Chaos and Kanji is the blog where I write about my adventures through Japan!

Want Lists are located here. NPB Baseball Want List is located here.

Friday, February 1, 2019

Three Great Japanese Cards From 2018

Continuing to clear out my scan folder from last year, these three cards are notable for their imagery. And while only one was issued in 2018, I picked all three up last summer.
 So, let's start with the 2018 card. Yoshihiro Maru got a "Secret" image variation card in BBM's 2nd Version set, and I pulled the silver signature parallel from one of the packs I opened. It's a great image because it's unique, and framed really well.
 This is a promo card featuring a manga character. I really like it, despite not being a "real" baseball card, since the artwork is interesting. What exactly is happening here? Is that a rose or some other flower between his lips? Is he spitting tobacco juice? I've never seen a full, complete set of these cards, though I come across singles from time to time.
Finally... this. Many might disagree with chopping off Justin Verlander's head and replacing it with a pitching machine hidden under a giant baseball with eyes, and several will raise concerns about the pitcher having a bat of his own to attack the hitters.

6 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Except it's not a mascot! He's Yakyu Kamen, a villain from one of those superhero shows. Himitsu Sentai Gorenger (秘密戦隊ゴレンジャー) from the mid-1970s. They look a lot like the other Power Rangers/Super Sentai.

      Delete
    2. Oh dang, I see it now. Ha! I totally thought he was a team mascot.

      Delete
  2. I can appreciate the uniqueness of #2 and #3... but that Maru card takes the cake. The photography on that card makes that a contender for best card of 2018. I think this is one of the rare times that I'd actually want the non-parallel version of a card.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I think NPB Card Guy has every regular base card from 2018. If not, he must be close. He could/should do a "best of" post!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well I did pick a favorite 2018 card for P-town Tom's contest - it was a different Carp card.

      I think I only have one "secret" parallel from 2018. I may have to find the Maru one though - that's a sharp looking card.

      Delete