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Fire up your 1967 Pontiac LeMans & slip into those stylish black leather driving gloves!
Night of the Living Dead trading cards are coming to get you!
Welcome to Mass Hysteria: The Definitive Night of the Living Dead Trading Card Checklist! I’m Johnny Martyr and I’ve been collecting NotLD since I was a kid. I’ve chosen to focus on the trading cards. They’re a great vehicle for autographs and unlike posters, they ship and store easily and safely. There are surprisingly more NotLD trading cards out there than many realise, but yet not so many that getting everything you want is insurmountable.
All photographs are of cards from my personal collection unless otherwise noted, and are copyright 2017-2020.
Check out my NotLD trading card articles at Fantasm Media, COMC and Daily Dead! For those interested in Romero parallels, you can read about them here.
First up are the NotLD trading card sets, then, stick around for the NotLD trading card singles!
Night of the Living Dead Trading Card Sets
(These are Night of the Living Dead -themed sets ranging in size from just two cards to over eighty!)
Year: 1987
Manufacturer / Designer / License: Rosem / unknown / unlicensed
Base Set: 50 cards
Chase Cards: 1 Checklist Card (included within the 50 base set)
Packaging: Sold as complete set, not sold in packs. Single color paper wrapper featuring the Farmhouse Corpse
Size / Color: 2.5×3.5”/ Single Color
Quirks: Captions in block letters below each still from the movie, white border. Excerpts of the story are present on the bare chipboard back. Weird original zombie illustration beside text. All cards are horizontal orientation. Sold in whole set yet comes with a checklist card. Uncut sheets were available but limited to a mere 33 copies!
Thoughts: I like ’em! There are no chase cards to make you keep hunting; get a set & be done! The photos are reproduced at pretty poor sharpness, even including motion blurs & printing imperfections, they approximate viewing the film on VHS. The plain chipboard backs give this set an appropriate vintage style. I like that the cards are all oriented horizontally like a feature film, so that when they are laid out, there’s no shifting & rotating to view them correctly.
“Is there any of that candy left?”: Yes! Complete Rosem sets are readily available on eBay, unless you’re looking for the super rare uncut sheet for which you may have to “trot two hundred miles into the country.” No autographed cards were standard with these, however, fans got them signed at appearances prior to and during the times of the release of the Imagine cards. My understanding is that Kyra will no longer sign these or other non-official merchandise. Kudos to her!
Year: 1988
Manufacturer / Designer / License: Imagine & Fantaco / Bob Michelucci / Image Ten Inc.
Base Set: 68 cards
Chase Cards: Ten hard-signed autograph cards & one larger corner card featuring Kyra Schon’s face with Night of the Living Dead block logo in green
Packaging: Sold as complete set with or without three signed cards in clear shrinkwrap with silver foil 20th-anniversary sticker. Not sold in packs. However, there were test wrappers & test packs created which advertised a NotLD watch.
Size / Color: 2.5×3.5”/ Two Color; b&w with green borders
Quirks: First four cards contain short story excerpts on back, remaining cards feature facsimile autograph of either George A. Romero, John Russo, or Russel Streiner. Some cards do not feature the logo. Most cards are vertically oriented, some are horizontal.
Thoughts: Image quality here is a big step up from the Rosem cards, though more contrasty than the movie itself. Still, I think the image quality in terms of sharpness & contrast is much more pleasant than the 2012 Unstoppable cards because details pop nicely on the small trading card format. Addition of behind-the-scenes images & the US movie poster are nice. These early autographs are a must-have for collectors! Designer Bob Michelucci told me “The Rosem set was unlicensed & rushed to beat our licensed green border set out. Our quality is better because we had access to the original photos & negatives… same goes for our red border & full-color sets & all were designed by me.”
“Is there any of that candy left?”: Yes! Green border cards are less common than the Rosem Cards or the newer Red Border Cards but the base set shows up for sale from time to time. The standard autograph cards available were John Russo, Russ Streiner & George Romero (d. July 16, 2017). But in 1993, the full principle cast/crew of 10 signed also, adding Keith Wayne (d. September 9, 1995), Judith O’Dea, Judith Ridley, Karl Hardman (d. September 22, 2007), Marilyn Eastman, Kyra Schon, & Bill Hinzman (d. February 5, 2012). Bob still sells green border cards, as of 2020, just tell him that Johnny Martyr sent you!
Year: 1990
Manufacturer / Designer / License: Imagine & Fantaco / Bob Michelucci / Image Ten Inc.
Base Set: 68 cards
Chase Cards: Five hard-signed autograph cards & one larger corner card featuring Kyra Schon’s face with Night of the Living Dead block logo in red
Packaging: Sold as complete set with or without three signed cards in clear, unmarked shrinkwrap. Not sold in packs.
Size / Color: 2.5×3.5”/ Two Color; b&w with red borders
Quirks: Identical in every way to the green 1988 edition but with a red border instead of green
Thoughts: “A little spit-and-polish could clean this up & sell it next year. I wonder how many times we bought the same one.”
“Is there any of that candy left?”: More common & less popular than their green counterparts. The standard autograph cards available were John Russo, Russ Streiner & George Romero (d. July 16, 2017). Kyra Schon & Bill Hinzman (d. February 5, 2012) were added after the ’93 Zombie Jamboree. Bob still sells red border cards, as of 2020, just tell him that Johnny Martyr sent you!
Year: 1993
Manufacturer / Designer / License: Imagine / Bob Michelucci / Image Ten Inc.
Base Set: 3, these are promo cards for the On Location card set and should really be included with them but I’m going separate them so I can write more!
Chase Cards: These are chase cards!
Packaging: Sold or maybe given away as complete promo card set. Unmarked resealable plastic sleeve.
Size / Color: 2.5×3.5”/ Single color b&w, typically with silver foil (these cards are also available sans foil on rare uncut sheets with the You Slay Me card series. Additionally different types of borders were tested, a very rare few of these made it out into the wild.)
Quirks: Cards 15, 16 & 52 from the 1988 set, featuring John Russo, unnamed ghoul & Marilyn Eastman, identical style front & back of 1988 set but foil border instead of a green or red border. On the back of the cards, the text “PROMOTIONAL CARD”, “NOT FOR RESALE” & “25th ANNIVERSARY EDITION” was added to the previous green border design. Original card set numbers remain. These were also used for the 1998 Zombie Jamboree as tickets. A numbered sticker was placed on the back of the John Russo card & numbered & signed by him.
Thoughts: Really beautiful treatment of already beautifully done cards. The silver foil with the b&w images is very flattering. However, I think two of the image choices were rather poor. If you’re only going to have three cards to create buzz, why choose a shot of an anonymous extra laying on the ground? And while we all love Mr. Russo, this image doesn’t appear in the film. Wouldn’t well-composed action shots of principal characters have been better choices? Cue the third card; this image of Marilyn is a great choice, stellar really.
“Is there any of that candy left?”: Yes! The silver foil border set is an eBay staple. But good luck finding alternate color foil parallels!
Year: 1993
Manufacturer / Designer / License: Imagine / Bob Michelucci / Image Ten Inc.
Base Set: 8 cards
Chase Cards: n/a
Packaging: Sold as a complete set. Unmarked resealable plastic sleeve
Size / Color: 2.5×3.5”/ Full Color
Quirks: Black borders with NotLD logo in gold. Feature color behind-the-scenes posed portraits taken by Karl Hardman & Bill Hinzman. Many copies seem to be cut off-center & I recently bought a set with various printing imperfections, so look carefully!
Thoughts: These cards “always have a smile for me.” Really beautiful card set, essential for all Night fans really. The images are not featured in any other set (until Fright Rags) & they add so much dimension & backstory to the making of the film. While these depictions differ greatly from what you think of as horror movie trading cards, they very accurately capture the spirit behind Night of the Living Dead.
“Is there any of that candy left?”: Yes! The On Location cards are not super rare but desirable & expensive when signed. Particularly, of course, the Keith Wayne signature card which has long been one of the most valuable NotLD cards ever made.
Year: 2009
Manufacturer / Designer / License: The Living Dead Festival / Jim Cirronella / Image Ten Inc.
Base Set: 2 or complete set of 36 autographed cards
Chase Cards: n/a
Packaging: n/a
Size / Color: 2.5×3.5”/ Two Color b&w with green text
Quirks: High-gloss, high-resolution cards designed to be hard-signed in person. Both cards feature the same graphic treatment with different montage images on the front. Often feature very rare signatures of extras & non-principal crew.
Thoughts: LDF09 was Ms. Ridley’s first public appearance, marking the first time fans could get her signature in person. I feel that the green block logo overshadows the really nice montages. But they work well as general signature cards & don’t have the cluttered, overly decorative look that something like the 2009 & 2011 Americana cards have going on. These LDF cards look good from a distance but also have plenty of nuances to enjoy up close. Contrast is reasonably high like Bob Michelucci’s cards for Imagine but resolution is even higher. My favorite is the Terry Gindele auto shown on the left, as he played the ghoul in close-up on that card.
“Is there any of that candy left?”: Festival cards are nearly impossible to find, only obtained at Living Dead Festivals, rarely sold. With 2 cards & 17 guests, a complete set would consist of 34 cards, including each unsigned card. I am only aware of two complete sets in existence (I have one of them). Designer Jim Cirronella recalls that there were approximately 200 fans in attendance. Celebrities didn’t pre-sign these, all autographs were done on the spot. So it follows that there are well under 200 signed copies of each card out there! The 17 celebrity guests in attendance at LDF ’09 were: Charles Craig (d. February 24, 2019), Russ Streiner, John Russo, Judy Ridley, Gary Streiner, George Kosana (d. December 30, 2016), Joe Unitas, Lee Hartman (d. December 24, 2012), Regis Survinski (d. November 2, 2012), Dave James, Tony Pantanella (d. March 30, 2015), Josephine Streiner (d. February 5, 2012), Ella Mae Smith, Terry Gindele, Dick Heckard, William Mogush, & Ivy Booth (Ms. Booth did not sign)
Year: 2012
Manufacturer / Designer / License: Image Ten? / Jim Cirronella / Image Ten Inc.
Base Set: 2
Chase Cards: n/a
Packaging: n/a
Size / Color: 2.5×3.5”/ Full Color
Quirks: High-gloss, high-resolution, color, behind-the-scene images featuring the Evans City Cemetery Chapel with original artwork on the reverse by Matt Orsman. Both cards feature the same graphic treatment on the front but unique artwork on the back within the same style. Both cards employee color behind-the-scenes images featuring the chapel.
Thoughts: These were never for sale but rather designed by Jim Cirronella & given away by himself & Gary Streiner, among others, to promote the chapel refurb effort that year. The artwork depicting Kyra & Duane has a fun cartoony style without being totally silly like Jerry Fleming’s Unstoppable sketches. The photos are rarely seen & particularly the closer shot is really interesting.
“Is there any of that candy left?”: 1000 copies of the “Kyra card” and 2500 of the “Duane card” were printed however, many copies still remain out of circulation as of 2018
Year: 2012
Manufacturer / Designer / License: Unstoppable / Steve Kirkham / Image Ten Inc.
Base Set: 36
Chase Cards: 9 autograph cards| 9 Movie Poster Cards| innumerable artist sketch cards | 144 printing plate cards | 6 promo cards | 2 cut autograph cards
Packaging: Sold in two types of packs; “Trading Card Packs” featuring artwork of the Kyra face promo & Judith O’Dea auto card & “Loaded Packs” featuring Avengers, Blakes7 & Fantasy Art graphics
Size / Color: 2.5×3.5”/ Full Color
Quirks: High gloss, high-resolution, very thoughtfully designed to accommodate 9 card sleeves. NotLD logo features a previously unseen cheesy blood splatter background
Thoughts: “There’s not going to be five, or even ten of them! There’s going to be twenty, thirty, maybe a hundred of those things.” Very challenging & costly to assemble what one might refer to as a “master set” due to the sheer number of cards available. Definitely the most professional looking, fun & infuriating of all the Night card sets until the Fright Rags release in 2020! Cards are printed on high gloss stock which is nice for durability. Images are sharp but contrast is very low with muddy shadow tones & grey whites. I am told that Unstoppable lifted many of the images from a DVD. I greatly prefer the reproduction of the images used by Imagine for their sets, where original prints and negatives were employed. Naturally, no behind-the-scenes images are included, but I like the selection of images & feel it’s the strongest selection of all the sets. I particularly like that we finally have a card that features the 1939 Zenith 7s363 radio! Unstoppable put a lot of thought into these cards. Every 9 cards of the base set features a piece of a Night movie poster on the back. So when you fill a standard 9 card plastic sleeve, you also get a puzzle poster on the opposite side. Very clever. Unlike the Imagine autograph cards, the Unstoppables feature an image of the actor(s) beside the signature which is a very nice touch.
“Is there any of that candy left?”: Autograph cards 100 copies or less, A2, Judith O’Dea is rumored to be fewer than 50 | Sketch cards 1 of 1 |Printing plates 144 1 of 1
But wait, what are these? These are one-of-one Karl Hardman & Marilyn Eastman cut autograph cards; C1 & C2. These cards are variations of the Unstoppable autograph cards A1-A9. Hardman passed away on September 22, 2007, years before the Unstoppable cards were conceived, & Eastman hadn’t signed publicly for many years at this point. Jason Wright at Unstoppable Cards stated “I was responsible for putting together the set for Unstoppable Cards. There were only 2 cut autographs made [one copy of each card], Karl Hardman & Marilyn Eastman. They never made the original set so they were released last year (2014) in a ‘Loaded Box’ set.” These cards are comprised of specially printed Hardman Eastman trading cards with older clippings of their autographs adhered to the front, similar to Panini’s George Romero Celebrity Cuts card. (images graciously provided by their current owner, 4evryng)
Year: 2013
Manufacturer / Designer / License: Image Ten & The Living Dead Festival, LLC / Jim Cirronella / Image Ten Inc.
Base Set: 3 or complete set of 63 cards
Chase Cards: n/a
Packaging: n/a
Size / Color: 2.5×3.5”/ Full Color
Quirks: High-gloss, high-resolution cards designed to be hard-signed in person. All cards feature the same graphic treatment with different images on the front. Often feature very rare signatures of extras & non-principal crew.
Thoughts: There are three full bleed cards; one featuring the burning Chevy, one featuring a field of ghouls, & one featuring that uncredited slain ghoul laying on the ground from the foil card promo set. Why do cardmakers keep choosing this guy to go on limited card sets?! Designer Jim Cirronella tells me the images were chosen for their negative space. I like this idea of making a “natural” space for the autograph. The truck fire shot is awesome for this! I also enjoy the use of the rarely seen NotLD font that appears on the film as oppose to the more popular green block letter font.
“Is there any of that candy left?”: Festival cards are very rare, only obtained at Living Dead Festivals & rarely for sale. 20 guests across 3 cards makes a complete set of 63 if you include unsigned examples. The 20 celebrity guests in attendance at LDF ’13 were: Judith O’Dea, Russ Streiner, John Russo, Judy Ridley, Bill “Chilly Billy” Cardille (d. July 21, 2016), Gary Streiner, George Kosana (d. December 30, 2016), Joe Unitas, Ella Mae Smith, Rick Catizone, Herbert Summer, Terry Gindele, Dick Heckard, Dave James, John Kirch, Richard Ricci (d. July 15, 2020), Paula Richards, Tony Pantanella, Charles Craig (d. February 24, 2019) & William Mogush
Year: 2016
Manufacturer / Designer / License: Century Books & Media/ anonymous/ unlicensed
Base Set: 32 Poster & publicity photo images
Chase Cards: 9 Lobby card images
Packaging: PVC sleeves in a Dollar Store PVC binder
Size / Color: 2.5ishx3.5ish”/ Full Color
Quirks: These are not licensed cards. They’re not really even cards per se. “They’re all messed up!” Century Books & Media (which is probably one guy with a $100 printer) make “cards” corresponding to all order of classic films. These “cards” are cheap flimsy, poorly cut paper rectangles. They don’t feature unique graphics/layouts and there is no printing on the backs of the “cards.”
Thoughts: These are not really even trading cards but hey, I include them to be thorough!
“Is there any of that candy left?”: Probably printed to order for a few years but now discontinued. You could buy each card set separately or the whole “lousy pile” for $30 dollars.
Year: 2018
Manufacturer / Designer / License: Living Dead Media / Steve Wolsh / Image Ten Inc.
Base Set: 8 cards
Chase Cards: Similar paper copies are more common, sans 50th-anniversary screening info. A “promo card” also exists which looks identical to the card above but has white text at the bottom and also lacks screening information. Kickstarter and product information on the reverse side.
Size / Color: 6×9″ / single with gold foil inlay
Quirks: Close reproductions of the original 8 U.S. lobby cards by Continental
Thoughts: Beautiful concept. I would have liked to see the images taken from the negatives and maybe printed at more standard size for better storage but the gold foil on deep black looks as regal as fans would expect for the 50th-anniversary.
“Is there any of that candy left?”: Only 50 sets of these 50th-anniversary lobby cards were printed and sold almost exclusively at the 50th anniversary Byham Theater (formally Fulton Theatre) screening on October 6th, 2018. Similar copies printed on thin paper were more widely available from Living Dead Media which feature slightly different text or lack gold foil. I am told that these more ubiquitous paper copies were a misprint but sold anyway.
Year: 2018
Manufacturer / Designer / License: Fantasm Media / Brian Steward / Image Ten Inc.
Base Set: 9 cards were designed but only 3 were printed and released.
Chase Cards: n/a
Size / Color: 2.5×3.5”/ Full Color
Quirks: Front images are tinted with a slight green cast, reverse images with a slight yellow. High-gloss finish to the front and reverse.
Thoughts: I LOVE these cards. Brian did a beautiful job. A simple/effective graphic treatment does not detract from the images and image choice is fantastic. Brian used a few images that haven’t made it to any other previous cards. They are super sharp and contrast is spot-on.
“Is there any of that candy left?”: The only way to get the Fantasm NotLD cards is to buy their magazines. One randomly selected card ships with each copy of Fantasm’s 50 Years of Night magazine. And while you’re on their site, be sure to check out my article outlining a brief history of Night of the Living Dead trading cards!
Year: 2020
Manufacturer / Designer / License: Fright Rags / Ben Scrivens / Image Ten Inc.
Base Set: 81
Chase Cards: 9 stickers | 6 green border parallels | 5 autographs | 1 GAR sketch print | 250 printing plates
Size / Color: 2.5×3.5”/ Full Color (*printing plates are slightly larger than standard)
Quirks: Real wax packaging and retro graphic treatment. First official Marilyn Eastman auto card since 1993’s Imagine On Location!
Thoughts: Beautiful set that combines the best qualities of the Rosem and Unstoppable sets to create a retro set with a number of unique features. Real wax paper packaging, inclusion of stickers, chipboard backs, retro graphics, limited, hard signed autographs, the only thing missing is the stick of stale chewing gum! I like that all the cards are horizontally oriented so that shots from the film are close to their intended aspect ratio and one can view the cards without moving them back and forth like the Imagine and Unstoppable cards. I kind wish the GAR card were also horizontally oriented, being the only card in the set that isn’t. I think these are my favorite NotLD autograph cards – simple and stylish. However, that there’s only five, is a sad reminder of how few of the original cas/crew are still around to sign.
“Is there any of that candy left?”: Available at www.Fright-Rags.com! Autograph cards are a super low 1 of 50 and the GAR portrait card is a crazy 1 of 25 – the one everyone’s looking for! Of note, the original sketch created for the Fright Rags George Romero portrait card was given to his wife and authorized for the short print run by the Romero estate. So, though the card is just a SP print, instead of an original sketch, it’s quite special and has commanded some eye-watering prices! (GAR Portrait cards that have been found so far: 5, 8, 13 and four others. This leaves 18 more to find!)
Year: 2020/21
Manufacturer / Designer / License: RJF Image Design / Richard Fowlks / Yes (thanks to my help!)
Base Set: 36
Chase Cards: 13 promo cards | original sketch cards | 1 lenticular illustration card |2 etched cards | 9 card puzzle subset (by Robert Aragon, depicting Vincent Price) | parallel metal cards (for both promo and base set) | printing plate cards (for both promo and for base set) | 13 progressive proof cards (for promo set) | 6 metal autograph cards (Marilyn Eastman, Paula Richards, Russ Streiner, Judith O’Dea and John Russo)
Size / Color: 2.5×3.5”/ Full Color
Quirks: Creatively named “Drive-In Double Feature Series II,” this card set depicts both Night of the Living Dead as well as Last Man on Earth, in the form of sketch card prints similar to the Robert Aragon and Byron Winton sketch card print sets. Even the promo set is endowed with a large number of chase cards that will be fun to collect. The actual set will have some super cool chase cards too like a lecticular illustration.
Thoughts: I love the pairing of NotLD with Last Man and the concept of a “double feature.” I helped facilitate the licensing of this card set with Image Ten. Thanks to that collaboration, fans can look out for some more cool, official autograph cards too, including the first dedicated Paula Richards card!
“Is there any of that candy left?”: The promo cards are on Kickstarter and the full set is too!
{IMAGE COMING TO GET YOU SOON!}
Year: 2020/21
Manufacturer / Designer / License: Dean Monahan Art / Dean Monahan / N/A
Base Set: 10 and 15
Chase Cards: N/A
Size / Color: 2.5×3.5”/ single color
Quirks: Original sketch card print sets that feature both recognizable scenes and characters from the film that have been rendered in a new way as well as images that have absolutely nothing to do with anything.
Thoughts: I’ll let you know!
“Is there any of that candy left?”: eBay
Night of the Living Dead Trading Card Singles
(What one counts as being a NotLD trading card gets questionable when it comes to singles. Some of these cards weren’t necessarily intended to be part of a NotLD trading card collection. My goal is to grab a copy of every card of any size, from any set, even business cards, postcards & sketch cards, event tickets on cardstock, etc that are related to NotLD. Your collection & definitions may vary but what follows is intended to be the most totally encompassing, super comprehensive, absolutely definitive master list!)
Year: 1957
Manufacturer / Designer / License: unknown / National Bohemian / n/a
Series / Card #: Postcard
Size / Color: 6×9”/ Beautiful, Saturated Full Color
Quirks: The only NotLD postcard that predates NotLD!
Thoughts: You might be scratching your head. Why is a vintage football & beer advert on this list? Incredibly, player number 73 in this team photo of the Baltimore Colts is none other than future NotLD lighting supervisor, Joe Unitas. Joe happens to be the cousin of legendary quarterback Johnny Unitas. Johnny & Joe were both drafted onto the Colts in 1957 when this photo was taken. Joe, however, had back problems & was unable to continue. Johnny went on to quarterback what has been called “the greatest game ever played.” Joe went on to light what has been called “the greatest zombie movie ever made!”
“Is there any of that candy left?”: Pretty rare, particularly in good condition since these were originally distributed via mail. Mine has a USPS stamp and handwritten address on the reverse. I have seen 8×10 reprints available but who wants a fake?!
Year: 1958
Manufacturer / Designer / License: Topps / unknown / n/a
Series / Card #: Baltimore Colts #110
Size / Color: 2.5×3.5”/ Full Color
Quirks: The only NotLD trading card that predates NotLD!
Thoughts: Super cool, lo-fi, classic bubblegum trading card which sports the 1957 Joe Unitas Colts image for the postcard, despite him being off the team by the time this card went to print.
“Is there any of that candy left?”: very common, however good condition copies can be expensive and I’ve yet to see a signed one! Mr. Unitas and his wife were amazed to see this card when I asked him to sign it in 2017.
Year: 1964-1966?
Manufacturer / Designer / License: WIIC Channel 11
Series / Card #: 3.5×6″
Size / Color: Single Color b&w
Quirks: A photo card that predates NotLD!
Thoughts: This promotional photo card provides some of the context around Mr. Cardille’s (d. July 21, 2016) appearance in NotLD. By the release of the film in October of 1968, the people of Pennsylvania had already known “Chilly Billy” for about 4 years as the host of Chiller Theatre, & simply as Bill Cardille for about a decade on other local shows. A WIIC station wagon appears in news scenes behind Mr. Cardille in NotLD.
“Is there any of that candy left?”: I’ve never seen another copy but I’m sure these were once fairly common among PA locals.
Year: 1976 or newer
Manufacturer / Designer / License: Monsieur Cinéma / unknown / unknown
Series / Card #: Les Fiches de Monsieur Cinéma (Mr. Cinema Picture Cards) / Unnumbered
Size / Color: 5×8”/ Two Color
Quirks: These cards are big 5×8’s which were linked to a French television game show about movie trivia. Viewers of the show could subscribe to receive sets of the cards by mail which covered a massive number of movies apparently ranging in the tens of thousands. The cards were printed from 1976 & continue through today. The style of the cards was never significantly changed making them pretty timeless and difficult, if not impossible to date.
Thoughts: The card is a little on the thin side but is wax or plastic coated & print quality is excellent. Text is entirely in French & features several well-sized images.
“Is there any of that candy left?”: They show up from time to time on the ‘Bay & here’s the official website: http://www.MonsieurCinema.fr/
Year: 1981-1985?
Manufacturer / Designer / License: WPXI Channel 11
Series / Card #: n/a
Size / Color: 3.5×6″/ single color
Quirks: Features Bill Cardille trivia on the reverse, where Night of the Living Dead & Dawn of the Dead are cited as his favorite films. On the two copies of this card that I’ve seen, Mr. Cardille crossed out the “wn” in “Dawn” & wrote in a “y,” changing the title to Day of the dead, which of course starred his daughter Lori. Bill also played a zombie extra. This card was likely printed prior to the release of Day of the Dead but he was still handing them out afterwards, thus the need for a convenient revision!
Thoughts: Channel 11 started out in 1957 as WIIC & they are credited in Night of the Living Dead having supplied talent etc. A WIIC station wagon appears in news scenes behind Mr. Cardille in NotLD. In 1981, the station became WPXI as indicated here.
“Is there any of that candy left?”: I’ve only seen two. The other was inscribed with a ’99, indicating that Mr. Cardille handed these out for many years after they were printed.
Image Coming to Get You Soon!
Year: 1988
Manufacturer / Designer / License: Imagine / Bob Michelucci / n/a
Series / Card #: Gotcha Grand Illusions / #51, #57 & #63
Size / Color: 2.5×3.5”/ Full Color
Quirks: NotLD director George Romero appears on two of Tom Savini’s card set. Additionally, there’s an image of Imagine literature on a card with the NotLD storybook by John Russo in prime view.
Thoughts: Tom Savini’s a real cool dude!
“Is there any of that candy left?”: Sure is, Johnny!
Year: 1992
Manufacturer / Designer / License: Comic Images / Fangoria / n/a
Series / Card #: Fangoria Horror Collector Cards / #40
Size / Color: 2.5×3.5”/ Full Color
Quirks: No images from NotLD present, card depicts Fangoria magazine cover from 1988 which contains an article revealing the color “On Location” photos for the first time in public. Reverse of card contains a great quote from Judith O’Dea!
Thoughts: NotLD should have made a Fangoria cover goddamnit! Card #25 contains the text “Night of the Living Dead Book Excerpt,” Card #27 contains the text “Night of the Living Dead’s Duane Jones His Last Interview.” Other cards reference NotLD ’90 and Romero on the front magazine graphics too but I haven’t found any other cards with NotLD cast quotes like #40.
“Is there any of that candy left?”: Sure is, Johnny!
Year: 1993
Manufacturer / Designer / License: Imagine / unknown / n/a
Series / Card #: n/a
Size / Color: 2.5×3.5”/ Full Color
Quirks: It’s actually a business card made out of a trading card! From John Russo: “The image on the left is a photo of me shot for general publicity purposes by Paul McCollough in the mid-eighties. The one on the right is my IMAGINE business card when we were operating that company, me & Bob Michelucci.”
Thoughts: Cool idea; you work for a trading card company so you make your business card a trading card.
“Is there any of that candy left?”: These were given to customers & potential customers circa 1993. They appear to be quite scarce.
Year: 1993
Manufacturer / Designer / License: Imagine / Bob Michelucci / n/a
Series / Card #: n/a
Size / Color: 2.5×3.5”/ Full Color
Quirks: Bob Michelucci had this to say “we published a set of Rhonda Shear Up All Night cards & did the photo shoot in Hollywood. We took that shot then. It was actually Jim Lynn’s business card. He designed the logo on the shirt.”
Thoughts: I saw NotLD for the first time in the 80’s when I was a kid. Around that same time, I was spending my Friday & Saturday nights falling asleep to Up All Night, so this card brought back some fun memories.
“Is there any of that candy left?”: These were given to customers & potential customers circa 1993. They appear to be quite scarce.
Year: 1993
Manufacturer / Designer / License: Imagine / Bob Michelucci / n/a
Series / Card #: n/a
Size / Color: 2.5×6″/ Full Color
Quirks: A coupon printed on trading card stock; it was actually printed on the same sheet as the Rhonda Shear trading card set noted above.
Thoughts: The 1993 Zombie Jamboree is known to be the best NotLD reunion of all time. It was the most complete reunion of the principal cast to date, excluding only Jones & Ridley. This show is the source of the few autographs that Keith Wayne provided before his passing in 1995. It must have been amazing to be present & Corpse Cash is a good reminder!
“Is there any of that candy left?”: There are a lot of these in circulation. Not many seemed to have been redeemed, instead, they have been treasured!
Year: 1995
Manufacturer / Designer / License: Due Emme / unknown / unknown
Series / Card #: SuperCinema #87
Size / Color: 3×4”/ Full Color
Packaging: Box of complete 144 card set
Quirks: This card is a cute & unusual size. Features the US one sheet on the front, well reproduced & credit information on the back
“Is there any of that candy left?”: Not terribly rare but you’ll probably have to sort through one of those 144 card packs to find it!
Year: 1997
Manufacturer / Designer / License: Monsterwax / unknown / unknown
Series / Card #: Monster Movie Classics 2 #26
Size / Color: 2.5×3.5’/ Two Color; Black & Red
Quirks: Card set features classic b&w horror films but many cards have red selective coloring within the image which looks awesome! Card design is a throwback to the Nu-Cards of the 1960’s which used orange or green as their second color.
Thoughts: This is a lesser used image depicting Betty Ellen Haughey who helped get Duane Jones cast in his historic role. I really enjoy the design of these cards & after spending a fair amount of time looking & hoping to find a NotLD Nu-Card, the Monsterwax is a very close second! Just wish our ghoul had received some of that red selective color! Still very cool though!
“Is there any of that candy left?”: 2000
Year: 1998
Manufacturer / Designer / License: unknown / n/a
Series / Card #: n/a
Size / Color: 3.5×2″/ single color
Quirks: These are Bill Hinzman’s (d. February 5, 2012) actual business cards!
Thoughts: When I attended the Zombie Jamboree in PA in October of 1998 & met Bill Hinzman for the first time, I believe he gave me the card on the left then. Then at Monster Bash in PA in 1998 or another con in NYC in 1999, I think he was passing out the card on the right featuring his iconic image.
“Is there any of that candy left?”: I have yet to see additional copies of the Hinzman Production card, however, I recently purchased a signed copy of the Night of the Living Dead card. This is only the second copy I’ve seen in about 20 years though.
Year: 2005
Manufacturer / Designer / License: one-off
Series / Card #: n/a
Size / Color: 3.5×2″/ full color
Quirks: This is Ms. O’Dea’s personal ID badge for the 2005 Chiller Theatre convention in New Jersey. With lamination,the whole card is about the same size as a standard trading card.
Thoughts: Celebrity guest badges are becoming collectible and are a cool and unique type of card for a collection!
“Is there any of that candy left?”: Only of a kind, but of course, numerous others for other stars and cons.
Year: 2005
Manufacturer / Designer / License: Universal Monster Army
Series / Card #: TV Horror Hosts Candy & Toy / 1 of 5
Size / Color: ?/ full color
Quirks: Chilly Billy, Vampira, Dr. Morgus, Uncle Ted, Dr. Shock and Zacherley appear on these playing cards size boxes that were manufactured in very small numbers. Backs of boxes encourage to “Cut out and collect all 4 cards.” Some boxes say “5 card” and there are actually 6 boxes/cards total.
Thoughts: Neat concept, based on more widely produced Universal Monster candy boxes. Whoever made these, had an eye for graphics but no technical understanding. Text and images are clearly copy and pasted at different resolutions, resulting in pixelation that gives away how modern these are. Still a fun idea though!
“Is there any of that candy left?”: I only see these come up for sale once a year or two.
Year: 2007 or prior
Manufacturer / Designer / License: unknown / n/a
Series / Card #: n/a
Size / Color: 3.5×2″/ single color
Quirks: This is Karl and Marilyn’s actual business card, signed on the reverse by Ms. Eastman
Thoughts: This is a recent, through-the-mail autograph. The business card it’s on, however, must have been printed in 2007 or prior, since Karl Hardman passed on September 22, 2007. The listed NightoftheLivingDead.org site doesn’t load and I can’t find anything on this “Dead Fly Productions” either. Maybe a project that was in the works & never realized?
“Is there any of that candy left?”: I’ve seen 6…
Year: 2008
Manufacturer / Designer / License: Donruss / unknown / George Romero
Series / Card #: Americana II #248 – Seven Parallels
Size / Color: 2.5×3.5”/ Full Color + Foil (on some cards)
Quirks: Americana #248 is a contemporary portrait card of George Romero (d. July 16, 2017) looking quite serious, wearing his iconic black glasses. The back features a short bio noting NotLD
Thoughts: In my opinion, Americana II #248, which oddly, predates the newer Americana cards, is much more handsome in terms of both content & print quality. The photograph depicts a darker, non-smiling, flannel-clad George who looks the part of the horror master he is. A big part of the appeal here is how large the photograph is with the decorative border taking up relatively little real estate when compared to the newer Americana cards. Additionally, the cardstock, even on the common retail card is stiffer than the newer Americana cards. Collecting trading card parallels begs the question though, “I wonder how many times we bought the same one?” 😉
“Is there any of that candy left?”: Retail | Retail Foil | Silver Proof (25) |Silver Proof Foil (25) | Gold Proof (10)* | Platinum Proof (5)* | Private Signings (50) *= I’ve never personally seen this card and don’t yet have a copy so I cannot verify that it actually exists!
Year: 2008
Manufacturer / Designer / License: Texas Frightmare Weekend / unknown / n/a
Series / Card #: Texas Frightmare promotional postcard
Size / Color: 4.25″ x 5.5″/ Full Color
Quirks: Celebrates the 40th anniversary of NotLD with most about as big a cast gathering as the fabled Zombie Jamboree of 1993! Also features appearances from Dawn, Day, and Land.
Thoughts: I thought the graphics of and images used for this postcard were just great and it’s amazing to see a show that so much of the cast/crew attended. However, this was yet another date that Ms. Ridley was scheduled and advertised to attend but did not. The NotLD community would not meet her until Living Dead Festival the following year.
“Is there any of that candy left?”: Probably but they seem on the rare side
Year: 2009
Manufacturer / Designer / License: Donruss / unknown / George Romero
Series / Card #: Americana #52 – Twelve Parallels
Size / Color: 2.5×3.5”/ Full Color + Foil (on some cards)
Quirks: Card #52 is a contemporary portrait of George Romero (d. July 16, 2017) smiling, dressed in his signature eyewear and vest. The back features a short bio noting NotLD.
Thoughts: Not as flattering an image or graphic treatment, in my opinion, as Americana II #248. The graphics take up too much of the card, giving the photo less total real estate & the photo is fine but kind of a boring, typical studio medium shot. On a trading card size image, I want to see more face or if a body shot is used, the subject should be doing something more than just standing there! The material cards are called such because they actually contain a swatch of Romero’s actual clothing! Donruss must have found “some laundry in the basket!”
“Is there any of that candy left?”: Retail | Retail Foil | Silver Proof (250) | Silver Proof (100) | Gold Proof (100) | Retail Platinum Proof (25)* | Hobby Platinum Proof (10) | Material (25)* | Private Signings (50) | Stars Signature Material (100) | Stars Material Silver Proof (100)* | Stars Material Gold Proof (25) *= I’ve never personally seen this card and don’t yet have a copy so I cannot verify that it actually exists!
Year: 2009
Manufacturer / Designer / License: Necroscope / unknown / Bill Hinzman Images
Series / Card #: Terror Cards / Unnumbered
Size / Color: 2.5×3.5”/ Full Color
Quirks: Signed in complimenting silver ink on a faux holographic label for authenticity. Also embossed with a “Seal of Authenticity” on the upper left that cannot be seen in the photos.
Thoughts: This is a rare gem and must-have for Hinzman (d. February 5, 2012) fans. The card is on the thin side but graphics are nice & of course, it’s hard-signed by Mr. Hinzman. This card is kind of like NotLD itself. You can see plainly it was made on a low budget but it was done with spirit!
“Is there any of that candy left?”: Horror And Sons suggests that only 50 were printed
Year: 2010
Manufacturer / Designer / License: Breygent / Tom Breyer / Image Ten Inc.
Series / Card #: Classic Vintage Sci-Fi & Horror Movie Poster Series II / Promo 1,
Size / Color: 3.5×5” sketch, auto and promo cards with a 2.5×3.5” metal chase card / Full Color
Quirks: The promo card, original sketch cards & autograph cards are a big 3.5×5″ in size & feature official poster artwork. The metallogloss card is a sketch card print that features elements of the Night British Quad poster. This card is a normal 2.5×3.5″ size but is printed on very thick, glossy metal, an exceedingly high-quality card. While very well represented in the series, NotLD is featured only on chase cards, no base cards. Hinzman inscribed some copies “#1 Zombie”
Thoughts: The color balance on the poster promo card is odd in that the whites of the NotLD poster are more lavender and the total print quality is just very dark (notice the comparison photo to the green border poster card for size reference). The autograph cards are for Bill Hinzman (d. February 5, 2012) & Judith O’Dea & feature their bios on the back. The 3.5×5″ size of these cards makes them great for autographs, text & sketch art! Unfortunately, I find many of the NotLD sketch cards in this series to be kinda sketchy (Ba-Dum Tssh!) & by artists who did not participate in the Unstoppable series, which, by & large, are of much higher caliber.
“Is there any of that candy left?”: Sure is, Johnny! The autograph and promo cards seem to be in endless supply on eBay. Nice looking 1 of 1 sketch cards seem to have been bought up by now. The metal cards are easily found but usually sold as a whole set.
Year: 2011
Manufacturer / Designer / License: Panini / unknown / George Romero
Series / Card #: Americana #57 – Ten Parallels
Size / Color: 2.5×3.5”/ Full Color + Foil (on some cards)
Quirks: Card #57 is a contemporary portrait of George Romero (d. July 16, 2017) smiling at the camera sans iconic black rim glasses. The back features a short bio noting NotLD.
Thoughts: They vary in design only slightly from #52 but between the less flattering photo, near skin-tone graphic color & overly ornate frame around the photo, I just don’t think it’s a tasteful layout, not for George anyway. And yet, “I wonder how many times we bought the same one?” 😉
“Is there any of that candy left?”: Retail | Retail Foil |Silver Proof (100) | Silver Proof Foil (100) | Gold Proof (50) | Platinum Proof (10) | Stars Material (?)*| Private Signings (29) | Private Signings Material (99)| Private Signings Stars Materials Gold Proof (?)* *= I’ve never personally seen this card and don’t yet have a copy so I cannot verify that it actually exists!
Year: 2011
Manufacturer / Designer / License: Panini / unknown / George Romero
Series / Card #: Americana Celebrity Cuts / 43
Size / Color: 2.5×3.5”/ Full Color
Quirks: Contains a previously existing autograph clipping so color of ink and type of enclosed paper vary. No my card is not in bad condition, they have pre-distressed style markings over the design.
Thoughts: Has a neat classic look about it. What fans like about this card more than the previous Americana cards is that it’s hard-signed & horizontally oriented with a larger signature. This card is really built around the signature instead of the other way around!
“Is there any of that candy left?”: 75
Year: 2011
Manufacturer / Designer / License: Famous Fabrics Ink / ? / not licensed
Series / Card #: Hooray For Hollywood / #682 of 2000
Size / Color: 2.5×3.5”/ single color + signature
Quirks: Um, where do I start?! Each card contains a cut signature from a movie celebrity. Fine, but then each card is also sealed in a plastic case that resembles a grading/authentication case such as those by Beckett. But the label on this plastic case contains the celebrity’s name and the SN of the card instead of grading, which, we can assume is mint since the card was sealed in the case at the “mint”
Thoughts: These cards are the embodiment of everything that’s silly & ridiculous about modern trading cards. Not only for the above reasons but this Marilyn Eastman signed clipping card takes lunacy to a new level. Why? Because the clipping contained here is clearly taken from a 1988 Imagine green border card, as indicated by the green border in the upper left corner. So let me get this straight? In order to make a “new” cut autograph card in 2011, Famous Fabrics actually ruined a 1988 Imagine trading card & stuck it inside of their own card?! Well… at least we know it’s authentic! Oh and also, let’s talk about the irony of a NotLD actress being showcased in a HOLLYWOOD-themed card set. NotLD is about as anti-Hollywood as it gets!
“Is there any of that candy left?”: 1 of 1 for each of the following: Marilyn Eastman (#682), George Romero (#679), John Russo (#1025), Judith O’Dea (#1058), Judith Ridley (#1059), Russ Streiner (#1708), Karl Hardman (#1091), Bill Hinzman (#176), Kyra Schon (#1147), Bill Cardille (#169), Keith Wayne (#1118) [A Karl Hardman #454 Producer card as well as a Bill Cardille Actor card #1241 that were not previously noted in checklists has surfaced]
Year: 2012
Manufacturer / Designer / License: Robert Aragon/ unknown / not licensed
Series / Card #: The Art of Robert Aragon / #39 & #70 + 1-of-1 ketches
Size / Color: 2.5×3.5”/ sketch
Quirks: Sketch artists unite under Robert Aragon to create this set and its numerous chase cards. Aragon was a contributing sketch artist for the 2012 Unstoppable NotLD set.
Thoughts: This card set is a little confusing. As I understand it, there is a set from 2012-2013 called “The Art of Robert Aragon” and a set from 2013-2017 called “The Monstrous Art of Robert Aragon.” There MAY be one of one NotLD sketch cards in both sets. I THINK that card #39 and possibly #70 of the 2012 set are NotLD themed cards. Pictured is a wonderful, original, 1-of-1, uncut, un-issued puzzle sketch by Chad Scheres.
“Is there any of that candy left?”: There are probably numerous NotLD 1-of-1 sketches in these sets but I don’t see them around much and I’m still unclear as to if there were any printed NotLD cards within them. If you have any info, feel free to let me know at JohnnyMartyr@Hotmail.com
Year: 2012
Manufacturer / Designer / License: Leaf / unknown / not licensed
Series / Card #: Leaf Cut Signature / #322 of
Size / Color: 2.5×3.5”/ single color + signature
Quirks: cut signature card comes sealed in graded-type plastic case
Thoughts: Not totally sure if this actually exists!
“Is there any of that candy left?”: 1 of 1 George Romero, have it? Email me! JohnnyMartyr@Hotmail.com
Year: 2012
Manufacturer / Designer / License: Quirk Books / Paul Kepple & Stacey Graham / unlicensed
Series / Card #: The Zombie Tarot / #3
Size / Color: 2.75×4.75″
Quirks: While the images used are clearly not the real Marilyn and Kyra, the resemblance is KILLER!
Thoughts: I love the vintage 1960’s cut-up feel to this illustration. While no other cards in the deck so closely resemble scenes or characters from NotLD, ads for it state “Imagine the celebrated “Rider Deck” infused with the horrors of Night of the Living Dead, and the result is The Zombie Tarot—a crazy, campy interpretation of a classic divination system.” Other cards feature images of a helicopter and mall that are perhaps nods to Dawn of the Dead.
“Is there any of that candy left?”: They’re pretty common but quite nice. So nice in fact that Amira di Transilvania stole all the images from this deck, flipped the images, put a different border on them and is charging over $150 per deck for the blatant copyright theft.
Year: 2013
Manufacturer / Designer / License: n/a / Jason Washington / unlicensed
Series / Card #: Scream Queens, 10 card set
Size / Color: 2.5×3.5″
Quirks: Homemade, reproduced original sketch cards
Thoughts: This set put Judith O’Dea up there with Janet Leigh, Jamie Lee Curtis and Linnea Quigley, very cool.
“Is there any of that candy left?”: Seems that Mr. Washington closed up shop shortly after releasing these. When I ordered my set, Jason also kindly included the Johnny sketch seen above!
Year: 2013 / 2018
Manufacturer / Designer / License: Monster Masterpieces Vol 1 & 2 / Scott Jackson / unlicensed
Series / Card #: Monster Masterpieces Volume 1 #20, Monster Masterpieces Volume 2 #20
Size / Color: 4×6″ / single color & full color
Quirks: Trading cards that are the size of postcards! 2013 promo (b&w) autographed by the Scott Jackson
Thoughts: Scott’s historic horror illustrations are awesome. His cards are professionally designed and printed too. Really nice take on this classic scene.
“Is there any of that candy left?”: The 2013 sketch card copy is very rare and currently unavailable, however the 2018 parallel in Volume 2 is still available new as of 2019 at: http://www.MonsterMasterpieces.com
Year: 2014
Manufacturer / Designer / License: RRParks Cards / Richard Parks / unlicensed
Series / Card #: Monster Choke n Gag #7
Size / Color: 2.5×3.5” or half that dimension when ripped along its perforation!/ Two Color Black and Red
Quirks: Matt finish front with bare chipboard back like the 1987 Rosems & many vintage cards. As noted above, this card is comprised of two half-size trading cards with a perforated line between them.
Thoughts: These cards are similar to the old Monster Laffs trading cards of the 1960’s which feature a horror movie image & a silly joke caption. This theme has been repeated by several card series over the years but I believe this is the only one to feature NotLD. Image quality, even at this tiny size is really poor & reminiscent of the Rosem cards. These cards are quirky & fun if a little TOO silly!
“Is there any of that candy left?”: Available from the manufacturer www.RRParksCards.com
Year: 2015
Manufacturer / Designer / License: Gallery Guzu / Paul Hanley / unlicensed
Series / Card #: Gallery Guzu “Something Spooky”
Size / Color: 8×10” / Full Color
Quirks: Big 8×10 art card with generous details to take in
Thoughts: Really fun card that shows just how much Romero zombies dominate the zombie landscape. Excellent muted red and green tie the diverse pack of famous zombies together. I wish Trash didn’t look like a dude but everyone else is looking awesome!
“Is there any of that candy left?”: Not an original art card, copies were available with Loot Crate subscription in 2015, these show up on eBay from time to time.
Year: 2016
Manufacturer / Designer / License: Rob Scott / Rob Scott / unlicensed
Series / Card #: n/a
Size / Color: 2.5×3.5”/ full color
Quirks: Rob does original illustrations of horror movie characters and sells both 8×10 prints as well as these trading card size prints. His NotLD images include a contemporary portrait of GAR, the iconic image of Kyra Schon used in the Imagine graphics and the iconic image of Bill Hinzman after he kills Russ Striener. Backs of cards feature Rob’s logo.
Thoughts: Well, like the Century Books & Video cards, these aren’t really trading cards per se. They are thin, hand-cut inkjet prints & though they are all b&w front images, the printer calibration appears to not have been monochromatic as there is a tint on each card. I won’t throw Rob out there & feed him to those things though because his illustrations are beautiful, his prices are low and he’s just a friendly guy. I’d love to see the originals of these paintings!
“Is there any of that candy left?”: probably printed more or less on demand http://www.Scottra.com/
Year: 2016
Manufacturer / Designer / License: RRParks Cards / Richard Parks / unlicensed
Series / Card #: The Dungeon of Dr. Dreck Second Series #12
Size / Color: 2.5×3.5”/ Full Color
Quirks: The front of the card depicts b-movie hosts Dr. Dreck & Moaner eating a brain, which is a bit of a misnomer that came out of Return of the Living Dead. On the back, we have an image of a NotLD lobby card & the story of Dr. Dreck’s experience of seeing NotLD for the first time. Glossy front, matt back.
Thoughts: Unlike the other RRParks card reviewed here, this one actually feels like a real trading card!
“Is there any of that candy left?”: Available from the manufacturer www.RRParksCards.com
Year: 2016
Manufacturer / Designer / License: Lunchmeat / unknown / unlicensed
Series / Card #: Videorama #21
Size / Color: 2.5×3.5”/ Full Color
Quirks: The front of the card features a 1987 Star Classics unlicensed VHS cover with a green border
Thoughts: The design & graphics are AWESOME! BUT, the card stock is flimsy & cheap.
“Is there any of that candy left?”: Only 50 copies! http://www.lunchmeatvhs.com/blog/videorama/
Year: 2016
Manufacturer / Designer / License: ? / Jessica DeFelice / unlicensed
Series / Card #: The Vintage Horror Tarot Deck / Three NotLD-themed cards, un-numbered
Size / Color: 2.75″ x 4.75″/ Full Color / Rounded Corners
Quirks: It’s a Tarot card!
Thoughts: Summon spirits and tell your fortune with perhaps the creepiest NotLD cards of all! Really cool montage designs and nicely printed but cards are a bit thin for the Afterworld!
“Is there any of that candy left?”: Sure are! https://shoggothassembly.com/collections/tarot-decks
Year: 2016
Manufacturer / Designer / License: Donna Luther / Donna Luther / unlicensed
Series / Card #: n/a
Size / Color: 2.5×3.5”/ Charcoal & graphite on 100 lb Bristol board
Quirks: original, one of a kind sketch card, signed and dated
Thoughts: This is easily my personal favorite sketch card depicting Bill Hinzman (d. February 5, 2012). It looks nearly three dimensional in person & the detail & overall feel are just so accurate while still having that hand-drawn feel.
“Is there any of that candy left?”: No, no more quite like this but Donna’s many other beautiful movie sketch cards can be found on her eBay store www.eBay.com/usr/adlib10
Year: 2017
Manufacturer / Designer / License: Byron Winton / Byron Winton / unlicensed
Series / Card #: Face Cards: Anti-Heros / Unnumbered
Size / Color: 2.5×3.5”/ Three Color
Quirks: original sketch card print
Thoughts: I really enjoy the smooth quality of tone & detail in these sketches & Duane has a pose/expression here which I think is really representative of his character in NotLD. Not licensed cards but here we are using the NotLD movie poster on the back. And I have to wonder who wrote the copy too. The card states “Romero re-wrote the part to fit his performance”, well that’s simply not true & is famously not true. On the Peter from Dawn of the Dead card, another inaccurate comment is made about the use of the word “zombies” on the radio in NotLD. I think Byron is really onto a solid theme with these cards though. And he went on to design the beautiful poster for Living Dead Weekend 2018. Look for more cards from him.
“Is there any of that candy left?”: 500 card sets printed, 10 metal sets printed
Year: 2017
Manufacturer / Designer / License: Living Dead Weekend / Living Dead Weekend / unlicensed
Series / Card #:2017 Living Dead Weekend Monroeville / M023
Size / Color: 2.5×3.5”/ Full Color
Quirks: These cards were available as a complete set, exclusively at the 2017 Living Dead Weekend at Monroeville, PA to celebrate Dawn of the Dead. Each card features simple, tasteful graphics, a photo of cast/crew on the front with relevant info on the back.
Thoughts: Similar in style and purpose to the Living Dead Festival cards that celebrate Night, this set for Dawn, unfortunately does not use images from the original negatives. However, the graphics are clean, text is solid and this was the first Dawn of the Dead trading card set, followed up with the proper Fright Rags Dawn set in 2018. Some fans have had cards from this set signed by cast/crew which is awesome!
“Is there any of that candy left?”: Not really! Thanks so much to Misty Wood for gifting these to me!
Year: 2017 – 2020
Manufacturer / Designer / License: Matthew W. Parmenter / Mattew W. Parmenter / unlicensed
Series / Card #: n/a
Size / Color: 2.5×3.5”/ Full Color
Quirks: homemade original sketch card prints
Thoughts: Printed on common photo paper from a home inkjet printer, not even cardstock, but I still think these cards are worth picking up because the sketches quite nice and Matthew did official sketch cards for the NotLD Unstoppable set in 2012. The color card depicts Chilly Billy’s record album cover and was put out in 2017 in a small set of horror host sketches. The three b&w cards were put out in 2019/20 and of course depict scenes from NotLD. Parmenter signed the backs of the cards.
“Is there any of that candy left?”: Might be printed on demand
Year: 2017
Manufacturer / Designer / License: Fantasm Media / Brian Steward / Image Ten Inc.
Series / Card #: Fantasm Card Set #1, Cards #1 & #3
Size / Color: 2.5×3.5”/ Full Color
Quirks: Styled like a retro trading card with NotLD info on the back
Thoughts: Pittsburgh’s favorite siblings take the spotlight & nice Romero artwork. Apparently, there will be more cards to follow from Fantasm so stay scared & stay tuned!
“Is there any of that candy left?”: 1000 https://Fantasm-Media.myshopify.com/
Year: 2017
Manufacturer / Designer / License: Robert Decker / Robert Decker / unlicensed
Series / Card #: n/a
Size / Color: 2.5×3.5”/ textured acrylic paint on bristol board
Quirks: original, one of a kind sketch card, signed and dated
Thoughts: And THIS is easily my personal favorite sketch card depicting George Romero! Robert told me that he painted this immediately following Romero’s untimely passing on July 16, 2017. The sense of color & light, the intimacy of the pose & actual texture of the paint just blow my mind every time I look at this amazing art card.
“Is there any of that candy left?”: No, no more quite like this but Robert’s many other beautiful movie sketch cards can be found on his eBay store www.eBay.com/usr/rdec8181
Year: 2017
Manufacturer / Designer / License: Gozer Records / Gozer / unlicensed
Series / Card #: Gozer Garbage Horror Card Series #1 / Unnumbered
Size / Color: 2.5×3.5”/ Full Color
Quirks: Unlicensed, blank back, thinnish card stock, features stolen Topps and NotLD logos
Thoughts: I hate to support copyright infringement, but Gozer designed quite a nice fan art card in my opinion & he doesn’t print to order or charge a lot. Clean, simple design around a big close-up portrait of our (anti-) hero Ben. Image is a bit dark & the cardstock is a thinner one but I like it overall & Gozer has a track record of creating really neat, fan art movie collectibles such as Stand By Me Pez and Creepshow & Soylent green toys.
“Is there any of that candy left?”: 1 of only 8 copies!
Year: 2017
Manufacturer / Designer / License: Gods and Monsters / unknown / unlicensed
Series / Card #: Video Nasty Lurid Trumps, Volume 4 / Unnumbered
Size / Color: 2.5×4”/ Full Color
Quirks: Part of a card game series, plastic coated with rounded edges, slightly taller than a standard trading card. Features perhaps the most intriguing section of the original British quad poster for NotLD
Thoughts: Professionally printed. Have no idea why the Gratuitous Sex stored so high.
“Is there any of that candy left?”: 200 copies https://godsandmonstersrecords.com/2017/01/30/video-nasty-lurid-trumps-volume-4/
Year: 2017
Manufacturer / Designer / License: Flickback Media / unknown / unlicensed
Series / Card #: 1968 Trivia Challenge Playing Cards
Size / Color: 3.5″x2.5″/ Full Color
Quirks: Part of a card game series, plastic coated with rounded edges
Thoughts: Professionally printed. Lesser used poster image with great taglines
“Is there any of that candy left?”: https://flickback.com/collections/trivia-playing-cards/products/168tpc
Year: 2018?
Manufacturer / Designer / License: ?
Series / Card #: n/a
Size / Color: 3.5″x2.5″/ Full Color
Quirks: Front is completely blank, apparently intended to be a sketch card. I am told by the seller that a vendor at a convention was selling these and that they are homemade, not part of a set etc.
Thoughts: Professionally printed. Solid text that does not appear to have been lifted directly from another source.
“Is there any of that candy left?”: Your guess is as good as mine!
Year: 2018
Manufacturer / Designer / License: Fright Rags / Ben Scrivens / MKR Group
Series / Card #: Dawn of the Dead / #2 “Creator Cameo
Size / Color: 3.5″x2.5″/ Full Color
Quirks: from the first proper Dawn of the Dead trading card set!
Thoughts: Another quality set from Fright Rags!
“Is there any of that candy left?”: Sure i, at www.Fright-Rags.coms
Year: 2018
Manufacturer / Designer / License: Living Dead Media / Steve Wolsh / Image Ten Inc.
Series / Card #: Movie Tickets
Size / Color: 3.5″x Aprox 6″/ Full Color (with foil inlay on the Byham ticket)
Quirks: These are official tickets to the 50th anniversary screening of NotLD. Printed on cardstock by Living Dead Media. Available were tickets to the special Byham Theatre screening where NotLD originally premiered in October of 1968. These ticket cards are slightly larger and feature gold foil just like the Living Dead Media Lobby Card reproductions. Nationwide ticket cards were provided to backers of the Living Dead Kickstarter, do not contain gold foil and are much more common.
Thoughts: Professionally printed. Nice keepsakes!
“Is there any of that candy left?”: I imagine that while many 50th anniversary tickets were printed and issued, many have been used/thrown away. Probably moreso than the Zombie Jamboree tickets by Imagine.
Year: 2018?
Manufacturer / Designer / License: HorrorAutographs.com / Kevin E. Meinert / unlicensed
Series / Card #: Trading Card Set Compliments of HorrorAutographs.com
Size / Color: 2.5×3.5″ / Full Color
Quirks: This 6 card set (rest of the cards are from other horror films) is printed on pretty thin cardstock and features super cool artwork by Kevin Meinert who did sketches for the 2012 Unstoppable set.
Thoughts: This card features two iconic images that span the breadth of GAR’s carreer. Very cool.
“Is there any of that candy left?”: I have yet to see these anywhere else. Apparently HorrorHound was giving them away as promos too.
Year: 2019
Manufacturer / Designer / License: Gummy Arts / Mike Noren / unlicensed
Series / Card #: 2019 Gummy Arts / #28
Size / Color: 2.5×3.5″ / Full Color
Quirks: Cards depict contemporary pop culture figures in the form of retro sports cards meet modern cartoony sketch cards.
Thoughts: The first time I saw this card, I dismissed it as a stupid one-off sketch card. But upon seeing a second copy, I found that they are part of a fun and fairly successful series. Nice to see GAR continue to be revered as a culture icon.
“Is there any of that candy left?”: Selling out quicker than you’d think!
Year: 2019
Manufacturer / Designer / License: Topps / unknown / unlicensed
Series / Card #: Revenge of Oh, The Horror-ible / #6a & 6b
Size / Color: 2.5×3.5″ / Full Color
Quirks: The illustration is from a previous GPK card design called Jay Decay. Jay is replaced with GAR. These are sticker cards.
Thoughts: Reminds me of being a kid in the 1980’s!
“Is there any of that candy left?”: The base cards are pretty common and I see parallels beginning to pop up too. Base cards, blood splatter green border, blood splatter yellow border, purple, blue (1/99), red (1/75), gold (1/50) and black light. There are also printing plates and artist autographed cards out there! And black light copies, yes, they glow in black light! All are stickers.
Year: 2020
Manufacturer / Designer / License: Scott Jackson / Scott Jackson / unlicensed
Series / Card #: n/a
Size / Color: 4×6″ / single color
Quirks: Departing in style from his Monster Masterpieces trading card series, this over-sexualized, over-gorified rendition of the famous scene is a must-have, in postcard format.
Thoughts: Scott’s historic horror illustrations are awesome. His cards are professionally designed and printed too. Really nice take on this classic scene.
“Is there any of that candy left?”: http://www.MonsterMasterpieces.com
Year: 2020
Manufacturer / Designer / License: RRParks / Richard Parks / unlicensed
Series / Card #: Horror Monsters Series 3 / ?
Size / Color: 2.5’x3.5″ / three color
Quirks: styled like a 1960’s Nu Card, similar to Monsterwax from the 90’s
Thoughts: This is the third NotLD themed trading card that RRParks has released within their sci-fi/horror trading card sets. Looks much nicer than the other two and, in fact, my criticism of the Monsterwax NotLD card was that it wasn’t tinted like others in the series. This classic shot of Karen Cooper finally gets the full Nu Cards style treatment!
“Is there any of that candy left?”: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2020657542/rrparkscards-halloween-collectible-trading-cards
Year: 2020
Manufacturer / Designer / License: ? / ? / unlicensed
Series / Card #: Funeral Home Playing Cards / ?
Size / Color: 2.5’x3.5″ / three color
Quirks: Full deck of playing cards from Australia, print and card quality is good but my deck came with two cards with blank fronts and the box is plain cardboard with a decal on it.
Thoughts: Some cool movies are represented
“Is there any of that candy left?”: Dig around on eBay and you might find them!
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“Good shot! OK, he’s dead; let’s go get ‘im. That’s another one for the fire.”
Thanks for reading Mass Hysteria: The Definitive Night of the Living Dead Trading Card Checklist! Hopefully, the information I’ve compiled has been useful to you, wherever you’re at in your Night of the Living Dead trading card collecting!
If you know of anything that I missed please don’t hesitate to inform me!
AND, if you have any cards you want to trade, sell or buy, don’t be afraid to hit me up at JohnnyMartyr@Hotmail.com
WANTED: Any 2013 Living Dead Festival cards; 2008 George Romero Donruss Americana II # 248 gold proof, platinum proof, relic & relic/signature signature cards; 2009 George Romero Panini Americana #52 signature-only card; 2011 George Romero Panini Americana #57 signature-only, relic-only; Unstoppable sketch cards by Ashleigh Popplewell or Elfie Lebouleux, cast/crew business cards or autographed common cards from any set; alternative border 1993 Imagine silver border promo cards; 2010 Breygent sketch cards; 2011 Famous Fabrics cut auto cards; 2012 Leaf George Romero cut signature; or anything you don’t see on my checklist! Thank you.
This Night of the Living Dead Trading Card Checklist is dedicated to the memory of the deceased cast and crew of Night of the Living Dead. Duane Jones | Keith Wayne | William “Bill” Hinzman | Karl Hardman | Josephine Streiner | Regis Survinski | Lee Hartman | Tony Pantanella | Bill “Chilly Billy ” Cardille | George Kosana | George A. Romero | Charles “Chuck” Craig|
The Thoughts & Photography of Johnny Martyr 