Inkworks Supernatural Season One Trading Cards – A Devilishly Good Set

 

My first experience with trading cards of any sort came with the release of the Inkworks Smallville sets. I wouldn’t put my self down as an avid collector of those particular cards, although I do have a full master set for season one, and did enjoy the fun of trying to find them all.

Once I heard there was going to be a Supernatural set, I was hooked from the word go, eagerly awaiting what Inkworks had to offer. If I’m fair, I didn’t expect to get autograph cards from Jared or Jensen, because as far as I’m aware the Smallville sets have yet to include a Tom Welling card. To my surprise and great delight, the Supernatural set has auto cards for both leads!

So, what else does the set have for us fans, and is it really worth all the hassle?

The release has a basic 90 card base set, a nine card foil puzzle set entitled “Searching,” a six card holographic foil set entitled “Dead End,” and a three card holographic set of box loaders entitled “Three Hunters.” All the foil cards are, in my opinion, amazing. To be honest, I wasn’t really impressed with the foil cards in the later Smallville sets, (maybe I was just getting tired with that particular fandom) so these were a really pleasant surprise!

What else is on offer? Eight autograph cards from Jensen, Jared, Amy Acker, Julie Benz, Dan Butler, Jovanna Huguet, Kevin McNulty, and Marnette Patterson. Along with these are the “piecework” cards. Basically, a trading card with a small insert containing cloth from an actual show worn item. There are twelve basic “piecework” cards, along with two autographed “pieceworks” signed by Amy Acker and Julie Benz!

Not enough? Well, Inkworks also released two very special “piecework” cards that were never in the actual packets in the shops. PW 13A and PW 13B contain cloth from items worn by Jensen and Jared in Wendigo and when placed side by side make one complete picture. These cards were only available to dealers who pre-ordered a case of cards. I can tell you they’re quite rare and go for a pretty penny on EBay!

To finish up the regular cards is of course, the case topper, which features the “crash” scene from Devil’s Trap. There is only one of these cards per case of cards.

Next, it’s the promo cards and extras! As far as I’m aware there are five different promo cards. (SN-1, SN-I, SN-T, SN-SD2006 and SN-UK) along with the sell/sales sheet. If there are more out there, please let me know!

If you want something to put your collection in, Inkworks also do a rather nifty ringed binder with the boys front and back!

Finally, if you want that little something different there is an “uncut press sheet.” This is the nine card foil puzzle set, but in one piece! There are only 99 sequentially numbered uncut sheets out there, which I’m told is one of the smallest number of sheets Inkworks have ever released.

So, all in all, was it worth the hassle? I live in the UK, and got hit by a rather large and unexpected custom's fee for importing the cards all in one go. That aside, I’d have to say this is one GREAT set. I love the subject choices, and as I said before, the holo cards are fantastic!

The best part for me still has to be the fact that Jared and Jensen actually signed these. So many trading cards sets don’t have the actual “lead” or “leads” do an auto card, and it’s a real shame. Kudos to the guys for this! My gems, though, will have to be the “piecework’s” cards only available to the dealers that fit together. Such a cool picture of the brothers, and such fitting words emblazoned on them! (See first picture)

So, what are you waiting for? Go on and treat yourself to a few, but beware, it’s very addictive…what's more, Inkworks inform me a season two set is already planned...

OFFICIAL LINKS:

Inkworks official page

Inkworks Consumer Relations

Added: Nov 30th 2006

Reviewer: Dawn (aka kittsbud)
Score: 5/5