The Topps Finest X-Men 97 trading card set has officially hit card shops and comic book stores, and early reactions suggest that the product is delivering big for fans and collectors. With a mix of highly sought-after inserts, rare case hits, and autographs from both returning and new voice actors, this release has already generated plenty of excitement.
To celebrate the launch, Topps hosted a Rip Night event at Golden Apple Comics, featuring cast members Lenora Zann (Rogue) and Chris Potter (Gambit in X-Men ‘92, Cable in X-Men ‘97). During the event, Chris Potter pulled a rare George Buza autograph card, the voice actor behind the beloved character Beast, to a round of cheers from the crowd.
The moment was reminiscent of Topps’ most recent Rip Night event, where WWE star The Miz pulled a rare autograph of The Rock, creating an unforgettable experience for collectors. While it would have been even more fitting for Potter to pull his own autograph or a rare Cable card, the Buza auto still made for an exciting highlight that fans in attendance got to witness firsthand.
Since its release, Topps Finest X-Men 97 has impressed collectors, particularly with its autograph lineup. With an estimated three to four autographs per case, the autos remain on the scarcer side, which could contribute to strong long-term value.
Collectors have already shown high demand for signatures from the original cast, with a Cal Dodd (Wolverine) auto recently selling for $400 on 130 Point. As the market settles, these cards could continue to hold value, especially for longtime X-Men fans and nostalgia-driven collectors.
With the early success of Topps Finest X-Men 97, many fans—including myself—are hoping to see more X-Men ‘97 products in the future. Given the strong response from collectors, Topps may look to expand the X-Men line, offering even more opportunities to chase autographs, inserts, and rare character cards.
For now, Topps Finest X-Men 97 remains a must-have for fans of the franchise, blending modern trading card appeal with the nostalgia of the classic animated series. Whether you’re a longtime X-Men collector or just getting into the hobby, this release is shaping up to be a standout in the 2025 trading card landscape.