Opening 5 Packs of 1998 Dart Gilligan's Island Trading Cards

​Gilligan's Island was a staple of my youth during the long summer breaks that separate the promotion into a new grade.  The castaways always found themselves in some type of adventure even though they were stranded on such a small island.  The slapstick comedy between the Skipper and Gilligan, Mr. & Mrs. Howell's complete obliviousness to the predicament the were in, the intelligence of the professor, the sweet-as-apple pie Mary Ann, and the gorgeous and sophisticated Ginger... all trademarks that make a great show!

My brother-in-law goes to the San Diego Comic-Con every year, and this time he noticed some trading cards for which he sent me a quick video of what was available.  As much as I love sports, I enjoy the non-sporting world of trading cards even more.  Although most of the packs came from the overproduction era of the 1990's, they are still just as fun to open as it's more about the cards striking up memories.  I asked him to get me 5 packs of Gilligan's Island (I didn't know what year they were from at the time), and a wax pack 1978 Battlestar Galactica cards, which I'll open at a later time.

​The glossy cards are well done and features fun facts and observations about the characters and the episodes.  Growing up, Gilligan was my favorite character for his dopey look, but I couldn't understand how someone could be so stupid!  Mary Ann was a favorite as well, and I'm sure that I was on of about 100 million people who was certain that she was going to be my wife when I became of age.  However, Mr. & Mrs. Howell grew upon me for their complete obliviousness to the predicament that they are in.  With the said, here are some of the favorite cards from the set.

Card #20 - To Tell The Truth
Featuring the Skipper with a Coconut lie detector on his head.

Card #25 - Oath Of Loyalty
Mr. & Mrs. Howell, my two favorite characters, enjoyed the high-life on a deserted island.  Mr. Howell always sleeps with his teddy bear, Teddy.

Card #27 - Temporarily Rescued
A typical expression of Gilligan.  I'm sure I've given this face when my mom caught me sneaking cookies from the cookie jar!

Card #38 - An Appropriate Catch
I like that Alan Hale, Jr. autographed the original card and they included it on the print run for mass production.

Card #53 - Don't Slap These Mosquitos
One of the best parts of the show is the routine of Gilligan and the Skipper confiding in one another before going to sleep.  This is a true lesson in life, the importance of routinely talking with your family and friends, no matter what predicament you get into.

Card #55 - Roy Hinkley
I was always impressed with the Professor, his intelligence, and ability to invent.  He seems to have an answer for everything!

Card #66 - Three's Not A Crowd!
Although the castaways often got on each other nerves, the bond of friendship never broke.  Here's a great shot of Mary Ann, Gilligan and the Skipper.

I hope you enjoyed this set.  I will definitely try to complete it since there are only 72 cards of base + a handful of inserts.  Now to fire-up the Roku and search for episode of Gilligan's Island!