Originally posted by X:
quote:
Originally posted by RP01:
It’s all been very quiet on here and over at the Rittenhouse Archives website since the release of the latest Bond set. I’ve also noticed that cases are still available to buy directly through RA’s website, which is quite unusual. Normally the Bond sets sell out very quickly. Is this a sign that maybe the Bond sets have run out of steam? Surely not!
Personally, I appreciate the smaller set this time round. It harks back to the older days when the focus was more on quality than quantity. The throwback sets this time are standard fare, so hardly worth commenting. On the chase front, it’s nice to see something different with the film poster subset. It’s something I’ve wanted for ages, and printing them on metal stock is an interesting innovation. Look forward to getting my hands on these.
Not sure why the relic/costume cards have been redesigned again? Bit of a shame for those who appreciate continuity in trading cards – such as myself.
As for the autographs, a nice selection of famous names/recognisable faces this time round. As a 40th Ann. collector I’m glad I only have 8 auto cards to hunt down. Gives my bank balance a breather. Pictures are well chosen – except the Roger Moore Moonraker shot. Can’t understand that choice of image at all. Would also have preferred a more iconic pic for the Bianchi 40th card, but that’s just me being picky. It’s simply amazing to even have the opportunity to get hold of a Bianchi autograph. She has to be the most elusive Bond girl actress out there and Rittenhouse managed to find her. What an achievement! Makes me think we could one day get a Diana Rigg or Michael Lonsdale card. Maybe even a Dalton. Or a Connery?? Never say never, I say...
The dual auto card from Aliza Gur/Martine Beswicke is also a great addition. Nice touch and great looking card from an iconic scene in Bond history.
On the whole, 2016 James Bond Archives isn’t a stand-out set, but it’s no disappointment either. 15 years down the line, Rittenhouse can still produce a good set and knows how to keep us Bond fans happy and still yearning for more. Looking forward to Bond being back in 2017 – when I’m guessing preparations will be starting for the next Bond film too.
Yes the silence is deafening! No comments over at RA at all. They do such good work with these sets it's a shame they only seem to get fanfare when the likes of Connery finally sign. I'm still thrilled we finally got Jeffrey Wright but he's selling for ever more surprisingly low prices, especially his 40th cards.
There are only 8 of the 40th style in this set but are you still going after them all RP01? (I recall you saying you may cut back on the more obscure names?)
I do think this is a solid set but the lack of SPECTRE signers and costumes for a set named as such is glaring. A Craig SPECTRE auto (any style) in lieu of fuller cast contribution would have been a nice touch.
And to echo what everyone else has said, a shame about the Moonraker Roger Moore full bleed pic. A nice photo in itself but a goofy one. I suppose it suits the film and elements of Moore's portrayal but it doesn't make me want it. Maybe it's the b&w that annoys me more. I'm fully expecting Roger's inevitable Octopussy auto to have him in the clown costume, but I hope not.
(PS. the Dangerous Liaisons Moore incentive is from The Man With The Golden Gun - he was considerably wrinklier by Octopussy!)
Funny you mention Bianchi's 40th picture, I was thinking exactly the same thing. They've made a very attractive woman look like she's sucking a lemon. Still a great card! Especially between Ursula Andress and Honor Blackman. A great coup for the card series, and people should get her whilst she's relatively cheap, a rare signer if ever there was one.
There are clearly a lot of Women of Bond autos being gathered at RA, what with the lack of inclusion of certain names in that style of late, and I am really hoping for a second Women of Bond release with a couple of debut names... Claudine Auger, Akiko Wakabayashi, Diana Rigg, Carole Bouquet, Grace Jones, Alison Doody, Talisa Soto, Rosamund Pike (although technically a repeat) and Eva Green. Any of those would be amazing, but especially the actresses from the '60s. If they could get Bianchi, I think anyone is possible.
I did indeed decide to leave out a few cards from my 40th Anniversary autograph collection, but basically only if the actor/actress is really obscure AND the card upsets the continuity of the collection. So far, this has only been the case for the Joni Flynn - Octopussy autograph (black and white image) and the Shane Rimmer - YOLT autograph (signature in black pen). I've also avoided the Kenneth Tsang 40th card due to the error with the picture. (Really hope Rittenhouse will reissue this card on day.
Think I'll pass on that one. 
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