I find I like a lot of things. I don't play Magic the Gathering. My older brother did. I always liked the illustrations. It has influenced my collecting a bunch. Always looking for things my eye is drawn too. The styles I like. This card is one. ART by Nicholas Gregory aka @cosmicdaydreamstudio on Instagram. There is so much talent in the industry and I don't think it gets highlighted enough. In another post I am going to share another designer/artist not in MTG that is bringing some fantastic work.

Do you collect artist cards? Any artist/designer recommends I should check out?

Cheers Alan | UK

A movie/ film card connection. I have touched on this before in a previous post. Cool little nods, references or actual cards in scenes. This one is from the 2016, Ben Affleck film 'The Accountant' - Good film worth a watch. I recently watched again and was reminded of this. Anyway! I won't give any spoilers or context to this frame. I wanted to post as thought it was cool to see a:- T206 Honus Wagner, a T205 Dick Hoblitzell, and a 1915 Cracker Jack Christy Mathewson. I don't think these are real by any stretch.

Do you think Ben Afflect has original copies of these cards in a vault somewhere?

What''s your favourite card reference in a movie? Mine is the Lou Gehrig 1973 Topps | The All-Time Grand Slam Leader #472 from the 1985 The Goonies.

What films or TV franchises would like to see in cards? I think I will do another post on ideas I'd like to see. I have a few.

Have a good weekend - Cheers Alan | UK

NOTE: Want to give a shout out to -http://baseballcardbreakdown.blogspot.com/. Good site for all things baseball and found the I.D of the cards on the site. There is a big list over there of cards in films.

Hello All

Just thought I would post and give a little jolt to what may be for some a lull or limbo in January. Grey and wet here in England. A player that might need a spark. Interesting watching the movers and shakers, hires and fires in the NFL currently outside of the Superbowl focus.

Teams looking for that electricity to get over the line or start up a new philosophy. Also some more big shocks to come am sure.

Paired with the Chargers card, it seemed fitting to use 10,000 Volt Ghost (Hanna-Barbera Figure) from Scooby Doo.

What cards are bringing the energy for you recently? And which ones do you think will 'flip a switch' in the Hobby soon?

Cheers Alan | UK

Hello All

Just throwing a Happy New Year out there and positivity. Good luck to all your goals, projects, collections for 2026 and beyond.

Looking forward to seeing what pops up on the Mantel Platform. Also what else Mantel bring us in 2026.

Cheers Alan | UK

Hello All

Here is a card I picked up with 'The Incredibles' card. Dug out from a small box in a charity shop over here in the UK. Again just having fun with the photo to show you it. Sided by Ashoka, Princess Leia & R2D2 doing his loyal duties. The backdrop is open pages from the Book - The Art of Star Wars - The Force Awakens (Phil Szostak). 

So much wonderful art and concept design in it. I guess prompted the title. I personally love Star Wars since a kid and would love to hunt down more cards from the franchise. I watched 'Return of the Jedi' just yesterday. Not the Christmas Special!

So amongst some Dark times. Remember there is your creativity to pull you out and shed a bit of light on things. Also to share what you want to say.

I think the hobby has a lot to offer in terms of contribution community wise, not just locally but globally.

Has Mantel got any initiatives on community based projects? Mantel Makers, Mantel Movers?

Anyway just a little universal positivity from me. Let me know your favourite Star Wars card? Owned or not owned yet.

MAY THE CARDS BE WITH YOU

Cheers Alan | UK