MONSTER TRADING CARDS AND STICKERS ORIGINAL ART

The "Funny Monsters" (aka "You'll Die Laughing") trading cards from 1959 were one of my earliest memories from my "monster awakening". Sold at the drug store down the street from us, they were wonders to behold, I suspect mainly because of their sardonic humor and the brilliant execution of Jack Davis' art.

Later, the Topps Spook Stories cards would be available, and then the onslaught of stickers, buttons and anything else that an enterprising company could think of to stuff into a wax pack.

These examples are from auction items that have been sold in recent years and depict the variety, as well as the talent, that went into their creation.

Jack Davis - Funny Monsters Card #10 (1959)
Produced by Topps in 1959 specifically for sale during the Halloween season, the “Funny Monsters” series features artworks of monsters accompanied by amusing titles. Collectors commonly refer to the set as "You'll Die Laughing" from the joke heading on the back of each card (the "Funny Monsters" title is not printed on the cards). Offered is the original artwork (4.75 x 3-3/8 inches) for card #10 from the 1959 Topps “Funny Monsters” series, entitled “So You Really Think You've Re-Discovered the Jekyll and Hyde Formula, Eh, Twombley?” The artwork is beautifully executed with extraordinary detail. "Funny Monsters" is one of the classic "monster sets" of the era, and this card is an ideal representative of the set. The artwork is in Near Mint condition and is accompanied by an example of the issued card. Reserve $200. Estimate $400/$600.

Sold for: $1,276.00

Jack Davis - Funny Monsters Cards Display Box
Presented here is what many consider to be one of rarest and most desirable non-sports gum card display boxes of the 1950s. The 1959 Topps "Funny Monsters" counter display box once held 24 five-cent packs of "Funny Monsters" non-sports cards. Though the 1959 Topps "Funny Monsters" cards are reasonably available, the original store display boxes from this issue are virtually nonexistent. This is the first we have ever offered. The box is accompanied by an original Topps Chewing Gum promotional advertising letter (8.5 x 11 inches on Topps stationery) which was sent to stores to encourage store owners to order the new "Funny Monsters" set. The letter, from Topps sales manager Leonard Harrison, begins: "Funny Monsters are coming your way with the biggest barrel full of laughs and sales ever." The box is bright and clean, perfectly rectangular, and in completely unrestored original condition. The perforations on the top of the box are miraculously unbroken. The box has some very minor edge wear, but displays beautifully and is in spectacular Nr/Mt condition. The "Funny Monsters" advertising letter is in Near Mint condition. Total 2 items. Reserve $200. Estimate $400/$800.

Sold for: $696.00

Wally Wood/Norm Saunders - Ugly Sticker #33 (1965)
Presented is the original artwork (3-3/8 x 4-5/8 inches) from the 1965 Topps “Ugly Stickers” series for "Ugly Sticker" #33, which was issued as “Michael.” This artwork was designed by Wally Wood and painted by the legendary Norm Saunders. The "Ugly Stickers" set was issued on three separate occasions: 1965, 1973-74, and 1976. The set is highly regarded by collectors both because of the exceptional quality of the artwork and its representation of the 1960s low-brow cultural monster-art craze. There are only 44 different designs in the set, and each design was issued with four different names (except #29, 30, 32, and 40). The artwork is accompanied by an example of the issued sticker. The original artwork is in Near Mint condition. Matted and framed to dimensions of 14.5 x 13.5 inches. Reserve $100. Estimate $200/$300.

Wally Wood/Norm Saunders - Ugly Stickers (1965-1966)
In the 1960s Topps came up with the "monster sticker" concept: stickers featuring the art of Norm Saunders, Wally Wood, and others, with monsters that were hideous and funny, sometimes with names (so you could really bother your friends), sometimes with amusing captions. They were antisocial, irreverent, surreal, and exactly what every parent would really, really prefer their child not to have. They were, of course, a hit. Several different sets were issued over the years. This lot is comprised of four original artworks (each measures 3-3/8 x 4.75 inches), three from one series and an additional from a different series: 1) 1965 "Ugly Stickers" (3 artworks): #29 Doc (designed by Wally Wood and painted by Norm Saunders), 36 Margaret (designed by Wally Wood and painted by Norm Saunders), and 40 Charlie (designed and painted by Norm Saunders). 2) 1966 Topps "Make Your Own Name" Stickers: #22 (designed and painted by Norm Saunders). Ideal for display. This is an outstanding group. All four original artworks are in Near Mint condition. Total 4 artworks. Reserve $400. Estimate $800/$1,200.

Sold for: $4,930.00

BONUS!

Collection of 976 non-sport cards related to science-fiction and film monsters, from five different classic issues from the 1960s. 1) 1961 Nu-Cards "Horror Monster Series": 34 assorted green borders (16 different) and 194 assorted orange borders (58 different). Plus 29 two-card perforated panels, and 14 unopened cellophane packs, each with three two-card panels and a single card (total 7 cards) enclosed. Also includes a "Shock Monsters" green display box (clear tape on four corners, otherwise Vg-Ex). This is a great looking box and very rare. 2) 1962 Topps "Mars Attack": 124 assorted cards with 39 different. 3) 1963 Rosan "Terror Monsters": 56 assorted cards with 35 different. 4) 1963-1965 Leaf "Spook Stories": 510 assorted cards with 109 different. 5) 1964 Bubbles Inc. "Outer Limits": 229 cards include complete set of 50 cards (Ex to Ex-Mt) plus additional 179 assorted (44 different). The cards in this collection range in grade from Vg to Nr/Mt condition, averaging Ex overall. From the Macaluso Collection. Total 976 cards, one display box, and 14 unopened cellophane packs. Reserve $800. Estimate $1,500/$2,500.

Sold for: $3,190.00

Produced by Topps in 1966 specifically for sale during the Halloween season, the “Ugly Buttons” series features artworks of monsters accompanied by amusing titles. The issued “Ugly Buttons” were tin lithographic pinbacks, measuring 2 inches in diameter. Offered is an original artwork to the series, which is highly regarded by collectors both because of the exceptional quality of the artwork and its representation of the 1960s low-brow cultural monster-art craze. The full-color original artwork (5.5 x 5.5 inches) for the “Peek-A-Boo” button is in flawless Near Mint to Mint condition, and is accompanied by a perfect example of the issued button. “Ugly Button” original artwork is extremely rare, and this is an ideal example. Reserve $200. Estimate $400/$600.

Sold for: $1,150.00