1993 SkyBox Simpsons Trading Cards Checklist

Product Details

1993 SkyBox Simpsons trading cards unofficially mark the first modern, insert-driven set for The Simpsons franchise.

Although Topps released a set based on the show three years earlier, it's from a simpler era where packs could be bought with couch treasure. There is nothing wrong with the 1990 Topps Simpsons set, but it doesn't have the same feel as SkyBox's first go with the license.

These Bong Comics trading cards are also ground-breaking thanks to one rare insert that has gone on to become a hobby staple.

1993 SkyBox Simpsons Set Details

The 1993 SkyBox Simpsons base set has 80 total cards. However, it's broken down into three different subsets, each with its own numbering. The first half of the set explores the show's characters. Unlike the Topps set that focused almost exclusively on the same five main characters, Skybox delves much deeper into the world of Springfield. A lot of the show's charm comes from the secondary characters and obscure Springfield citizens. This set does a solid job of showcasing them. Other subsets focus on Itchy & Scratchy and Radioactive Man.

There are also several different insert sets, most of which are somewhat interactive. Tattoos cards are the most common. Several of them take tattoo cliches and give them a distinctly Simpsons spin. Mr. Burns flying serpent anyone? Wiggle Cards are lenticular motion inserts. The set has nine cards and is inserted 1:4 packs. Six acetate Cel Cards (1:18 packs) can be layered on top of one another to form different scenes. Glow-in-the-Dark cards (4 cards, 1:36 packs) are exactly as they sound.

The most important card in 1993 SkyBox Simpsons is the Art DeBart card. It's a redemption card good for an original sketch card from Simpsons creator, Matt Groening. Just 400 were produced. These are regarded as some of the first mainstream sketch cards, currently one of the most popular draws on the entertainment side of the hobby. These sketch cards can reach four figures today. And while the redemption cards are long expired, their rarity gives them strong value still today.