Topps
art directors Art Spiegelman and Mark Newgarden, both from the NPD (New Product
Development) department, created the card-type for the OS6 Garbage Pail Kids reverse
backs, while GPK newcomer, artist Jay Lynch, sketched and painted the 'COMIC'
card artwork images using watercolours. Due to the introduction of completed puzzles
into the GPK franchise, the amount of reverse card artwork is greatly reduced
and follows the same layout as the OS3 thru OS5 Garbage Pail Kids sets. Eighteen
known backs were completed for the OS6 set, a slight decrease due to additional
puzzle pieces, no repeated comic titles, and three checklist backs for the release.
The 'COMIC' backs are a direct parody of the 'BAZOOKA
JOE' Topps product, having three or four panel windows, a 'FORTUNE'
line, and a novelty product premiums that were not actually for
sale. Topps had their own Bazooka self-parody within the OS3 set as card 84a JOE
Blow. The NPD department would create the revised 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. The later interation of GPK comics would be titled The Garbage Gang. "The 6th I did. I did the roughs and drew the final art. I think I did all the backs of this series. Those comic strips on the GPK backs ... in the mid '70s we did a series of wax paper comic strips that went in the Bazooka gum called BAZOOKA JOE PRESENTS Lil' Monsters [Creeps]. These were comics that I wrote and drew of child versions of Frankenstein, Wolfman , Mummy, Dracula, etc. This series was released as the wax paper bubblegum comics ... around '76 or '77, I think. Anyway ... when we did the comic backs of the GPK cards, we just used the gags from the Lil' Monsters series." circa 2003, JAY Lynch. |
Card
No. 208 Artwork by JAY
LYNCH Card Type by NEWGARDEN & SPIEGELMAN Based Off of OS1 & OS2 GPK Character Artwork by JOHN POUND The comic back for OS6 reverse card 208a JOEL Hole and 208b Teed-Off TOM FEATURES the OS1 character for card 14a Potty SCOTTY (and 14b JASON Basin), seen sitting on a chair rather than in a commode, conversing with the OS2 character for card 78a Wrinkled RITA (and 78b Ancient ANNIE), seen without her poodle pup and complete, colourful dress; she plays the parental voice-of-reason for several comic backs (including cards #218, #219 and #226), while sporting her pearls-of-wisdom. NOTE: necklace seen uncoloured in the second comic panel. The character is holding a generic box of cornflakes and asking if he can pour himself a 'BOWLFUL', thus, the gag double wordplay meaning a 'toilet' bowl and not technically a 'cereal' bowl. The 'FORTUNE:' line hints about friends smiling to your face but (in a literal sense) backstabbing you with a sharp instrument. The novelty product '#90849' facially, and somewhat 'swimmingly' pokes fun at Sea-Monkeys (aka brine shrimp), novelty aquarium pets, that always made the anthropomorphic female characters appear dolled-up with make up. |
Card
No. 211 Artwork by JAY
LYNCH Card Type by NEWGARDEN & SPIEGELMAN Based Off of OS1 & OS2 GPK Character Artwork by JOHN POUND The comic back for OS6 reverse card 211a See More SEYMOUR and 211b Coy ROY FEATURES the OS2 character for card 45a Leaky LINDSAY (and 45b Messy TESSIE), seen with only a little leakiness, conversing with the OS1 character for cards 8a ADAM Bomb and 8b Blasted BILLY, seen without his iconic mushroom cloud. The same characters can also be found on the comic back for OS6 reverse card #239 where the 'FEATURING LEAKY LINDSAY' is the only name listed on the comic strip for both trading card backs. For some unknown reason, the 'ADAM BOMB' nomenclature is missing. The ADAM Bomb character is holding a picket sign (for picket lines) reading 'NUKES FOR NERDS NOW!' that pays tribute to his atomic-bomb upbringing and is the antithesis to most anti-war demonstrations that outcry for 'PEACE NOT WAR' and 'LOVE NOT HATE'. The Leaky LINDSY character is of course showcasing the maneuver for picking your nose, "PICKET!" and the homophome meaning "Pick it!" NOTE: ADAM Bomb has the same end-result reaction for both of his comic strips. The 'FORTUNE:' pokes fun at two entirely different definitions for the word 'pick'. The novelty product '#39604' is the opposite of the infamous Snake-in-a-Can prank where a snake jumps out of the can and are not salted nuts. |
Card
No. 212 Artwork by JAY
LYNCH Card Type by NEWGARDEN & SPIEGELMAN Based Off of OS2 GPK Character Artwork by JOHN POUND The comic back for OS6 reverse card 212a Upliftin' CLIFTON and 212b Air-Head JED FEATURES the OS2 character for card (68a OLIVER Twisted and) 68b Dizzy DAVE, seen in his exact likeness, conversing with the OS2 character for card (47a Disgustin' JUSTIN and) 47b Vile KYLE, seen without his motorcycle; he plays the 'playground' bully for two comic backs, while sporting his infamous 'BEER' can. You're not able to see his Viking ring, but the skull and crossbones symbol seen on his motorcycle is also a tattoo on his right shoulder. It's humorous to see the Dizzy DAVE character in an even bigger predicament than he is in his original card image, 'playing' the spinning game while having his foot nailed to the floor, with Vile KYLE having a hammer in hand, this really increases the funny factor. The 'FORTUNE:' hints at possibly being bullied at school, doing poorly gradewise, or you're being sent to the principal's office. The novelty product '#48907' is a non-powered, old-fashioned sundialan instrument showing the time by the shadow of a pointer cast by the sun onto a plate marked with the hours of the day; the 'power' of the sun. WARNING: no sun = no time. |
Card
No. 213 Artwork by JAY
LYNCH Card Type by NEWGARDEN & SPIEGELMAN Based Off of OS1 & OS2 GPK Character Artwork by JOHN POUND The comic back for OS6 reverse card 213a OTTO Whack and 213b ELLIOT Mess FEATURES the OS1 character for card 2a Junkfood JOHN (and 2b RAY Decay), seen without his plethora of confectionery and sitting in a big-boy chair, conversing with the OS2 character for card 76a BONNIE Bunny (and 76b Pourin' LAUREN), seen waitressing & serving, naturally, but without her trusty serving tray and baby bottle cocktail concoction. It's slightly ironic that a pig-boy character was indeed released within the OS2 set as we witness the BONNIE Bunny character checking her body-shaming feet. The 'FORTUNE:' may hint at the fact of a young prepubescent kid watching a pubescent young adult taking off their clothes, hinting at the subtle undressing of the comic "strip". Or, trying pigs feet for the first time. The gag for novelty product '#10986' is that a boomerang is supposed to return to the thrower, but also that the buyer is getting a very used and banged up product. Limited quantity! |
Card
No. 215 Artwork by JAY
LYNCH Card Type by NEWGARDEN & SPIEGELMAN Based Off of OS1 GPK Character Artwork by JOHN POUND Based Off of OS3 GPK Character Artwork by TOM BUNK The comic back for OS6 reverse card 215a Gnawing NORA and 215b Nervous NELLIE FEATURES the OS3 character for card (122a Broad MAUD and) 122b Large MARGE, seen smeared with a plethora of confectionery stains and somehow standing erect, conversing with the OS1 character for card 30a New Wave DAVE (and 30b Graffiti PETEY), still seen spray-painting but also standing in a nice frontal profile like his Cheap Toys figurine. There may be a large enough sugar content in the orange fruit to sidetrack Large MARGE from the color orange and her original poll; the character is seen in a new dark pink dress, instead of her purple dress, wtih a split down her left side (panel 3) with the same green ice cream and yellow frosting spills. The 'FORTUNE:' is a fear-instilling premonition to keep you on your toes for whatever reason, especially if you're caught defacing and damaging private property. The humor for the novelty product '#40632' is attempting to pull the wool over kids' eyes selling square marbles; they could be used as mini-blocks and I have a hunch the "rat hide" (instead of rawhide stiff untanned leather usually from a cow) pouch would be more fun than the non-circular marbles. |
Card
No. 217 Artwork by JAY
LYNCH Card Type by NEWGARDEN & SPIEGELMAN Based Off of OS1 & OS3 GPK Character Artwork by JOHN POUND The comic back for OS6 reverse card 217a Trashy TRUDY and 217b ROSE Dispose FEATURES the OS1 character for card 2a Junkfood JOHN (and 2b RAY Decay), seen holding one piece of candy-cane confection and ABC gum whilst standing upright, conversing with the OS3 character for card 84a JOE Blow (and 84b ROD Wad), seen without his popped gum bubble and with his arms to his sides, non-CPK-esque style. There must've been enough sugar and flavor within the ABC (already been chewed) gum for it to still rate highly with JOE Blow; the phonetically spelled 'PTUI' text seen within panel #3 is traditionally spelled 'PTOOEY', an imitation noise for the sound of spitting. The 'FORTUNE:' is the comic publication actually stating that its product is junk and the buyer is warping themself. The gag for the novelty product '#80192' is that it was obtained within a school cafeteria setting, possibly out of a lunchlady's hands. Chicken meat is considered a 'cheap'-er price than most meat, a low poultry sum. |
Card
No. 218 Artwork by JAY
LYNCH Card Type by NEWGARDEN & SPIEGELMAN Based Off of OS1 & OS2 GPK Character Artwork by JOHN POUND The comic back for OS6 reverse card 218a TOM Thumb and 218b BRIDGET Digit FEATURES the OS2 character for card 78a Wrinkled RITA (and 78b Ancient ANNIE), seen without her poodle pup and her patterned dress with purple flowers; she plays the parental voice-of-reason for several comic backs (including cards #208, #219 and #226), while sporting her pearls-of-wisdom, conversing with the OS1 character for card (3a Up CHUCK and) 3b Heavin' STEVEN, seen spewing vomit without toys, 'BARF!', and holding his baby bottle. The barfing character is missing his toy collection of a green truck, gold fish, building block (that contains his card number '3A') and house or car key. The 'FORTUNE:' is also another fear-instilling threat that leaves the reader wondering what they're not supposed to do, trouble may ensue; perhaps making unnecessary messes. The novelty product '#16843' would only be funnier if it contained fecal matter; 'A BRIEF(s) [legless underpants] MOMENT OF FUNA LENGTHY PRISON SENTENCE.' Perhaps that's what you're not supposed to do pertaining to the 'FORTUNE'. |
Card
No. 219 Artwork by JAY
LYNCH Card Type by NEWGARDEN & SPIEGELMAN Based Off of OS1 & OS2 GPK Character Artwork by JOHN POUND The comic back for OS6 reverse card 219a GEORGE Washingdone and 219b Pressed PRESTON FEATURES the OS1 character for card 20a Swell MEL (and 20b Dressy JESSE), outside his bedroom sporting a new matching accoutrement, conversing with the OS2 character for card 78a Wrinkled RITA (and 78b Ancient ANNIE), seen without her poodle pup; she plays the parental voice-of-reason for several comic backs (including cards #208, #218 and #226), while sporting her pearls-of-wisdom. NOTE: necklace not colored correctly in the 1st & 2nd comic panels. The fashionista is also wearing a pair of knock-off pearls, or cheap yellow beads, that matches his new purse; brick not included. The 'FORTUNE:' hints that the reader will most likely be peed on at some point by a poodle or other type of canine; aka a "golden shower"... perhaps by Wrinkled Rita's missing poodle. The novelty product '#40319' promises to be another used and discarded item for sale; comes with a free pile of 'BAG-O-ASHTRAY DUMPINGS' (#40847) and not to be confused with the 'BURNED-OUT TULIP BULBS' (#40318) premium. There must be one HUGE inventory of novelty items. |
Card
No. 223 Artwork by JAY
LYNCH Card Type by NEWGARDEN & SPIEGELMAN Based Off of OS1 GPK Character Artwork by JOHN POUND The comic back for OS6 reverse card 223a Lolly POPPY and 223b LILY Popped FEATURES the OS1 character for card 10a Tee-Vee STEVIE (aka 'T.V. STEVIE' and 10b Geeky GARY), circled by only four extra TV sets rather than eight, conversing with the OS1 character for card (31a Run Down RHODA and) 31b Flat PAT, seen inside without her gum remnants. No gumption, this one! The card back adds some shocking information to the GPK canon, that the two characters are siblings; they're at least from the same 'litter' or series. The 'FORTUNE:' hints that the collector will most likely get doubles ... most likely for the comics, but also, possibly for the sticker trading cards. And, as completists know, if trying to complete a set will most likely get triples before doing so. The novelty product '#10785' promises a 'VENUS FLY TRAP', instead of a venus's-flytrap a plant named after a flytrap, a trap to catch flies ... not a 'fly', slang for pants zipper. The section pays tribute to The Garment District (aka the Garment Center, the Fashion District or the Fashion Center), a neighborhood located in the borough of Manhattan in New York City and other cities. |
21-Piece Completed Puzzle Original Series
GPK cards: 250a Newly-Dead ED and 250b Dyna MIKE Original Final Artwork: JOHN POUND Original Series two Puzzle Preview cards: 207 + 242 twenty-one Puzzle Piece cards: 209, 210, 214, 216, 220, 221, 222, 225, 227, 229, 231, 233, 234, 236, 237, 240, 244, 246, 247, 249 + 250 |
Card
No. 224 Artwork by JAY
LYNCH Card Type by NEWGARDEN & SPIEGELMAN Based Off of OS2 GPK Character Artwork by JOHN POUND Based Off of OS3 GPK Character Artwork by TOM BUNK The comic back for OS6 reverse card 224a MONTE Zuma and 224b Pagan MEGAN FEATURES the OS1 character for card (122a Broad MAUD and) 122b Large MARGE, sporting her new dark pink dress again, but with dark pink ice cream and drips (no yellow or green for this comic), conversing with the OS1 character for card (47a Disgustin' JUSTIN and) 47b Vile KYLE, seen without his chopper. You're not able to see his Viking ring, but the skull and crossbones symbol seen on his motorcycle is also a tattoo on his right shoulder, slightly colored in the first two panels. Waste not, want not. This is the second time a female character is referenced as a 'PIG' for the OS6 comic backs. The 'BURP' is from Vile KYLE's infamous 'BEER' can side affects. The 'FORTUNE:' could be the possibility that their house is on fire, someone has died, they're in trouble, or worse, their GPK collection has been stolen. The novelty product '#9993' is a gag on plastic 'FAKE BARF' often seen for sale as a prank item in joke shops/sections, much like 'FAKE POO'. The dry ice mentioned is a cold dense white mist, produced by solid carbon dioxide in the air; unlike regular solid ice, dry ice vapor would not hold the product or contents in place. This only adds to the subtle humour. |
Card
No. 226 Artwork by JAY
LYNCH Card Type by NEWGARDEN & SPIEGELMAN Based Off of OS2 GPK Character Artwork by JOHN POUND The comic back for OS6 reverse card 226a Pierced PEARL and 226b Cheap JEWEL FEATURES the OS2 character for card 78a Wrinkled RITA (and 78b Ancient ANNIE), seen without her poodle pup and with her [complete] patterned dress, but with purple flowers; she plays the parental voice-of-reason for several comic backs (including cards #208, #218 and #219), while sporting her pearls-of-wisdom, conversing with the OS2 character for card (52a Dirty HARRY and) 52b ROB Slob, still seen within his natural environment and wading in his own filth. Out of the four comics starring Wrinkled RITA, this is the most detailed dress with complete flowers (purple instead of blue) and the pearl necklace not painted over. A brick and board with nail replaces the corncob and 'POP' can within ROB Slob's pigsty/pigpen. The 'FORTUNE:' comic reader has a open-handed slap across their face coming to them; a parody of the older 'slap on a smile' phrase; one can be slapped silly. The novelty product '#30241' is a picture parody of go-kart racing and radio-controlled cars in one. The 'CHOPPED LIVER' expression stems from the fact that the acquired taste of this organ plate of food was traditionally served as a side dish rather than a main course. The phrase, therefore, is meant to express a feeling of being overlooked, as a "side dish", as in "What am I, chopped liver?" In this case, the oddball flavor is the odd man out and the least favourite. |
Card
No. 228 Artwork by JAY
LYNCH Card Type by NEWGARDEN & SPIEGELMAN Based Off of OS2 GPK Character Artwork by JOHN POUND The comic back for OS6 reverse card 228a CASPER Gasper and 228b Uncool CARL FEATURES the OS2 character for card 79a Sewer SUE (and 79b MICHELLE Muck), seen wallowing in sewage, conversing with the OS2 character for card (52a Dirty HARRY and) 52b ROB Slob, still enveloped in his own filth, as seen in the previous comic (#226). All five flies, and then some, can be seen within the comic from both of the trading card images,collectively (panel 4). Although ROB Slob's nether regions is always out of the picture, Sewer SUE is still sporting her diapers; her detail is quite nice except the pink item (plastic bag?) within the trading card image remains uncoloured for the comic. The 'FORTUNE:' states the obvious. The trope, seen ad nauseum within pop culture, is an anvil = a heavy steel or iron block with a flat top, concave sides, and typically a pointed end on which metal can be hammered and shaped. The novelty product '#50863' is simply a wrapped box. One cannot refund an invisible item. |
Card
No. 230 Artwork by JAY
LYNCH Card Type by NEWGARDEN & SPIEGELMAN Based Off of OS2 GPK Character Artwork by JOHN POUND The comic back for OS6 reverse card 230a MANUEL Labor and 230b Handy ANDY FEATURES the OS2 character for card 77a Ghastly ASHLEY (and 77b Acne AMY), seen as a picture-perfect spitting image as her trading card, conversing with the OS2 character for card (65a Shrunken ED and) 65b Cheeky CHARLES, seen with the same small facial features and holding a 'DICTIONARY' that's hiding his striped shirt. The dictionary defines 'GROSS' as the informal definition in this case: Very unpleasant; repulsive. But the 'imagery joke' is a classic, especially for an encyclopedia that often has pictures. The 'FORTUNE:' instills a false sense of hope, planting the seed for narcissism and grandiosity. The novelty product '#30418' cannot be heard because it doesn't work, hence 'SILENT WHISTLE'; it's either broken or missing it's cork ball. Selling real estate in wetlands is difficult, you may have seen houses up on stilts? Swampland is below the water tablethe upper level of an underground surface in which the soil or rocks are permanently saturated with water. It's usually expensive to insure. |
Card
No. 235 Artwork by JAY
LYNCH Card Type by NEWGARDEN & SPIEGELMAN Based Off of OS2 GPK Character Artwork by JOHN POUND The comic back for OS6 reverse card 235a Ugly HANS and 235b JAN Hand FEATURES the OS2 character for card 62a Greaser GREG (and 62b CHRIS Hiss), without his chain links and switchblade, but still with a cigarette, conversing with the OS2 character for card (67a Pony LISA and) 67b MONA Loser, seen with an array of different facial expressions and her same hand positions in all three panels, as if still posing and attempting to hold still for the painting. Mold (or mould) and mildew damage is a real concern for restoring and preserving old works of art paintings. The old smell is often referred to as a 'musty odor'. The 'FORTUNE:' is a blantant 'hint' since the reader has been too stupid to realize this themselves; danger, danger! The novelty product '#67413' has holes in it like swiss cheese; rust is the oxidation of metal, especially in the presence of moisture. Swiss cheese is a style of cheese originating in Switzerland, typically containing large holes; this term is often used figuratively to refer to something that is full of holes, gaps or defects. Offer void in 'NEUTRAL COUNTRIES' ... Swiss neutrality is one of the main principles of Switzerland's foreign policy; not to be involved in armed conflicts between other states. The 'SWISS CHEESE ARMY KNIFE' would most likely not be available in Switzerland. |
Card
No. 238 Artwork by JAY
LYNCH Card Type by NEWGARDEN & SPIEGELMAN Based Off of OS1 GPK Character Artwork by JOHN POUND Based Off of OS3 GPK Character Artwork by TOM BUNK The comic back for OS6 reverse card 238a MARC Spark and 238b CHERRY Bomb FEATURES the OS3 character for (card 95a Grim JIM and) 95b BETH Death, without her trusty spider and hourglass, conversing with the OS2 character for card 5a Dead TED (and 5b JAY Decay), seen with slightly less deterioration than his card image and a brand spanking new striped shirt without his ribs showing. Of course, to 'COMPOSE' is to write or create poetry or music, whereas the play on words 'DECOMPOSING' means (in reference to a dead body) to make or become rotten; decay or cause to decay. The 'FORTUNE:' is the prepubescent's facial nightmare going through puberty and those awkward, formative teen years. The novelty product '#7734' introduces 'battle royale' to your neighborhood block; basically, what kid can be the last one bitten and outlast the other kids? You are able to mail some bugs through the U.S. Postal Service, but mainly for medical purposes and research; this particular creature may be prohibited by law. |
Card
No. 239 Artwork by JAY
LYNCH Card Type by NEWGARDEN & SPIEGELMAN Based Off of OS1 & OS2 GPK Character Artwork by JOHN POUND The comic back for OS6 reverse card 239a JERRY Atric and 239b ABRAHAM Wrinklin' FEATURES the OS2 character for card 45a Leaky LINDSAY (and 45b Messy TESSIE), seen with nary a leak, but a hard booger instead, conversing with the OS1 character for cards 8a ADAM Bomb and 8b Blasted BILLY, seen without his iconic mushroom cloud. The same characters can also be found on the comic back for OS6 reverse card #211 where the 'FEATURING LEAKY LINDSAY' is the only name listed on the two comic strips. For some unknown reason, the 'ADAM BOMB' nomenclature is missing. The ADAM Bomb character is holding a hard piece of snot, which is the antithesis of Leaky LINDSAY's parody of constantly having a runny nose (including within the GPK Movie), but then again, ADAM's head isn't exploding either. The 'FORTUNE:' pokes fun at the fact that you have no lucky number, you're unlucky. Zero is more of a concept than a number, a placeholder, if you will. The novelty product '#8686' raises the answer to the problem of toxic landfills and chemicals leaking into the environment, don't bury it, sell it! Of course the offer is 'VOID' in New Jersey, at the time, that's where the GPK cards were created and produced, in Lower Manhattan, NY, right across the Hudson River. |
Card
No. 243 Artwork by JAY
LYNCH Card Type by NEWGARDEN & SPIEGELMAN Based Off of OS2 GPK Character Artwork by JOHN POUND The comic back for OS6 reverse card 243a LEE Tree and 243b SHERWOOD Forest FEATURES the OS2 character for card 80a Tattoo LOU (and 80b ART Gallery), seen with all ink pretty much intact, conversing with the OS2 character for card (67a Pony LISA and) 67b MONA Loser, seen with several of different facial expressions and her same hand positions in two of the three comic panels, as if still posing and attempting to hold still for the painting. Unlike the card character, a few of the head tattoos are actually colored in; The 'HD' shield with wings tattoo on his chest is most likely a shout-out to Harley Davidson choppers. The 'FORTUNE:' is a win-win... a win for Topps, any stupid person knows this, plus, it sells more Bazooka chewing gum for the company. The novelty product '#20321' is not the plastic SHERRIF's badge of old, this one could land you in prison with a custodial sentence! The 'VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW' caveat, for impersonating a police officer, is pretty much inforced internationally. |
Card
No. 245 Artwork by JAY
LYNCH Card Type by NEWGARDEN & SPIEGELMAN Based Off of OS2 GPK Character Artwork by JOHN POUND The comic back for OS6 reverse card 245a Shish K. BOB and 239b BARBIE Q. FEATURES the OS2 character for (card 80a Split KIT) and 81b Mixed-Up MITCH, seen without his trusty pistol, conversing with the OS2 character for card 76a BONNIE Bunny (and 76b Pourin' LAUREN), seen serving and waitressing but without her trusty serving tray and baby bottle cocktail drink; very similar poses to comic back #213. Unlike the card character, Mixed-Up MITCH has red and pink-dyed hair instead of pink and green. The 'FORTUNE:' is more of a demand and a blatant outcry to mouth-breathers, meaninginformal for a stupid person; either catching flies or drooling. Another holey item, novelty product '#91037' would not get you to the World Series unfortunately, hence the 'NOT RECOMMENDED FOR MAJOR LEAGUE' warning. If you're from the town of 'LOSERVILLE', your'e a loser for life. It's batty to have a "hole in one", that's golf, not baseball! |