The History of Topps and Star Wars: From 1977 to the 2025 Topps Star Wars Chrome Hobby Release

The History of Topps and Star Wars: From 1977 to the 2025 Topps Star Wars Chrome Hobby Release

Few partnerships in pop culture collectibles are as legendary as Topps and Star Wars. For nearly five decades, Topps has brought fans closer to a galaxy far, far away through trading cards that blend art, photography, and nostalgia. With the upcoming 2025 Topps Star Wars Chrome release, collectors are once again preparing for a set that celebrates the past while embracing the future.


The Beginning: 1977 and the Birth of a Classic

When Star Wars: A New Hope premiered in 1977, Topps seized the opportunity to produce a trading card set that would capture the imagination of fans everywhere. The result was a 66-card series featuring movie stills, character bios, and behind-the-scenes shots.

The iconic blue-bordered design became a cornerstone of collecting. Topps quickly followed up with additional series in red, yellow, green, and orange borders—each expanding the set and fueling a collecting craze that mirrored the film’s blockbuster success.

For kids of the late ’70s, opening a wax pack of Star Wars cards was as thrilling as watching the Millennium Falcon jump to hyperspace.


Expanding the Galaxy in the 1980s and 1990s

As The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return of the Jedi (1983) hit theaters, Topps released new card sets, chronicling Luke Skywalker’s journey, Darth Vader’s menace, and the rise of new characters like Yoda, Lando, and Jabba the Hutt.

By the 1990s, with the resurgence of Star Wars fandom and the release of expanded universe content, Topps continued to produce innovative sets. Collectors enjoyed wide-screen cards, limited inserts, and the first glimpses of premium card technology.


Chrome Era and the Rise of Premium Collecting

In the late 1990s and 2000s, Topps embraced Chrome technology, producing cards with a sleek metallic finish that added depth and durability. The marriage of Star Wars and Chrome created a premium collecting experience, appealing to both nostalgic fans and modern hobbyists.

Insert sets, autographs from actors, and sketch cards by well-known artists elevated Star Wars cards from simple collectibles to high-end hobby staples.


2025 Topps Star Wars Chrome: The Next Chapter

Now, in 2025, the tradition continues with the highly anticipated 2025 Topps Star Wars Chrome release. Designed for fans and collectors who want the best of both worlds—nostalgia and innovation—this set promises:

  • Premium Chrome Finish: Stunning card stock with vibrant imagery from across the Star Wars saga.

  • 2025 Topps Star Wars Chrome Hobby Boxes: Packed with exclusive parallels, autographs, and insert sets available only to hobby collectors.

  • Legacy Meets Modern Collecting: From original trilogy classics to the latest stories in The Mandalorian and beyond, the 2025 set spans generations.

For collectors, the 2025 Topps Star Wars Chrome Hobby release is more than just trading cards—it’s a piece of Star Wars history you can hold in your hands.


Why Collectors Still Love Topps Star Wars

The lasting appeal of Topps and Star Wars comes down to three things:

  1. Nostalgia – Opening packs today feels like being transported back to 1977.

  2. Artistry – From Chrome technology to exclusive autographs, each card is a work of art.

  3. Connection – Collecting creates a tangible link to the stories and characters that inspire us.


Final Thoughts

From the wax packs of 1977 to the sleek 2025 Topps Star Wars Chrome Hobby boxes, Topps has remained at the heart of Star Wars fandom. Each release reminds us that trading cards are more than collectibles—they’re part of the ongoing story of the galaxy we love.

Whether you’re a lifelong collector or a new fan, the 2025 Topps Star Wars Chrome set is a must-have addition to your collection.

Back to blog