The Yak Shack Forum

Darren from Cards Inc posted the following information on the NSU board.

BASE CARDS
90 Card Basic Set

FOIL ART CARDS
Foil Art Card 1 - 10

BRONZE FOIL ART
CARD PARALLELS
Bronze Foil Art Card 1 - 10

GOLD FOIL ART
CARD PARALLELS
Gold Foil Art Card 1 - 10

REFRACTOR FOIL ART
CARD PARALLELS
Refractor Foil Art Card 1 - 10

ETCHED-FOIL
PUZZLE CARDS
Etched Foil 1 - 6

1/1 PIECES OF ORIGINAL
ETCHED-FOIL PUZZLE
ARTWORK
1/1 Piece - Etched Foil 1
1/1 Piece - Etched Foil 2
1/1 Piece - Etched Foil 3
1/1 Piece - Etched Foil 4
1/1 Piece - Etched Foil 5
1/1 Piece - Etched Foil 6

HAND-DRAWN ARTIST
SKETCH CARDS
2 Sketches Per Box

I have a hard time believing that Topps would ever say two sketches per box this early in the game.  Hell they always say TBD when it comes to the premium cards.  Look at ROTS Widevision.  I bought 4 boxes (thank God only 4) because my local dealer told me that WV has always been 1 auto per box.  It only ended up being every other.  I would say buyer beware until the odds are on a wrapper.  And doesn't Topps always configure a product based on preorders?  I think people are going to go nuts with this set dealers and collectors....it scares me.  I think the sketches will be fantastic, but I still see it 1 per box.

Am I totally off on this?  I don't certainly know anything first hand, but it is hard for me to imagine that it will be that good.  Only time will tell.

I find it hard to believe the 2 sketches per box, at least this early.

However, it is a 36 pack product thus a higher price than Evolution was.

Call me cautiously optimistic, although I'm not a fan of so many parallel sets at all.

Ed

Well glad to hear I am not the only one.  Base sets and parrallels are too easy in a 36 pack product, hench no value on the secondary market.  And I guess we should figure $60 a box out of the gate with 36 packs :-\  I like $40 boxes as I don't feel so disappointed if I only get 1 sketch or 2 that I don't like.  If you get 2 you don't like out of a $60 it feels much worse.

It wasn't mentioned that it will be a 36 pack box. What makes you think that?

From Diamond Previews

LORD OF THE RINGS: MASTERPIECES TRADING CARDS

The first all-art Lord of the Rings card series — including new art from Drew Struzan, Mark Chiarello, and more! This set contains hot collectible inserts, such as Etched Foil “Puzzle” cards, Bronze Foil Cards, and sequentially numbered Gold Foil Parallels! This set breaks down as follows: 36 packs per box, 8 boxes per case.

All of the above stuff is correct... :o

OMG you guys..this set is going to blow your minds...You wanted the art..YOU GOT IT! By the truckload!!I think it will blow evolution out of the water...They are just sooo beautiful!!! AAAAAAAHHHH! It is Galaxy with Hobbits!!!

hmmm, i didnt think about it that way.  with a 36 pack box, the odds are less than evolution and at a higher box price.

the sketches will have to be worth it then, otherwise, it might be cheaper to get the evolution artists finish their sketches and purchase new artist's masterpieces off ebay...

then again, its about the chase isnt it...

This set is getting way to exciting for me already I cant wait to see the sample sketches once it is anounced officially. I trust in Cat's comment above though because if she is working on it and thinks the sketches will be amazing I would imagine her work will be as will the other artists.  :o=

Cat:

Are you going to be doing artwork for this new set?  Do you know if any of the other Evolution Artists besides Kayanan will contribute?  Thanks.   :)

here's more info:

This will contain: Hobby Exclusive Hand Drawn Artist Sketch Cards, Hobby Exclusive Original 1 of 1 art used to create the Etched Foil Puzzle, A stunning gallery of 28 Newly Commissioned Paintings, A 6 card Etched Foil Puzzle featuring an exciting character panorama, Movie Production Paintings by the talented artists who brought the movies to life, Paintings from EA's XBrick 360 top selling game The Battle for Middle Earth 2 and Foil Art Insert Cards showcasing stunning portraits of the main characters.

Wow just keeps getting better not only the normal sketches but the possibility  ::) of pulling some genuine fine art pieces with a little more provenance. Hope I spelt that right. Sound !

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y15/yodasmaster/1935124lotr2006b.jpg)

Howdy all placed my preorder for the masterpieces set and I can confirm the boxes should only be marginally more expensive in my opinion about £5 per box. So could we actually have a hit again. It just rests in the hands of the quality of the sketches now.

The Topps ad posted by YodasMaster shows 2 Sketch Cards per box but if you look at the bottom there is an asterisk saying Topps cannot guarantee that all sketch cards will be received in time to guarantee this ratio.  Talk about getting people hyped up about 2 per box and then having an out if you don't get that.  I don't like that move one bit by Topps.  If there is a problem in not receiving the sketch cards in time then hold off until you have them and honor your advertising. 

I'm ordering 4 boxes two of which I have already sold but these are wayyyy to expensive. £48.75 per box + VAT? I would save £64 simply by buying a case but then I get left with a lot of sh*t so whats the point?

I looked again at the Topps ad and noticed that they put their logo in another lousy place - right in the chin area of the 3 sketch cards shown!   >:()   Damn, first we get that idiot logo in the forehead of Evolution sketch cards and now the chin of Masterpieces!
Doesn't anyone at Topps have a sense of what problems this causes and not the least aesthetics???  How hard would it have been to put a small logo like you see on the other cards they show in that ad???  That would have been an easier work around for the Artists and look better to boot!!   

Now for the Artists doing the sketch work and I don't know who they are - I hope you can avoid having the chin of the characters you draw not have the logo in it like the two sketch cards shown.  Do the commissioned Artists have any say in the design of the sketch cards or any input at all?  If not - why??? 

How come they just cant leave the logo off since they put it on the back of the card ::)

Topps is STUPID....  I know you need the logo on the card somewhere, but how difficult is it to have the logo OUTSIDE the drawing area?  *sigh*

Buy from your local friendly dealer and not Cards Inc direct. He or she will be able to do you a much better deal.

I AM a dealer, cards inc are wholesale, there retail arm is "Thecollectorzone" thats the price I have to pay in the UK via the approved distributor. The problems with Cards Inc are to vast to even talk about suficed to say they piss me and many others off more often than not. 

Buy from a local friendly dealer who's buying considerably more than you.

lol I have yet to meet a person who is both a dealer and friendly... these things seem incompatible for the most part. I can get them cheaper as I say but I have to buy several cases and I am unwilling to do that when the majority of my customers tell me they don't want another lotr set. I'm still waiting on 16 cases of Dr Who and CSI which may now not happen... (don't even get me started..)

Heard from a little birdie that Topps had updated their site...

http://topps.com/ent/brands/LOTR-Masterpieces/LOTR-Masterpieces.html

Included is a list of artists (doubt it's complete):
http://topps.com/ent/brands/LOTR-Masterpieces/LOTR-Masterpieces-Sketch.html

I'm a little discouraged that Topps is now saying that the Sketch odds are TBD instead of 2 per box.  I won't be surprised if the sketches are inserted only 1 per box though...

Nowhere does it mention art by John Howe & Alan Lee so that hope may be up in smoke as well.  Still looks like a good set and I DO wish it wasn't being released in October as I could get more later in the year :)

Can our Artists friends tell us how many sketch cards they are doing for Masterpieces please?   :)

The numbers I've seen are mostly 100 - 250 per artist.

Marleyeds is working on putting together a Masterpieces section at lotrsketchcards.com but it's not finished yet...

I do not think Howe or Lee will be sketching for this set...instead their artwork will be used as some of the base cards in the set, I noticed on the site a couple of their paintings were actually sample base cards...just my thoughts, it would be cool if they did sketch though

Jerry Vanderstelt has done some of his art int eh base set and we twisted his arm at Comic Con so he is doing sketches as well...

http://www.vandersteltstudio.com/gollum.htm
He did the art used for the cards promo sell sheet.

he also has art in the set as well. This one among others...

http://www.vandersteltstudio.com/fellbeast.htm

as for me.. i am doing 200 this time around...I hope....hand cramps already...with 15 days to go.... :o

 :o :o :o :o

-

http://www.lotrsketchcards.com/masterpieces/images/lotrsketchcards.swf

* this is just an add for the new site, to see the new site, go to www.lotrsketchcards.com

Does anyone know why both the P1 & P2 promo cards for Masterpieces are identical except for the numbers?  Why would Topps do such a stupid thing, I mean its not as thought they do not have enough images to pick from?

I am not happy at all seeing the placement of the logo now in the chin area after seeing the sample sketch cards made available.  First we have the logo in the forehead from Evolution and now the chin in Masterpieces.  Doesn't anyone at Topps have any idea of artistic presence?  Gees!   >:()

Hope you don't mind me butting in here, Chris!  ;) Just getting psyched!!  ;D

There are sketches starting to be posted!!! Tom Hodges, Mike Oeming and Cat Staggs are the first ones!!  8)

Ooooooh, that Staggs Aragorn looks fantastic!  This just isn't fair.  I was fully resolved to not buy any boxes, but now... ::)

Nice work by the 3 Artists who have sketch cards posted on  www.lotrsketchcards.com!!   :)  I am so happy to see that the Artists are doing the best they can to minimize the problem area with the Topps Masterpieces logo!   :)

No problem HP!   ;)

www.lotrsketchcards.com updated with scans from Masterpieces:

 - Colleen Doran
 - Tom Hodges
 - Mike Oeming
 - Steve Oatney
 - Cat Staggs
 - Jerry Vanderstelt

New ones posted!!  8)

- Paul Gutierrez
- Gabe Hernandez
- Jon Ocampo

Scans added:

Joe Corroney
Renae De Liz
Darla Ecklund
Grant Gould
Kevin Graham
Paul Gutierrez
Jessica Hickman
Jim Kyle
Leah Mangue
Steve Oatney
Amy Pronovost

Oh my gosh!  Check out the Joe Corroney mini portraits!  :o  No problem with the logo on those, and I love his signature on the side.

These all look so fantastic!!!

My god, these look are looking better and better every day, I cannot believe the amount of detail put into these cards!

 More updates kiddies!!

Oh dear!  I'll never be able to afford what these will be going for on ebay, but take a look at the new additions!  Jon Ocampo's Frodo with his finger bitten off is totally gross and SO COOL!  8)  Someone email me if you pull Allisons Eowyn in battle gear.  If someone see's it on ebay, please email me so I can put in my pathetic bid and put it on my watch list.  :rofl:  My favorite Staggs color sketch is Aragorn that was just posted.  Lighting, lighting, lighting!  :o  Teriffic, you guys.

Well all I have to say is I hope that all sketches are of this kind of quality as then this set will be truly Masterpieces  ;D

I want the four map cards  :o= :o= :o= ;D

I think I found one of the 'Kayanans' of this set... all hail Jerry Vanderstelt! :)

I think I might get a few boxes now!

I've noticed that some of the artists have changed from the style they used from Evolution

Aaargh - didn't see the update! I lurve the colour Aragorn, Cat!!! :-* ;D

Hi Guys! Sorry I've been "away"... the deadline on these was tight and i didn't want to get dsitracted. But I'mnearly done; I'm doing 81 ,and ALL are in color, like the one being shown on the site.  Thanks for the nice feedback Kelly!!
~Allison Sohn

i hope so too... i worry about the artists doing more than 250 or the the ones in for 1000 or the xxxs. did they have more time than the 3 weeks given? will they use the same style as in evolution? will we get helmets and canoes again?

alison, thanks for all the color sketches. i would love to have one dearly.

we'll find out soon.

I have seen them...you have NOTHING to worry about!

I love the Helmets and Canoes! ;)

No dissing the helmets and canoes!

:D

I think i did about 30 cards with some kind of colour, the rest are pencil. There's a mix of portaits, critters and scenes.

There are three 2 parters  (pencil) being inserted into packs, too. Sam + frodo, merry + pippin and Elrond + elf warriors. I've numbered them so people will know if they have one of the 2 parters.

Enjoy :D

thanks for the reassurance!! cant wait to see the regular sketches i might pull, not the awesome ones as i have the worst luck however, i can always hope!

i love the helmets and canoes as they are aftermarket opportunities! however, no AMs this go around >:( :(

I did 106 cards for this set and i think it came out to 100 being full color. In the begining i did a few in white ink and pencil that wouldnt look right if i went back and added color :)
-Kyle Babbitt

you know, i would have loved to have seen a wraith sketch , done as an AM TURNED INTO A CANOE!!! LOL, like do it up right, spend a lot of time on the background as waves splashing/rippling off the bow...if people are gonna say it looks like a canoe, then just as a joke, he should take one and make it into a full color painted canoe.

Or if they were clever and detailed it could have been Boromir's 'burial' boat ;)

Artyewok, what's your real name?  I want to check out your sketches..  Did you post your name somewhere and I just missed it?

It's Amy Pronovost!!!  :D Welcome Amy!!!  8)

I wanted to say it's good to see the artists popping back in here!!  ;D

Glad to see everyone here excited about the new LOTR set!

Jess, your 2 parter is jaw dropping! Its great to see more variety of your work, i didnt see to many of your oz cards :(
-Kyle

Yes Jess...love what's been posted of your work ...soft  AND powerful! Great stuff! ;)

Oops! yes, Amy Pronovost :) Thnanks guys!

I've been using this alias on the interner FOREVER (When I started doing pro star wars work) so I forget I'm writing under an alias.

Hey Len:

When are we going to see samples of your work for Masterpieces?   :)

Topps has to approve all sketches.  Once they're approved then Chris (Marleyeds) gets to see them and post them... 

Thanks for the info Tialessa!   :)   

I know I keep saying this, but you artists are blowing me away away away with your amazing work. Or should I say breathtaking. I'm glad I preordered as many boxes as I did.

sorry to say this..but ....you ain't seen nothing yet! And I am not kidding!

It is getting all to exiting this set is looking awesome got 7 cases of this and one avengers at the moment currently though Iknow I will be getting more but dont know if I will get another couple of avengers or 3 or 4 Masterpieces.
Decisions decisions ????????????????????????
 ??? ??? ???

I sent 20 jpegs this AM...so whenever they're approved???
Then I'll keep it up until I'm reach my 156...this has been an interesting journey from the other side of this obsessive compulsive LOTR love affair!  I really don't know how all these great sketch artists keep the pace and momentum for all the various card sets they do...Oz, Avengers, Frankenstein, etc....AND...make the rounds at all the Conventions...and have jobs! Thank god I was off for the summer otherwise...20 days to do even just the 156 cards I signed for almost killed me!

Kudos to all the artists for their heartfelt dedication...god knows they aren't doing it for the money! 
It seems they must truly love that their work will be cherished by all the loyal 'real' collectors out there...I know I can't wait to open those packs and see what great sketches are hidden inside! :o=

And see if you pull any of your own! ;)

Site was updated with some from Dennis Budd, Katie Cook, and Ray Dillon...

Thanks for the info Len!!   :)  I can't wait to see your style.  How many sketch cards of Aragorn did you do?   :)

 ;D ;D ;D ;) :) :D ;D ;D :D ;) :) :o :o= :o= :o= :ebay: :ebay: :ebay: :ebay: :ebay:

Sorry, can't hold back the goodness!!

New updates!!!  :o http://www.lotrsketchcards.com/masterpieces/index.html

Dennis Budd
Katie Cook
Joe Corroney
Renae De Liz
Ray Dillon
Davide Fabbri
Kevin Graham
Steven Miller
Rich Molinelli
Cat Staggs
Jerry Vanderstelt
Russell Walks

I didn't think that Walks could GET any better! How wrong I was :rofl:

Cat, I don't mean this lightly - you really have excelled yourself with the colour sketches this time  :o

I am truely impressed with the creativity and work put into the new Masterpieces sketch cards by "our" Artists!!   :)  Thank you Chris (Marleyeds) for the wonderful site you have to showcase the Artist's works.   :)   I also see we have Otis Frampton as our newest member so welcome aboard Otis!!   :)  We look forward to you joining the discussion.   :)

Welcome Otis!! Glad to see ya here!!  8)

Just Checked out the new updates and now am more than impressed my order has now officially been upped.
You artists are amazing I just wish I had a talent like yours the detail just goes to show us collectors how much you really care about your subject aswell as your own standards.
Brilliant and Thanks !!!!!

Sorry I haven't responded...my iMac went crazy on me and Apple told me to delete all my cookies and cache and not one board i usually frequent recognized my login name or password! Whew!

To answer your ?...one! In fact I tried to do only one of every major character.
I thought I'd do what I would like to see as a collector...some more scene related cards since Evolution was predominantly character driven...and it seems there will be plenty of character portraits in Masterpieces as well. Although I couldn't stay away from Gollum and some of the evil characters. I know at least one Gothmog has a bit of Francis Bacon goin' on with a batch of colors blending together to create that mass of flesh!

I think 20 images will be up today or tomorrow and then more should follow in the days and weeks ahead as they get approved.

If you pull one, I hope you like it.
If not, my wife is looking to buy them all back on Ebay...go figure! ;)

There are some more!!  ;D

http://www.lotrsketchcards.com/masterpieces/index.html

Wow!  I love Len's sketch of Gandalf in his cart. :D

Doing scenes was a really good idea, Len.  I like them a lot.  ;)

I am new to this forum and thought I would say Hi. For those who don't already know me my name is Kevin Graham and was one of the many artist who got to work on the Lord of the Rings Masterpieces series. Although a killer deadline it was fun. For lack of time I didn't get to do much of my normal style but you will see many cards done in my pointallism style. You can also see more at my site: http://www.kevingrahamart.com. I am available for commissions for a while if anyone is interested. Here are some of my approved cards on http://www.lotrsketchcards.com/masterpieces/graham.html

I will be sending 65 scans into Topps tonight so hopefully some will get posted soon....Talk soon...  Kevin

Nice stuff Kevin!!! Welcome to the Shack!!! 

YEAH!!!!! Kevin made it over here!!!  ;D

Welcome Kevin!!!!  8)

Thanks Kelly and kbmum...more to come! ;D

Great work Kevin, it is great to see the different artist styles i am not much of an art buff but quality speake for its self from what I have seen of this set quality is is.

Rich

Hello Len:

Thanks for answering my questions and for the really cool artwork you have shown us so far.  I really like the scenes!   :)

Welcome to Kevin as well!   :)  I hope you get some feeling back into your drawing hand soon!!  Thank you for the wonderful effort you put into your sketches!   :)

Hey guys I know I haven't been here in a while but I really tried to up the detail on my LOTR cards for this set.  Hope you guys dig!  Great job to ALL the artists involved!

Hey Rich, nice to see you back!

I can't wait until the release of this set... do we have a definite release date yet or not?

And Len - love the scenery sketch cards! Hope to pull one of yours ;)

Can I ask our in-house artists whether you get to ask Topps to return 6 cards to you as you did with Evo?

yes we do ;)

there were some more updates late last night...

Thanks for the notification Cat!!  Your sketch cards look outstanding as always!   :) 

Has Topps contacted any of our Artists to create more sketch cards than they were initially contracted for?

Scans added:

Kyle Babbitt
Brandon McKinney
Joanne Ellen Mutch
Walter Rice
Gabe Hernandez update
Tom Hodges update
Allison Sohn update
Cat Staggs update
John Watkins-Chow

 :o :o :o
Still being amazed I am so glad that Masterpieces has so many new artists over evolution this will be the making of this set in my opinion plus the new artists are ace. Yet the previous artists have raised their game also.
I cant wait.
 ;D ;D ;D

Here are the most recent updates!!  ;D

http://www.lotrsketchcards.com/masterpieces/index.html

Katie Cook update
Darla Ecklund update
Renae De Liz update
Grant Gould update
Paul Gutierrez update
Lee Kohse
Leah Mangue update
Sean Pence
Amy Pronovost update
Ryan Waterhouse
Chuck Zsolnai

I have found the ones I will be collecting the Gutierrez mini character sketches loving them alot.

that will make 2 of us then. i also love katie's cartoon style. glad that she made 1000.

If you guys like Toony ones wait until you see a few that I did.  I diversified some of the cards and did a different take on them :)

Thanks for lettin me know Rich, I am sure I will be collecting quite a few different artist styles from this set so I cant wait to see the other cartoon style drawings. I think it has something to watching a lot of Japanese cartoons when I was a kid.

I wasn't asked to do more, but it's OK :)

I'm content with the ones I did (Especially hobbit kid)

Rich my tooney cards are up for viewing now!  Aragon, Gandalf, Arwen, Gimli, Boromir, Gollum, Frodo and Sam!  Hope you like.  My favs are Sam with Frying Pan and Arwen! ;D

Cheers Rich they look sound already adding them to my shopping list, however you never know I might pull some out of the 7 cases I will be opening.

Rich

Whoo hooo!! New posts!!!  8)

http://www.lotrsketchcards.com/masterpieces/index.html

Len Bellinger update
Steven Miller update
Rich Molinelli update
Dennis Budd udpate
Kevin Graham update
Tom Hodges update
Leah Mangue update
Steve Oatney update

Len, I have to say that I'm really impressed with the depth you've put in your scenes.  It looks like you could stick your hand right into them!  8)

Thanks so much Kelly...responses like that from diehard artists and collectors like you and those that post on these boards...is why I even attempted to get Topps to agree to let me have a crack at Masterpieces.

I'm really honored to be included in this great group of artists, and really tried to make cards everyone would like to see peek out from behind the base and chase cards in that 'special' sketch card pack. 
I know that's what I'm looking for as an OCDLOTR collector...and judging by what every artist has produced and posted on www.lotrsketchcards.com...whether is a pencil sketch, grey tone marker piece or full blown color miniature...there are so many GREAT cards in such a variety of fantastic personal styles to be pack-pulled in this set.

I know I ordered 3 cases and can't wait to start collecting this 68 artist set! (69 if you count Rafael Kayanan's 6 original sketches used for the puzzle!)

Thanks again...and I hope you pull something magical!  :o=

I'm happy to say that I am doing 100 more cards!

Yeah Amy!!! Can't wait to see more!!!!  ;D

I sent in a request to do more card as well, no reply :(

I will be doing 100 more also. Time for some color cards!!!

Yes please, we like colour  ;D, oh and black and white ,and pencil, and ink and ....... :rofl: ;)

Hi!

I love all the cards I'm seeing so far and am proud to be in such company.  I can't wait to see more!

Leah

oooooooo looks we have another artist-member on board!! ;) :rofl:

Welcome to the Yak Shack Leah - you're in great company here!! ;D ;D

Hi Nienna!

Thank you for the welcome!   I'm glad to be here. :D

I just took a peek at the new map pannel by Renae DeLiz that was posted on September 8th at

http://www.lotrsketchcards.com/masterpieces/index.html

What a beautiful piece of work showcasing all the major site locations in The Lord of the Rings!   :)

It's absolutely stunning!

Not too sure about these artists making multi card sketches... how on earth do you go about finding the rest? ;D

Agreeded Jo!  It will be a daunting task to find all pieces of a multi-card sketch set not to mention costly if you could ever find them all!    :P 

More Artists have been updated they are simply wonderful not to long to wait now just praying for 2 sketches a box. I havent heard of a sell out yet so I am beginning to be a little more pessimistic about this 2 per box prospect.  :o= :o= :o=

Here be the link again!!
http://www.lotrsketchcards.com/masterpieces/index.html (http://www.lotrsketchcards.com/masterpieces/index.html)

More beautiful work here :o :o :o

We are almost a month out from release (anyone have the definite release date?) and yet we still don't know whether the sketches are 1 or 2 per box. Pretty crucial information, I'd say, for dealers, distributers deciding how much to get in ::) And of course for the ordinary collector who relies on the other two for their card supply.

I wish Topps would get their act together >:()

I was initially doing 81 ( including my 6 returned cards) and now I'm up to 256.
Not quite sure how I got up so high. The first 81 have been sent in, and are all full color. The rest will be a mix of color piece, pencil pieces, and maybe some marker grey scale pieces.

81 Sketches to 256  :o :o :o.
I would like to think that topps are really trying to get 2 sketches per box I just hope they dont put too much pressure on artists so the quality dips too much.
Then again looking at the continued updates on the lotrsketchcards.com quality seems to be being widely maintained.  ;D

My quality won't change; I'm going from all color cards to some pencil, some grey scale markers to keep it from being tediuos; to keep it interesting for myself. The greyscale marker and pencil ones take me the same amount of time as my color ones do.

The last I had heard, the release date is October 18th for this set.

No worries Alison I found quite a few of your pieces in the evolution set none of which were full color yet all were still amazing. I just hope we dont see other artists talents comprimised with higher sketch card demands forcing some sketches to be rushed.

It seems that the additional cards have a longer deadline than the initial cards, so I'm not really worried about the quality :)

Thats cool then, at the end of the day if the set gets delayed a little to guarantee 2 sketches per box I will be pleased enough. It does make me wonder though if topps will be staggering the production or distribution. Such as if they are already packaging the first batch of sketches which have been sent in, I dont really know how long the collation and packing of a product takes, so it is difficult to ponder too much.

There have been new updates on Sept 13, 18th and 19th!!!

http://www.lotrsketchcards.com/masterpieces/index.html (http://www.lotrsketchcards.com/masterpieces/index.html)

And this has been posted by one of the artists, John Watkins-Chow...


Matt Saunders, the card editor at topps and the person artists are reporting to, just told me that there will be one wave and that the shipping date has been delayed to allow all the cards in.

so what feels like 2 batches to artists and thread-followers, will be one batch to retailers and buyers and collectors [who don't fall in the previous two categories]. fortunately Chris/marleyeds has been judiciously revealing cards in small doses so that these "second-wave" cards should blend in, at least in terms of how they are revealed.  

I so look forward to seeing the updates showing our Artist's new work.  I have been really pleased with what I have seen and thank all the Artist's for the amount of work they have put into each and every sketch card.   :)

So, what's the official word on the release date?  Is TOPPS being coy? I've heard many different dates within the month of October.

From what I can gather Eve it looks like Topps has given Artist's more time to get their sketch cards completed and back to Topps.  I do not believe Masterpieces will be released now until sometime in November.  That is just fine with me and a good move on the part of Topps.   :)

The release date I've heard from the artists (that they got from Topps) is 25 October...

That is my birthday!  Anyone miss me, I was away battling the stomach problem again! 

*wave* I missed you :)

Get better (again)!

I'm sorry to hear you were sick, but am glad youare doing betteer now. Surely knowing the cards will come on or near your birthay helps your stomach a bit, yes?

Well, I can do with a bit of a delay quite well.  I have a lot of veterinary bills to pay off, so this small delay will help.

Katie Cook update
Kevin Graham update
Jessica Hickman update
Jim Kyle update
Jeff Chandler update
Connie Persampieri
Otis Frampton
Grant Gould update
Allison Sohn update

Dennis Budd update
Colleen Doran update
Brent Engstrom update
Leah Mangue update
Jon Ocampo update
Amy Pronovost update
Chuck Zsolnai update

-

 :o
These are going to be so much fun to follow on ebay!  Bidding wars!

MWHAAAA HAAAA HAAA!!  >:D >:D >:D  ;)

I won't need to enter any bidding wars. All the good cards will be in my case (and Kate's box). So *nyeh* to you all :rofl:

Oh charming ;)

Budds look stunning ;D there's a Legolas there I think that Jo will be eyeing up:

(http://www.lotrsketchcards.com/masterpieces/images/budd/Budd_Legolas1.jpg)

I personally have my eye on any of the Gandalfs but especially:

(http://www.lotrsketchcards.com/masterpieces/images/budd/Budd_BalrogGandalf1.jpg)

I agree with Roz. I prefer any Gandalf. :D I have several from the evolution set. I have my case ordered and i'm greatly anticipating it's arrival. I love sean pence's style and hope to have one of his cards. i find the nice things about these sketch cards is they take you to a particular place in the movies. ;) a place that invokes a memory of just how well Mr. Jackson stay true to Tolkien's work. thanks to all the artist on this thread for the information they have shared and the great work they have done to keep these classic movies alive.

sigh........don't understand why topps didn't put your best cards in the packs, letting us ordinary folks have  a chance at pulling those fab sketches

Trust me there are plenty more cards that are as good as these in the packs.  I promise!   ;D

Great cards, Rich!!!  8)

Thanks! ;D  Made a few edits, Dayhiker I tried pming you but your box is full.  The gates have already been put on hold for someone. 

Anyone hear of a firm release date for Masterpieces yet?  I see several of our Artists have received their 6 cards back from Topps so I have to think a November release date is most likely.

I think the date is Wednesday October 25th.

Thanks for the date Ray. I wish we could get a rock-solid date though :(

Some really nice sketches in this set!

Got a call today to say this set should be shipped to me next week along with Potter Memorable Moments.

With two huge releases coming out at the same time, it makes me wonder how that will affect prices.  Sure, some people collect only sketches or only LOTR, but there are many who would normally collect both LOTR and HP.

HA! *raises hand*  :P  ::)

*also raises hand*

I am not going to collect that much MM, but I am sure I'll pick up a card or two. Or three ::)

Also, I have been told that my supplier will be shipping sometime between the 25th-27th of October, so that will mean a deluge of MM and MP on the :ebay: market one after the other in a very short space of time. I hope everyone has loaded up their credit cards! :-\

3 of my 6 are hitting Ebay, the other 3 (One is a 2 parter) are available. I'll post links to them this evening.

The cards that are available are the Eowyn/Fellbeast 2 parter and the Galadriel/Frodo kiss. :)

The ones that are going on ebay are the balrog/gandalf + The Gimli/Legolas 2 parter.

http://www.lotrsketchcards.com/masterpieces/pronovost.html

They're on this page :D

Looks like there will indeed be 2 sketches per box:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v621/HawaiianLion/Sketch/Wrapper.jpg)

Woooooooooooooooohooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!! ;D;D;D;D;D;D;D;D;D

That's great news, thanks for the info!

YEEEAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!! ;D ;D ;D

Boy am I excited about ripping into these MASTERPIECES packs, boxes and cases.  The anticipation has me butterflies-in-the-stomach excited about the possibilities of pack-pulling some of the truly stunning sketch cards that have been posted thus far on www.lotrsketchcards.com.

These are my 6 returned cards...
(http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i284/OCDLOTR/B2Q9EOMEROLIPHANTSPEAR.jpg)(http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i284/OCDLOTR/A2Q4GANDALFCARTsmall.jpg)(http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i284/OCDLOTR/A6Q7FRODOCOLLAPSEsmall.jpg)(http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i284/OCDLOTR/A1Q6GREYHAVENSDOCKsPsm.jpg)(http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i284/OCDLOTR/A4D9GALADRIELFRODOsmall.jpg)(http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i284/OCDLOTR/A3Q8HOBBITSTOPspsmall.jpg)

Unfortunately, they had a bit of a mishap in a UPS truck going from downtown Manhattan to my home 8 miles away in Queens and will remain in my collection as their 'graded' condition has been compromised. I do have 6 new blanks and will post my NEW 6 soon...everything happens for a reason!

2. A special Thank you to EACH and EVERY ARTIST that has made this MASTERPIECE set the powerhouse it seems destined to become...20,000+ sketch cards means a lot of hard devoted work by everyone...
...your vision, talent and drive throughout those 'all night' drawing stints is truly appreciated by all us OCD collectors that continually crave your work...
...there exists a small niche in each of our lives where your artwork allows us to experience a real and genuine spiritual connection to the essence of Tolkien's words and Peter Jackson's imagination...and all of you have imbued that spirit with your own unique stylistic flair and personal devotion...I, for one, pay homage to your accomplishments and am truly in awe of the work that you have contributed to this stunning set.

And...to Chris...the man behind the updates and sketch card posts...your contribution to the artwork of Evolution and Masterpieces ...is an artwork unto itself...the fact is, you have created the ultimate forum for all this visual dialogue to take place in the first place...
...www.lotrsketchcards.com has been and will continue to be an invaluable resource for all of us...artists and collectors alike...You really deserve a sincere and heartfelt thank you from each and every one of us!
Here's mine...thank you!  ;)

Len!
I saw the pics that you posted over on Scoundrel!!
What horror!! I am so sorry!!!  :'(
Your Gandalf on carriage was my "THE ONE" (Zach's thread)
that I chose!! Never changed my mind on that!!  ;)
Real sorry this had happened! To you and to Darla!!  :(
I am glad that you will be able to do another 6!
Can't wait to see!

And like everyone else, I am totally psyched for this set!!  ;D
Seems like a lot of excellent work from the artists!!!
And yes...a huge THANK YOU to Chris....he has done an amazing job!!!  8)

I was very sorry to see what happenned to your artwork Len - just terrible!!   :'(   

A huge thanks to you Chris for all the work you did on the sketch card site!!  Well done!   :)

My thanks also to each and every Artist for their efforts on Masterpieces!   :) 

I'm really sorry about your 6 cards, Len.  I can't believe that Topps didn't ship them in toploaders, that might have prevented the damage.  Or maybe not.  Anyway, I can't wait to see your next 6.

 Add me to the thank list   :D

 A BIG Thank You to all the artist's for all hard work on these sketch cards ...

 Can't wait for my case to arrive ....

 ron

I have had that phone call it looks like thursday is my lucky day 3 cases all for me my preciousssssss  ;D

well looking at those odds there are 1416 ish cases (based on the 6 cards by Kayanan being 1:68000)

so a total of 22656 sketches

so 2 sketches,  6 foil cards and  1 bronze parallel a box

gold foils 1 in 13 boxes
refractor 1 in 1250 boxes
Kayanan art cards 1 in 1889 boxes

Has anyone received their Masterpieces boxes/cases yet?

My dealer told me to expect my case on Monday or Tuesday of next week.

I was told mine would be showing up Friday

Man it looks like the distributers/dealers are really screwing people...the release date was yesturday!

Sorry folks :(

From the Topps website:

INDIVIDUAL SKETCH ARTIST ODDS

APPROXIMATE ODDS PER PACK OF FINDING SPECIAL INSERT CARDS:

SKETCH CARDS OVERALL – 1:18

LEVEL A - 1:1,653
Russ Walks
James Hodgkins
John McCrea
Justin Chung
Jeff Zapata

LEVEL B - 1:146
Brian Rood
Dave Dorman
Dave Fox
Dennis Budd
Gabe Hernandez
Jeff Chandler
Joe Corroney
Juan Carlos Ramos
Kyle Babbitt
Mike Lilly
Mike Oeming
Otis Frampton
Otto Dieffenbach
Steve Oatney
Thomas Denmark
Renae De Liz
David Rabbitte
Chuck Zsolnai
Jerry Vanderstelt
Joanne Mutch
Josh Howard
Len Bellinger
Steven Miller
Mary Huang

LEVEL C - 1:122
Brandon McKinney
Brent Engstrom
Joseph Booth
Michael Duron
Patrick Hamill
Rich Mollinelli
Tess Fowler
Walter Rice
Cat Staggs
Ray Dillon
Amy Pronovost
Jim Kyle
Jon Ocampo
Allison Sohn
Sean Pence

LEVEL D - 1:163
Darla Ecklund
Jake Myler
John Watkins-Chow
Keith Phillips
Lee Kohse
Paul Gutierrez
Colleen Doran
Connie Persampieri

LEVEL E - 1:314
Tom Hodges
Kevin Graham
William O'Neill

LEVEL F - 1:265
Roberto Flores
Matthew Goodmanson
Jessica Hickman

LEVEL G - 1:248
Sarah Wilkinson
Leah Mangue

LEVEL H - 1:89
Katie Cook
Ryan Waterhouse
Grant Gould
Robert Teranishi

LEVEL I - 1:59
Howard Shum
Christian Dalla Vecchia
Davide Fabbri

Thanks Cat ... did you have to be so high up the list? ;)

I don't know about dealers/distributors being at fault here, I haven't heard of many dealers with them in yet!!

I have learned that those odd really are truly accurate to each artist but that they add the cards together for that level...and calculate the odds...so my cards are not 1:122 but rather everyone on that level are 1:122...weird ???

Well I certainly wont get my cases till next week from cards inc they are saying they have had loads of containers delivered and it has taken longer to sort and ship all the stock than expected. I am gutted.  >:()

Sorry but I take offense to that as a Dealer-type.

It is Topps that is not treating people fairly by not getting the product shipped in time for a proper release.

One of my distributors received their order from Topps yesterday, and shipped my order out the same day.  No screwing around there.
My other distributor received their order from Topps today, and again shipped my order out the same day.

So I won't have my product until Friday, and I will in turn do my best to turn orders around and ship them the same day they arrive.  No screwing around here either.

Unfortunately Topps does not get these into the hands of the dealers in time to have them get the cards out on the release date.  And when they do, there are always dealers who take advantage and distribute or put cards on eBay early.

Ed

ah..sorry .. i was going by stuff from another forum...my bad

non of my cases have arrived yet, but i got a box early, and i have to say, this is a great looking product. I was able to pull the standard ammount of inserts, and 2 sketchs. the first one i knew was amazing, becouse it has red paint spattered on the back (if you open up enough product, you know this to be a GREAT sign LOL). i got a level b sketch (1:146 packs) of Len bellinger (162 sketchs total) and a howard shum. the bellinger is AMAZING! full color with frodo reaching into the eye of sauron from TTT when he has the ring on. very surreal, very good. here are some scans

(http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f41/Zhamlau/NewArrived/firstbox.jpg)

Howdy I am the happiest man on the Shack tonight, I have got my cases today so far I have opened one case and found some awesome stuff I might need some help identifiing some artists when I post my breakdowns tommorow. One thing is for sure I found the full color cave troll of Cat's which needs to be seen to be believed I also found a bellinger Legolas and Gimli in the background Awesome.

Now that's just plain mean, telling us you have found awesome stuff and not posting it till tomorrow   ;).  Just kidding, can't wait to see what you get  ;D .

Rich...on LOTRSketchCards.com go to Artist Card Numbers and there is actually a link to a page that has a close up of each artists signature...I have used it a TON already.

Hey Rich...so glad you pulled one of my cards...is it the Legolas taking aim at the invading Orcs in the Mines of Moria with Gimli up on the vault with his axe poised to strike?  I think that's the only Legolas/Gimli card I did...and can't wait to see that full color Cat...! ;D :o

Why Len? Why? WHY?????? :o :o :o

 ;)

(I'm a bit of a Legolas/Gimli fan)

Thanks Len, you are right it is the Mines of Moria Scene as for one of the sketches I cant identify I think it might be a Mcrea. Oh yeah and one box in that dream of a first case had 3 yes 3 sketches 2 dalla vechias and this possible Mcrea.
It is now 7.42pm on Saturday night and I am about to start opening cases 2 and 3 so all being well I should have my case breakdowns up before midnight UK time.

Rich

Just reminding anyone that my Sauron Auction ends Weds! 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180044138515 (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-1751-2978-71/1?AID=5463217&PID=1738318&mpre=http%3A//cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll%3FViewItem%26item%3D180044138515)