Unleashing The Force: A Review Of 2022 Topps Star Wars Masterwork

Explore the galaxy of 2022 Topps Star Wars Masterwork, the ultimate card release that’s been captivating collectors for ages. Journey with us now!

Topps Star Wars Masterwork takes Star Wars trading cards to new premium levels. An annual favorite for high-end collectors, every pack and mini box contains at least one hit.

Topps Masterwork’s tradition of being a high-end Star Wars release continues with their 2022 Topps Star Wars Masterwork, released on December 8th.

The checklist has a premium factor, from the base set through to the inserts. Even the regular cards are premium in construction as they’re done on thick 72 pt. stock.

Ultra-premium stock, the finest imagery and rich parallels ensure that Star Wars Masterwork delights even the most hard-core fans.

This article shall review the latest addition to Topps Star Wars high-end franchise.

History of Topps Star Wars Masterwork

Topps started making Star Wars trading cards in 1977. According to Topps Brand Manager Entertainment E-commerce Francis Miceli,

“We’ve literally had the license since day one. You might think of Topps as a baseball card company, and you wouldn’t be alone. Creating collectibles for America’s Pastime launched Topps into orbit in the mid-20th century… but a whole galaxy of entertainment cards exists outside of baseball, none more popular than those for Star Wars.

While Topps Star Wars history is long-standing Masterwork is relatively new to the scene. In 2014, Topps introduced Masterwork as a premium and high-end Star Wars trading card set. This series was designed to cater to collectors seeking a more exclusive and refined experience within the Star Wars collectibles universe.

Topps promised a premium set with meticulously crafted cards, on-card autographs, numbered foil parallels, silver-framed autos, and an autograph book limited to five copies. For Relics, Topps promised groundbreaking relics that would “take collectability to new heights.”

Topps stayed true to their word as the 2015 Masterwork utilized high-quality printing techniques to deliver premium cards. It featured stunning artwork, capturing iconic characters, scenes, and moments from the Star Wars universe. As is typical with all high-end sets, on-card autographs were a significant aspect of the Star Wars Masterwork release.

While the price tag initially put off a few collectors, the cards matched the price point and became highly sought-after, especially amongst Star Wars fans.

Topps followed the 2015 inaugural release with an annual release of new editions of the Masterwork set. Each new release features characters and scenes from the latest Star Wars films and television series. The 2022 Topps Star Masterwork set is the 8^th release in the Star Wars premium franchise.

Overview of 2022 Topps Star Wars Masterwork

The Masterwork franchise introduced Star Wars collectors to truly high-end offerings. In keeping with the high-end tradition of Masterwork, the 2022 Topps Star Wars Masterwork presents a premium take on the iconic franchise. As expected from a premium release, this includes on-card autographs, commemorative relics, and content from recent films and television shows.

Everything from the base cards to the inserts is of premium quality, as they should, considering the high-end tradition of Masterwork. The 2022 Masterwork edition upholds the tradition of delivering a high-end and immersive experience for collectors.

It blends stunning visuals with exclusive features and sets itself apart from other 2022 Star Wars trading card sets. The premium quality of the printing and attention to detail represent Topps’ dedication to delivering a visually captivating experience for collectors willing to pay a premium.

While the 2022 Topps Star Wars Masterwork has arrived quite late, it upholds the Masterwork tradition that collectors know and love.

2022 Topps Star Wars Masterwork checklist

The 2022 Topps Star Wars Masterwork checklist features 100 base cards printed on the aforementioned think 72 pt. stock. With new shows and stories being told, most of the base set is character-focused, highlighting characters from recent Star Wars movies and television shows.

Of course, there’s the occasional name from the original Star Wars trilogy as well.

Base Parallels include;

• Blue
• Green – /99
• Purple – /50
• Red – /25
• Orange – /10
• Black – /5
• Gold – 1/1
• Printing Plates – 1/1

2023 Topps Star Wars Chrome Release Formats

2022 Topps Star Wars Masterwork Master Box (Hobby)

• 5 cards per pack
• 4 packs per box
• 8 boxes per case
• $279.99 on the Topps’s official website
• 1 Hit Per Mini Box
• 4 Mini Boxes Per Master Box.

2023 Topps Star Wars Chrome releases on December 8, 2023

Each 2023 Star Wars Masterwork hobby box contains:

Autographs – 2

Additional Autographs, Memorabilia Cards, Manufactured Relics or Sketch Cards – 2 Total

Parallels – 4

2022 Topps Star Wars Masterwork Inserts

The 2022 Topps Star Wars Masterwork checklist includes a mouthwatering selection of inserts. Topps introduces three new insert lines to the Masterwork franchise. These include;

Bounty hunting: A complicated profession

This insert delves into the enigmatic world of bounty hunters within the Star Wars universe. It showcases iconic characters like The Mandalorian, Fennec Shand, and Boba Fett. Each card highlights the characters, their unique armor, and weaponry.

Bounty Hunting: A Complicated Profession Set Checklist

15 cards. 1:4 packs.

• BH-1 Boba Fett – The Empire Strikes Back
• BH-2 Boba Fett – The Book of Boba Fett
• BH-3 The Mandalorian – The Mandalorian
• BH-4 IG-11 – The Mandalorian
• BH-5 Krrsantan – The Book of Boba Fett
• BH-6 Cad Bane – The Book of Boba Fett
• BH-7 Fennec Shand – The Mandalorian
• BH-8 IG-88 – The Empire Strikes BackBH-9 Dengar – The Empire Strikes Back
• BH-10 Bossk – The Empire Strikes Back
• BH-11 Jango Fett – Attack of the Clones
• BH-12 Greedo – A New Hope
• BH-13 Aurra Sing – The Phantom Menace
• BH-14 Asajj Ventress – The Clone Wars
• BH-15 Toro Calican – The Mandalorian

Original Trilogy posters

Aptly named, the Original Trilogy Posters insert pays homage to the timeless and iconic promotional artwork that accompanied the release of the original Star Wars trilogy.

Each card is a miniature masterpiece, showcasing the captivating and nostalgic posters that once adorned cinema walls worldwide.

This insert celebrates the artistic legacy of Star Wars and allows collectors to relive the excitement of the saga’s earliest cinematic adventures.

The quotes of Obi-Wan Kenobi

Capturing the wisdom and essence of the legendary Jedi Master, The Quotes of Obi-Wan Kenobi insert immortalizes the iconic sayings and teachings of one of Star Wars’ favorite characters. Each card features a memorable quote. From the classic “I have the high ground” to “Hello there.”

Hello There: The quotes of Obi-Wan Kenobi set checklist

10 cards. 1:4 packs.

• OB1-1 “Use the Force, Luke.” – A New Hope
• OB1-2 “Only a Sith deals in absolutes.” – Revenge of the Sith
• OB1-3 “Hello, there.” – Revenge of the Sith
• OB1-4 “I have the high ground.” – Revenge of the Sith
• OB1-5 “Luke, you’re going to find that…” – Return of the JediOB1-6 “Who is more foolish?” – A New Hope
• OB1-7 “Be mindful of your thoughts…” – Attack of the Clones
• OB1-8 “If you strike me down…” – A New Hope
• OB1-9 “So uncivilized.” – Revenge of the Sith
• OB1-10 “If you define yourself…” – Star Wars Rebels

Other premium inserts long-term collectors are familiar with include Tools and Technology Medallions and Commemorative Stamp cards. Signed versions for select cards are also available for these.

Insert Parallels include;

• Rainbow Foil – #/299
• Canvas – #/25
• Wood – #/10
• Metal – #/5
• Gold Metal – 1/1
• Printing Plates – 1/1

2022 Topps Star Wars Masterwork relics & auto relics

The other hits in 2022 Topps Star Wars Masterwork come in two varieties – relics and auto relics. Taking the collectible experience a step further, Auto Relics combines the allure of autographs with the tangible connection of relics.

Pen Relic Autographs return for another year. These one-of-ones each have a piece of the pen the actor used during one of their Topps signings embedded in it.

While Sourced Fabric Costume Relics don’t have material from an actual costume used onscreen, they contain materials used for their production. The materials used are indirectly connected to production.

Collectors would be glad to discover that the Rogue One Onscreen Prop Relics have actual movie memorabilia. They feature glass from one of the sets. Other chase memorabilia cards include Commemorative Stamps, and Tools & Technology Medallions.

All four relic sets have the same parallels

• Green – #/99
• Purple – #/50
• Red – #/25
• Orange – #/10
• Black – #/5
• Gold – 1/1
• NEW Autograph Parallel – #/3

2022 Topps Star Wars Masterwork Sketch

Sketch cards are also available and come in a variety of formats, including Panoramic, Books and three-panel Triptych.

2022 Topps Star Wars Masterwork Autographs

Topps’s annual premium Star Wars release keeps with its tradition of delivering ample on-card signatures. The autograph selection for this set is impressive, with over 60 different signers.

Look for autographs from actors across the saga, including the prequels, the classic saga, and several new Disney+ series!

Amongst the highlights are Rosario Dawson, Emilia Clarke, Timothy Olyphant, and Mark Hamill, who appears on a solo Masterwork autograph after a five-year hiatus.

On-Card Autographs parallels

• Blue Foil: #/99
• Rainbow Foil: #/50
• Canvas: #/25
• Wood: #/10
• Silver Framed: #/5
• Gold Framed: 1/1
• Autographed Printing Plates: 1/1

Multiple autographed cards are available thanks to Dual Autographs (#/50), and Triple Autographs (#/25). There are also five different Quad Autograph Books limited to two copies each.

Dual Autographs Parallels – #/50

• Canvas – #/25
• Wood – #/10
• Black – #/5
• Gold – 1/1

Triple Autograph Parallels – #/25

• Wood – #/10
• Black – #/5
• Gold – 1/1

Quad Autograph Book Card –#/2

• Quad Autograph Book (#/2) cards.

Value overview of the 2022 Topps Star Wars Masterwork

Stunning visual design, premium card stock, and an overabundance of on-card autographs already guarantee ample value in this set. However, let’s consider the best investment route for collectors looking for a quick ROI.

We shall look over how the last three Topps Star Wars Masterwork releases have fared, both r unopened hobby boxes and top singles looking at December 2023 prices.

Hobby boxes

Hobby boxes of the 2020 and 2021 Topps Star Wars Masterwork set sold at release for $199.999 and $279, respectively. A sealed hobby box of both series cost around $500 today.

That’s less than a 100% profit for the 2021 set and about 150% for the 2020 release. Investing in hobby boxes isn’t the best way to invest in the 2022 Topps Star Wars Masterwork.

Single cards

Let’s consider some top sales from the last two Topps Star Wars Masterwork releases. Since the 2022 Star Wars Masterwork was released three days before this article was written, we’ll also consider some top sales from this release.

The best route to invest in the Star Wars Masterwork is via chase singles. Autographed cards of favorite characters hold the most value.

Final thoughts on 2022 Topps Masterwork Star Wars

The Star Wars Masterwork franchise continues its tradition of delivering premium cards to The Force collectors. It perfectly combines premium quality, on-card autographs, and diverse card variations to attract collectors.

While several Star Wars trading card sets abound, Masterwork stands out with its exceptional representation of the galaxy far, far away. A common complaint from a few collectors is its price point, which puts it beyond the reach of many collectors. However, no one can argue with the premium feel of the Masterwork set or the tons of on-card autographs it delivers.

Lastly and more importantly for people looking for a quick ROI, Masterwork has been shown to hold its value well, adding an extra layer to its appeal.