Published October 15, 2025 | By Alyx E, Founder of Collectors MD

It’s almost impressive how quickly Topps and Fanatics can find a way to commercialize whatever’s trending. Every viral character, toy, or pop-culture moment eventually finds its way onto a piece of glossy cardboard—branded, numbered, and ready to rip. The latest example? Topps Chrome Labubu.

For anyone who’s been paying attention, this move isn’t surprising—it’s the same pattern we’ve watched play out over and over again. The second something gains cultural traction, it’s turned into another product, another short-term money grab disguised as innovation. There’s no connection to the hobby’s roots, no creative storytelling, no lasting artistic vision—just another shiny set aimed at feeding the same reward loops that keep collectors clicking “bid” or “add to cart”.

It’s not that crossovers or collaborations are bad. In fact, when done authentically, they can bridge worlds, attract new fans, and celebrate shared nostalgia. But that’s not what’s happening here. What we’re seeing is manufactured relevance—companies chasing attention, not connection. They’ll slap a logo or character on a card, surround it with the same familiar parallel designs and facsimile autographs, and market it as the greatest “invention” that every “true collector” needs. And the truth is, many of us fall for it—not because we’re greedy or careless, but because the system is designed to make us feel like missing out equals losing status or joy.

Topps Chrome Labubu—the latest “must-have” drop no one asked for. Another glossy reminder that in today’s hobby, even the most obscure trends can be repackaged, refracted, and resold back to us as something “essential”.

The saddest part is how numb the hobby has become to it all. Ten years ago, people would’ve cackled at the idea of a Chrome set built around an obscure vinyl toy monster. Today, it drops with a full marketing rollout, influencer unboxings, and secondary-market listings within hours. The excitement feels familiar—but it’s hollow, recycled, and transactional.

Every time we chase the next quick-hit release, we move further away from what collecting used to stand for: connection, curiosity, discovery, and care. Those things don’t fit neatly into a numbered parallel run. They can’t be pre-sold or artificially scarce. They grow slowly, intentionally—over time.

So maybe the real reflection today isn’t about Topps or Fanatics at all. It’s about us. About the moment we start asking ourselves: Am I collecting this because it genuinely brings me joy—or because the algorithm told me it should?

Because every dollar we spend sends a message. Every blind purchase signals what kind of behavior we’re willing to accept. And while one person opting out might not change the system overnight, a community of mindful collectors can.

We deserve a hobby that honors creativity, not exploitation. That rewards authenticity, not manipulation. And it starts with remembering that not every trend is worth chasing—and not every product deserves our attention.

#CollectorsMD
Every trend doesn’t deserve your wallet—sometimes the healthiest move is to simply sit it out.

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