Zack sez, "In 1987, the Piedmont Candy Company attempted to cash in on the cult classic MARS ATTACKS! trading cards with…TERRORIST ATTACK, a line of children's trading cards featuring artistic renditions of known terrorists with often appalling descriptions on the back. Sets are surprisingly cheap on eBay."
One of the striking things about "Terrorist Attacks" is the fact that the original art is quite good. A chronic problem with independently produced cards is the quality of the art. However, the anonymous artist behind "Terrorist Attacks" was both talented and professional. Many of the portraits are photo-realistic and look very much like the man (or maniac) intended. The colors are vivid. Many of the scenes (although not all) are action packed as well. Some might complain the topic is lurid– and it is– but how can a topic on terrorism not be bloody? The only "tasteful" alternative would be not to address the issue at all. Unfortunately, the last two decades clearly demonstrate that ignoring the cancer only allowed it to grow.
In addition to the veiled reference to "Mars Attacks" in the title, the editorial tone harkens back to an earlier time in trading card history when it was assumed that every card collector was a fierce patriot and considered anyone who challenged America as evil. Check out these comments from card #11, "The Training Camp:"
"Being a terrorist is not an easy occupation. The average terrorist is an ignorant and illiterate slime who has difficulty using a fork, much less operating a machine gun or rocket launcher. Therefore, those nations that feel national policy is advanced through kidnapping and murder of innocent people need training camps where terrorists can learn their repulsive skills. Cuba, Nicaragua, Iran, Syria and Libya are among the nations which train terrorists how to kill unarmed tourists and workers. These nations then supply their murderous vermin with weapons, supplies and even targets of attack. After an attack has been made, these countries claim that the terrorists were working independently. Of course, when their training camps get attacked, these countries throw diplomatic temper tantrums at the United States."
Terrorist Attack! (The Wrapper Magazine)
Terrorist Attack Trading Cards
(Thanks, Zack!)
