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X-Men Archives SketchaFEX cards are very similar to the newest
Marvel Masterpiece Sketch Cards and the Wolverine Origins Sketch Cards.
These sketch cards were released an average of 1 per box. Each card is
an original sketch from one of the artists hired by Marvel and Rittenhouse.
The cards released were not copies, they were the actual card drawn by
the artist, making them one of a kind cards.
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For these sketch cards, Marvel/Rittenhouse commissioned over
75 artists for the X-Men Archives set. Each artist was sent over 100 blank
cards, but they did not have to complete all of them, nor did Marvel/Rittenhouse
have to use all of them. They were hired to draw characters from the X-Men
storyline on each card any way they wanted. They were not limited to a
character or a medium, anything goes. The only requirement is that they
were approved by Marvel for release (so no kinky stuff). Some inked, some
painted, a select few were even die-cut. Once finished, the cards were
sent back to the company. If they were approved for release they were cut
to size and placed in a pack for a lucky collector to find.
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Here is the back of the cards:
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Unlike the Marvel Masterpiece set, there was an official artist
and count list released for this set. The list below is the official list
released by Rittenhouse. The number next to the artist's name is the number
of cards approved and released into the set.
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Marvel allowed the artists to scan the cards they created and
release the images as preview after sending the cards in, so there is some
account of what was sent in to Marvel. So with the list above and the scans
from the artists and people who have pulled the cards a lot of the cards
can be accounted for.
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To add another loop in the sketch card roller coaster some
of the artist received Artist Proof blanks. These cards were given to the
artist to do with as they wished. They could make original cards to sell
as commission pieces and/or to sell on Ebay. They did not have to be returned
to Marvel for distribution. The only rules were the art on the cards portrayed
Marvel characters and the cards had to be approved by Marvel before sale
(again, no kinky stuff). Though they are true sketch card originals, the
artist proofs are not as valued as the others found in the card sets since
the character and art style are normally chosen by the purchaser, making
it less of a gamble. The cards are uncut, so the size of the card is larger
then the average size card. This also makes then stand out from the pulled
cards.
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The original sketch cards packed and distributed in card boxes
have gone for $25.00 to over $500.00 depending on the artist, the character
and the quality of the art. Many people have put down the $80.00+ for multiple
boxes and even bought full cases to get more of these valuable cards in
hopes of getting their favorite character or artist.
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Below are the Gambit SketchaFEX cards
that were made for the X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Not all have been found,
but it has been confirmed that these cards were turned into Marvel for
release and approved. By clicking on the image you will get a larger image
of the card. The file name of the image represents the name of the artist,
if available. Some have gone unsigned for unknown reasons. I will change
the names as I find the artists.
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Be Aware:
If purchasing any of these cards be sure
of authenticity. Due to the high price tag on these cards there have been
fraud cards made. Always ask for a picture or scan of the back to see the
foil "Skybox" stamp. Also ask for the artist's name, if possible
(some are unsigned). Most artist will have a deviantart page or a website
that features scans of their cards to prove the were made. You should also
check out Scoundrel
Artist Community. A lot of the artists of these Sketch Cards hang out
in the forum. They also keep a running tab of card counts and artist info
on each set.
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