1966 Topps Superman is the first mainstream set of trading cards to showcase the Man of Steel in live action form. Based on the George Reeves television show, it remains one of the character’s most popular releases even if the show is seldom watched by audiences today.
1966 Topps Superman Checklist Details
The 66-card set highlights The Adventures of Superman, the first TV show to star the comic icon. Starring George Reeves, it’s a version of the character that isn’t talked about much today. The show came from a different era and, simply, it doesn’t hold up. But Reeves is still an important part of the character’s history and evolution, which is why the set continues to resonate even if it’s source material doesn’t.
Fronts are a mix of images from the show and publicity shots meant to promote it. While they have plenty of personality, the photos also show the limitations of the small screen at the time.
The Adventures of Superman actually aired between 1952 and 1958. However, thanks to syndication and reruns, it remained popular enough to warrant a card set years later. Topps stuck with black and white for the images despite the fact that the show made the shift to color mid way through its original run.
Back Variations
The first 44 cards all have three different variations. You won’t notice it on the front, though. Rather, it’s the back style. The most common have orange backs, which have two versions. The first has an ad for the show on the bottom and the copyright info running up the side. The second orange back has the copyright text along the bottom and no TV show ad. These actually came out before the ad backs. By far, the rarest 1966 Topps Superman back variations have white backgrounds. These are commonly referred to as Proof versions.
The final 22 cards are puzzle backs and don’t have variations.
1966 Topps Superman isn’t a particularly rare set. However, for those looking for top-condition cards, it can take patience and higher price tags. Given its era and subject matter, it’s also a very popular release when it comes to professional grading.
1966 Topps Superman Checklist
Set size: 66 cards
Cards per pack: 6
Packs per box:24
Shop for 1966 Topps Superman packs and boxes on eBay.
Base Set Checklist
66 cards.
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1 Krypton Is Doomed
2 Destination: Earth
3 Superman’s Parents
4 Ace Reporter
5 Superman
6 A Job for Superman
7 The Man of Steel
8 Superman’s Strength
9 Metropolis’ Hero
10 The Threat
11 Plotting Lois’ Death
12 Lois in Trouble
13 Lois is Kidnapped
14 Jimmy and Clark
15 He’s Been Shot
16 Clark Gets a Lead
17 No False Moves, Kent
18 You’re Finished Kent
19 Superman in Action
20 Futile Fight
21 Superman’s Warning
22 The Backfire
23 Crushing Blow
24 Seeing with X-Ray Eyes
25 Saved by Superman
26 Safe at Last
27 Superman’s Peril
28 Jimmy, Superman & Perry
29 Great Caesar’s Ghost
30 Bullets Bounce Off Him
31 In the Nick of Time
32 Superman & the Savages
33 Superman Leaps In
34 Superman to the Rescue
35 Superman’s Problem
36 The Challenge
37 The Pirates’ Decision
38 It’s Superman!
39 Helping Hand
40 Superman & the Cavemen
41 Facing the Death Ray
42 Superman’s “Wedding”
43 Happy Ending
44 Reporter Clark Kent
45 Super Safecracker
46 Interviewing the Chief
47 Superman’s Pet
48 At the Police Station
49 Capturing the Crooks
50 The Alien Arrives
51 Superman Gets His Man
52 Jor-El on Krypton
53 Jimmy Behind Bars
54 Help Me, Superman
55 Lois Threatened!
56 Superman’s Search
57 Pa Kent Finds Superboy
58 Held as a Hostage
59 Rocket from Krypton
60 Flight over Metropolis
61 The Kryptonite Ray
62 Superman as a Baby
63 Ruler of Krypton
64 Superman’s Father
65 Visitor from Space
66 Harmless Blow
