1967 Topps Wacky Packages: A Collector's Guide

Forty-four lick-and-stick parodies that launched one of Topps' longest-running brands, and that most kids destroyed.

Before Garbage Pail Kids, there were Wacky Packages. In 1967, Topps issued 44 die-cut cards that parodied the grocery products every kid knew. The jokes came from Art Spiegelman, who would later win a Pulitzer Prize for Maus. Most of the paintings came from Norman Saunders, the artist behind Mars Attacks. Kids punched them out, licked the backs and stuck them on lockers and notebooks. That's why intact 1967 die-cuts are so hard to find today.

The Set at a Glance

• Issuer: Topps.

• Cards: 44 die-cut parodies.

• Format: Die-cut designs meant to be punched out, licked on the back and stuck to surfaces. These are not peel-and-stick stickers.

• Creators: Art Spiegelman created the parodies. Norman Saunders painted most of them.

1967 Die-Cuts vs. 1973 Stickers

This is the single most important thing to know. Wacky Packages returned in 1973 as peel-and-stick stickers, and the first 1973 series reused 30 of the 1967 designs. So the same parody can exist as a 1967 die-cut and as a 1973 sticker.

To tell them apart:

• 1967 cards are die-cut lick-and-stick pieces, with a gummed back meant to be moistened.

• 1973 stickers have a peel-off backing.

If a listing doesn't say which you're getting, ask for a photo of the back. The 1967 die-cuts are far scarcer.

The Pulled Designs

The parodies were close enough to real brands that companies complained. Fourteen of the 44 designs were pulled after cease-and-desist letters from the companies whose products were spoofed. Collectors look for these cards in particular:

• Cracked Animals and Ratz Crackers, pulled after the initial run.

• Moron Salt, pulled later and replaced by Jolly Mean Giant, which was itself pulled soon after.

The pulled designs are part of what makes the 1967 set a challenge to complete.

Why Intact Die-Cuts Are Scarce

Wacky Packages were made to be used, and they were. Surviving 1967 die-cuts face several problems:

• Punched-out or partly separated designs. An intact die-cut, still in its card, is the goal.

• Moistened or stuck backs. Any sign that the gum was activated is a serious flaw.

• Creases and bends along the die-cut lines.

• Corner and edge wear.

• Staining from gum, glue or the surfaces they were stuck to.

That's why clean, intact examples are prized, and why graded high-grade copies carry large premiums.

Building the Set

Learn the backs. Before buying, know what a genuine 1967 gummed back looks like, so you don't pay 1967 prices for a 1973 sticker.

Prioritize the pulled designs. They're the hardest to find and the cards that slow a set down.

Accept imperfection. Because intact copies are scarce, many collectors build a mid-grade set and upgrade the keys over time.

Grade the scarce designs. Authentication and grading make the most sense for pulled designs and high-grade copies.

The Wacky Packages Family Tree

• 1967: The original 44 die-cuts.

• 1969: Wacky Ads, a separate 36-card set of parody billboards.

• 1973 onward: Wacky Packages as peel-and-stick stickers, running through many series.

• Later revivals: Topps has returned to the brand repeatedly.

The 1967 set is the root of the whole family and the hardest to find in collectible condition. It's also a natural companion to Garbage Pail Kids, which grew out of the same Topps parody tradition.

Storage and Display

Store die-cuts in sleeves and toploaders sized to fit without pressure, since the die-cut lines are fragile. Never moisten or press the backs. Keep them flat, dry and out of direct light. A slab or archival frame is the best way to display a prized piece.

Who Collects Original Wacky Packages

Wacky Packages collectors tend to be passionate and well informed. Many grew up with the 1970s sticker series and work backward to the 1967 originals. Others come from the comic-art world, drawn by Art Spiegelman's involvement and Norman Saunders' paintings. Because the 1967 die-cuts are the rarest and earliest Wacky Packages, they sit at the top of the hobby. Clean, intact examples with good eye appeal are always in demand.

Pricing Tips

Research each design by name, and always confirm that the sale was a 1967 die-cut rather than a 1973 sticker of the same design. Graded sales are the most reliable comps. For the pulled designs, sales are infrequent, so expect wide price ranges and be patient.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cards are in the 1967 Topps Wacky Packages set?

Forty-four die-cut parodies.

How do I tell a 1967 Wacky Package from a 1973 sticker?

The 1967 cards are die-cut lick-and-stick pieces with gummed backs. The 1973 versions are peel-and-stick stickers with a backing. Some designs appear in both.

Who created the original Wacky Packages?

Art Spiegelman created the parodies, and Norman Saunders painted most of the artwork.

Why were some Wacky Packages pulled?

Fourteen designs were withdrawn after companies objected to the parodies of their products.

Are 1967 Wacky Packages worth grading?

Yes, for intact, clean examples and for the pulled designs. Grading confirms the card is a 1967 die-cut and protects the fragile die-cut edges.

Shop Wacky Packages at Crafted TCG

Browse original Wacky Packages and vintage Topps parody cards at Crafted TCG. Every listing shows the back, so you know exactly which issue you're buying.