Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back: Original Topps Trading Card Series, Volume Two

The Abrams tradition of excellent "Star Wars" pop-art collections continues with the second installment in their series of "Star Wars" trading card books, "Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back Topps Trading Card Series Volume Two." With a lengthy and fascinating introduction by Topp's spokesperson (and man who was there) Gary Gerani, we get insight into the development of the Topps Trading Card series, as well as a lot of insider scoop and tidbits! For example, Lucasfilm actually allowed Gerani to write original dialogue for the captions such as Darth's dramatic exclamations, "Hate me, Luke! Destroy me!" He also reminds us that original Ralph McQuarrie concept art was included in Series 1 in a set called "Space Paintings."

Taking a note from reviews of the last book, this time, the front and back of each card are (more often than not) included on one page so you can enjoy each card in full one at a time. All three sets of the series are here, as well as the "Giant Photo Card" set that followed. What's also nice is the occasional commentary from Gerani on specific cards, whether it explains which pictures were actually taken by an on-set photographer, or the cleverness of a card caption like the one with Vader's bounty hunters called "A Gathering of Evils" which is a take-off from the classic film "A Gathering of Eagles." (Who knew?!)

This is clearly a must for any "Star Wars" fan and collectors everywhere will love being able to relive the joy of amassing the cards when they were young. At almost 550 pages there is a lot to see here and even better? They include a pack of "bonus cards" in the back of the book. Sure, it's not an actual pack from 1980, but it'll do. For now. Here's hoping the "Return of the Jedi" edition includes that hard, dusty pink gum that lasted about 30 seconds but was oh, so, delicious!

"Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back Topps Trading Card Series Volume Two"
$24.95
www.abramscomicarts.com