Topps Star Wars Meiyo review

I was at Celebration Japan this year and despite loving Star Wars cards from Topps, I didn’t pick up their Star Wars Meiyo release which was first available at the event. Marketing was minimal and it felt like the set almost quietly slipped out. Unless you asked it wasn’t clear that it was being sold.

That said, Meiyo saw a broader release afterwards. The differences between the Celebration and main release boxes are aesthetics, slightly better odds in Celebration boxes, and Manga Madness cards only available in Celebration boxes. The boxes from the event feature special Japanese-themed design cues and event branding, while the main release had a more standard hobby box look.

I was really lucky recently to get the opportunity to open 3 boxes from the after market, two from Celebration Japan and one from the mainstream release. I have to say it is a really satisfying rip with a super unique look and feel.

Aesthetic appeal

What truly sets Meiyo apart is its elegant use of Japanese script on an exceedingly clean card layout. The base cards are minimalist, with well chosen cut out images of characters on a simple parchment style background, using Japanese script and emphasising the unique card design. It's a refreshing change from the more mainstream chrome-heavy trend. It feels an authentic homage to its Celebration Japan roots.

Base cards, Parallels, Inserts & Rarity

You can find the checklist here. The 100 card base set contains four groups of 25 characters from the Rebel Alliance, Galactic Empire, Resistance and First Order respectively. Each of these factions then has ten characters on ‘Honor’ inserts, which also have die cut variations.

Meiyo includes a range of parallels and inserts, although the set is more about the subtle design. Color-matched base card parallels look particularly strong with purple (/99), black (/75), blue (/50), green (/25), and red (/10) chrome borders on these short prints. I was lucky enough to pull a color‐matched Thrawn, a blue border /50, which really pops. There are also 1 of 1 Foilfractors.

Parallels are numbered, but in fairly modest quantities—it’s not a chromed-out chasefest like some other sets, which sometimes have print runs well north of 100, making cards less rare than you think.

Other inserts include chrome stickers of ten characters, reminiscent of the stickers found in the 1977 set but with a chrome twist, Japanese poster cards of Star Wars films, four Ukiyo painting style variants, Manga Madness cards (Celebration boxes only), and three Medal of Yavin die cuts. Of course there are also sketch cards and autographs. Odds can be found here.

Autographs

The autograph cards in this set look very sleek. There are chrome autos and duo’s which feature a thin chrome border coloured relating to the print numbering, the same as parallel base cards. This look frames the signature beautifully and is a very clean and stylish finish. It adds a modest hint of chrome to the otherwise simple design. There are also autographs in an ‘Honor’ die cut variant. The auto checklist feels fairly short but strong, and they aren’t guaranteed in every hobby box, with one chrome auto in every 75 or 68 packs. Their rarity adds to the excitement, so when you do pull one, it feels like a proper reward and chances are the character isnt that common.

Final Thoughts

In a market saturated with flashy sets like Chrome and Masterwork, Meiyo is a welcome change. Sure, I like ripping a hobby box when I know it contains an auto, but what Meiyo gives up in guaranteed and numerate hits it makes up for with its sleek Japanese-themed aesthetic and payoff. The rarity of autographs and parallel makes each pull more special. Its not just a gimmick; it ties beautifully into its Celebration Japan origin, while the design stands strong on its own merits.

If you're tired of the same old chrome chase and want something a bit different, Meiyo is a fantastic addition. Harder to pull a nuke? Yes. But if you're here for the satisfaction of a well-designed set and the surprise of a rare autograph, Meiyo delivers.

MTFBWY