships and action scenes (1:2 packs, numbered C1-C32), six Chloe Annett photoshoot holographic cards featuring the actress and pin-up (1:8 packs, numbered CA1-CA6), six Sylvain Despretz cards showcasing the work of the Red Dwarf artist (1:8 packs, numbered SD1-SD6), six Smeg cards (1:8 packs, numbered SG1-SG6), seven autograph cards (1:70 packs, numbered AUTO1-AUTO7), eleven memorabilia cards (odds vary between 1:100 packs and 1:300 packs, numbered MEM01-MEM011) and a single gold redemption card (1:1080 packs, numbered GR1). The autograph cards feature Cat, Holly, Kochanski, Kryten, Lister, Rimmer and Sylvain Despretz. The memorabilia cards include actual pieces of Red Dwarf, costumes, wigs and props used on the show. The redemption card can be exchanged for one of 100 limited edition 24ct gold plated cards.

Futera's Red Dwarf collection can be obtained through specialist dealers, with Top Draw Cards (www.topdrawcards.com) acting as a UK distributor. Collectors can also buy cards through Futera's own web site. The series is being sold in six card packs, with 24 packs in each display box. The superb design and variety of different types of card mean that this is a collection which really stands out from the majority of sci-fi sets. "I've been extremely pleased with the quality, design and range of memorabilia in this collection", says Gwyneth Glascodine of Futera. "There's been an amazing response to this release".

>> This article was added to Card Zine in summer 2002.