As a character, King Kong is an icon. The original 1933 film is an influential classic. Peter Jackson's spin in 2005 brought the character into a new era of special effects. And then there's the remake that came in between. 1976 Topps King Kong trading cards do their best to capture the disco era re-imagining from producer Dino De Laurentiis.
The set has 55 base cards. Most are shots from the film that go together to visually summarize the remake. That said, there is some promotional artwork that's worked into the set as well.
Card fronts have a bright red border, which makes them more susceptible to visible damage and wear. The King Kong title and card number are placed inside a film strip icon in the bottom corner. A caption runs beneath the photo.
Backs of the first 44 cards are puzzle pieces. The final 11 cards have Movie Facts that delve into the background of the movie and how it was made. Outside of the card captions, this is the only text in the set.
Every pack of 1976 Topps King Kong trading cards has one of 11 stickers. These have film strip graphics on the edges with the image in the middle. Sticker backs don't have any additional info other than instructions on how to use a sticker.
Today, 1976 Topps King Kong trading cards don't carry huge price tags, but they're stronger than a lot of other movie-based sets from the era.
While this is far from the only set of King Kong trading cards, it is the only major release for this particular version of the movie.
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1976 Topps King Kong Checklist
Base Set Checklist
2 Kong attacks New York harbor!
3 Kong battles a gigantic serpent!
4 The Great Wall is smashed by Kong!
5 Kong scales the buildings of New York!
6 Subway trains are demolished by Kong!
7 Speeding toward the fog-shrouded island!
8 The expedition braves dangerous waters!
9 The natives chant "Kong...Kong...Kong!"
10 Observing the strange native ritual!
11 Natives wear strange costumes for Kong!
12 Witch doctor dons a terrifying costume!
13 Dwan is kidnapped by the natives!
14 Dwan is dressed in native attire!
15 Dwan, helpless, cannot escape her fate!
16 Beyond the great wall lies...what?
17 Huge doors open and Dwan is carried inside!
18 The lovely Dwan awaits Kong's arrival!
19 The jungle trembles when Kong appears!
20 Dwan watches in horror as Kong approaches!
21 A huge hairy paw lifts Dwan into the air!
22 The mud-covered Dwan is washed clean!
23 Dwan is dazed after being washed by a waterfall!
24 Dwan faints in the great ape's paw!
25 Kong treats his new friend Dwan kindly!
26 Dwan tells Kong she's afraid of heights!
27 A big hand for the little lady!
28 Kong puts the terrified Dwan down!
30 Kong is captured when he falls into a pit!
31 Dwan is rescued!
32 Kong is transported to civilization!
33 Dwan is present for Kong's debut!
34 King Kong is displayed to the world!
35 The great ape is angered by man's greed!
36 Panic strikes the city as Kong breaks loose!
37 Thousands scream as Kong escapes captivity!
38 Kong rampages through the city!
39 Kong falls from the World Trade Center towers!
40 Actress Jessica Lange
41 Mightiest Monster That Ever Lived!
42 Natives tie Dwan to the sacrificial altar!
43 Dwan helplessly awaits the monster Kong!
44 Kong, Eighth Wonder of the World!
45 Kong prowls New York in search of Dwan!
46 Witch Doctor prepares Dwan for her ordeal!
47 New York trembles as the great ape attacks!
48 A heartbroken Dwan stands by Kong's body.
49 No bars are strong enough to hold Kong!
50 Beauty and the Beast
51 Dwan and Kong make the New York scene!
52 The Lady and the Monster!
53 Kong is held captive in Shea Stadium!
54 Reporters try to take Kong's picture!
55 Dwan seems unalarmed as Kong breaks free!
Stickers Checklist
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