To coincide with Quantum of Solace as the main set, Rittenhouse have given us 7 Quantum 40th anniv auto's but not one FB auto, this clever marketing ploy proves for once and for all the biased pampering to 40th anniv collectors, they couldn't even give us Oona Chaplin.

The auto checklist:

40th Style Autos:
A222 - Roger Moore (Extremely Limited)
A239 – Colin Stinton
A252 – Sheena Easton (Very Limited)
A259 – Christopher Bowen
A260 – Carl McCrystal
A261 – Christopher Neame
A262 – Jesper Christensen (Limited)
A263 – Caroline Bliss (Limited)
A264 – Joni Flynn
A271 – Dolph Lundgren (Very Limited)
A272 – Stanley Morgan (Limited)
A273 – Mathieu Amalric (Very Limited)
A274 – Brendan O’Hea (Limited)
A275 – Anthony Forrest
A277 – Rufus Wright (Limited)
A278 – Rachel McDowall (Limited)
A279 – Shane Rimmer (Limited)
A280 – Jesus Ochoa (Limited))
A282 – David Harbour (Limited)

Full-Bleed Autos:
DN – Yvonne Shima (Extremely Limited)
DN – Charles Edghill (Limited)
GF – Nadja Regin (Extremely Limited)
YOLT – Karin Dor (Very Limited)
OHMSS – George Lazenby (Extremely Limited)
LALD – David Hedison (Limited)
LALD – Madeline Smith (Limited)
LALD – Joie Chitwood (Limited)
TMWTGG – Christopher Lee (Extremely Limited)
TMWTGG – Maud Adams (Very Limited)
TSWLM – Caroline Munro (Limited)
TSWLM – Jeremy Bulloch (Very Limited)
MR – Blanche Ravalec (Limited)
FYEO – John Wyman (Limited)
FYEO – Alkis Kritikos (Limited)
FYEO – Lizzie Warville (Very Limited)
OP – Philip Voss (Limited)
AVTAK – Tanya Roberts (Limited)
TLD – Maryam d’Abo (Limited)
GE – Joe Don Baker (Very Limited)
GE – Samantha Bond (Limited)
TND – Teri Hatcher (Very Limited)
DAD – Halle Berry (Very Limited)
DAD – Rachel Grant (Limited)
SF – Nicholas Woodeson (Limited)
SF – Bill Buckhurst (Limited)
SF – Milorad Kapor (Limited)

In summary:
46 x pack inserted autos = 5 EL / 10 VL / 15 L / 6 Normal (14 x completely new signers all on 40th cards)
19 x 40th style autos = 1 EL / 3 VL / 9 L / 6 Normal (x 14 signers new to 40th cards)
27 x Full-Bleed autos = 4 EL / 7 VL / 16 L (x 16 signers new to FB cards)
1 x Silver Series Britt Ekland (6-Case Incentive)
1 x Daniel Craig Auto/Costume (9-Case Incentive)

If there is to be second set later this year then I think it's good that this set isn't as big as last year's. No relic cards will certainly make this release less expensive for those who chase everything. I think it is very good that the likes of Halle Berry, Teri Hatcher and Joe Don Baker are all Very Limited when I really thought they would be Extremely Limited, especially given the 40th and WOB cards for those two Bond girls were EL. Christopher Lee is my most wanted card from this release but it is good to see unexpected additions such as the Maud Adams TMWTGG full-bleed repeat as her first full-bleed card goes for daft money these days.

I will be looking to pick up 6-8 of the autographs and all of the movie sets (gold parallels not included!)

Looks like the same as the last Bond except, as noted, no relic cards at all (last one had 19, 1 per 60 packs) plus a few less autos (46 as opposed to 51) and a few less 1 per box SkyFall cards

quote:

Originally posted by cheifbrody:
jesper Christensen over looked for a Casino Royale FB as been over looked again as 40th anniv get the exclusive Quantum auto, they could have given us that one.

I usually try to bottle my anger by saying, hey the full bleed will come out eventually. It just saves me money for now.... yada yada. But this feels like a total spit in the face. They made a massive oversight not having Christensen sign FB Casino cards the first time, while 40th collectors have has it for years with no indication that it would ever be corrected. Now they clearly got him to sign a second time, and we still can't get a full bleed. As an apology for their oversight you would think they would throw us a bone here. Haha, I bet a full bleed from Quantum will be in the next set and I'll have to wait additional years for a Casino full bleed. I still love you Rittenhouse, but boy am I salty right now.

EDIT: Just for fun...
I only collect the Daniel Craig era full bleed autos. Here is a list of autographs that have been released in the 40th style, but not full bleed. Some of these go back years. P.S. Thanks to X for the amazing list of every bond auto!

A96 – Daniel Andreas/Casino Dealer – Casino Royale
A100 – Ludger Pistor/Mendel – Casino Royale (Limited)
A101 – Daud Shah/Fisher – Casino Royale (Limited)
A103 – Clemens Schick/Kratt – Casino Royale
A106 – Urbano Barberini/Tomelli – Casino Royale (Limited)
A107 – Jesper Christensen/Mr. White – Casino Royale (Limited)
A109 – Tom Chadbon/Stockbroker – Casino Royale
A246 – Oona Chaplin/Receptionist – Quantum of Solace (Very Limited)
A262 – Jesper Christensen/Mr. White – Quantum of Solace (Limited)
A273 – Mathieu Amalric/Dominic Greene – Quantum of Solace (Very Limited)
A274 – Brendan O’Hea/Forensics Tech – Quantum of Solace (Limited)
A277 – Rufus Wright/Treasury Agent – Quantum of Solace (Limited)
A278 – Rachel McDowall/Flight Attendant – Quantum of Solace (Limited)
A280 – Jesus Ochoa/Lt. Orso – Quantum of Solace (Limited)
A282 – David Harbour/Gregg Beam – Quntum of Solace (Limited)
A227 – Berenice Marlohe/Severine – Skyfall (Limited)
A240 – Tonia Sotiropoulou/Bond’s Lover - Skyfall
A241 – Tank Dong/ Severine’s Body Guard – Skyfall (Limited)
A243 – Naomie Harris/Eve Moneypenny – Skyfall (Extremely Limited)
A247 – Yennis Cheung/Cashier – Skyfall

This message has been edited. Last edited by: robomole,

Thanks to X for updating the list again, especially in the other, more complete thread. By my count this makes exactly 600 autograph cards, including incentives. I am lucky if I have about 25% of that number.

It seems like every release the FB collectors complain that they are short changed. I myself always seem to prefer the FB card in most cases, but if I want the autograph, I really don't care in what style it is presented.

I get that some people may want a certain uniformity in their collections, but if that particular signer is important enough to complain about, why not pick up the cards that do exist? The genuine autograph is the same on everything after all.

I am certainly not above calling out manufacturers for things I don't like, but RA does a pretty darn good job getting these people to sign anything. Do collectors realize that Berry was one of the most notorious celebrities for never giving out autographs to anyone before she started to show up in Bond? If not for RA, where would you get autograph cards like these at all? Just trying to give credit when credit is do.

I remember back in 2006 when Casino Royale was released Steve from RA commented that he saw the film with a friend and was like "got him to sign, got him, got him..." and that they really had a lot of success with the CR cast. I agree robomole that Jesper Christensen was a HUGE oversight given his importance to the story. Still, even though I am desperate for a full-bleed from him (without SPECTRE hobo beard!) I think not having a full-bleed in this set is not quite a "spit in the face" and I don't think any apologies are needed. It will come in due time and even though I'd rather have it now, there are other cool cards to distract me.

Still on CR, Craig signed shortly after they started on the CR cast, Jeffrey Wright who had previously refused is now in the bag, so apart from Jesper which will be in the pipeline for a future set, all we need is Eva Green and CR is probably the best covered Bond film of them all for autograph cards. Although, as pointed out, many of those signers are on 40th cards only at the moment. I remain optimistic for Eva Green because she is meant to be a fantastic signer through the mail so at least is not adverse to signing autographs.

I'm with you Raven in applauding RA's efforts. I don't like every decision they make (its been 3 years since SKYFALL was released and I'm still waiting for the 40th Ann. update chase cards!) but they have done a monumental task of getting people such as Berry to sign (as she is commonly reputed to be a "bad signer") and Brosnan who was very publicly sore about being let go from the role for many years.

I'm not going to engage too specifically with the 'full-bleed' moaning that seems to be guaranteed with every new Bond set, I'll just remind people that Teri Hatcher and Halle Berry have been two of the most requested signers/Bond girls year after year and now they are here in full-bleed (arguably the most popular format now). People moaned that the 40th and WOB versions of their cards came first but now the full-bleeds are finally being released, rather than be excited for these cards, there is more nitpicking about other cards not yet released.
I can only guess at RA's reasons for releasing certain cards in the order they do, but I think they will be well aware of the very strong demand for these two signers on the FB style in particular. Because some collectors will already have 40th/WOB cards of Berry and Hatcher now, I think these FB versions will be far more reasonably priced than if they had been released first. Imagine how expensive a full-bleed Berry card would have been if that was the first card of hers that came out!
Plus... RA have made both these FB versions slightly more available as 'Very Limited' whereas their previous styles were 'Extremely Limited'. Surely both moves will work out better for more collectors?

Additionally, there are 8 more full-bleeds in this release than 40th cards, and 16 new signers to the full-bleed format vs. 14 new signers to the 40th series. Plus I would say the full-bleeds have a better roster overall in this series. I am very glad to see repeats of Joe Don Baker, George Lazenby, and Tanya Roberts whose previous FB cards go for strong money so another shot at them is surely great for collectors? Maybe I am biased because I need those three. Then again I watch eBay auctions and lots of collectors seem to want those names too.

Just looked at the checklist again and the 40th Roger Moore is still listed as being from The Spy Who Loved Me but the picture is card for A View To A Kill...

Yeah I completely agree Rittenhouse deserves a lot of credit. They're my favorite manufacturer. There are plenty of licenses that if they had them, epic sets would be produced. I'll be a fan for life and I'll always support them... I just got a little fired up that there will now be 2 40th style Christensen autos, before there is even 1 full bleed that we've been waiting years for. I'll get over it, but the wound is just fresh haha.

quote:

Originally posted by robomole:

I usually try to bottle my anger by saying, hey the full bleed will come out eventually. It just saves me money for now.... yada yada. But this feels like a total spit in the face.

I usually try to bottle my anger by saying, hey maybe next time they will bring out something more interesting instead of boring old autograph cards.

I'm Not a big Bond Fan, but the picture that was chosen for Maryam d'Abo just isn't One I'd Pick...
She is too beautiful to have this as her card.....
I'll wait for One I Like.......

I agree on the d'Abo card Kryten. Reminds me a great deal of the film and says a great deal about the character too, but like you say, doesn't really do her justice.

quote:

Originally posted by WOMBLE:
I usually try to bottle my anger by saying, hey maybe next time they will bring out something more interesting instead of boring old autograph cards.

Well different sets have had costumes, props, multi-costumes and dual autographs. That just leaves sketch cards and printing plates, unless there is another category of premium hit I'm not remembering. I will not count those manufactured patches and pins that have been popping up because I don't regard them as a true hit no matter what the card companies think.

I don't know how many collectors are very interested in printing plates or if the addition would generate sales. Sketches, especially with actor likenesses would be awesome, but we have seen all kinds of trouble getting those approved lately.

Boring, old autographs would seem to be the best you can do, but fewer ELs would be nice.

Probably drive everyone crazy at this late date, but RA could introduce a new autograph card format into the mix. Then every repeat signer would start over.

quote:

Originally posted by Raven:
...I am certainly not above calling out manufacturers for things I don't like, but RA does a pretty darn good job getting these people to sign anything. Do collectors realize that Berry was one of the most notorious celebrities for never giving out autographs to anyone before she started to show up in Bond? If not for RA, where would you get autograph cards like these at all? Just trying to give credit when credit is do.

The new 'Halle Berry' card is a great looking card, I'm pretty sure they could have offered it like the recent Buffy one and sold out easily.

quote:

Originally posted by Raven:

Probably drive everyone crazy at this late date, but RA could introduce a new autograph card format into the mix. Then every repeat signer would start over.

I think they are already onto it.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: WOMBLE,

quote:

Originally posted by Kryten67:
I'm Not a big Bond Fan, but the picture that was chosen for Maryam d'Abo just isn't One I'd Pick...
She is too beautiful to have this as her card.....
I'll wait for One I Like.......

its actually a really nice photo, but her existing FB card is definitive.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: cheifbrody,

quote:

Originally posted by cheifbrody:

quote:

Originally posted by Kryten67:
I'm Not a big Bond Fan, but the picture that was chosen for Maryam d'Abo just isn't One I'd Pick...
She is too beautiful to have this as her card.....
I'll wait for One I Like.......

its actually a really nice photo, but her existing FB card is definitive.

What do you mean by definitive? That there should never be any more?

quote:

Originally posted by Raven:

quote:

Originally posted by cheifbrody:

quote:

Originally posted by Kryten67:
I'm Not a big Bond Fan, but the picture that was chosen for Maryam d'Abo just isn't One I'd Pick...
She is too beautiful to have this as her card.....
I'll wait for One I Like.......

its actually a really nice photo, but her existing FB card is definitive.

What do you mean by definitive? That there should never be any more?

Definitive as in ULTIMATE? In card terms an iconic/familiar/unanimously popular image hard to beat for most collectors?

I think the new card uses a nice picture too, but could have been better. Actually like it more than her original 'definitive' full-bleed.

quote:

Originally posted by X:

quote:

Originally posted by Raven:

quote:

Originally posted by cheifbrody:

quote:

Originally posted by Kryten67:
I'm Not a big Bond Fan, but the picture that was chosen for Maryam d'Abo just isn't One I'd Pick...
She is too beautiful to have this as her card.....
I'll wait for One I Like.......

its actually a really nice photo, but her existing FB card is definitive.

What do you mean by definitive? That there should never be any more?

Definitive as in ULTIMATE? In card terms an iconic/familiar/unanimously popular image hard to beat for most collectors?

I think the new card uses a nice picture too, but could have been better. Actually like it more than her original 'definitive' full-bleed.

It means (to me) that's the one staying in my main collection, unlike the new Tanya Roberts, Blanche Ravalec + Madeline Smith that look like much better images.

I just checked out the auto's, all the FB look really nice.(can't believe we have Rachel Grant at last)

someone mentioned another set later in the year ? I hope this Is true, they list future products up to December on the site and there is no mention.

quote:

Originally posted by X:
Definitive as in ULTIMATE? In card terms an iconic/familiar/unanimously popular image hard to beat for most collectors?

I think the new card uses a nice picture too, but could have been better. Actually like it more than her original 'definitive' full-bleed.

I guess I never heard that term used that way before, but what you are really talking about is a first card, or if this was in sports, it would be the rookie card.

First sets are generally valued more and the first appearance of a major autograph is usually valued higher than the same autograph when it gets repeated on the next card, but that's also because the supply has increased. I don't think picking one style over the other necessarily applies because each style has it's own collectors.

However if I thought that a later autograph card had a better photo, or just had a better layout in general, I would prefer to have that card regardless of the order it arrived. I guess I just don't care about rookie cards in non-sport.

The first Maryam FB card (one of the very first full bleed ) was a perfect image, so it is definitive and couldn't be any better.

Like a song, The Bangles eternal flame was definitive and no cover will come anywhere near it.

in the first ever packet of baseball cards, were they all rookies ?

quote:

Originally posted by cheifbrody:
The first Maryam FB card (one of the very first full bleed ) was a perfect image, so it is definitive and couldn't be any better.

Like a song, The Bangles eternal flame was definitive and no cover will come anywhere near it.

in the first ever packet of baseball cards, were they all rookies ?

That's a good one. They would have to, right?

Actually, without trying to be too boring or consult reference books, the early trading type cards were called Tobacco cards because they came as a bonus with cigarettes and those small sets were a cross section of sports figures, not just baseball.

Pure baseball sets came much later and the best known first TOPPS cards were in the early 50's. For a long time the definition of a rookie card in sports cards was the first appearance of player in a major league uniform in a licensed product. Each product could have it's own rookie version, but a minor league product wouldn't count. Those became pre-rookies.

At one time a player could have several rookie cards designated as a rookie in the same year, or even in the following year, and then it became a matter of which cards were considered the most desirable based mainly on the product cost and print number. I think this has been changed since my baseball collecting days and the definition has been narrowed because there got to be just too many rookie cards released on the same player and every card manufacturer was trying to scoop the other one. Now of course there are a lot less baseball sets just because all the nonsense drove off so many collectors.

And that's the very short version, so are you sorry you asked?