StarPics Launches with CGC Signature Series, a First-of-Its-Kind Card Collecting Opportunity

Gareb Shamus is most well known for producing nearly 200 comic cons, most recently through ACE, as well as decades as the publisher of Wizard and ToyFare magazines. Now, he’s bringing that lifelong passion to StarPics — it’s in his DNA.

"With StarPics, our vision is to merge our unique access to the biggest artists, celebrities and influencers with the trading card collecting community. We are creating the best combination of autographed cards — all numbered and limited edition — that come authenticated, graded and date-stamped by CGC Signature Series, the world's leading third-party authentication and grading service for signed collectibles. We’ve already put together a stellar lineup of celebrities to launch StarPics," said Gareb.

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StarPics believes there are five critical elements to collectible cards:

1. Top names that collectors are seeking
2. Autographed cards only (no packs, boxes or sifting through “common” cards to get the desired signed cards)
3. All autographs are hand-signed on the cards (no stickers)
4. Every card already comes directly from CGC Signature Series graded, encapsulated and date-stamped (no mailing cards out and waiting)
5. Direct to consumer and in stock with high-end packaging (no redemption cards)

Steven R. Eichenbaum, CEO of the Certified Collectibles Group, of which CGC is part, said, “We launched the new CGC Signature Series for cards with companies like StarPics in mind. Having worked with Gareb for many years, we were excited to leverage witnessing, date-stamping and all the elements that made CGC Signature Series for comic books so successful. We believe that collectors will quickly embrace these cards. Their eye appeal is amazing.”

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Gareb added, “I only wanted to work with CGC Signature Series for our StarPics cards, that’s it!”

Having worked with CGC since its launch nearly 25 years ago, throughout his comic cons and Wizard magazine, Gareb knew the prestige and guarantee that CGC Signature Series offers. It turns out Gareb’s venture and the launch of the CGC Signature Series for cards occurred at the same time — as though the stars of the collectibles world were aligning.

"Working with StarPics aligns with our commitment to delivering authenticity and trust to collectors," said CGC Cards Signature Series Director Brittany McManus. "The cards are exciting and offer a fresh approach for high-end card collectors, which we feel will be very appealing to our existing CGC Signature Series clients."

StarPics is working with industry trendsetter Karvin Cheung as Creative Director. His body of work includes some of the most iconic sports cards in history, including Exquisite, Ultimate and Immaculate. Many of the cards Karvin has created have broken sales records in the sports card world. “I am excited to work with StarPics on these culture-based cards, including the top celebrities and influencers, and to help bring a new vision to current card collectors,” said Karvin.

At launch, each Artist signs just 41 cards with parallels numbered to 25 (gold foil), 10 (holo foil), 5 (red foil) and an exclusive 1-of-1 prismatic foil. The StarPics cards will drop on starpicscards.com direct to collectors. Each drop will be available until the cards sell out!

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StarPics will feature all hand-signed cards with A-list celebrities such as Ozzy Osbourne, Chris Pine, Paul Rudd, Orlando Bloom, Jaimie Alexander and many more. The cards have the bonus of all being in CGC Signature Series holders, meaning that collectors have no doubt about the signature on the card. A CGC Signature Series representative witnesses every signing, secures each card in a security bag and delivers them to CGC headquarters for grading and encapsulation. The special CGC Signature Series label also displays the date of the signing, adding a provenance that other card manufacturers do not include.