u/TD1380

The 1990 Marvel Universe promo cards.

Before the official 1990 Marvel Universe set was released, these promos were handed out at a convention in cello packs. According to Bob Budiansky, they were used to test the product and prove its validity to Marvel before the full release.

Only 20 cards were made, all featuring original artwork by comic book artist Tom Morgan.

So how do you spot one in the wild?

Look for these two key details:

1. The back is different — it does not say, “Produced & distributed by Impel Marketing, Inc.”
2. The finish is glossy, not matte like the widespread release.

And here’s the wild part…

When these cards actually surface, recent sales show they can sell for more than better-known 1990 Marvel Universe collectibles — including diamond promos and even some holograms.

They’re incredibly rare, historically significant, and still flying under the radar — so much so that even PSA hasn’t fully recognized their place in Marvel card history.

If you ever come across one, don’t overlook it. This is the kind of find Marvel card collectors dream about.

So start the hunt, flip over those MU90 cards, and look for those promos.

#marvelcards #rarecards #hobbysecret #psacard #topps

This card was on a silver ish background in the photos when I purchased it. The back is clean but I noticed this flaw on it in the PSA pics. How bad do you think this affect the grade in an otherwise solid card? (I know the centering is off a bit and was thinking this would have fetched a 9 had it not been for the imperfection on the front.) The marks on the back are on the holder they used for the PSA pics and are not on the card.