Van Helsing - Comic Images (USA)

Comic Images has used some superb film photography in its new Van Helsing trading card series. The movie, which was recently released to British audiences, sees the return of classic Universal Studios monsters to cinema screens. Comic Images offers profiles of the monsters and the main human characters in the first sub-series of the 72-card basic set. Also included are cards dedicated to the film story, behind-the-scenes information and 'Fright Gallery'. The Fright Gallery cards showcase artwork based upon the film.

Bonus insert cards for this release are six foil cards, autographed cards and Monsterpiece memorabilia cards featuring pieces of costumes used in the film. In our box, we found three of the foil cards, which appear to feature images of individual characters stood against dark sky backgrounds. We did not find any redemption cards for Monsterpiece cards, although we did find a redemption for an autographed card from the director of Van Helsing, Stephen Sommers. In addition, our box contained three sets of the base cards, so overall collation was excellent.

Van Helsing trading cards are available in the UK through specialist dealers and comic stores. Card Zine came across packs of seven cards selling for £1.99 in Forbidden Planet. 36 packs make up a display box. Comic Images has produced a Van Helsing storage binder to accompany the collection. The text in this series is informative and well-written and the design really captures the atmosphere of the film.

>> This article was added to Card Zine in summer 2004.