Strata is plural for stratum. Stratum is defined as any of several parallel layers or
levels of something. The most
predominant example is in geology where sedimentary rock and soil form layers
that vary in color . So with a
product that includes hits that are constructed with layers of cardboard,
acetate, memorabilia and autographs of some of the NFL’s newest emerging stars,
layered one on top of the other, it seem apropos that it has been given the
name 2012 Topps Strata Football.
2012 Topps Strata Football is certainly on the higher end of
the category from a cost standpoint, but still falls under our classification
of trading cards. Hobby boxes include 18 packs with 5 cards per pack with the
promise of 3 Rookie hits per box, 1 Clear Cut Autograph relic, 1 autograph card
and 1 relic card.
Here is a look at some of the cards we pulled.
Base Set
Doug Martin, front and back
Andrew Luck, Trent Richardson, Russell Wilson
Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers, Matt Ryan
Matt Forte, Reggie Wayne, Calvin Johnson Jr.
Color Parallel
Ryan Broyles Gold #/99
Inserts
Jarius Wright Rookie Die- Cut
The Hits
Nick Foles Rookie Relic #/296
Luke Kuechly Rookie Autograph, Bernard Pierce Clear Cut Autograph Relic Redemption
Overall Look
There is definitely plenty of eye appeal here and
continuation of the theme with bold horizontal lines that make up the
background of the base cards.
Perhaps a little more variation with coloring and shading of those lines
would have aced the theme, but that is a minor issue and doesn’t lot take away
from the look of these cards.
Other than vary subtitle differences in the color parallels, all that is
left are the hits. The relic
standalones would be considered very nice in any other release but they are
clearly outshined by the Clear Cut Autograph Relics. The design offers a veritable smorgasbord of everything
collectors have been excited about lately. Layers upon layers of oversized multi-color memorabilia, die
cutting, acetate, on-card autographs and more take the shadowbox theme to a
whole new level. The Strata Autograph Relic, patch or rivet, takes it even
further.
Quality and Variety of Players.
The veterans of the NFL are well represented here in the
base set but the hits are exclusive to the 2012 Rookie class.
Do the hits hold up?
The majority of hits here are the NFL Premiere rookies,
which works well in a strong rookie class. The Clear Cut Autograph Relics and Strata Autograph Relics
speak for themselves.
Will you want to collect them all?
With the beauty of the hits, the base set can get lost on
you. But this is one that you will
want to collect.
Rating
4 1/2 out of 5
2012 Topps Strata Football is simple in its structure but
has a lot to offer.
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