PRODUCTION ARTWORK (NA) — BITS & BOBS BACKSTORY — CARD ANNOTATION

The Topps assistant director, Mark Newgarden, from the NPD (New Product Development) department, had concept artist and writer Jay Lynch create the card-type for the OS10 Garbage Pail kids reverse card backs, where Lynch sketched out and completed the 'COMIC STRIP' card artwork images, with assistance by his artist friend, Gary Whitney. Since the introduction of completed puzzles to the GPK franchise, the amount of reverse card artwork was greatly reduced and follows the same layout as the previous releases containing two main puzzles. Twenty different comics, eighteen unique comic strips with eighteen premiums, plus two logo variations, were completed for the OS10 set. The 'COMIC' backs are a direct parody of the 'BAZOOKA JOE and his GANG®' comic strip Topps product, reintroduced from the OS6 & OS8 sets, having a three to four panel strip plus a novelty product—premiums that were not actually for sale, but losing the 'FORTUNE' line. Topps had their own Bazooka self-parody within the OS3 set as card 84a JOE Blow, who appears in no less than three of the OS10 Garbage Gang comics. The NPD department would create the artwork and card type, but the actual Art department was in charge of the overall design and layout, and would produce the composition of the front side and card backs as well as the promotional material and packaging. Composition images were generated to help guide the final card type design and artwork placement. Artist Jay Lynch had mentioned that although the 'COMIC' backs were created as a parody of the 'BAZOOKA JOE' bubble-gum comics with premiums, the inspiration for the actual feel for the GPK card backs came from the 'LITTLE CREEPS' comics that he created in the late 70's that ran for several years and were modeled and/or rendered after these monster-themed comics, and took it a step further by spoofing mail-order novelty products often found in the back of comic books. This new iteration of GPK comics would be titled The Garbage Gang for OS10. "I wrote and did color roughs for all [of the 10th Series]. I did the finished art with Gary Whitney on all backs and premiums." — JAY Lynch, circa 2003.

Card No. 379 Pt 1 — Artwork & Card Type by JAY LYNCH — Assisted by GARY WHITNEY Based Off of OS2 & OS3 GPK Character Artwork by JOHN POUND — The comic back for OS10 reverse card 379a Locked DORIAN FEATURES the OS2 character for card (75a Off-the-Wall PAUL and) 75b ZACH Plaque, seen in the same predicament, closely conversing with the OS3 character for card (119a NED Head and) 119b Still JILL, also just hanging around. NOTE: for the OS2 card image, the character has blond air and blue eyes, and doesn't have a peanut-shaped head; the old characters also had to take on the new model changes. — The character is a lot more talkative without a pacifier (dummy; British English) in their mouth; mabye it fell out when he opened his mouth to speak(?), and with no arms/hands... he can't retrieve it. On that same dark humour wavelength, the shrunken head character, dead as a doornail (different than the unclinched nail, nailed to the wall), cannot laugh at the joke (even if alive, mouth sewn shut), and obviously cannot dance due to no body/legs/feet. — The novelty product, premium '#44663', mentions 50,000 tons of pressure, but it might even be closer to 725,000 pounds per square inch and temperatures greater than 2,000°F to turn carbon/coal into a diamond. Naturally, one's lifespan is less than three million years, especially if you're gonna sit and wait. I'm not sure a 1 carat diamond, of lower quality, would be worth $6K + roughly $250 in comics (at 5¢ a piece), or worth your while.

21-Piece Completed Puzzle — Original Series GPK cards: 379a Locked DORIAN & 379b SIDNEY Kidney Original Final Artwork: JOHN POUND Original Series — one Puzzle Preview card: 379a — twenty-one Puzzle Piece cards: 380a, 386a, 390a, 392a, 393a, 394a, 395a, 396a, 399a, 400a, 401a, 402a, 403a, 404a, 405a, 406a, 407a, 409a, 410a, 416a + 417a.

Card No. 379 Pt 2 — Artwork & Card Type by JAY LYNCH — Assisted by GARY WHITNEY Based Off of OS2 & OS4 GPK Character Artwork by JOHN POUND + DAVID BURKE, Respectively — The comic back for OS10 reverse card 379b SIDNEY Kidney FEATURES the OS2 character for card (52a Dirty HARRY and) 52b ROB Slob, seen outside his pigpen, accusingly conversing with the OS4 character for card 139a Double IRIS (and 139b 4-Eyed IDA), spotting filth with her extra set of irises. NOTE: for the OS4 card image, the character isn't wearing the glasses, and the dress and hair ribbons are more of a yellow colour, rather than orange. — The OS4 character is not only visually paired, but can spot a dirty pig over a mangy mutt, any day. — The novelty product, premium '#174', is a suggestive way of attemptig to point out a 'good' fishing (man)hole whilst living in the big city and living nowhere near a body of clean water; one that could sustain life, let alone freshwater fish. Nothing like taking in the dark asphalt pitch used for surfacing roads compared to the lush greenery of a lake or river. The 'string, hook, and bobber NOT included' caveat, at the end of the 'GOTCHA!' premium write-up, lets you know that the envelope will be empty when you receive it, and I'm not sure your $500 + roughly $150 in comics (at 5¢ a piece), is worth dirt, nor your time spent digging up worms.

21-Piece Completed Puzzle — Original Series GPK cards: 397a Cleaned Up CLINT & 397b Sucked Up STEFAN Original Final Artwork: JOHN POUND Original Series — one Puzzle Preview card: 379b — twenty-one Puzzle Piece cards: 380b, 386b, 390b, 392b, 393b, 394b, 395b, 396b, 399b, 400b, 401b, 402b, 403b, 404b, 405b, 406b, 407b, 409b, 410b, 416b + 417b.

Card No. 381 — Artwork & Card Type by JAY LYNCH — Assisted by GARY WHITNEY Based Off of OS3 & OS4 GPK Character Artwork by JOHN POUND + TOM BUNK, Respectively — The comic back for OS10 reverse card 381a Ground CHUCK & 381b Lean JEAN FEATURES the OS3 character for card 84a JOE Blow (and 84b Wad ROD), seen in a movie theatre, fussily conversing with the OS4 character for card 141a ASHLEY Can (and 141b GRETA Garbage), mumbling about some free ABC-gum handout. NOTE: for the OS4 card image, the character has white polka dots on her kerchief, rather than yellow ones; and the OS3 character is free of gum. — Strangely, the glutton for gum OS3 character is a germophobe, unlike the trashy OS4 character, which tracks. And although homeless, found her way into the theatre by sneaking in or panhandling her way to a free ticket. — The novelty product, premium '#810', is poking fun at tanker, rig, well, and/or offshore platform spills of crude oil (or refined petroleum product). The oil spills are extremely costly, including clean-up. On a smaller scale, a filthy kid mimicks this environmental devestation within a bathtub, but maybe the water needs to be changed more often than the referenced (car) oil change; in general, cards now-a-days (2024) need an oil change every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. A barrel of rubber duckies would be far less expensive than $700 + roughly $50 in comics (at 5¢ a piece).

Card No. 382 — Artwork & Card Type by JAY LYNCH — Assisted by GARY WHITNEY Based Off of OS1 & OS3 GPK Character Artwork by JOHN POUND — The comic back for OS10 reverse card 382a Good-Bye HY & 382b Farewell MEL FEATURES the OS1 character for card 2a Junkfood JOHN (and 2b RAY Decay), seen without a pile of sweets & treats, conversing in non-baby talk with the OS3 character for card 84a JOE Blow (and 84b Wad ROD), spitting out some ABC chicle. NOTE: the OS3 character is seen once again without his own signature BAZOOKA chewing gum and/or popped bubble. — Strangely, the glutton for gum OS3 character is a germophobe, unlike the OS1 character who will eat anything. NOTE: the word 'PTUI', seen within the discarded gum, is the phonetic spelling for the sound or act of spitting. — The novelty product, premium '#871', is convincing potential buyers to be persuaded to grow out there nostril hairs, in order to sell some generic barrettes. An al natural state for the nasal passageway. I'd imagine a cheap pair of hair barrettes at Fashion Bug or retro mall jewelry kiosk, would definitely cheaper than the $500 + roughly $17.50 in comics (at 5¢ a piece) price tag for cheap accessories.

Card No. 383 — Artwork & Card Type by JAY LYNCH — Assisted by GARY WHITNEY Based Off of OS2 & OS5 GPK Character Artwork by JOHN POUND — The comic back for OS10 reverse card 383a Itchy MITCH & 383b Raked JAKE FEATURES the OS2 character for card 76a BONNIE Bunny (and 76b Pourin' LAUREN), seen without her serving tray, conversing with the OS5 character for card 170a RICHIE Retch and 170b LUKE Puke, barfing, ad nauseam. NOTE: the OS5 character is not described within the 'FEATURING' section of the card, so it's unknown which twin card character is actually involved. — Although the OS2 playboy bunny is usually working at more of an adult establishment, she apparently has another part time job serving at a diner (with fly pie on the menu). — The novelty product, premium '#8181', is attempting to upscale a clothespin as a money clip, and even going so far as to state it can also be used as a tie clasp. In general, clothespins are extremely cheap, not sure it's worth sending $400 + roughly $100 in comics (at 5¢ a piece), no matter what you play it off as.

CHECKLIST CARDS: 384

Card No. 385 x2 — Artwork & Card Type by JAY LYNCH — Assisted by GARY WHITNEY Based Off of OS4 & OS5 GPK Character Artwork by DAVID BURKE + TOM BUNK, Respectively — The comic back for OS10 reverse card 385a PHIL 'Er Up & 385b Chuckin' CHARLIE FEATURES the OS4 character for card 144a Horny HAL (and 144b RUDY Toot), seen tooting his own horn and conversing with the OS5 character for card (175a Windy WINSTON and) 175b JOHNNY One-Note, rooting and tooting out the rear end. NOTE: a one-asterisk (*) trademark line sample is shown for both versions, the red Garbage Gang logo & the blue Garbage Gang logo, rather than the two-asterisk (**) trademark line. No rhyme or reason behind this that is known. — The blues brothers are mainly interested in burps and farts, making a different kind of music, or rather, noise pollution. — The novelty product, premium '#3415', is attempting to sell an infestation of trapped city rats and their byproducts as a good-luck charm, similar to the rabbit's foot fad. Not to compare (too much), but a soft and cute rabbit's foot has the upper hand, or err, paw. Plus, a pet rat might cost $10-$20 bucks, so I'm not sure $6,500 + roughly $20 in comics (at 5¢ a piece), is worth the trade off. A total ratfink seller, IMHO, don't be played like a fiddle.

Card No. 387 — Artwork & Card Type by JAY LYNCH — Assisted by GARY WHITNEY Based Off of OS4 & OS5 GPK Character Artwork by JOHN POUND — The comic back for OS10 reverse card 387a Fatty MADDIE & 387b CORA Corset FEATURES the OS4 character for card 126a Armpit BRITT (and 126b Shaggy AGGIE), seen with her usual underarm stance, relunctantly conversing with the OS5 character for card (192a Delicate TESS and) 192b Hamburger PATTIE, just hanging around, per usual. NOTE: personally, I always associated the names 'Tess' and 'Pattie' as feminine in nature (call me old-fashioned), and the character as female, but flirting is flirting no matter the gender, especially with a harsh and raspy Brooklyn accent. — The characters are taking certain words/things out of context; the word 'FRESH' uttered by the OS4 character is intended as, "(informal) being presumptuous toward someone, especially in a sexual way", rather than, "(of food) recently made or obtained; not preserved", which was the OS5 character's meaning. The idiom, "a dime a dozen" means something is common, easily found, or not valuable", and the OS5 character is basically selling himself (his body/meat) for cheap, which can also be misinterpreted. For the trading card image, the meat was only "35¢ per POUND", a price increase of 54 cents; and the 'POUND' was a round-about signature by the artist, John Pound. — The novelty product, premium '#3437', is taking 'checked bags' literally... like checkout bags, rather than travelling luggage. Adding a monogram increases the price, and would most likely just be markered on. The $7,500 + roughly $200 in comics (at 5¢ a piece) steal-of-a-deal is very lux and expensive for some inexpensive paper bags.

Card No. 388 — Artwork & Card Type by JAY LYNCH — Assisted by GARY WHITNEY Based Off of OS5 GPK Character Artwork by JOHN POUND — The comic back for OS10 reverse card 388a Facey TRACIE & 388b Heads UPTON FEATURES the OS5 character for card (198a Gore MAY and) 198b CONNIE Sewer, seen without their snot cutlery, conversing and conspiring with the OS5 character for card (173a Menaced DENNIS and) 173b Wormy SHERMY, taste testing a worm delicacy. NOTE: this is one of only two comic strips that contains four panels rather than the 'regular' three panels. — To make the characters look less CPK-ish, the heads have a very peanut-shell shape to them, oval-shaped eyes, ears sticking out, & four digits. I suppose there very well might be a big difference between eating the mouth-end of the worm versus the tail/rear end of the worm. — The novelty product, premium '#4635', is a cheap shot at the buyer's intelligence, or there lack of. The time spent (punitive damages) trying to just catch the worm might not be worth your while, not to mention the additional costs of buying glue. The $1,000 + roughly $40 in comics (at 5¢ a piece) does not equate to time well spent.

Card No. 389 — Artwork & Card Type by JAY LYNCH — Assisted by GARY WHITNEY Based Off of OS4 GPK Character Artwork by JOHN POUND + DAVID BURKE — The comic back for OS10 reverse card 389a Dire RITA & 389b Overflow JOE FEATURES the OS4 character for card 137a MAX Axe (and 137b Deadly DUDLEY), seen off their pedestal, cattily conversing with the OS4 character for card 157a LARRY Lips (and 157b Distortin' MORTON), taste testing canned sardines, and tossing the unannounced OS4 character for cards 159a Catty KATHY and 159b KITTY Litter. NOTE: the OS4 cat character by Burke is not featured within the 'FEATURING' section, but is a big prop for the joke. — The audience would take the line "SHOULD WE THROW THE CAT A LITTLE BIT" as still referencing the sardines, but the ornamentalist and executioner took it as a whole new subject entirely, and instead of throwing the cat some sardines, they spent time tossing the cat back-and-forth. — If you have a friend like OS4 character 165a DANA Druff and 165b Flakey FAY, the novelty product, premium '#122', would not be needed, and saving you the $900 + roughly $50 in comics (at 5¢ a piece) on the pricey dead scalp skin. The "NO TWO FLAKES ARE ALIKE!" line is obviously misquoting the infamous "NO TWO SNOWFLAKES ARE ALIKE!" quote.

Card No. 391 — Artwork & Card Type by JAY LYNCH — Assisted by GARY WHITNEY Based Off of OS2 & OS4 GPK Character Artwork by JOHN POUND + DAVID BURKE, Respectively — The comic back for OS10 reverse card 391a Glass ISAAC & 391b False IRIS FEATURES the OS2 character for card 76a BONNIE Bunny (and 76b Pourin' LAUREN), seen working at another part time job, curtly conversing with the OS4 character for card (146a Baked JAKE and) 146b Dry GUY, still in desperate need of H2O. — BONNIE Bunny is back, baby, and turning her back on her clientele. — The novelty product, premium '#936', doesn't state what their next cheap knock-off and often made-up item is made from; obviously from spit-filled paper pulp, but not sure what the small pointy objects might be. Regardless, for the size, the $1,000 asking price + roughly $20 in comics (at 5¢ a piece) does not feel like money well spent, nor get you another step closer to your black belt level of karate.

Card No. 397 — Artwork & Card Type by JAY LYNCH — Assisted by GARY WHITNEY Based Off of OS3 GPK Character Artwork MAE JEON (after JOHN POUND) — The comic back for OS10 reverse card 397a Cleaned Up CLINT & 397b Sucked Up STEFAN FEATURES the OS3 character for cards 118a Half-NELSON and 118b Glandular ANGELA, seen in split screen and split personality. NOTE: the story only needs one character for the 'FEATURING' section since both twin names are used. — The boy & girl dichotomy, played out so well within comic panels, is fleshed out further with both characters having there own telephones in the very same room—also in blue & pink. Naturally, unless you're looking into a mirror, your unable to "SEE EYE TO EYE" with your own face. — The novelty product, premium '#3939', the so-called model kit, must be to scale since 1 inch equals one inch. Were old liquor bottles made out of plastic? Would the plastic model glue adhere with glass? It's most likely your old man's empty and broken bottle. The $4,000 + roughly $350 in comics (at 5¢ a piece) would burn through your saved up weekly allowence fast.

Card No. 398 — Artwork & Card Type by JAY LYNCH — Assisted by GARY WHITNEY Based Off of OS2 & OS5 GPK Character Artwork by JOHN POUND + TOM BUNK, Respectively — The comic back for OS10 reverse card 398a Skiin' IAN & 398b Sheared SHERWOOD FEATURES the OS2 character for card 76a BONNIE Bunny (and 76b Pourin' LAUREN), being stalked by a customer, curtly conversing with the OS5 character for card 181a CLIFF Hanger (and 181b Neck TY), still administering self-asphyxiation. NOTE: Lynch may have been smitten with this charater, me thinks, it's her third appearance! — BONNIE Bunny is back yet again and back talking her clientele. To 'WALK ON AIR' means to be or feel elated; and the three little words with a big meaning that he was hoping to hear was 'I LOVE YOU', naturally. — The novelty product, premium '#325', pushes false advertising to an extreme; a biologist might mistake it, but hopefully not a zoologist. No muzzle included means you are most likely going to get bit; the proverb 'once bitten, twice shy' comes to mind. The $500 price tag + roughly $150 in comics (at 5¢ a piece) is staggering for a pet rat, grapefruit & crazy-glue that might cost $30.

Card No. 408 x2 — Artwork & Card Type by JAY LYNCH — Assisted by GARY WHITNEY Based Off of OS4 & OS5 GPK Character Artwork by JOHN POUND — The comic back for OS10 reverse card 408a Lickin' LEON & 408b Rat-Sucker RANDALL FEATURES the OS4 character for card 134a Hip KIP (and 134b WALT Witless), seen without his bongos, cooly conversing with the OS5 character for cards 170a RICHIE Retch and 170b LUKE Puke, barfing once again, ad nauseam. NOTE: this is the character's second appearance and the second time the character's name was not present within the 'FEATURING' section. Not memorable, I can relate. — Would finding out someone bit there toenails be vomit-inducing? Possibly. Especailly the state of toes open to the elements. Toenail fungus might be tasty. — The novelty product, premium '#4109', is poking fun at poorly written comic strips; a bit of self deprecation and ridicule is harmless, and funny. I'm not sure 'TWO WEEKS AGO' qualifies as 'THE GOOD OLD DAYS!', but one has to push sales on overstock. The $700 + roughly $250 in comics (at 5¢ a piece), feels quite pricey for old news, but the headliner is quite catchy, 'MOB SLOB ROBS SNOB'.

Card No. 411 — Artwork & Card Type by JAY LYNCH — Assisted by GARY WHITNEY Based Off of OS1 & OS2 GPK Character Artwork by JOHN POUND — The comic back for OS10 reverse card 411a VAN Pire & 411b BUD Sucker FEATURES the OS1 character for card (35a Wrinkly RANDY and) 35b Rockin' ROBERT, seen without his rocking chair but still sitting, casually conversing with the OS2 character for card (78a Wrinkled RITA and) 78b Ancient ANNIE, without her poodle. NOTE: even without the cigarette holder, both character's are highly detailed, especially compared to the OS8 comic strip (card #320) with the same characters, which had the same three panels but had a different punch line, "DOES THIS TRAIN STOP AT 36TH PLACE?" — To further emphasize the slow passage of time, the comic panels are quite static, without a lot of activity. It says a lot without saying much. — The novelty product, premium '#3433', is a surefire way to somehow backfire... removing that much tartar build up would only prolong your dentist visit, and discomfort, so whom would have the last laugh? The $700 + roughly $200 in comics (at 5¢ a piece), is a very expensive dental visit smile.

Card No. 412 — Artwork & Card Type by JAY LYNCH — Assisted by GARY WHITNEY Based Off of OS4 & OS7 GPK Character Artwork by JOHN POUND — The comic back for OS10 reverse card 412a Mixed-Up TRIXIE & 412b Doughy CHLOE FEATURES the OS4 character for card 136a Swollen SUE ELLEN (and 136b Bloated BLAIR), still seen with bloated cheek flaps, quietly conversing with the OS7 character for card (251a Barfin' BARBARA) and 251b VALERIE Vomit, seen without her kitchen pan. NOTE: this is the second of only two comic strips that contains four panels rather than the 'regular' three panels. — VALERIES Vomit is seen vomiting into a box of popcorn and referencing her friend (or boyfriend?) 'LUKE', a shout out to fellow barfer LUKE Puke (OS5 #170b), who's not thoroughly mentioned here or within the 'FEATURING' sections. — The novelty product, premium '#2038', would really have to feel and smell like an actual croissant to fool anyone, especially to the point of biting into something that's rubbery in texture. Usually you would state changing something from and an art to a science, but they are going for the rhyme of fart, the end result of a whoopie cushion. The $9,000 + roughly $37.40 in comics (at 5¢ a piece) feels and falls a bit flat, even for flatulence.

Card No. 413 — Artwork & Card Type by JAY LYNCH — Assisted by GARY WHITNEY Based Off of OS4 & OS5 GPK Character Artwork by JOHN POUND — The comic back for OS10 reverse card 413a Barnyard BARNEY & 413b DICK Hick FEATURES the OS4 character for card 136a Swollen SUE ELLEN (and 136b Bloated BLAIR), still seen with bloated cheek flaps, inquisitively conversing with the OS5 character for card 205a Hot ROD (and 205b BUD Buggy), with a flat tire. NOTE: this is the second time the OS4 character is back for the OS10 comic strips, back-to-back, with card #412. — The OS5 character references a glass milk bottle, hidden behind a kid's back; at some point, the kid must have thrown it into the road, at the hot rod (and character), in order to be ran over to cause the tire to go flat. — The novelty product, premium '#674', would be PETA approved, and be very ineffective in killing pesky house flies. But it looks like you'd still have a 50% chance if you missed, and they missed that cut-out circle. The $200 + roughly $250 in comics (at 5¢ a piece) is pretty pricey for a useless product, wasting a lot of time and energy. To swat or not to swat...

Card No. 414 — Artwork & Card Type by JAY LYNCH — Assisted by GARY WHITNEY Based Off of OS2, OS3 & OS4 GPK Character Artwork by JOHN POUND — The comic back for OS10 reverse card 414a Umbilical COURTNEY & 414b Yo YOLANDA FEATURES the OS2 character for card (75a Off-the-Wall PAUL and) 75b ZACH Plaque, seen just hanging around, getting teased by the OS3 character for card 84a JOE Blow (and 84b Wad ROD), and the unannounced OS4 character for cards 140a Mouth PHIL and 140b Tooth LES. NOTE: the OS4 baseball player character is not featured within the 'FEATURING' section, but acts as another team member and as the bully's buddy. — As seen before, Lynch has a tendency of spelling 'okay' as 'O.K.', an abbreviation taken from the slang 'oll korrect', meaning 'all correct' (as far back as 1839). — The novelty product, premium '#2901', mentions '"X" MARKS THE SPOT', which denotes an exact location, usually associated with maps that indicate where treasure is located. The quotes around the 'X' negates the meaning, so the postman wouldn't know where to find your location, especially an address of 'X'. Not to be confused with an X-mark signature, made by an illiterate or disabled person in lieu of an actual signature. Going down this trail, an 'XX' signifies kisses when ending a message, whereas 'XXX' is a much more friendlier sign-off, and highly suggestive. Since Publishers Clearing House sends free address labels, I have a hunch the $3K + roughly $75 in comics (at 5¢ a piece), is not worth the paper it's stamped on. NOTE: the '$' symbol is absent from the dollar amount and has a '#' (pound/no.) next to it instead.

Card No. 415 — Artwork & Card Type by JAY LYNCH — Assisted by GARY WHITNEY Based Off of OS2 GPK Character Artwork by JOHN POUND — The comic back for OS10 reverse card 415a Erased ERICA & 415b Wiped Out WINNIE FEATURES the OS2 character for card (55a Hairy GARY and) 55b Brutal BRAD, seen clubbing his girlfriend, and attempting to converse with the OS2 character for card 56a Hairy CARRIE (and 56b Brutal BRIDGET), who's not even fazed. NOTE: it is unknown what his jibberish would translate to, but it doesn't necessarily look tender hearted. — Not sure if he's making any sense, or knocking any sense into her, but love is blind at times. — The novelty product, premium '#97834', shows a bald man with fake hair on his armpit and attemping to 'style' it, which feels like another hairy situation and scheme. The $9,005 + roughly $100 in comics (at 5¢ a piece) price tag feels like a hair-raising experience (disturbing), and highway robbery. Scams are always too good to be true.