The 1991 Heavy Metal trading card set, produced by Comic Images, remains one of the most distinctive non‑sport card releases of the early 1990s. Built around the iconic Heavy Metal magazine, the set captures more than a decade of cover art from one of the most influential adult‑fantasy publications of the late 20th century.
This article explores the set’s origins, production background, collector market behavior, rarity, and fun facts—supported by available sources.
The early ’90s saw a boom in non‑sport trading cards—comic art, fantasy art, movies, and magazines all received card adaptations. Comic Images, a major publisher of fantasy and comic‑themed trading cards, capitalized on this trend.
In 1991, they released the Heavy Metal Covers Series 1 set, consisting of 90 cards, each reproducing a magazine cover from April 1977 onward.
90 cards, each featuring a different Heavy Metal magazine cover from 1977 through the 1980s.
Standard trading card size: 2.5" × 3.5".
Printed on glossy stock typical of early Comic Images releases.
Sold in sealed boxes of 48 packs.
Packs typically contained 10 cards.
No chase cards, holograms, or inserts—unusual for the era, but consistent with early Comic Images sets.
The cards faithfully reproduced the magazine covers, including:
original artwork
issue dates
iconic artists such as Moebius, H.R. Giger, Chris Achilleos, and others
Because the set has no chase cards, autographs, or inserts, value is driven by cover art popularity, artist reputation, and condition. Based on recent collector sales, these are the cards that consistently sell for the highest amounts (especially in high grade):
The debut Heavy Metal cover
Historically the most sought‑after card
High‑grade copies can sell for a premium
Moebius is one of the most collected artists in the set
Early covers are especially desirable
Early run + iconic imagery = steady demand
Giger covers always attract collectors
One of the most recognizable in the set
Achilleos has a strong fantasy‑art following
Often singled out by art collectors
Another Moebius cover
Clean, bold artwork that grades well
Vallejo collectors often buy this card individually
One of the most visually striking covers
Royo’s fanbase is large and loyal
His covers tend to command higher prices
Second Giger cover in the set
Scarcer in high grade due to dark borders
Later cover but popular due to bold sci‑fi art
Often sells above average
Complete sets: usually $15–$35
Sealed boxes: $30–$40
Individual premium cards: $3–$10 raw, more if graded
High‑grade (PSA/BGS): can multiply value due to low population reports
The set’s value is stable because it appeals to:
fantasy art collectors
Heavy Metal magazine fans
non‑sport card collectors
1990s nostalgia buyers