If you think you’ve seen it all in the world of sports trading cards, hold your horses because the 2024-25 Panini Obsidian Basketball collection has just hit the court, and it’s got the panache to put all other collections to shame. Blacked-out, bold, and unapologetically striking, Obsidian retains its reputation as the rebel of the trading card scene. It’s Griffith Park after midnight — mysterious, a bit chaotic, yet undeniably fascinating.
This collection isn’t for the traditionalists. Crafted for those who savor a little flair with their slam dunks, the Obsidian collection is dark yet flashy, elevating the sensory experience of card collecting. Sporting just a single pack per hobby box, it ensures that what you pull is laced with anticipative energy, presenting not just cards, but potential. Each box boasts seven cards: three hits which usually include two autographs and a memorabilia card, along with three inserts or parallels, and a lone base card that’s unique as finding a jump shot unicorn.
Cards aficionados, let’s dive into the glamor and genius that make Obsidian a coveted crown jewel:
Design and Parallels:
The darling of this collection is the design. We’re talking about a departure from your run-of-the-mill chrome finishes — these cards flaunt an etched, heavyweight feel, glowing like jewelry under the right light. Akin to an art installation, the parallels in Obsidian don’t just show up; they steal the spotlight with colors that are nothing short of interstellar.
A splash of vibrant new parallels enters the Obsidian universe this year. Meet the drapery of exquisite beauty and rarity: Pink Flood (numbered to 49), Blue Flood (numbered to 30), Hot Springs (numbered to 15), and Caldera, whose secrets ooze tantalizing mystery without revealing its numbering yet. Seasoned collectors might feel tingles of nostalgia as Electric Etch parallels make their anticipated return, spanning from mid-numbered color pops to ultimate, elusive one-of-one cards.
Autographs:
If you have an appetite for autographs, Obsidian’s menu will not disappoint. Though it sticks with familiar themes, familiarity breeds fondness. The autographs are vibrant, showcasing talent and tenacity.
Anticipate throwbacks like Rookie Jersey Autographs and Rookie Jersey Ink, as well as refined signatures in the illustrious Magmatic Signatures, Matrix Material Autos, Twilight Signatures, and Volcanic Signatures categories. And for the new kid on the block, the collection introduces Scorched Signatures — an explosion of flames and fury that elevates the drama.
Memorabilia:
Obsidian doesn’t do ordinary, and its memorabilia collection stays true to that ethos. Enter Cutting Edge memorabilia cards — aptly named as they lean into sharp, clean designs. Concerned that it might just be another ‘meh’ jersey card? Think again. These are vividly bold, usually linked to icons or tomorrow’s prodigious stars.
Inserts:
While many insert card collections might feel like an afterthought, the inserts here carry an ultra-modern, stylized swagger. It’s like stepping into a sci-fi role, battling synthetic dragons while staying cool as ice. Beyond the fan favorites — Supernova, Orbital, Hotspot, Equinox — this year’s fresh face, Atomic Initials, smashes a contemporary, clean vibe overlaying a player’s initials across a glorious action shot.
But fret not, rarity chasers! The realm of Obsidian hides treasures — coveted SSPs return like mythic quests: the spellbinding Volcanix, the elusive Black Color Blast, and debuting with daunting élan, Vitreous, a die-cut marvel bound to stir the collector’s spirit.
Hobby Box Breakdown:
For those calculating the bounty, here’s the lowdown: Each box comprises 7 cards featuring 2 autographs, 1 memorabilia card, 3 inserts or parallels, and just 1 base card.
Obsidian isn’t pretending to be another all-encompassing collection; it’s celebrating all that’s gloriously mighty in a single pack. It takes the elements of dark, dynamic foil and injects them with kaleidoscopic bursts of color, inducing heart palpitations as you hunt for the holy grail of pulls.
Whether seasoned court collectors or neophytes basking in the allure of basketball brilliance, this year’s Obsidian promises unforgettable impressions. So, if you’re drawn to the thrill of blacked-out mystery, energy-infused aesthetics, and an exhilarating chase for rookie recognition in just a rip, the Obsidian Basketball series isn’t just ink and paper — it’s poetry in motion.
