1962 Mars Attacks trading cards are up there with Garbage Pail Kids and Wacky Packages as far as iconic brands created specifically for the hobby. Offering vivid imagery that was both pulpy, gross and played off Cold War hysteria, it delighted young boys and disgusted plenty of mothers.

The 55-card set tells the story of a Martian invasion and Earth’s attempts to fight back. It doesn’t hold back on the violence, showing plenty of death to humans, cows and even a dog. Images, which are painted by the legendary Norm Saunders, offer plenty of controversy.

And that’s a big reason why 1962 Mars Attacks is so legendary. With adults decrying the cards, it made kids want them even more. Topps knew there would be controversy too. That’s why the set was released under their Bubbles Inc. banner.

1962 Mars Attacks trading cards have long since graduated to larger popular culture. Interest in the cards themselves has never waned. Topps has revisited the brand a few times now, both as reprints and with expansion releases. And then there’s the Tim Burton film. The campy blockbuster featured a massive cast and was far more successful than Garbage Pail Kids: The Movie.

The original cards bring a lot of interest still today, even those in rough condition. Some command premiums. Typical for sets of the era, the first and last cards are prized. Prize Captive (#21), Destroying a Dog (#36) are just a couple of the others.

1962 Bubbles Inc. Topps Mars Attacks Trading Cards Checklist

Looking to add 1962 Mars Attacks trading cards to your collection? Here’s a list of what’s currently available on eBay.

Cards per pack: 8

Packs per box: 36

1 The Invasion Begins

2 Martians Approaching

3 Attacking an Army Base

4 Saucers Blast Our Jets

5 Washington in Flames

6 Burning Navy Ships

7 Destroying the Bridge

8 Terror in Times Square

9 The Human Torch

10 The Skyscraper Tumbles

11 “Destroy the City”

12 Death in the Cockpit

13 Watching from Mars

14 Charred by Martians

15 Saucers Invade China

16 Panic in Parliament

17 Beast and the Beauty

18 A Soldier Fights Back

19 Burning Flesh

20 Crushed to Death

21 Prize Captive

22 Burning Cattle

23 The Frost Ray

24 The Shrinking Ray

25 Capturing a Martian

26 The Tidal Wave

27 The Giant Flies

28 Helpless Victim

29 Death in the Shelter

30 Trapped!!

31 The Monster Reaches In

32 Robot Terror

33 Removing the Victims

34 Terror in the Railroad

35 The Flame Throwers

36 Destroying a Dog

37 Creeping Menace

38 Victims of the Bug

39 Army of Giant Insects

40 High Voltage Execution

41 Horror in Paris

42 Hairy Fiend

43 Blasting the Bug

44 Battle in the Air

45 Fighting Giant Insects

46 Blast Off for Mars

47 Earth Bombs Mars

48 Earthmen Land on Mars

49 The Earthmen Charge

50 Smashing the Enemy

51 Crushing the Martians

52 Giant Robot

53 Martian City in Ruins

54 Mars Explodes

55 Checklist

1962 Mars Attacks Gallery