Cardboard Connection Radio Enters The Squared Circle

Over the years we've gone toe-to-toe with some of the greatest grapplers in the world. Are you a wrestling fan? Here are links to our interviews with some of our favorite grapplers:

• Lisa Marie Varon
• Maria Kanellis 
• Lex Luger
• Diamond Dallas Page
• Trish Stratus
• Ultimate Warrior, Bobby Heenan, Nikita Koloff
• Booker T

What's Inside: 2013 Panini Prizm Baseball

It seems like only a few days ago (OK, months) 2012 Prizm hit the streets running. Collectors loved it and they didn't have to wait for more. 2013 Prizm is here with its shiny goodness, 4 levels of parallels and 2 autographs per box.

I was eager to check this one out. Not only was it a good looking set, both autographed card were actually in the product! That alone scores some points with me. So, what was in the box? Let's go to the videotape!

 

Last Night Mars Attacked, Tomas Hertl Lit the Lamp and Collectors Rejoiced

On last night's episode of Cardboard Connection Radio we brought Topps Mars Attacks Licensing Manager Adam Levine in to discuss the continuously growing brand of one of the hobby's most unique trading card brands. From a team-up with Stan Lee to the upcoming Mars Attacks Invasion product, 2013 has been the year of Mars Attacks. We also spoke with Chris Carlin of Upper Deck about a variety of topics including the first cards of the NHLs Tomas Hertl who lit the lamp four times against the NY Rangers at only age 19. Hertl's 4th goal was one of the all-time greatest goals in the history of the league. Other topics include Andy Pafko, Set of the Week, the Chicagoland Non-Sports Card Show and more! Catch the replay!

What's Inside: 2013 Panini Certified Football

As the 2013 Football products continue to hit shelves, one long-running product, Certified gives collectors 4 hits, a mix of memorabilia and autographs, a little lower price and lots of colorful parallel cards. What's inside? Take a look:

With A Label Like Finest You Better Bring Your A Game and Leave The Redemptions At Home

For 20 years Topps Finest has been my favorite consistent product from Topps. It always brings out the best from the Topps designers and has continued to evolve into one of the best looking products. It's also been a source of many incredible autographed memorabilia cards. When Topps began producing cards for the Ultimate Fighting Championship, they added Finest to the lineup because like it's baseball and football counterparts, it showcases the best Topps has to offer.

The 2013 edition is no exception. It boasts an outstanding design, a perfect balance of Octagon ring generals and some incredible memorabilia and autographs from fighters and fans of the sport. Broken up into 2 mini-boxes you'll get a whopping 6 hits in the product, a mix of fighter gear, ring mats, ring girl kisses and autographs!

One thing though hits collectors like a kidney shot, too many redemption cards. A brief count after the products release showed over 15 key cards as redemptions in the product. Believe me, Topps doesn't want it that way, but it is, and if you are dropping $85-$95 for a product and the two main hits in the box are not actually in it, I believe you have a valid beef. Have a look inside a box of 2013 Topps UFC Finest...