Introduction
Have you heard of 2023 Kakawow Phantom Disney 100 Years of Wonder?
No? Well I hadn’t either, so I did a deep dive and found some pertinent information to share.
Kakawow is a 2023 Chinese trading card brand owned by Suplay Inc. under Founder Alex Huang. They are licensed to sell product in China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, and can use the intellectual property of Disney, Pixar, StarWars, Marvel, Tom & Jerry, HelloKitty, etc.
First Set
Their first large set is called Phantom Disney 100 Years of Wonder and was supposedly limited to 4,000 cases. The set is 180 cards large with 10 packs per booster box and 5 cards per pack. Each case contains 10 booster boxes.
Artificial Rarity
These cards operate similarly to modern sports cards with artificial rarity inserts.
Approximate insert set odds:
Insert name: total cards, odds
Base Silver: 180 cards, 1:2 packs
Die Cut: 180 cards, 1:10
Classic Reunion: 46 cards, 1:10
Anniversary World Stamp: 46 cards, 1:10
D100: 180 cards, 1:25
Chinese Zodiac: 12 cards, 1:50
Platinum: 18 cards, 1:100
Wonder: 36 cards, 1:100
Signature: 36 cards, 1:129
Retro Poster: 36 cards, 1:134
Gold: 72 cards, 1:500
Eternal Force: 28 cards, 1:667
Black: 72 cards, 1:5000
Social Media Presence
Their formal social media presence has been restricted to Twitter and Discord, but it appears that they have partnered with influencers and sports card shops on Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to drive up interest in their product with booster box openings. They also regularly engage in Twitter giveaways.
Grading & Market Price
PSA and other grading companies have agreed to begin grading the cards and they are currently listed for ridiculous prices. To provide some context, booster cases are selling for $5,000-$7,000 with individual boxes selling for $500-$700. PWCC has a booster case listed in auction to end tomorrow.
My Opinions
I love Disney and I am excited for Lorcana to come out soon. I am less enthusiastic for a “sports world” Disney CCG. The more that I’ve read about the company and products, the ickier it makes me feel.
I understand that they are trying to grow rapidly and are restricted by geographic agreements as a licensee, but their approach/fanbase feels eerily similar to the NFT/Crypto crowd.
For example, tweets like this make me feel gross.
Can’t wait to get this back from @PSAcard
Gold /10 Raya from @kakawow_global Disney Phantom 100!
kakawow psa #Disney100
I have to assume that the major sellers in North America will be sports card stores looking to make a quick buck before it becomes irrelevant.
TL;DR: A Chinese business made a Disney CCG with artificial rarity similar to modern sports cards. Their vocal fanbase has felt a little like NFT/Crypto bros, but perhaps the other portion of their consumers are just quieter on social media.