MGC issue 2 - Cristiano Ronaldo

MGC

CRISTIANORONALDO

TABLEOF CONTENTS

LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR 1

DISNEY 100

THE BEST OF CR7

LUKE SOLVE

A TALK WITH GEEK RETREAT

PCOMMANDO POSTAGE PANIC

ONE OF ONE ORIGIN OF POKEMON TCG

FANATICS BUYING TOPPS

NOW ON WHATNOT

EBAY SALES COLLECTORS CORNER

GARBAGE PAIL KIDS

STATS INVESTOR SECTOR TICKETS CELEBRITY COLLECTORS SKETCH ARTIST STORY

ISSUE 2

THE WRITERS

JAKE KIRKHAM MGC DIRECTOR

OLLIE DEVINE CHIEF EDITOR

SAM HENDRICKS PHOTOGRAPHY

JORDAN MILLS HEAD GRADER

ALEX TILLBROOK SENIOR WRITER

MORGAN LEA GRAPHIC DESIGNER

GRADEYOUR

COINSHERE

NAME:JAKEKIRKHAM

TIMEATMGC:3YEARS

BESTMOMENTATMGC:COLLECT-A-CONFL

FAVOURITEPOKEMON:GYARADOS

FAVOURITECARD:MARADONA1/1

FAVOURITEPRODUCT:ALLEN&GINTER

EMPLOYEENUMBER:0001

LETTERFROM THEDIRECTOR

"We are delighted to announce that MGC will now be recognised as an approved professional grading company on eBay's platforms in the near future."

Firstandforemost,Iwanttoexpress myappreciationtoeachandeveryone ofyouforthephenomenalsuccessof Issue1oftheMGCmagazine With over500copiessoldandanimpressive 4,500downloads,thisachievementis nothingshortofincredible.Wecan't thankyouenoughforyour unwaveringsupport,enthusiasm,and willingnesstoembraceeveryideaand visionwehaveatMGC.

Wearethrilledtoannouncethe imminentopeningofourfirstphysical officeinEuropelaterthisyear.This marksapivotalmomentforus,signifying notjustgeographicalexpansionbuta dedicatedefforttostrengthenourbrand presenceontheEuropeanstage.Thiswill beledbymyselfandourtwonew members,MarkandLili,whowillplay vitalrolesinsteeringtheoperationsand successofourEuropeanventure.

Thesecondmonumentalupdatethat MGCisexcitedtoshareisthatwehave achievedasignificantmilestonewiththe majorauctionhouse,eBay Weare delightedtoannouncethatMGCwill nowberecognizedasanapproved professionalgradingcompanyoneBay's platformsintheupcomingweeks.This distinctionsetsusapartasthesole gradingcompanyintheUKapproved forgradingbothSportsandTCGs.

LETTERFROM THEDIRECTOR

Thisaccomplishmenthasbeenalongstandinggoalforussincetheinception ofMGC,underscoringour understandingofitsparamount importancetoourcustomers.

Werecognizetheimpactthis accreditationholdsintermsofcard listing,selling,andthepotentialsale price Thisachievementisatestamentto thecollectiveeffortofourcommunity, withspecialthankstotheindividualswho havelistedtensofthousandsofcardson ourplatform.

Yoursupportandadvocacyhaveplayeda pivotalroleinmakingthisrecognition possible,ensuringthateveryMGCcard receivestherespectandvalueittruly deserves.

Ourmuch-anticipatedPopulationReportisnearingcompletion,currentlyundergoingBetaTesting,with invitationssoontobeextendedtoindividualcustomersfortesting.Theintroductionofournewsystem, 'Gradeware,'promisestobeapowerfulassetinMGC'sgrowth,offeringaseamlessexperienceforour community.

ThelaunchofMGCNumismaticshasbeenmetwithresoundingsuccess,withpositivefeedbackpouringinon thequalityofserviceandproducts.Inresponsetotheincreasingdemand,weareonthevergeofwelcoming anothercoinexperttoourteam

Whilethere'smorefantasticnewsbrewingbehindthescenes,wecan'trevealalljustyet Staytunedasthese updatescometofruitionsoon.Finally,abigthankyoutoalltheadvertisersandwriterswhocontributedtoour magazine,providingaplatformtoengageandamplifythevoiceswithinthisamazinghobby

PROFESSIONALSPORTSAUTHENTICATOR(PSA)

BECKETTGRADINGSERVICES(BGS)

SPORTSGUARANTYCORPORATION(SGC)

MAJESTYGRADINGCOMPANY(MGC)

Other

DISNEY’S STORY; A HISTORY ON THE COMPANY

The Disney company was originally founded by Walt Disney and Roy Disney in 1923. Five years after its inception, Disney released their first animation named ‘Steamboat Willie,’ marking the debut of the iconic character Mickey Mouse and the commencement of Disney’s success in animation. Shortly after this release, chocolate and tobacco companies seized the opportunity and began producing the first-ever Disney collectible cards.

The inaugural set was created by Italian artist John Bissietta and comprised 27 cards within a set titled “Topolino E Il Mostro Di Loch Ness” (Mickey and the Loch Ness Monster). However, this series was unauthorized, and the official date remains undetermined, though it is speculated to be around 1928-1930. This was followed by Spanish chocolatiers Chocolates Selectos Evaristo Juncose Panella, who created 15 cards as part of the Spain Chocolate Candy Premium Card Series giveaway, coinciding with the short film ‘Mickey and The Haunted House.’ In 1930, another 15 premium candy card inserts were released by Chocolat Comet, depicting the story of Mickey Mouse being attacked by pirates in a set called ‘Mickey El Raton Adventuroso.'

In 1932, the tobacco company J.L. Tiedmanns produced a series of 102 Disney-themed tobacco cards, spanning four series and gaining popularity during that era. Among them, the 1935 Gum Inc Mickey Mouse series stands out, featuring 96 cards and often fetching prices around the low hundreds nowadays.

The next milestone was the opening of the first Disney theme park in 1955. Seizing this opportunity, the card manufacturer Donruss crafted a set based on the park. Over the ensuing decades, various Disney trading card sets emerged alongside the release of Disney's feature films. Notably, the 1991 Impel Disney set included 210 cards narrating the tales of Mickey and friends.

As Disney continued to introduce numerous characters and create diverse intellectual properties, manufacturers found ample opportunities to capitalize on this rich universe. Fast forward to 2023, a remarkable year for Disney card collectors for two significant reasons. Firstly, the release of Disney Lorcana, the trading card game developed by Ravensburger. Additionally, 2023 marked Disney's 100th-year anniversary, prompting numerous companies to unleash their massive collectible cards onto the market.

SCARING THE COMPETITON; TOPPS

The latest manufacturer to announce their partnership with Disney 100, and arguably the most impactful, was Topps. Topps Chrome Disney 100 hit the market on December 13, 2023, and was surprisingly exclusive to the UK at £150.00 a box. As Topps is the biggest and most reputable brand to release cards, it’s no surprise just how quickly it took off. The traction that followed it still, to this day, is quite extraordinary.

Similar to Kakawow, Topps included facsimile autographs of iconic duos such as Merlin and Nemo from Finding Nemo, Buzz and Woody from Toy Story, and Mike And Sully from Monsters Inc. Topps also decided to include the heavy hitters on quad auto cards, such as the princesses and Mickey and friends. Although the autographs are facsimile, they mimic the same autographs that the characters give out at the Disney theme parks.

Another advantage Topps Chrome offers is the iconic Superfractor design for its highly sought-after 1/1 cards. The set also offers unique ‘Platinum’ designs of certain characters; these cards are also all exclusively 1/1s. With so many well-known characters and the large fanbase Disney has, it is a no-brainer as to why Topps has so much success with this set.

The most remarkable aspect of this set is just how popular and, in turn, valuable the cards have become. When first hitting retail, one hobby box was £150.00; three months later, a single hobby box sold for $730.00 (£581.59). In terms of singles, the most expensive Mickey Mouse was a /5 red kaleidoscope and sold on January 4th for an eyewatering $9,999.99 (£7,967.99). The most expensive of all time currently stands at $10,100.00 (£8,047.68) and was paid for a 1/1 Goofy superfractor.

Here at MGC, we have been lucky enough to have had some pretty rare and valuable cards come through our hands, which we are incredibly proud to showcase alongside this article. The reach and size that this set has managed to achieve are outstanding, and the stunning designs and nostalgia factor that these cards bring with them come together to make a perfect set. We are excited to see what other Topps Chrome Disney 100 cards you have to send in.

DISNEY ON THE UP; THE COMPANIES INVOLVED

Although Topps held the title as the largest player, it wasn't the pioneer in capturing the enchantment of Disney. With the celebrations spanning throughout 2023, it's unsurprising that the first sets hit the shelves early last year. The inaugural release, courtesy of Kakawow on March 1st, showcased an extensive collection of 906 cards. This expansive set maintained its value over the year, and the incorporation of parallels added an exclusive allure to the cards. Originally priced at £150, Kakawow boxes now command $246.50 (£196.50), underscoring the enduring relevance of these cards in the Disney 100 market.

Following suit was Weiss Schwarz on April 7th, boasting a retail price of £55.00. Weiss Schwarz's unique appeal lies in its dual identity as both a playable card game and a collectible card set, broadening its audience appeal. These cards boast the iconic Weiss Schwarz Gold Stamp, instilling a sense of scarcity and rarity, particularly around the more nostalgic and sought-after scenes. The current market value for these boxes has surged to $154.76 (£123.28), marking a remarkable 123% increase from the retail price, affirming that these cards have solidified their presence, enduring in both popularity and substantial value.

Card.fun unveiled its Disney 100 cards on April 13th, emerging onto the scene less than a week after the debut of Weiss Schwarz Disney. Hailing from China, Card.fun is a notable collaborator with numerous film, TV, and anime brands, making it a fitting choice for Disney to commemorate its 100th anniversary. Setting itself apart, Card.fun employs six distinct hobby box designs, ensuring that both the boxes and the cards within are collectible. The box designs feature beloved characters such as Winnie the Pooh, Mickey Mouse, Stitch, Sully, Piglet, and the iconic alien from Toy Story. The comprehensive set comprises 336 cards, encompassing over 100 base cards and a variety of unique inserts, including hand-drawn cards and instant photo cards.

Another major contributor to the Disney 100 festivities is Bandai, which released its set on September 29th. Bandai, renowned for its work with Yu-Gi-Oh! and involvement in other significant Japanese trends like anime cards, presents Disney 100 with 100 cards. The set not only explores the Disney and Pixar universe but also integrates designs from Disney's powerhouse franchises like Star Wars and Marvel. Bandai's offering features distinctive designs such as Playing Cards and several Monochromatic cards, providing a distinctive and captivating aesthetic that allows Bandai to carve its niche and stand out in the celebratory landscape.

CristianoRonaldo,bornonFebruary5, 1985,inFunchal,Madeira,Portugal,has becomeoneofthegreatestfootballersin history Renownedforhisextraordinary workethic,Ronaldo'srelentless commitmenttotraininghasfuelledhis success Withacareerspanningtop clubslikeManchesterUnited,Real Madrid,andJuventus,hehassecured numerousaccolades,includingfive Ballond'Orawards.Ronaldo'sgoalscoringprowess,athleticism,and leadershiponthefieldhavesolidifiedhis statusasaniconintheworldoffootball.

Ronaldohasalwaysbeenasoughtafter playerinthecardmarketduetohis highstatus,makinghisrarercardsalot morevaluable However,theRonaldo markettookahitwhentheplayer madethecontroversialmovefrom historicclubManchesterUnitedtoAlNassrintheSaudiProLeague Dueto thisshockingexitandthewarinessof howRonaldowillcontinuetoperform inalesschallengingleague,Ronaldo cardandstickerpricestookahit.For example,his2002PaniniMega CraquesrookiecardinaPSA10

beganatpricesofaround$2,000in 2019,beforeseeingacolossaljump to$200kduringthecovidbubble, AfterhisconversionalmovetoAlNassr,thepricesforthiscardhave droppedwiththelastsellingforjust $864k Despitethis,Ronaldostill standsasoneofthemostdecorated greatsofalltimesoitwillbeno surprisetoseehiscardsstartto climbinvalueagainasthisplayer provestimeandtimeagainjusthow capableheis.

Ronaldo is officially the highest goal scorer in Real Madrid with a record-breaking 451 goals in his club career

$312k

price for Ronaldo’s most expensive rookie card

480

187

Cristiano Ronaldo cards graded in January 2024

Ronaldo /10 or lower cards submitted

THEBESTOF

2022TOPPSSTADIUM CLUBCHROME

CRISTIANORONALDO - 1/1 REELTIME- SUPERFRACTOR

Startingthisarticleoffstrong,it’snosurprisethis beautifulRonaldo1/1makesitupthetopofourlist. ThiscardwashanddeliveredbylongstandingMGC customerCEMtrading.Itdidhoweverrecentlygoto auctionandsoldforover$2,000withGoldin.We thinkthismaybeanabsolutestealofaprice!

2022FUTERAUNIQUE

CRISTIANORONALDO 7/7-PATCH

AstunningcardfromFutera featuringauthenticgame-worn memorabiliafromCristiano Ronaldo,thiscollectiblegemis distinguishedbyitsexclusive numbering–7/7,anodto Ronaldo'siconicjerseynumber.

CR7 2003PANINIMEGA CRACKS

CRISTIANORONALDO-SPORTINGCP

Ronaldo'srookiecard,avintagemarvelgradedby MGCwithadistinguishedgrade6.Fromarecently gradedcollection,thiscardstandsasatestamentto theearlychaptersofthefootballlegend'sillustrious career.ItsMGCgradenotonlyaddsalayerof authenticitybutalsoaccentuatesthehistorical significanceofthispiece.

2022TOPPSDECO

RONALDO-CRISTIANO RONALDOAUTOGRAPH

ThiscardfeaturesR9insteadof thebelovedCR7,thiscamefroma setwhereToppsmadethevital mistakeofplacingCR7 autographsontoR9cards,giving analreadyrarecardaneven biggerpricetag.

THEBESTOF

CRISTIANORONALDO-01/01-RAINBOW 23KTGOLDFRAME-PATCH 2023FUTERAUNIQUE

Another1/1Ronaldothatwehaveseeninour MGCofficesisthisbeautifulFuteracard.Pulled byFCBreaksonWhatnot,thiscardfeatures game-usedmemorabiliaframedingold! Unfortunately,thiscardisnolongerinanMGC holderasitwaspurchasedbyanothergrading companyandre-encapsulatedfortheowner's personalcollection.Anamazingcardnevertheless.

2019TOPPSNOW

“TWOOFTHEUCL’SGREATEST PLAYERSTOGETHER” Wereceivedthiscardwhilst providingon-sitegradingat CardCon2023.Thisiconiccardis featuringthetwobiggestplayers andbelovedlegendsofmodern Football,MessiandRonaldo,and thepricesforthiscardareinsane. Wewillbeonsitegradingat CardCon2024again,andlook forwardtoseeingwhatother massivehitsyouwillhavetosubmit.

CR7

2022PANINIPRIZM

CRISTIANORONALDO AUTOGRAPHCARD

Oneofthemostexcitingcardsyoucouldpullfrom PaniniPrizmisanautographcard,andpullinga Ronaldoautographisevenmoreexciting.Although thisisabaseset,itstillholdsaheftytagduetothe iconicplayerfeatured.

2002RONALDODEBUTTICKET

SPORTINGCPVSINTERMILAN

BackwhenRonaldohadhisfirsttasteonthe pitch,impressingthecrowdsrightfromthe get-go.Hisfirstgameunfortunatelyendedina 0-0draw,buthestillmanagedtogetthe attentionofthepresswhosawthetalentthe manhadfromtheyoungageof17.Thisgame wasthestartofanamazingcareer,hescored hisfirstgoalinOctoberthatsameyear,only3 monthsafterstartingouthisprofessional career.Sincethenhiscareerhasonlygoneup.

THEBESTOF

2021PANINIOBSIDIAN

CRISTIANORONALDO-41/44 ELECTRICETCHREDFLOOD-PATCH

ThisPaniniObsidiancarddoesabeautifuljob colourmatchingthepatchtotheelectricetchred floodthatengulfstherestofthecard.Thegamewornpatchcontrastsnicelyonthispremiumset card,asboxesof2021PaniniObsidiancostaround £500now.

2017MADEIRASILVERCOIN

CRISTIANORONALDOPROOFCOIN

In2017thisspecialeditioncoinwasreleased, mintedinMadeira,Portugal.Thecoinfeaturesthe iconicRonaldoCR7andhisballprowess.Thecoin wasnotcirculatedasitisintendedasacollectors item,thereforenocurrencyisincludedonthecoin. Althoughcolouredsilver,thecoinisactuallymade ofthealloyAlpaca12.

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FROM 0 TO 1.4 MILLION

FOLLOWERS:

LUKE SOLVE COLLECTIBLES

Over 1.4 million total followers across all social media

Only 21 years old when Luke started his own card company

Luke Ambler stands out as one of the UK's prominent sports card content creators He kicked off his channel in 2020, and with a sudden surge in popularity, his journey has been remarkable While achieving success on social media and in business, he acknowledges the inevitable mistakes that come with the territory Making the leap from Match Attax to the broader sports card hobby was a significant move, and Luke quickly grasped the distinct nature of the market Despite stirring things up in certain community areas, he's managed to keep a dedicated audience, learning and evolving along the way With his impressive growth, it seems like the sky's the limit for Luke

BYALEXTILLBROOK

Luke's dream began at 14 when he helped friends complete their Panini World Cup 2014 collections After buying a box of 500 stickers and swapping consistently, he ended up with over 5000, which he "then sold on eBay for a profit, and the dream was born." This inspired him to start Luke Solve Collectibles With the release of Premier League stickers in 2020, Luke posted his first TikTok "I wanted to start making content opening packs on TikTok as no one else was doing it on the app, and I thought it would be fun." By January, less than two weeks after his first post, he had already hit 100,000 followers and gained millions of views

When Luke initially debuted, his approach to video filming was much more relaxed "When I first started, I would have no plan when making videos," as he experimented with various styles to discover what resonated best with his audience This is also the advice Luke gives to aspiring hobby enthusiasts starting out on social media: "The most important thing is to have fun doing it because if you don't enjoy making content, it won't last." Before amassing a large audience, Luke shared that his popularity seemingly happened overnight "It was very quick! I was lucky, but I also used a lot of trial and error to figure out what people liked..."

With followers gained, the next significant challenge was maintaining that audience, a struggle Luke faced when entering the sports card hobby. Luke admitted, "I made the BIG mistake of not doing enough research into the market and price of cards," resulting in some setbacks. However, employing clever techniques, Luke has not only overcome these challenges but thrived in the scene. He strategically captures viewers' attention from the start and ensures ongoing engagement throughout the video to keep them entertained. Additionally, Luke underscores the importance of remembering the niche audience "The appeal for this content can be on a BIG scale, but if you think like that, it's easy to forget the sports card community is actually rather niche."

“The most important part of making shorts content for determining success is being able to grab somebody’s attention straight away.”

When targeting your audience, it's crucial not to polarize anyone For example, "If I'm opening a box of Panini Prizm 23/24, I'll refer to it as a '£250 box of football cards' or 'searching for the RAREST card,'" using language understandable by both beginners and experienced collectors Considering that short-form content is the most popular way people consume media nowadays, posting to Reels, YouTube Shorts, and TikTok is essential However, "Shorts content isn't going to be successful unless it caters to a majority audience," so it's vital to appeal to any football fan watching without being too generic and risking dislike from hardcore collectors As mentioned before, Luke emphasizes capturing viewers' attention in the first few seconds

From his endeavors on TikTok, Luke met his partner Louise, who was also deeply into football cards, "so naturally she started being involved in the content and was a massive help." Working together, they have propelled the channel to over 900 thousand followers, achieving significant milestones such when he was “live on TikTok with Declan Rice" and becoming well-known across the UK Hobby. Looking toward the future, Luke shares, "My plan this year is simply to continue what I'm doing but to try to increase my output as much as possible," aiming to reach 1 million on his TikTok account. He has expressed a dream to collaborate with Mr Beast, stating, "any form of recognition from Jimmy would mean A LOT to me. That or Janet Devin." We at MGC are very excited to see what the year has waiting for Luke Solves

When asked on how he plans his videos

Geek Retreat

To find out

What it takes to become a franchise owner..?

What’s it like to own a Geek Retreat Franchise?

A conversation with Dan Sullivan & Kim Stevenson

Q1: What led you to decide to open up a Geek Retreat in Stevenage?

A1: My wife Kim and I have always enjoyed all the things Geek Retreat offers to its community; Trading Card Games, Dungeons & Dragons, tasty food and drinks, but most importantly –community and friendships – to be offer that same enjoyment to people was a major draw of opening a Geek Retreat.

To also be able to establish a business in a town with pre-existing ‘geek culture’ establishments such as Lost Ark Games and Limited Edition Comix just enhances the local area’s reputation and draws more similarly minded people to the area to check out not only our shop and community, but the larger community and other small businesses in the area as well.

Q2: In your opinion, what is the most challenging aspect of running your Geek Retreat?

A2: The business side of things! I really wish my job was what people dream it is - sitting with people all day playing Digimon, Magic, or Pokemon games! But in reality, I’m constantly flicking through my diary to schedule events for all of the games people enjoy playing, as well as doing my best to keep on top of new releases and products – it can be a bit exhausting!

Thankfully we have an amazing team of staff that keep everything running smoothly with us, meaning Kim and I can focus on the bigger picture plans and the team can keep the local events running, plus the food and drink flowing!

Q3: What would you say is the most rewarding part of owning and running a Geek Retreat?

A3: The biggest pay off is when someone tells you how much they love coming to the shop and how many new friends they’ve made since they started visiting us – and that goes for adults and kids! Our Pokemon Kids Club on a Saturday morning is always an absolute madhouse, but I’ve lost count of how many parents have had glowing comments about how much fun their children have – to be a part of something that bring that much joy is a great feeling (and incredibly cheesy, I know!).

Q4: How has working with MGC had a positive effect on your business?

A4: Prior to becoming a submission hub, we were regularly asked about grading cards and selling graded cards. Being able to not only offer the service in house, but also be partnered with a company that is physically close to us and always on hand for advice has been amazing.

We’re in the process of updating the store layout slightly to allow us to start displaying and selling graded slabs as well – so we can only see the relationship between Geek Retreat Stevenage and MGC growing as time goes on!

Q5: What would you say is the most rewarding part of owning and running a Geek Retreat?

A5: With a great deal of communication and luck! Geek Retreat Head Office do offer us support in the way of product range recommendations, and we have a number of folk we can call to have conversations with based on our individual store demographics; which has definitely lessened the learning curve over our first two years. But truthfully a lot of it comes down to customer communication. You’re only going to know what your community want to engage with, purchase, and play if you make the time and effort to talk to them and get to know their passions.

Q6: Can you discuss any memorable events or collabs that have taken place in your Geek Retreat?

A6: Our first Yu-Gi-Oh! OTS Championship will always be a memorable experience for me personally. We had hosted consistently large nights of games like Dungeons & Dragons since we opened, but the OTS Championship was the first large scale event where we had 50+ players in store specifically and solely for that event – with around half of them being brand new to us and to the space.

Prior to start I was a bag of nerves, but once I started to make announcements and such I channelled my inner Hugh Jackman in Greatest Showman and we had an amazing day! Lots of positive and constructive feedback, and a reassurance that events like this (and hopefully bigger soon!) weren’t too much for us and our amazing team to handle.

Q7: Can you explain any plans to expand and enhance what you offer at your Geek Retreat?

A7: This is an ever evolving answer. Coming into the last 12 months we directed a lot of our focus to building up our Magic the Gathering community after a sharp influx of new faces – wanting to ensure we were supplying the right product areas and running the right events for them.

Currently we are gearing up for the new TCG – Star Wars Unlimited! I’m personally very hyped for this one and really want to foster a strong community around it as we go forward. We are always open to discussions about new activities, groups, and ideas though! I have hundreds of ideas buzzing round, but always welcome ideas into that beehive!

Q8: How do you get feedback from customers and how does this shape your plans at Geek Retreat?

A8: Social media is a powerful tool! We regularly utilise our social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, and X (the artist formerly known as Twitter) as well as our store Discord server to gauge interest in upcoming products and event ideas with our community.

I (and the team) also make a point to regularly engage with folk face to face in store – whether that’s when someone comes down to purchase a product or attends one of our regular events. If somebody is already in the store, then chances are they would have some kind of feedback or thoughts on an idea I have rattling around my own head.

Q9: In what ways do you foster a sense of community amongcustomers?

A9: One of the pillars that we always encourage is supporting people that are new to any given hobby. Whether you’re coming along to your first D&D game, or first Lorcana League afternoon – we encourage our community to be welcoming and informative where we sometimes don’t have the time due to how busy the store can get.

If you can come along to an event at our store and have a great time because our community welcomed you in, helped you learn to play, and made you feel accepted – then I don’t think we can aim much higher!

MGC x Geek Retreat

MGC is proud to be in collaboration with multiple Geek Retreats across the country, offering customers like you throughout the UK the convenient option to submit your cards through their hubs. Through this partnership, you can experience a smooth process for sending your beloved cards to us, complete with face-to-face interactions with individuals who share your passion for the hobby The Geek Retreat hubs provide the same three tiers of service available online, catering to all urgency levels when it comes to grading your cards, thanks to the helpful staff at your local store

Not only can you grade cards from your existing collection directly at a Geek Retreat hub, but you can also purchase sealed products to open during your visit. This means that if you happen to pull that sought-after Pokémon card or an elusive Enchanted card from the newest Lorcana set, you're in the perfect position to send that card off for grading and protection! Since our partnership with Geek Retreat Stevenage in the latter months of 2023, we have processed over 150 card submissions from our Geek Retreat hubs. This impressive figure underscores the effectiveness and ease of using a grading hub, showcasing its positive impact on local sales.

If you're contemplating the idea of establishing your own Geek Retreat franchise and wish to collaborate with MGC to enhance your business, please reach out to us at info@majestygrading com

Where is your local Geek Retreat?

West Midlands

Birmingham

Dudley Cheshire Warrington

Chester

Northamptonsh. Kettering

Lancashire Blackburn

Scotland

Aberdeen

Glasgow

Motherwell

West Yorkshire Leeds

Halifax

Tyne and Wear Newcastle

Sunderland Hartlepool

Wakefield North Yorkshire York Harrogate

Wales Newport Cardiff Staffordshire Stoke-on-Trent

Burton-upon-Trent

Hertfordshire

Stevenage

Suffolk Ipswich

Bedfordshire

Bedford

Essex Harlow Chelmsford

G.Manchester Bury

Cornwall Truro

Bristol

Bristol

Mersey side

Liverpool Warwickshire Coventry

Surrey Addlestone Worcestershire Kidderminster

Pcommando'sPostagePanic

In the fast-paced world of collectibles, where each card unfolds a unique story, we found ourselves immersed in a tale worth sharing Let's go back to April 2022, where MGC opted for Evri as our official postage service The promises of a smoother ride, cost-effectiveness, and added insurance from our account manager tempted us into a 1 month trial period.

This is where Luke Moss, a familiar face in the card show circuit known as Pcommando Cards, steps into the narrative However, evri system has some software issue going on, and its printed the wrong address on Luke's membership order label. As a result, his precious cards were en route to his old address amidst the picturesque landscapes of Scotland

Luke, rightly worried, got in touch, which started a chain of events that turned into quite a story at Dealing with EVRi's now non existent customer service and struggling to find a courier in the Scottish wilderness to help us, had us at a bit of a loss We decided to take matters into our own hands and jumped on a easyjet flight to Scotland, we landed in Glasgow with a mission and a purpose to locate pcommando's lost parcel

Our Uber driver, all clued up and onboard with our mission, weaved through the Scottish landscape like a pro Getting to Luke's old address, we knocked on the door, No one answered, mission failed but then, a twist in the story, an Amazon delivery driver pulled up and delivered a parcel to the next door neighbour.

Out she came, collecting her amazon delivery and then asked if she could help, The friendly Scottish neighbour told jake she'd been getting Luke's mail She went back inside to find the missing cards, full of excitement she passes jake a parcel At first glance jake knew it wasnt an MGC order as he opened it... disaster! It was a pair of ladies leggings. Everyone laughed but it now looked like the dream was over She invited jake and the uber inside to keep the story alive, after 10 minutes of searching, it was there sitting ontop of her kitchen cupboards Jake confirmed it was the parcel, profoundly thanked the lady and jumped back in the uber to catch his return flight home A quick photo sent to pcommando's Instagram confirmed the capture and created a customer for life

This story goes beyond a simple shipping issue; it highlights MGC's unwavering commitment to excellence We diligently address mistakes, navigate unforeseen challenges with resilience, and consistently prioritize our customers. In the collectibles realm, where each card tells a unique story, our approach is centered on consistently exceeding expectations for our valued collectors

One of One

The latest one of one cards graded at MGC

The rise and rarity of one of one trading cards. One of One

One of One Sports Cards epitomizes the epitome of exclusivity and distinctiveness in the realm of collectibles. These coveted treasures stand as unparalleled rarities within the expansive world of card collecting, with each 'One of One' card representing a singular existence. Beyond simplicity, the term itself encapsulates the essence of rarity, as owning one means possessing an irreplaceable piece of history. Discover the latest additions to MGC's 'One of One' collection, uniquely graded by our esteemed customers, showcasing the allure of these extraordinary cards.

2023 Futera, Erling Haaland, one of one, Rainbow

2023 Futera Arsenal, Martin Odegaard, one of one, 23CT Gold Frame

2022 Futera Fan Selection, Bernardo Silva, one of one, Patch card

One of One

2022 Topps Jose Mourinho Platinum, Sergio Ramos, Gold , one of one,

2023 Topps Chrome, Bojan Miovski RC, one of one, Superfractor

2023 Leaf Signature Series, Magic Johnson/Bob Mcadoo, one of one, Spring, Dual auto

2022 Panini Prizm, Philip Billing, one of one, Nebula Choice

2022 Topps Deco, Gavi, Gold, one of one

2023 Topps Turbo Attax, George Russel, one of one, Green

One of One

2020 Panini Prizm, Alan Shearer, one of one, Black, Autograph

2021 Topps Gold, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Gold , one of one.

2023 Panini Prizm, Diego Forlan, One of one, Black choice, Autograph.

2019 Leaf Ultimate Sports, Pele, one of one, Gold Autograph card

2022 Topps Jose Musiala Platinum, Harry Kane, Gold, Autograph, one of one

2023 Panini Select, Marcus Rashford, one of one, black

One of One

2017 Topps Star Wars, Ray Park, one of one, Black printing proof, autograph

2023 Topps Finest Flashbacks Mykhailo Mudryk RC, one of one, Superfractor, autograph

2023 Topps Chrome, Robert Lewandowski , one of one, Superfractor, autograph

2023 Panini Select, Mason Mount, one of one, Black

2023 Topps Turbo Attax Lewis Hamilton, one of one, Limited edition, autograph

2022 Panini Donruss Cole Palmer, one of one, Black, Autograph

CARDSHOWS

MGC are on the road! Here is a list of card shows you will be able to find us at throughout 2024.

Yorkshire

February 24th, 2024

New York Stadium, Rotherham

Zagreb

February 24th, 2024

Zagreb, Croatia Dublin

February 24th, 2024

Convention Centre Dublin

Sports Card social

March 9th, 2024

The Ridgeway centre, Milton Keynes

Northwest Card Show

March 16th, 2024

Exhibition centre, Liverpool

Cardcon

April 20-21st, 2024

Show Centre, Farnborough

Midlands

April 27th, 2024

Bescot Stadium

Scotland

June 29th, 2024

Scottish event campus, Glasgow Manchester

July 13th, 2024

The 1883, Edgeley Park

THE ORIGIN OF THE POKEMON

TCG.

by Ollie Devine

The beloved Pokémon TCG stands as one of the most popular card categories submitted to MGC. Embark on a journey back in time as we delve into the captivating tale of the origins of the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG). From its humble beginnings in Japan to its global ascent as a cultural phenomenon, this article unfolds the vibrant narrative that birthed a card game capturing the essence of the beloved Pokémon universe. Join us as we explore the early inspirations, key milestones, and the visionary minds behind the creation of a game that has not only stood the test of time but has also become an integral part of countless childhoods and collectors' hearts worldwide.

Once upon a time, in Japan...

Introduced in 1996, the Pokémon TCG debuted in Japan alongside the highly successful video games and animated series. Crafted by esteemed game designer Satoshi Tajiri and illustrated by Ken Sugimori, these cards showcased iconic Pokémon, captivating trainers across the nation. Initially launched as a response to the escalating popularity of collectible card games, the Pokémon TCG swiftly evolved into a Japanese phenomenon, drawing enthusiasts with its strategic gameplay and the allure of constructing potent decks. Rooted in its Japanese origins, the Pokémon TCG laid the foundation for its enduring legacy, captivating fans within the nation and setting the stage for a global phenomenon.

The transformative year of 1997 marked a significant milestone with the introduction of the initial expansion sets for the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) in Japan – the Jungle and Fossil sets. These releases, following the success of the original Base Set, not only broadened the spectrum of collectible Pokémon cards but also ushered in innovative gameplay mechanics. The Jungle set enchanted collectors with a diverse array of exotic and elusive Pokémon, while the Fossil set delved into the intriguing mysteries of ancient creatures, adding layers of depth to the collecting experience. This historic event not only fueled the excitement for gameplay but also laid the foundation for the avid pursuit and anticipation that collectors associate with each subsequent expansion in the dynamic world of Pokémon TCG.

Going global...

The first official Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) tournament took place in the United States in 1997. This event was part of the broader Pokémon phenomenon that was rapidly gaining popularity around the world. The Pokémon TCG tournaments soon expanded globally, becoming a regular feature at various organized play events. These tournaments provided a platform for trainers to showcase their skills, compete, and share their passion for the game. Over the years, Pokémon TCG tournaments have grown in scale and significance, attracting players from diverse backgrounds and contributing to the enduring success of the trading card game.

In its inaugural year of 1999, the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) made an influential global debut after its successful introduction in Japan. This pivotal period marked the expansion of the Pokémon phenomenon, captivating trainers worldwide with the release of the Base Set and subsequent expansions. As collectors and players immersed themselves in the captivating world of Pokémon TCG, the pursuit of rare and holographic cards fueled a burgeoning collector's culture. The initial year witnessed the establishment of Pokémon TCG as a cultural phenomenon, transcending its gaming origins to become a cherished and integral part of Pokémon's multifaceted legacy. The continuous introduction of new sets and expansions during this formative year played a crucial role in shaping the enduring appeal and dynamic nature of the Pokémon TCG, captivating enthusiasts of all ages.

Into the new millennium....

From 2000 to 2016, the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) underwent a remarkable evolution, particularly from the perspective of collectors. This transformative era marked key milestones, starting with the establishment of the Pokémon World Championships in the early 2000s, expanding the game's competitive landscape globally. The introduction of the EX Series in 2004 brought about a strategic shift, emphasizing powerful EX Pokémon cards and innovative dynamics that collectors eagerly sought. The digital frontier was breached in 2011 with Pokémon TCG Online, providing collectors a virtual platform to engage with their passion. As regular set releases and expansions continued to enthrall enthusiasts, the TCG's global allure solidified its role as a pivotal aspect of the broader Pokémon phenomenon. The years leading up to 2016 laid a robust foundation for the enduring popularity and continual evolution of the game, creating a vibrant tapestry for collectors to explore.

Between 2019 and 2021, the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) navigated a dynamic landscape, witnessing a series of impactful events that heightened its already robust popularity, especially from the perspective of collectors. The commemoration of the Pokémon TCG's 25th Anniversary in 2019 ushered in a period of special releases, promotions, and events, underscoring the game's enduring legacy. The global challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 prompted a transition of Pokémon TCG events to online formats, showcasing the community's adaptability and resilience during challenging times. Simultaneously, the TCG experienced a significant resurgence in popularity, driven by the emergence of content creators, influencers, and a broader cultural fascination with collectibles. These years further cemented the Pokémon TCG's status, not just as a timeless game but as a dynamic and evolving cultural phenomenon, offering collectors an engaging journey.

The modern age...

The culmination of the Sword and Shield era heralded a dynamic evolution in the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG), ushering in a new era with the impactful Evolving Skies and Fusion Strike expansions. Throughout 2021, Evolving Skies shone a spotlight on coveted cards, including the formidable Rayquaza VMAX, showcasing the evolution of Dragon-type Pokémon, and introducing sought-after Eeveelution cards like the highly-desirable Moonbreon. In a similar vein, Fusion Strike united Pokémon from diverse regions, unveiling unique fusion concepts and presenting standout cards such as Mew VMAX. These expansions seamlessly continued the tradition of captivating illustrations, concurrently injecting strategic depth into gameplay, thereby solidifying the Pokémon TCG's enduring legacy of innovation and excitement, offering collectors a fresh and thrilling chapter.

Embarking on an exhilarating new chapter, the Scarlet and Violet era unfolds as a thrilling frontier within the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG). With the recent launch of the fourth expansion, Paldean Fates, on January 24th, players and collectors now find themselves immersed in a realm of exciting possibilities with an array of captivating cards to collect. Paldean Fates breathes fresh life into the 'Shining' sets reminiscent of previous eras, providing the new generation of Pokémon their well-deserved chance to shine on the all-new shiny variant cards. An intriguing addition to this Pokémon card era is the shift in border style, transitioning from the iconic bright yellow border to the Japanese-style border, adorned with a metallic silver edge, encapsulating each card with a touch of elegance and novelty. This transformative era promises collectors and players alike a vibrant and innovative landscape in the ever-evolving world of Pokémon TCG.

COLLECTOR CORNER

USE#MAJESTYGRADING ONINSTAGRAMFORACHANCE TOGETYOURCARDFEATURED

@SOCCER_CARDASHIAN_DAN

“As a Soccer card collector, we are always looking for something different, luckily pulled a Woody Gold 50/50 out of a Personal Disney 100 Box. Gold on Gold Crest MGC 10 looks beautiful as always!”

POPULATION: 1

@ACE_CARD_TRADES

“I chose this card as it’s the only 1/1 I’ve ever pulled. It’s a very clean looking card and to think I own the only one is pretty cool. Although not everyone’s cup of tea, Futera cards are like miniature works of art. This one will stay in my PC for many years to come.’’

POPULATION: 1

@SIMPLYASTAGCARDS

"As a Mansfield Town fan, my collecting options are somewhat limited :) Making this 1 of 1 from Futera 2020 by far my favorite card. Although not the most expensive card in my collection, it is one that I will never sell!"

POPULATION: 1

2023 TOPPS CHROME - WOODY - 50/50 - GOLD - MGC 10

2023 FUTERA UNIQUE - HARRY KANE - 1/1 - RAINBOW - PATCH - MGC 10

2020 FUTERA - NIGEL CLOUGH - 1/1 -23KT GOLD - AUTOGRAPH - MGC 10

@POPCULTUREENCAPSULATED

"Tiffany x Supreme MGC 10 has to be one of my all-time favourite submissions This represents two iconic brands and a moment in pop culture history for me as a collector. The fact MGC was willing to do something outside of the box was awesome."

POPULATION: 1

@WILLINMAN10

"I've been after this card since it was released and was delighted to secure it via a trade. All three players were iconic goal scorers that I wished played for my team when I was growing up, and I wanted this triple auto to be a centrepiece of my PC!"

POPULATION: 1

@LUPCOTTCOLLECTABLES

"Being a huge Disney Villains fan, especially of Maleficent, I was thrilled to have received this in a grade 10. The white label and golden MGC logo fit perfectly with the gothic detail artwork and Disney stamp of the card. This is my ultimate favorite graded card in my collection."

POPULATION: 1

2023 TOPPS CHROME - HENRIK LARSSON/MICHAEL OWEN/PATRICK KLUIVERT - 19/50 - TRIPLE AUTOGRAPH - MGC 9

2023 WEISS SCHWARZ BLAU - MALEFICENT - MGC 10

@BURNS.TOM

‘’My Topps Now Oracle Red Bull Racing card 1/10 celebrates it being the first F1 team to win 12 successive Grand Prix races. The card showcases Red Bull Racing's achievements in the sport, and MGC grading the card a 10 showcases the quality of the card and product.”

POPULATION: 1

@BUMCHEEKS2 @UK_BLUE_EYES

JAMES O'BAR

"I had 5 Artist Proofs (APs), and I kept 1 blank Pure luck, I was a guest artist at Telford Comic Con, and I was literally sat next to James O'Barr He signed a few bits, and he drew and signed on my blank Artist Proof I had to get approved by Upper Deck as even though I didn't draw it, it was still on my AP It was approved, and MGC graded it It's a 1 of 1 and the only thing James O'Barr did for that sketch card set by Upper Deck "

POPULATION: 1

"The card that got me back into collecting about 4 years ago, and was the catalyst for me starting my collection of 1 of every 'Blue Eyes,' and ultimately my TCG business! I have this card to thank for all the amazing friends I've made in the TCG community."

POPULATION: 6

2021 TOPPS NOW - CARLOS SAINZ 1/1 - MGC 10

2021 UPPER DECK THE CROW - THE CROW - AUTO&ART BY

- MGC AUTHENTIC

2002 YU-GI-OH! - BLUE EYES WHITE DRAGON - MGC 10

@JACKOFALLTRADES

“My Mike Bisping and Dan Hardy Duel Auto is my favourite card. It’s not only nostalgic - being from 2012, around the time I started watching UFC regularly - but they were my favourite fighters of the time Being British, they were easy to root for, which raised the stakes and made it even more exciting”

POPULATION: 1

@HOBBY_CARDS_UK_

We have decided to highlight this collection from Ho Cards UK PC as they have shown unrelenting suppo us via their Instagram. As a Bukayo Saka collection, t 19/23 Orange Ice from Panini Prizm is a standout car and is a gem amongst his collection.

POPULATION: 1

@ROSSYV

A truly one of a kind card, this Disney Lorcana card was submitted by Ross through Collecteebles. The card features a remarkable drawing from Matthew R. Davies, who also drew the artwork of Elsa for the original Lorcana trading card.

POPULATION: 1

2012 TOPPS FINEST - DAN HARDY/MICHAEL BISPING - 20/25BLOODLINES - DUAL AUTOGRAPH - MGC 9

2023 PANINI PRIZM - BUKAYO SAKA - 19/23 - ORANGE ICE

2023 DISNEY LORCANA - ELSA - OLAF SKETCH BY MATTHEW R DAVIS

HOWWILLFANATICS BUYINGTOPPSBENEFIT THECARDMARKET?

Written by Dan Keane @sportscardsuk

TherecentblockbustermoveofToppsintothehandsofthee-commercemaestro Fanaticsisabouttosprinklesomeseriousmagicintothesportscardworld.

Topps, the OG producer of sports cards and cool collectibles with a legendary 70-year legacy, is now teaming up with Fanatics, the kingpin in online shopping known for its awesome fan gear. Picture this: Fanatics’ online mojo meets Topps’ card wizardry – it’s a match made in a collector’s paradise!

So, why is this such a big deal? Well, Topps gets a golden ticket – access to Fanatics’ massive distribution network and its online wonderland. Brace yourselves, collectors – this means Topps can high-five fans all over the globe, spreading the card love like confetti.

And with Fanatics’ data and marketing wizardry? Topps is about to become a mind-reader, figuring out what makes us tick.

Butwait,there’smore!ThistagteamallowsTopps todiveintoFanatics’fanengagementandloyalty party Thinkexclusivepromos,specialevents–the wholeshebang.Toppsisgearinguptocreatea collector’sparadise,connectingfansinawaythat goesbeyondthecardboard.

Fanaticsisalreadymakingwaveswiththeirdebut badgeonbaseballshirtsforthose1of1sports cards.It’slikeaddingadashofmagictoyour collection,makingthosecardsevenmore desirableandcollectible.Thedebutbadgelinks directlytotheplayer’sbigdebutmoment,turning yourcardsintosuper-authentic,historically valuabletreasures.Andlet’snotforget–it’slike sprinklingabitofextrasauceonthelong-term valueofthosecards,attractingseriouscollectors andsavvyinvestors

Andhere’stheicingonthecake:MichaelRubin, Fanatics’CEO,isn’tjustsittingback He’snotonly orchestratedameet-and-greetbetweenayoung fanandDevinBookerbuthasalsopromisedto bringanathletetoJeffWilson’sgrandopeningof hisnewshopinAtlanta.Rubin’snotstopping there–heevenswungbyKaboomcards,theUK’s firstandonlysportscardshop.Talkaboutmaking thesportscardsceneaglobalparty!

So,inanutshell,theToppsandFanaticscombois gearinguptorockthesportscardworld.With Fanatics’e-commerceflair,datamagic,andfan love,Toppsisreadytohigh-fivemorefans, understandusbetter,andturnthecollector’s worldintoonebigparty.Thebuzzaround FanaticspossiblysnaggingPanini?Well,that’sstill upintheair,andonlytimewillspillthebeanson howit’llshakeupthemarket

PICTURED: JAMES HARDEN, TOM BRADY, MICHEAL RUBIN AND DEVIN BOOKER - Rubin’s famous White Party

NOW STREAMINGON

@lukesolve

@cardconnoisseur

@simplyastagcards

@cardtricksuk

@deadrarecards

@kaboomcardsuk

Scanfor£10off yourfirstpurchase ofSports,TCGcards &more!

Recent MGC sales

Woody 50/50

MGC 10

SOLD: £232.00

RAW: £161.49

wis Hamilton

MGC 9

SOLD: £92.00

RAW: £40.00

Erling Haaland

MGC 10

SOLD: £30.00

RAW: £7.50

A. Garnacho

MGC 10

SOLD: £35.00

RAW: £1.01

Kylian Mbappe

MGC 10

SOLD: £42.99

RAW: £1.20

LeBron James

MGC 10

SOLD: £69.95

RAW: £1.57

Recent MGC l

Zinedine Zidane

MGC 10

SOLD: £255.00

RAW: £198.53

Umbreon V

MGC 10

SOLD: £139.00

RAW: £80.00

e

Bellingham

MGC 10

SOLD: £37.50

RAW: £6.28

Paolo Banchero

MGC 9

SOLD: £200.00

RAW: £120.09

Leafeon Vm

MGC 10

SOLD: £185.00

RAW: £86.95

Lionel Messi

MGC 9

SOLD: £60.00

RAW: £13.00

i n v e s t o r

s e c t o r

INPUTFROMTHEEXPERTS;

F1 - sportscardsocial

Baseball - rainycitycards

Football - cardsmaate

Womens - soccercardsunited

WWE - cardtricksuk

Basketball - oneofonesports

Pokemon - Brown Bear G

NFL - Keane

Sealed packs - Fora

@thesportscard.social

As the 2024 season starts, Topps unveils the Chrome 2023 Hobby product, sparking the Oscar Piastri hype The 2020 Formula 3 and 2021 Formula 2 World Champion concluded a stellar debut season with McLaren last year, setting the stage for his potential challenge against Max Verstappen and Red Bull. Piastri's rookie cards in Topps Chrome 2023 become sought-after investments, especially if McLaren maintains competitive performance. Personally drawn to the iconic 2020 debut release, I foresee its lasting benefits, alongside the enduring value of low-numbered Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton cards Notably, Ayrton Senna's presence in Chrome 2023 adds a legendary touch, creating solid investment opportunities The reminder: be a collector first, investor second cherish the cards you collect!

Elly De La Cruz (Cincinnati Reds) is hot property in the Hobby right now Despite his numbers not being consistent, Ellymania has seen many wanting to pick up a rookie card of his I’m fortunate to have just picked up an Elly Homefield Advantage case hit.

Evan Carter (Texas Rangers) was called up to the MLB in 2023, and he showed he can do it all, including winning the World Series in his debut season Outside of these two big rookie chases, my third recommendation to look out for is pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Dodgers). His rookie cards will drop in future releases.

@rainycitycards

Baseball expert

Our main PC is Phil Foden as we love the way he plays and under Pep, it guarantees good progression Another benefit of collecting Foden is he only has one rookie card, which is in the Donruss Rated Rookie 2018 Therefore, in years to come, this will be the go-to Phil Foden card, along with many new cards coming in the new sets It is the perfect time to start And with the way he is playing, hopefully, one day he can win the Ballon D’or.

F1 expert

@cardsmaate Football expert

The market for women ’ s soccer cards is maturing all the time At Soccer Cards United, we ’ ve been collecting fan favorites like Sam Kerr and Katie McCabe, along with the leading lights from the allconquering Barcelona Femení team: Ballon d'Or winners Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati, and recent rookies like Salma Paralluelo and Vicky Lopez.

If someone wanted to invest in women ’ s soccer, my advice would be to buy 2021-22 or 2022-23 sealed boxes. Topps Sapphire UWCL and the Barca Femení Champions 2023 set are especially undervalued in my opinion That way, as the sport and the collector market grows for women ’ s soccer, you can benefit regardless of which players come into and out of prominence

I love everything magic, it think they are going to be the real deal, maybe just playoff’s this season, but championships in the next few years if they can hold this core of serious young talent together. I’m a huge Paolo Banchero believer, already an all star, consistently putting up the stats and I see Lebron similarities . I love Jalen Suggs, so I buy plenty of Suggs with my heart, but my heart and head say Paolo. I have over 20 rookie autos of his so far and keep adding, so when you think magic, think one of one sports!

When our customers ask us what we consider to be a good financial Pokemon Investment I always suggest getting the latest products that don’t immediately stand out At the moment there is the Combined Powers Premium Collection Box that is small but packs a punch With 11 booster packs, 1 jumbo card and 7 promos: featuring Lugia, Ho-Oh & Suicune this is sure to be a product that will appreciate in value in years to come

@One Of One Sports Basketball expert

During this off season I’m picking up C J Stroud Usually the quarterback who ends the previous season strong, has a good run up into the start of the next season

For a lot of people, C J Stroud is that guy But the buying window is very small Buy smart

With the international tournaments coming thick and fast over the next 2 years, Sealed Original Panini Sticker Packets for past tournaments will see another bump in value if previous years are anything to go by. You need to avoid those naughty sellers who open and reseal the vintage/retro packs, and the best way to do that is to jump on the imminent graded packet boom. The 2026 World Cup has been on the radar for a while, so buying good condition Mexico 1970, Mexico ‘86 and USA ‘94 sealed products could be the smart move If you can find them

Cody Rhodes may "Finish the Story" at Wrestlemania 40, marking a compelling culmination to his two-year journey since returning to WWE As the son of the legendary Dusty Rhodes, Cody's quest for the world championship has included back-to-back Royal Rumble victories Recently thrust into the mainstream spotlight alongside The Rock, Cody's championship opportunity against Roman Reigns at Wrestlemania gained immense traction with #wewantcody trending globally. Notably, a rare Cody Rhodes Color Blast from Prizm 2023, graded MGC 10, captures his resilience in a Hell in a Cell match against Seth Rollins, where he triumphed with a torn pectoral muscle

@keane NFL expert

@forasportscards

Sealed Pack expert

@cardtricksuk

WWE expert

9thMarch

TheRidgewayCentre

MiltonKeynes

WELCOME TO MCC5

Saturday 13th July - The 1883, Edgeley Park

Soccer - Pokemon - Sports - TCG - Trade night - More

Saturday 16th March

Exhibition Centre, Liverpool

scan here

Where did Garbage Pail Kids start?

In 1985, Topps introduced Garbage Pail Kids, a whimsical and irreverent trading card series that emerged as a parody of the popular Cabbage Patch Kids dolls. This innovative creation took the form of collectible cards adorned with comically grotesque and satirical characters, each bearing pun-laden names. The release quickly captivated audiences, tapping into a blend of humor and rebellion that resonated with collectors and enthusiasts alike. The inaugural series of Garbage Pail Kids, with its unique blend of satire and offbeat charm, laid the foundation for a cultural phenomenon that has endured for decades, leaving an indelible mark on the world of trading cards and pop culture.

Why do people love Garbage Pail Kids?

"Collecting Garbage Pail Kids is all about the nostalgia. These little cards bring back so many memories and feelings of a time when the world; to me; was a simpler place.

Memories of getting my £1 a week pocket money on a Saturday; and heading down to the newsagents with my mates on our BMXs, to buy stickers and sweets.

Even the smell of the gum brings those memories back. And after a school holiday coming into school with your pile of swaps to trade; finding a corner in the playground to sit down with a few other likeminded obsessed friends to chant; got, need, got, got, need..."

written by MGC customer and GPK collector, Ben Page

GPKstatistics

101 Adam Bomb’s

290 cards MGC10

86 checklists

48 Modern

392 Vintage 1985

440 GPK cards graded graded graded graded graded graded

GRADEDTICKETS

@bigborisbushkin

MGC always take care with my tickets and I have never been disappointed with the results.

Our team at MGC understands the importance of preserving your ticket as a cherished memory. With meticulous care and attention to detail, we craft displays that not only showcase your ticket beautifully but also ensure its long-term protection.

There is something special about tickets which captures a moment in time and history. Since launching our ticket service we have seen so many extraordinary moments pass through our office.

The ticket holder was one of the most challenging cases we've ever manufactured due to the vast sizes, shapes and thickness' of each ticket That being said we're very proud of our final product and so pleased that so many ticket collectors are now taking advantage of our service.

Onlyticket

OURMOSTPOPULAR

SPORTS

Our biggest market for tickets is undoubtedly sports, and we have seen some iconic matches come through Several UFC fights, World Cup Finals, and even some early F1 races that have been preserved inside our ticket slabs.

Another large amount of submissions are from concerts from all around the globe. We have had sensational stars like Eminem, Taylor Swift and even Michael Jackson from pivotal shows throughout their careers.

MUSIC FILMS

Films and tickets go hand in hand, and the market for film tickets is definitely growing Vintage tickets for more iconic films such as Star Wars or Back To The Future are in high demand, and we at MGC are lucky enough to have seen our fair share Total Total Total

712 tickets graded

433 sports tickets

227 music tickets

Overview Q1 - 2024

POWERED BY

OUR TOP CATEGORIES

A short overview of which card categories are submitting the highest at MGC

OUR RANGE OF CARDS THIS QUATER

A visual representation of our top 12 grading categories this quater

This quarter marked a surge in the sports card market, notably in American sports post-Super Bowl, showcasing heightened interest Soccer cards, featuring leading players such as Garnacho, Messi, and Haaland, dominated recent months In the Trading Card Game sector, Pokémon maintains its industry leadership, with the recent set release anticipated to drive increased market engagement. Concurrently, a gradual ascent in Lorcana cards is projected, driven by the widespread popularity of Disney 100.

Among our 12 primary categories, we anticipate a surge in lower categories like sealed packs and miscellaneous submissions The WWE/UFC sector has notably risen, thanks to WhatNot streamer Card Tricks contributing cards alongside their community submission TCGs such as Yu-Gi-Oh! and One Piece are steadily gaining traction, though they have significant ground to cover to match the dominance of Pokémon. Interestingly, we ' re observing a slight market dip in Pokémon, presenting an opportune moment for strategic investment.

Bronze Silver Gold S E R V I C E S

£12.99 per card

ETA: 2-8 weeks return time

CURRENT: 5 weeks return time

SUCCESS RATE BEFORE DEADLINE: 98%

£22.99 per card

ETA: 14 working days

CURRENT: 8 working days

SUCCESS RATE BEFORE DEADLINE: 100%

£39.99 per card

ETA: 3 working days

CURRENT: 2 working days

SUCCESS RATE BEFORE DEADLINE: 100%

Soccer/Football

5,322 CARDS GRADED IN Q1 INCREASE VS Q4 2023

2%

Pokemon 1.

2.

409 HAALANDS GRADED

41% MANUFACTURED BY TOPPS

28% CATEGORY SHARE

2,867 NO. OF MGC 10'S AWARDED

6%

4,929 CARDS GRADED IN Q1 INCREASE VS Q4 2023

1,844 MEW & MEWTWOS GRADED

32% JAPANESE POKEMON

26% CATEGORY SHARE

2,686 NO. OF MGC 10'S AWARDED

3.

4.

2,248

7%

CARDS GRADED IN Q1 INCREASE VS Q4 2023

68% OF CARDS GRADED WERE NFL

584 BASKETBALL CARDS GRADED

12% CATEGORY SHARE

914 NO. OF MGC 10'S AWARDED

UFC/WWE

1,907

12%

CARDS GRADED IN Q1 INCREASE VS Q4 2023

10% CATEGORY SHARE

296 JOHN CENA GRADED

181 CONNORMCGREGOR GRADED

764 NO. OF MGC 10'S AWARDED

6.

1,198 CARDS GRADED IN Q1 INCREASE VS Q3 2024

1 B.E.W.D. WAS THE MOST GRADED CARD

8%

87% ENGLISH CARDS

6% CATEGORY SHARE

258 NO. OF MGC 10'S AWARDED

Formula one

5%

836 CARDS GRADED IN Q1 INCREASE VS Q4 2023

208 MAX VERSTAPPEN‘S GRADED

90% MANUFACTURED BY TOPPS

4% CATEGORY SHARE

265 NO. OF MGC 10'S AWARDED

7.

8.

Lorcana

4%

608 CARDS GRADED IN Q1 INCREASE VS Q4 2023

1 MICKEY MOUSE WAS THE MOST GRADED

28% ENCHANTED

3% CATEGORY SHARE

218 NO. OF MGC 10'S AWARDED

Miscellaneous

1%

585 CARDS GRADED IN Q1 INCREASE VS Q4 2023

1 MOST CARDS GRADED WERE GPK

95% MANUFACTURED BY TOPPS

3% CATEGORY SHARE

184 NO. OF MGC 10'S AWARDED

10. 9.

Weiss Schwarz

12%

543 CARDS GRADED IN Q1 INCREASE VS Q4 2023

312 DISNEY 100 CARDS GRADED

138 MARVEL CARDS GRADED

3% CATEGORY SHARE

164 NO. OF MGC 10'S AWARDED

Dragon Ball

488 CARDS GRADED IN Q1 INCREASE VS Q4 2023

2%

2% CATEGORY SHARE

1 GOKU MOST CARDS GRADED

68% GRADED AN MGC 10

264 NO. OF MGC 10'S AWARDED

11.

OnePiece

302 CARDS GRADED IN FEBRUARY INCREASE VS Q4 2023

3%

12.

1 MONKEY D. LUFFY RADED THE MOST

12% JAPANESE ONE PIECE

2% CATEGORY SHARE

101 NO. OF MGC 10'S AWARDED

Sealed packs

4%

212 PACKS GRADED IN FEBRAUARY INCREASE VS Q4 2023

110 POKEMON PACKS GRADED

80% TCG PACKS GRADED

1% CATEGORY SHARE

112 NO. OF MGC 10'S AWARDED

Specialising in cards for every type of collector;

and many, many more...

CELEBRITY COLLECTORS

a look into what sort of cards the rich and famous are collecting.

Steve Aoki Ian & Joshua Poulter Tosin Adarabioyo

Post Malone Logan Paul Antoine Griezmann DJ and producer Professional golfer Fulham player

Rapper and singer Online Influencer and Wrestler Atletico Madrid player

Star Wars & Soccer Formula One Basketball & Football

Magic The Gathering Pokemon American Sports

Snoop Dogg

Bryan Cranston

Miles Teller

Drake

Phil Foden

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SKETCHARTIST:

We got in touch with trading card sketch artist Karl Jones to ask a few questions of what his work entails and why he loves what he does. Having done work with companies like Topps and Upper Deck and drawing a wide range of different franchises, it is clear that Jones knows what he is talking about when it comes to this niche specialist subject.

When Karl isn’t sketching for the latest upcoming set, he is touring the country at card shows and comic cons, where he has the opportunity to meet the very iconic characters he has sketched in person. He has got some very exciting cards signed by some very exciting people, such as his The Crow card signed and sketched by artist James O’Barr which features in our Collectors Corner page.

HISSTORY

After the unfortunate passing of his nan, Jones picked up the pencil and paintbrush again for the first time 25 years later and never expected anything to come of it. However, as a collector himself he eventually got invited to start drawing Sketch Cards for some big companies which was a dream come true

In the years to follow, Jones got a chance to do some pretty big things in the scene, such as being one of the, if not the only, artist to create a series of negative painting Artist Proofs, which turned out pretty impressive, although due to the tricky nature of the cards it takes twice as long to do.

As Jones has carried on growing he has had the opportunities to work on more and more sets, such as Aliens, The Crow and the Kurt Kollection, but the top of his list to revisit is Star Wars and Garbage Pail, two behemoths in the trading card market.

Looking towards the future, Jones expressed to me his desire to attend more card shows across the UK and even potentially abroad. Jones also has aspirations to sketch cards for sports cards such as for football and F1 if Topps was to ever incorporate them into their sets.

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