Inkworks is preparing to launch its first series of trading cards based on the popular ABC television series Alias. The 81-card Alias: Season One Premium Trading Cards series will ship to retailers on December 18. Like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, another prime Inkworks TV property, Alias is an extremely well written show that centers on a powerful, charismatic, and beautiful female protagonist. Double agent Sydney Bristow, played by Golden Globe Award-winning actress Jennifer Garner (soon to be seen as Elektra in the new Daredevil movie), high-kicks her way through a mind-boggling series of adventures and intrigues that is leavened only slightly by her 'cover' existence as the world's most gorgeous graduate student. Like Buffy, the Alias series has already developed a loyal fan following, and is about to get its own comic book series and toy line (see 'Alias Heats Up San Diego').
The Inkworks Alias Trading Cards are all printed on premium mirror foil board, which provides each card with a shimmering surface effect, while the back of each card contains a 'secret message' that can only be revealed under black light. Seven different autograph cards (inserted 1 per 39 packs) feature the series top stars: Jennifer Garner, Victor Garber (Sydney's father), and Bradley Cooper (her erstwhile boyfriend, Will), as well as series creator J.J. Abrams. The only other thing a devoted fan could wish for -- and it could happen with the Season 2 series -- would be an autograph of Lena Olin, the superb Swedish actress, who plays Sydney's mother in the current season's adventures.
In addition to the autograph cards, the series also includes 'relic' cards featuring swatches of costumes worn by Jennifer Garner during Season One including the incredible blue latex dress from the 'So It Begins' episode, and the silver metal outfit and beaded hat from 'The Coup.' The three relic cards will be inserted one per 78 packs. In addition to the relic cards there are six heat sensitive 'Double-Agent Files' cards that reveal messages and hints from series creator J.J. Abrams about the events coming up in Season 2 (1 per 17 packs), as well as a nine-card 'Secret Life' puzzle featuring Sydney and her many undercover looks (1 per 11 packs). Each box of 24 eight-card packs will contain three 'box loader' cards, and each case will include a limited case loader card. Each pack of Alias Season One cards has a suggested retail price of $2.99.
Inkworks also provides retailers with a collector binder designed to hold all of the Alias Season One cards. Inkworks' high quality binders have proven to be very successful with collectors, and retailers who haven't ordered them in the past should think about bringing one in to see if their customers are interested. The custom-designed binders sell for $19.95. A limited edition (299 copies) mini-press sheet of the nine Secret Life Puzzle cards is available at a suggested retail of $69.95.
