Topps has been part of the Star Wars experience since the very first wax-pack sets that accompanied the release of A New Hope. Their latest project -- named Star Wars: Evolution -- not only looks back at the classic Star Wars experience, but also connects it to the ongoing saga.

The card set is photo-based, and each card is given the lavish foil treatment. In addition to the base set of 90 cards, there are 20 rare cards that represent subsequent evolutions of certain characters in the base set. "For example, the base set has Leia in her white dress. Then there's an evolution version that has her in her Boushh disguise. And then there's a rarer one of her in her gold bikini that everyone's going to want," says Supervising Editor of Entertainment Products John Williams. This focus on character evolution will offer a few surprises, with new Episode II images promised for select characters.

Adding to the collectability of the set are a series of autographed cards offered one-per-box (or one-per-36 packs). Autographs currently scheduled for the set include: Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia), James Earl Jones (Darth Vader), Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian), Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), Kenny Baker (R2-D2), Lewis MacLeod (Sebulba), Phil Brown (Owen Lars), Caroline Blakiston (Mon Mothma), Michael Sheard (Admiral Ozzel), Kenneth Colley (Admiral Piett), Femi Taylor (Oola), Michonne Bourriague (Aurra Sing), and Dermot Crowley (General Madine). "We've done autographs with sports figures in the past -- it's the biggest thing with sports right now," says Williams. "But this is a first for Star Wars."

The series will be previewed with a number of promotional cards, such as the one recently given away at AlphaCon in Omaha. "The promo cards went like gang-busters," says Williams. "People are really excited about the cards themselves, beyond the autographs."

Evolution is scheduled for release in 8-card packs in August 2001. Chewing gum sold separately.