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RELEASE PERIOD : AUGUST 2017
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The TrashFormers Series 1 set was released during the second half of 2017, during the hot summer month of August. The entire transformational set was created by artist Mark Pingitore who sketched and painted all nine characters to create an eighteen, twin-card parody release poking fun at the Transformers franchise. The first print run set, containing one asterisk (* © 2017 MARK PINGITORE PRTD. IN U.S.A.), was posted for sale on the Magic Marker Art website on the 24th of that month with 200 sets being produced. The 'PEEL HERE' matte finish vinyl stickers, measuring 2.5 x 3.5 inches, have an ingenious trashcan-esque die-cut which is reminiscent of the earlier Garbage Pail Kids releases with special sticker die-cuts. During January 2020, Pingitore shared a mock-up comic book cover of two of his TrashFormers characters that acted as a special promo packs containing various new promo cards for his Nintendopes and Horrorible Kids brands. ~ |
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1a OPTIMUS GRIME ~ Nomenclature = Optimus Prime. ~ Transformers spark: Optimus Prime (aka Orion Pax) – G1; The leader of the Autobot forces whose sentient being transforms into a cab-over semi truck with a vertical "flat face" front end on Earth for disguise purposes. def'n: Optimus – The name has Latin origins meaning "one of the best, aristocratic and noble". def'n: Prime – Main importance; best; first-class; top; superior; et cetera. def'n: Grime – A surface ingrained with dirt. To blacken or make dirty. |
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1b BIG
RIGSBY |
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GPK STATS: |
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2a TAYLOR SPIN |
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| 2b SCREAMIN'
STEVEN ~ Nomenclature – S; the name Steven to go with the word 'scream+ing'. ~ Transformers spark: Starscream (aka 'Seeker') – Transforms into one of six G1 jet troopers along with characters Skywarp, Thundercracker, Thrust, Dirge and Ramjet; all repaints with minor wing and head variations. def'n: Scream – To give a long, loud, piercing cry expressing extreme emotion or pain. To shriek, screech, etc. |
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GPK
STATS:
~ None. ~ For the TF image, the character is seen assumingly shot down by unfriendly fire from the skies, covered in flames leaving a downward spiraling, fuel-burning, blackened smoke 'chemtrail'. True to his name, the character is screaming and screeching throughout the tailspin thrill ride on a crash course to his impending doom. For G1, Deceptions had airborne transformations. |
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3a
JAZZY JEFF ~ Nomenclature – J; the specific name Jeff to go with the word 'jazz+y'. ~ Transformers spark: Jazz – A big admirer of Earth music of every type but specifically named after 'jazz', he enjoys learning about cultures and tends to have is finger 'on the pulse' of recent trends and lingo. def'n: Jazz – A type of music originating in New Orleans around the beginning of the 20th century characterized by improvisation, syncopation and a regular or forceful rhythm; brass and woodwind instruments are associated. def'n: Jazzy – Resembling the style of jazz. Bright, colorful and showy. Funky, hip, spirited, flashy, etc. |
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| 3b FLAT SCAT ~ Nomenclature – Rhyme; the name Scat with the word 'flat'. ~ Transformers spark: Jazz (aka Meister) – The second-in-command, right-hand "man" or Autobot (automobile + robot) of Optimus Prime; he transforms into a Porsche-like car. def'n: Flat – (of music) Below true or normal pitch. To fall flat. def'n: Scat – (Etymology) is either Middle English for wealth, tax, treasure or English for dung or excrement. |
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GPK
STATS:
~ The character's sentient being robot mode is modeled after the Garbage Pail Kids image for OS5 cards 175a Windy WINSTON and 175b JOHNNY One-Note painted by artist Tom Bunk. ~ For the TF image, the spit-valve lacking trumpet with saliva drool hitting the floor is replaced by the jazz-associated saxophone and the dripping is coming from the rear of the character as an oil leak from a faulty valve cover. The strain of blowing 'gas-kets' for both characters is causing a 'flat' one-note as a fart or exhaust that would most likey fail an emissions test. Sporting CPK-like shoes. |
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4a DEV
S. TATE ~ Nomenclature = Devastate. ~ Transformers spark: Devastator – Is a combination of the six combiner Decepticons; an immensley strong and powerful Transformer that can cause a lot of destruction. His psyche is an imbalanced component of all six. def'n: Devastate – To destroy or ruin. To wreck, lay waste, ravage, demolish, raze or flatten. |
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| 4b CONSTRUCT
A. CONNOR ~ Nomenclature = Constructicon. ~ Transformers spark: Constructicons – Include six Decepticons; Scrapper, Hook, Bonecrusher, Long Haul, Mixmaster and Scavenger called Decepticon combiners. Architects, engineers and builders. def’n: Construct – To build or erect. To assemble elements. |
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STATS: ~ None. ~ For the TF image the massive mecha-like character can be seen assembled with the sentient being's six transforming elements: Scrapper (front-end loader; right leg), Bonecrusher (bulldozer; left arm), Scavenger (power shovel; right arm), Mixmaster (cement mixer; left leg), Hook (crane; upper body) and Long Haul (dump truck; lower body). The construction vehicles are humorously still working/building. |
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5a GRIM
LUKE ~ Nomenclature = Grimlock (similar-sounding to gridlock, aka deadlock). ~ Transformers spark: Grimlock – The leader of the Dinobots (aka Dinotrons) who's an extremely power-hungry Autobot with great strength that tranforms into a metal dinosaur, with a stereotypical small brain size. def'n: Grim – Forboding, stony, formidable, stern, dark, etcetera. |
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| 5b EXTINCT
SEAN ~ Nomenclature = Extinction. ~ Transformers spark: Dinobots – A small subfaction of the Autobots that transform into dinosaurs that include Grimlock (tyrannosaurus), Slag (triceratops), Sludge (apatosaurus), Snarl (stegosaurus) and Swoop (pteranodon). def’n: Extinction – The state of a species that has become or is becoming extinct (having no living members). def’n: Dinosaur – A fossil reptile of the Mesozoic era, often reaching an enormously large size. |
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STATS: ~ This may be the first occurrence that artist Mark Pingitore slightly parodies a GPK outside of the OS realm. A meteor (named Mark), a T-rex and a similar colored mountain can be found in both card images. ANS5 Cards 1a Meteor MARK and 1b Asteroid Anthony by artist John Pound. ~ For the TF card the character can be seen in full, transformation 'disguise' mode roaming the planet Earth. The Dinobot is also facing potential and impending extinction due to geologic events (see meteor in the not-so distant background distance). |
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6a SOUNDWAVE
DAVE ~ Nomenclature – Rhyme; the name Dave with the word 'soundwave'. ~ Transformers spark: Soundwave (aka Soundblaster) – One of Megatron's most reliable and finely in-tune Decepticon troops well within the upper command ranking who transforms into a cassette tape player. def'n: Soundwave – A wave of compression and rarefraction, by which sound is propagated in an elastic medium such as air. |
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| 6b CASSETTE TATE ~ Nomenclature = Cassette tape. ~ Transformers spark: Soundwave – The stoic CCO (chief communication officer) and spy-master commands a legion of 'cassette troops' to carry out tasks that transform into cassette tapes that fit in his chest cavity. def’n: Cassette tape – A cassette of audiotape or videotape. def’n: Audiotape – Magnetic tape on which sound can be recorded; to record sound on tape. |
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GPK
STATS:
~ None. ~ For the TF character, the mind-reader capable of scanning and decoding electrical impulses that carry "thoughts" is seen wearing a pair of headphones, plugged into his own personal player and listening to some Cybertronian tunes. He looks to be pushing the 'rewind' button and must be enjoying a favorite song on repeat and not pressing the usual 'eject' button. Soundwave's shoulder cannon and missle launcher transform and act as stored batteries; so the player is technically being powered by one battery. |
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7a CLIFF
JUMP ~ Nomenclature = Cliffjumper. ~ Transformers spark: Cliffjumper – A Minibot who makes up for his small size by rushing into dangerious situations. His weapon is a glass-gas gun. His original name was Blow-Out per tech specs. def'n: Cliff – A steep rock face, especially one at the edge of the sea. def'n: Jump – To push off of a surface into the air by using the 'muscles' (or mechanics) of one's legs and feet. |
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| 7b REPAINT NATE ~ Nomenclature – Semi-Rhyme; the name Nate with the word 'repaint'. ~ Transformers spark: Cliffjumper – Toy-wise, the Autobot Minibot (aka Minicar) is usually associated with the Bumblebee toys and the character's red repaints. def’n: Repaint – To cover with a new coat. In collectibles, the same mold with two different colors. |
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| GPK STATS: ~ None. ~ For the TF card the Cliffjumper character's leap of faith is cutting it close, just missing by a hair, or a Cybertron wire. For the 1984 Generation 1 Minibots, a yellow Cliffjumper could be found re-titled Bumblejumper by collectors. A blue edition of Cliffjumper's mold also exists. |
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8a MEGA RON ~ Nomenclature = Megatron. ~ Transformers spark: Megatron – The merciless leader of the Decepticons and the archenemy of the Autobot leader Optimus Prime. A one-time low class & gladiator fighter from Cybertron. def'n: Mega – Very large; huge. To be extremely big in extent. def'n: -Tron – A suffix (usually in physics) indicating an instrument. |
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| 8b NICK
CANNON ~ Nomenclature = Nuke cannon; nuclear artillery. ~ Transformers spark: Megatron (aka Megatronus) – Transforms into one of three weapons: a Walther P38 handgun, a particle beam cannon or a telescopic laser cannon. def’n: Nuke – A nuclear weapon. def’n: Cannon – A large cylinder or hollow drum mounted for warfare (laser cannon). |
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GPK
STATS:
~ None. ~ For the TF card the character is seen in a slightly crouching stance with cannon attached to his arm; this is the rifle scope on the toy gun. The character looks deceptively miniaturized and out of scale, much-like his robot-to-weapon transformation in the cartoon vs. the toy. |
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9a BUGGED
DOUG ~ Nomenclature – Rhyme; The name Doug with the word 'bug+ged'. ~ Transformers spark: Bumblebee (aka Goldbug or Goldfire) – A scout 'minicar' Autobot whose original vehicle mode is based on the Volkswagen Beetle; named after a genus of bee taht inspired his paint scheme. def'n: Bug – A small insect. def'n: Volkswagen Beetle – Nicknamed the 'Bug' in parts of the English-speaking world; 1997-2010. |
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| 9b BUMBLE
BEA ~ Nomenclature = Bumblebee. ~ Transformers spark: Bumblebee (aka Bee or Beeper) – One of the smallest, and consequently one of the weakest, Autobots whose slightly sensitive and self-counscious about his small stature. def’n: Bumblebee – A large hairy bee with a loud hum, living in small colonies in holes underground. def’n: Bumble – To move or act in an clumsy or bungling manner. |
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| GPK STATS: ~ The character is modeled after the Garbage Pail Kids image for OS6 cards 227a BEA Sting and 227b Screaming MIMI painted by artist John Pound; seen being stung by paper wasps. ~ For the TF card is also seen cruisin' for a bee bruisin' that also pictures a cartoon-like bee nest, but dripping honey. Coincidently, bumblebees do not live in nests but within holes underground in very small colonies, but the image is based off of bees in general. Regardless, disturbing or taking an active nest would result in the depicted humor. |
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DEFINITIONS TAKEN IN PART
FROM THE AMERICAN HERITAGE DICTIONARY + WIKI
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1. An ad was placed on social media on June 12, 2017 advertising the upcoming releases for Magic Marker Art for the Trashformers Series 1 set released in August, the Horrorible Kids Series 2 set released in October and the Star Warped Kids Series 1 set to be released in November of 2017 (in time for the new Last Jedi movie). All three humor sets poking fun at the Transformers, Horror movies and the Star Wars franchises, respectively.  ~ |
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2. Starting at the beginning of August, the Magic Marker Art social media pages started to show partial glimpses of the impending parody release with a few Color Rough previews. On July 6th, the first Trashformers color rough was previewed portraying a parody of the Transformers 'Starscream' character, on July 10th, the second Trashformers color rough was previewed portraying a parody of the Transformers 'Soundwave' character and on July 20th, the third Trashformers color rough was previewed portraying a parody of the Transformers 'Optimus Prime' character.  
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3. The online Promotional Material in the form of an e-Sheet acted as an ad for the Trashformers Series 1 on social media in late July and throughout August of 2017. The initial ad was posted online on July 31st with the 'August 24, 2017' tagline and portrayed the three previously previewed color rough characters. The second preview ad is usually posted on the release date with the tagline 'NOW AVAILABLE', but not for this release. The ad background displayed the parody art for the Autobot and Decepticon factions.  ~ |
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4. On August 11th, the Magic Marker Art social media pages re-posted the first Mock-Up for card 6a Soundwave DAVE (TF Soundwave) that showed off the new logo on card and the trashcan die-cut previously seen on the promotional material posted in July. Also, the previously announced Horrorible Kids Series 2 Promo Card posted to social media on June 28, 2017 — to promote the painting being a part of the Gallery1988 art show in July — mentioned card available at the show on opening day would also be available to customers placing an order for the Trashformers set online. The P1a Lost BOYD card image is a parody of the 1987 thriller movie titled The Lost Boys. 
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5. The Magic Marker Art social media pages displayed images of packaged Trashformers packs with the circular sticker on August 23rd and was used as the picture link for the sale of the set at $35 on the website; a decent price tag for the set when considering an independent release, vinyl material, die-cuts and profit.The circular sticker seen in the bottom left hand corner seals the protective wrap on the backside of the "pack". On August 24th, the same image with 'NOW AVAILABLE' was posted to social media. 
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6. An 11x17 inch Trashformers mini Poster became available online at Magic Marker Art on March 26th, 2018 (* © 2018 MARK PINGITORE PRTD. IN U.S.A.) for $10.00 each. The 2b Screamin' STEVEN character poster is a limited edition of 50 copies and signed by the artist, Mark Pingitore.  ~ |
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7. A second 11x17 inch Trashformers mini Poster was announced on social media on April 10th, 2018 and became available online at Magic Marker Art on April 11th, the next day (* © 2018 MARK PINGITORE PRTD. IN U.S.A.) for $10.00 each. The 6a Soundwave DAVE character poster is a limited edition of 50 copies and signed by the artist, Mark Pingitore.  ~ |
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8. On March 4th of 2019, the Magic Marker Art website posted a limited edition 2nd Series pack of 8 Magnets for $15.00 with a unspecified print run under the Slop Culture Kids moniker after the Gross Card Con #4 weekend in Las Vegas. The set was announced on social media on February 2nd of 2019 and contains two characters from the Disasters of the Universe set with a castle die cut, two characters from the Horrorible Kids release with a tombstone die-cut, two characters from the Trashformers set with a trashcan die cut, and two characters from the Nintendopes release with a cartridge die cut. The cardboard packaging is modeled after a nostalgic Topps GPK wrapper that contained a logo, a yellow background, 'STICKERS' in bold with a white background, a series announcement (starting after the OS1 set) and '5 STICKERS • 1 STICK BUBBLE GUM' printed at the bottom.   ~ |
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9. On January 20, 2020 Magic Marker Art took to social media to announce a special Promo Pack of cards that would be available at the Gross Xperience in March. The card-holder cover, designed to look like a comic book, depicts two characters from the Trash-Formers release, for cards #1 and #8 in the series. magicmarkerart "I’m putting together a promo pack of goodies for this year’s Gross Card Con aka Gross Xperience in Las Vegas March 13th-15th! Peter Cullen and Frank Welker will be signing together on Saturday, so a Trashformers design feels appropriate!". The special pack would hold four ToyCon exclusive promo cards for upcoming Nintendopes and Horrorible Kids releases.  ~ |
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10. The Trashformers Logo closely resembles the Transformers 80's logo in layout; where a solid red, blue or purple 'header' has replaced the red and white metallic look of the franchise logo and the Autobot and Decepticon factions have been replaced with a trashcan. ~ |
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CARD NO.
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CHARACTER NAME
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SERIES NO.
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ARTIST
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1a
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OPTIMUS
GRIME
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1
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MARK
PINGITORE
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1b
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BIG RIGSBY
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1
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MARK
PINGITORE
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2a
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TAYLOR
SPIN + MAGNET S2 2019
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1
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MARK
PINGITORE
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2b
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SCREAMIN' STEVEN
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1
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MARK
PINGITORE
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3a
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JAZZY
JEFF
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1
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MARK
PINGITORE
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3b
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FLAT SCAT
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1
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MARK
PINGITORE
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4a
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DEV
S. TATE
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1
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MARK
PINGITORE
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4b
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CONSTRUCT A. CONNOR
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1
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MARK
PINGITORE
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5a
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GRIM
LUKE
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1
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MARK
PINGITORE
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5b
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EXTINCT SEAN
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1
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MARK
PINGITORE
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6a
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SOUNDWAVE DAVE
+ MAGNET S2 2019
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1
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MARK
PINGITORE
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6b
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CASSETTE
TATE
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1
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MARK
PINGITORE
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7a
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CLIFF
JUMP
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1
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MARK
PINGITORE
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7b
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REPAINT NATE
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1
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MARK
PINGITORE
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8a
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MEGA RON
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1
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MARK
PINGITORE
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8b
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NICK
CANNON
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1
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MARK
PINGITORE
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9a
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BUGGED DOUG
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1
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MARK
PINGITORE
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9b
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BUMBLE BEA
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1
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MARK
PINGITORE
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CARD NO.
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CHARACTER NAME
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SERIES NO.
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ARTIST
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A BIG THANK-YOU TO PING FOR FINAL ARTWORK IMAGES
AND LOGOS
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