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.

Origins and Historical Context

The Rise of Non‑Sport Cards in the Early 1990s

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.

Base Set

• 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.

Packaging

• 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.

Visual Style

The cards faithfully reproduced the magazine covers, including:

• original artwork

• issue dates

• iconic artists such as Moebius, H.R. Giger, Chris Achilleos, and others

💰 Most Valuable Cards in the Set

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):

⭐ Top 10 Most Valuable Cards (Approximate Market Behavior)

1. Card #1 — April 1977 (First Issue Cover)

• The debut Heavy Metal cover

• Historically the most sought‑after card

• High‑grade copies can sell for a premium

2. Card #3 — August 1977 (Moebius)

• Moebius is one of the most collected artists in the set

• Early covers are especially desirable

3. Card #5 — December 1977 (Classic Fantasy Cover)

• Early run + iconic imagery = steady demand

4. Card #10 — October 1978 (H.R. Giger)

• Giger covers always attract collectors

• One of the most recognizable in the set

5. Card #14 — June 1979 (Chris Achilleos)

• Achilleos has a strong fantasy‑art following

• Often singled out by art collectors

6. Card #21 — August 1980 (Moebius)

• Another Moebius cover

• Clean, bold artwork that grades well

7. Card #33 — August 1982 (Boris Vallejo)

• Vallejo collectors often buy this card individually

• One of the most visually striking covers

8. Card #45 — August 1984 (Luis Royo)

• Royo’s fanbase is large and loyal

• His covers tend to command higher prices

9. Card #57 — August 1986 (Giger)

• Second Giger cover in the set

• Scarcer in high grade due to dark borders

10. Card #83 — December 1990 (Modern‑Era Favorite)

• Later cover but popular due to bold sci‑fi art

• Often sells above average

1991 📈 General Value Notes

• 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