I Need A Hero...

 Well, if you needed a hero and went to Loblaw stores last fall, you could get stickers from the 64 sticker Marvel Be A Hero set - one pack for every $25 spent. I had one lying around that I forgot to open at the time, so let's take a look.

In 2024, a similar non-sticker set of "cards" was released and there was a mad rush to collect them, which settled down. I don't think there was nearly the same reaction to this set, but still a nice little set to collect if you like Marvel.

The set up is similar - 4 stickers per "pack", front as shown above and the back below.

Picked this up at No Frills, and I ensured no children under 36 months were harmed in the making of this post.

No surprise Guardians of the Galaxy and X-Men make up all the cards I get.

I did learn something though. No idea what card 46 was until I looked it up. Apparently the Giardians ship is called The Milano and is named after actress Alyssa Milano from Who's The Boss and Charmed (at least that is where I always remember her from).

It also is apparently a Lego set, which I looked up and seems pretty cool if you are into such things, though a bit pricey as the one I saw was about $240 CDN.

I'll stick with checking out the free cards from Loblaw stores, thanks!

Getting Double

 Getting a string of cards in a lot like this one, you end up with duplicates in quick order sometimes, and most of my luck, that's not been a good thing, but today we benefit with seeing double...

You get the front and back shot of this nice Mitch Marner base card, all in one scan! Still sucks he left Toronto, but I digress, appreciate getting a couple more copies of the card - sweet!

We also get an insert, and I'll show both sides here so you can see the spiffy way to tell them, which I fully appreciate...

The design on the front does look different, so you can likely tell something is up with the card, but exactly what to call it - just check the back...

Now, it doesn't need to be this clear with the "Black Rainbow", I'd be more than happy if it were just above or below the 2023-24 Allure Hockey line, that works too. As someone with vision issues, I do absolutely appreciate the little nod, especially when there are 53 different possible parallels.

Unfortunately, in another lot of Allure cards from the 2026 Lot, those are all my highlights, but for those looking for some cards in the set themselves...here's a peek at the rest...

You can tell, scanning the cards this way, their curve did well to push up on the lid, and push some of the cards away from the scanner bed. Not a big deal, and seems to be with many if not all the Allure cards, so expect it's just how they roll with age.

Finally cross the massive 10 card line for Toronto cards coming from the lot....okay, not a high line to cross, but still a mark!

I have space for specific accomplishments, but still waiting for there to be one....

A Card Show and English and French!

A few months ago, there was a free card show at the Burlington Mall, and it must have gone well enough, it was back again yesterday. I went, hoping the same vendors would be there, and maybe more. I was curious to see if the number of vendors increased, or were a measure of success and whether it would become a regular thing. Well, I'd say there was about 15% more vendors, so it may be a somewhat regular recurring thing, and there were plenty of people when it opened at 10am. The downside, the sports cards were even less than what they were last time. Instead of 90% Pokemon, I'd say it was now 95% Pokemon and One Piece - no Magic and just a few sports card related offerings. Of the 4 or so sports card tables, three were a mix of Pokemon and sports cards, and the sports cards were all "higher end" singles, and I was not looking to spend $20-$2,000 on a card today. I did find a "cheaper" box at one table and flipped through with the criteria, Leaf cards pre-1975 and $2 or less a card.

That said, this is what I walked away with at $2 per card...

The Quinn is beat up but it's his rookie card, it's Pat Quinn, and it's from 1969-70, so give the card a break. The condition on the rest are quite good save some soft corners which are to be expected, but that was about all I found for $2 a card. I could have found more for $5 a card, but when I open those gates, I'd be afraid the money would just start flying. Besides, I'd rather work some trades on TCDB and move some of my own cards for trade, to better homes. Still, a nice enough experience, and if it's every few months, I'd probably go to check it out each time, in case there is something worthwhile to pick up. No unopened sports product though, plenty enough for Pokemon if you wanted to spend the money though.

Separately, on to the 2026 Lot...

1991-92 Pro Set was everywhere when I was collecting as a kid - I mean, I think I even busted a box of the stuff from each series. It's one I am sure I had a completed set for at some point. Buying sports cards lots even now, plenty of these "junk wax" sets that show up, and I don't expect much difference here, so some 1911-92 Pro Set is part for the course.

These are typical fare for the set, some stars and All-Stars, but it's not just English as we have some of the French variety to share as well...

Much easier to tell with the backs. I always take a quick peek at the heading on the stats in order to tell which version we are dealing with. A quick way for me as it stands out more than reading the write up, but of course that would work as well.

Could have been better with less Montreal representation, but I guess being the French version, that does feel more appropriate.

Well, these cards don't help me on my keepers out of the lot, but do keep hockey well ahead on representation in this lot...very Canadian....

Kawhi Not?

 Back to the 2026 Lot, and we get more Mosaic basketball, but solid on the Raptor representation!

We get Powell above, but at this point, former, Kawhi below was a big deal at the time this set was originally released.

After winning the championship in Toronto, Kawhi quickly turned and left the city. I think that at the time, fans in the city were a bit bitter on the abrupt change. Yes, it was a blow softened by the championship win, but many were hoping it could be turned into a couple, or more, it just wasn't to be.

Toronto did well with Kawhi gone right after the championship win, but couldn't quite keep the steam and the team fell apart a bit after 2020-21, well for a couple years anyway.

As for these cards, most are ones that have come up before but a handful are "new", so still looking to maybe complete the set save for the rookies - but time will tell.

A Surprise Package

 Every now and then, there is packages which go back and forth with Sportscards From The Dollar Store, and today I get to share a package which came my way. I usually send Sens or Bills as they need not stay here and are enjoyed there. Today, the Jays  (and a few Leafs)  that have a new home...

I had never seen the 1994 Leaf Slideshow insert cards before, and this Alomar is a nice one and done Blue Jay from the 10 card set. This was cool technology back in the day with the slideshow look and feel of the picture on the card, and it looks awesome held up to light too.

The 2014 Bowman Platinum Edwin is the second of three Jays from that base set, and then we get some newer Jays as well.

A first 2024 Topps Holiday Jay with Joey, and then all 4 Donruss 2025 base cards to knock off that team set quick as can be - sweet!

We get a bunch of 2025Topps Series 1 Jays. First 2025 flagship cards I have had in hand, and the design is fine. Reminds me more of a Bowman design, but it's okay - definitely not a favorite. I am not fofended by it, but it's not one I look at and think I really need to collect beyond getting my Jays.

We end with a few Leafs as any trade between two Canadians has to at least consider including hockey. The Ovation insert is one I hadn't seen before from the Upper Deck offering, and the Allure is the second of three base card Leafs from that set, so plenty of success in adding to the Toronto collection which is always greatly appreciated.

A Score-y From Orry

 Another fantastic trade to share, this one with Orry04 which is our fourth trade at TCDB (not that we have been trading anywhere else though). What he sent my way, is a whole bunch of baseball goodness and a bit of wrestling to boot..

We start with my first purple prizm card from 2021 Panini Prizm which looks nice and sleek. Same can be said about the Holo Semien.

Triston is the odd man out, being a 2021 Topps flagship base set addition and not part of the Jays collect, but just as important in the trade.

The pair of 2021 Topps A&G Chrome minis, are, sensing a theme, the first such cards from that insert set for my collection of Jays.

The Springer Wanted insert from 2021 Topps Big Leauge is new, and a one and done Jays insert set.

The Vladdy Classic insert is also a nice one and done Jays insert set - sweet....and the Emergent Hernandez as well.

The Rainbos Foil Hernandez top centre looks very nice in hand, but the Blue Ice Prizms for the Blue Jays are amazing! Any team colour equivalent parallel always adds a bit of wow factor.

Just one off the pure base team set for 2023 Topps Holiday with the couple unnecessary set additions. I mean, we have had games with snow before, but this fake design stuff just to sell the set - meh.

With these two cards, my 2020 Topps Road To Wrestlemania set is down to one last need - better than when I thought I was done incorrectly and found I was missing three cards.

Fantastic trade, and very much appreciated!

Trading With A Bishop and Buying From B.C.

 dbishop93 over at TCDB offered a trade which I will share below today and brought some 80s baseball my way.

We hit three different non-Toronto related collecting items in one PWE. First, a few needs from the 1982 Topps base set build. Pretty nice cards too, not you basic non-star type cards, some nice leaders and all stars.

We then get one puzzle piece closer, so now only one remaining, to complete the 1987 Donruss Roberto Clemente puzzle. I love all of these insert puzzles and have some of them, but still a few I haven't completed. Hopefully Roberto here will be done soon.

Lastly, you might wonder why I would be getting a base 1989 Fleer card but, I had the error cards marked for possible gathering from trade, though when I look at it, it may be more a name variation, on whether his name has the O as the end or not. Well, if I figure it's an error, at least I have a copy for the error collection!

A great little trade, and as always, much appreciated!

On a separate note, I made a purchase over the end of the holidays from www.pastimesports.ca which I have bought from a few times. It's good for unopened packs as well as some odd stuff when on sale. I picked up a number of One Piece Japanese packs for the kids - maybe for Valentine's Day. Also picked up a few small Stranger Things figurines, Stitch stuffy, and then the following...

It's a big set, and I don't have much, but I do have a blaster with these packs, so maybe after opening, I might add this set to the building list depending on how they open - whenever I get to them, but for $8 each, figure it was a decent pick up.

The rack pack is definitely overpriced for the set, but an unusual pick up for the unopened set collection, and the other couple packs are junk wax period ones that are variations so get added to the unopened pack collection.

More recent cards and packs are expensive - it's frustrating for this, but I can't imagine spending the money just to collect these days. I mean, paying about $1 a card or more seems crazy to me.

I do really love how different the packages are over the years, and that's part of why I collect and keep them. Plus, I could have awesome cards in my grasp and not even know it!

Another Matthews on a pack is also a nice addition.

The last pick up was supposed to be a box of the Silly CDs cards for less than $10, but instead they sent a single pack instead. I reached out and asked about a refund, though I was trying to complete the set (well, insert set), but understood sending would be pricey considering it was a single box worth about $10. Their response was to apologize and already have it on it's way saying it was their error and hopefully it would complete my set. Very cool and quick response so A plus for customer service!