Even if you weren’t a big fan of the movie, the 2006 Topps Superman Returns autographs checklist is pretty impressive. Featuring a Superman, one of the greatest actors of a generation and a few other familiar faces, it isn’t a big lineup but it’s a strong one.
Leading the way are the two main stars from the blockbuster. By signing for the set, Brandon Routh became the first actor to sign a card wearing the iconic red cape. He may not be the massive star some were expecting when Superman Returns came out, but there’s still a lot of significance in the card.
Perhaps even more important is the other headline card — Academy Award winner Kevin Spacey, who offered his spin on Lex Luthor. At 1:2,450 packs, Spacey is an incredibly tough pull, more than twice as hard as Routh’s 1:1,110 packs, the second rarest.
Autographs are only available in 2006 Topps Superman Returns hobby packs, landing at a combined rate of 1:58. That means they’re about one every 2.5 hobby boxes. Retail packs don’t have autographs. Should you come across packs, they should say whether they have signed cards or not, noting retail and hobby.
The Superman Returns autographs helped usher in a new era for Topps entertainment releases. This is one of their first to use stickers for the signatures. They’re the bold, flashy foil stickers, too, so they certainly stand out. For many collectors, these stickers aren’t as desirable. But for most of the signers, particularly the top ones, there are no other options.
2006 Topps Superman Returns Autographs Checklist
Group Odds (hobby packs): A – 1:2,450, B – 1:1,110, C – 1:208, D – 1:92
Click on the links to shop for specific cards or check current market values on eBay.
Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane C
Sam Huntington as Jimmy Olsen D
James Marsden as Richard White D
Parker Posey as Kitty Kowalski D
Brandon Routh as Superman B
Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor A
