The 1950s exploded with low budget horror and science fiction movies aka the B-movie. Named so because the movie was suppose to be the second half of a double feature.
In 1962, a science fiction trading card series was released called Mars Attacks. Pretty much Martians invading the earth. Very popular at the time due to the Cold War scare. I already loved the old B- movies with the silver plates hovering above a plastic globe. When I found out about the cards I flipped. 
I instantly fell in love with the bright colors and the dark humor portrayed. At around the same time I found the cards a movie based on the cards was released. Mars Attacks! by Tim Burton was an instance hit with me. A playful parody of all the 1950s Sci Fi B- movies. It was one of those movies that was soo bad that it was good.
In the 1962, the cards caused quite a stir. They were questioned for their strong gore, violence and sexual content. About 13 cards were banned and repainted to depict more clothing and less blood and gory.
The cards pictured above are an example of one of the changes. The one to the left was the original and the one to the right was the reissue. Pretty much the only difference is the woman. Paints an interesting picture about the 50s and early 60s way of thinking. Why was it better for the woman to get abducted?
Hmm.
By today's standards, I find them funny. It is truly interesting to see the ways sex and violence was slid into children's toys. Before you are outraged, these cards are far more tamer than anything found in video games today.
So check out the movie with a cold beer or glass of wine. Sit back and remember to laugh. For the 50th anniversary the cards were published in a book. Check it out here. Enjoy!
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