GIANT SERIES
GARBAGE PAIL KIDS

~ Print Run Paragraph ~
~ Series Overview ~
~ Fun Facts and Tid-bits ~
~ GPK History Section ~
~ Comprehensive Checklist ~

     A giant sticker set was released by Topps Ireland in 1986 throughout Ireland and Great Britain. The U.S. version was also released at that time, the due date was February 31st for the set, it was released after the 3rd series GPK in January and during the 4th series release in May of that year. The release time in Ireland and Great Britain most likely coincided with an earlier set compared to the U.S. The 15 card set contained original GPK artwork that was poster-like in image measuring slightly smaller than 5 X 7 inches.  Each pack cost .99 cents and came with 3 giant stickers with award backs.

BLUE BOX

RED And CLEAR WRAPPER (0-452-15-01-6)
MADE IN THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND - BY TOPPS IRELAND LTD, BALLINCOLLIG, CORK.

1. The U.K. Wrapper is much thicker than the U.S. Giant series wrapper.

2. Overall, the U.K. set has images that are much sharper and brighter then the U.S. version. The card backs have a matte finish whereas the U.S. version has a gloss finish on the backside. Card example #10 "GARBAGE PAIL CIRCUS!".

UK version with "© 1986 TOPPS CHEWING GUM, INC."


US version with "© TOPPS CHEWING GUM, INC. PRTD. IN U.S.A."

2. Checklist is on back of Card #14; back of wrapper only states "Collect All 15 Stickers".

1. For card back #1 "LICENSE TO CHEW" ("License to Kill" phrase parody), as well as with the remaining 14 card backs, artist Howard Cruse completed the final art for all the card backs including the border around the card. The ribbon artwork with number was created and drawn by Mark Newgarden.


2. Two Unpublished Pieces intended for the Giant 5x7 set or GPK Poster set were titled "Miami Lice" (parody of the television show "Miami Vice") and "E Pluribus Garbage" (a GPK coat of arms). An unpublished award back was titled "Creative Writing Award".

3. Card #3 "Garbage Pail Kids RULE" was completed by an In-House art department Staffer at Topps by the name of Mai (unknown last name). Topps liked the security of a "staffer" who could fill in at times of need. Only a handful of her artwork can be found including two pieces in the 3rd GPK series. The rough and tight pencil was completed by Mark Newgarden.

1 = First Print Run

INTRO