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| Tokubetsudan A-course n82 gift card |
In September of 1997 Bandai released the final part of Dragon Ball Carddass cards, the Tokubetsudan (特別弾 in Japanese), which literally means "special part". It was meant to finalize both the mainline Carddass series, and the Super Battle series.
The Tokubetsudan was officially introduced as a fusion between the two iconic series. The designs found on the front of the cards were mainly based on the designs used in the Super Battle series (with some mainline Carddass design influences). As a result it's more commonly associated with the Super Battle series, but the Tokubetsudan can be regarded as both Carddass part 31, and Super Battle part 21.
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| Tokubetsudan backing paper used in vending machines (from an auction listing) |
Alongside the release of this very special part was also the announcement of a final contest to win one of two limited gift cards. The way it was described on the Carddass machine backing paper was as follows:
The Greatest Carddass campaign ever!
Fill out the empty circle(s) on the official postcard, and write in your name, address, age, and desired course! Then please send to the address below (followed by the address).
Course A (Aコース): A not for sale Dragon Ball Carddass given to all applicants!
Course B (Bコース): A not for sale Dragon Ball Trading Card given by lottery to 1000 individuals!
The campaign ran from September 15 to December 5 of 1997. Those who selected course A were sent the card being introduced here, the Tokubetsudan limited card number 82, the last numbered card in the Tokubetsudan series.
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| Tokubetsudan A-course n82 gift card back |
The back of the card indicates it was printed in 1998 and has the text "Dragon Ball Carddass Special Issue Premium Card" printed over a special red box. The center box has the character for "Ultimate".
The back also numbers the card as the last card for both the mainline Carddass series (number 1292), and the last card in the Super Battle series (card number 962).
The front features SS4 Gogeta in the center, and SS4 Goku and SS4 Vegeta to the left and right in the background. The section on the front that reads "Super Saiyan 4 Gogeta" is printed in gold lettering, giving it a distinct appearance.
I'm a big fan of this card if only for being the only classic Carddass card featuring SS4 Gogeta. A very nice way for Bandai to celebrate the end of an era of collectable Dragon Ball cards!
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