How to Verify Original La Pandilla Basura Cards
Key Authentication Tips
Welcome to the Authentication section of PandillaBasura.com, your resource for identifying genuine 1989 La Pandilla Basura cards/stickers.
Knowing what to look for is essential before buying, trading, or adding to your collection. With reprints and copies circulating on Peruvian platforms and international markets, authentication has never been more important for serious collectors.
This guide draws directly from production insights shared by J.P. Navarrete, GM of Navarrete Flexo, the successor to Editorial J. Merchante S.A., the original publisher of the series. Details are further supported by examination of surviving original examples.
In addition to the characteristics outlined below, some original cards contain distinctive print marks and production anomalies that can serve as valuable authentication indicators. These recurring marks are known to appear on multiple verified examples and can help collectors distinguish authentic cards from modern reproductions. To view documented examples, click here.
Disclaimer: This guide is provided for educational purposes only and highlights characteristics commonly found in original 1989 La Pandilla Basura cards and albums (Full Disclaimer Details).
10 Point Guide
Each number provides insigth to key detail of original cards.
Card Size
Cards measure approximately 2.95 inches in height and 2.16 inches in width, matching the original album placeholder dimensions.
Halftone Print Pattern
Cards display irregular CMYK halftone dots without repeating digital grid patterns, producing natural color blending rather than uniform rows or pixel-like structures.
Card Stock
Cards are printed on thin magazine-like paper with randomly distributed paper pulp fibers, while many reproductions use thicker cover-style stock that often shows more uniform or directional fiber patterns. Due to the card being printed on thin paper stock, this allows the front artwork to be faintly visible through the reverse side under natural light when placed on a white surface.
Reverse Card Brand
Cards display the character name upside down at the top of the reverse side, printed in dark brown to bold brass-tone solid ink, slightly imperfect resembling a stamped impression rather than the halftone dot patterns used on the front artwork. Some examples with have text more sharp but the font remains the same style.
Reverse “GARBAGE GAN” Text
Cards include the text “GARBAGE GAN” printed vertically on the right side of the reverse, an original misspelling, rendered in dark brown to bold brass-tone solid ink with slightly imperfect, stamp-like text rather than halftone printing. Some examples with have text more sharp but the font remains the same style.
Reverse Character Name
Cards display the text “LA PANDILLA BASURA” upside down at the bottom of the reverse side, printed in bold brass-tone solid ink with slightly imperfect, stamp-like edges rather than the halftone dot patterns used on the front artwork. Some examples with have text more sharp but the font remains the same style.
Original (Front)
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Original (Back)
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Known Print Marks & Authentication Examples
Certain original 1989 La Pandilla Basura cards exhibit distinctive print marks, registration anomalies, and production characteristics that were created during the original printing process. These recurring features have been observed across multiple verified examples and can provide valuable authentication clues when evaluating a card.
While no single print mark should be used as the sole basis for authentication, the presence of these documented characteristics can help collectors identify genuine examples and distinguish them from modern reproductions or altered cards.
The examples below showcase known print marks found on authenticated cards from the original release. As additional verified examples are discovered, this section will continue to expand and serve as a growing reference for the collector community.
Important: Print marks may not appear on every card, and some marks are specific to certain characters, positions, or print runs. Always evaluate multiple authentication characteristics before determining authenticity.
Explosivo Íñigo: Black dot on White Edge Border
Cards #74
Character: Explosivo Íñigo
Location: Upper-right border near banner
Status: Confirmed on multiple verified examples
Guerrero Fulero: Two Ink Dots
Card #53
Character: GUERRERO FULERO
Location: Ink Dot #1, near the banner. On the white outer edge border, immediately to the right of the La Pandilla Basura banner. Ink Dot #2, below the gun. On the yellow background area beneath the gun barrel.
Status: Confirmed on multiple verified examples
Lumbreron Pepon: Two Black Ink Dots
Card #25
Character: Lumbreron Pepon
Location: Ink Dot #1, lower White Border Near Name Plate. On the lower white border, immediately to the right of the "PEPON" name plate. Ink Dot #2, below the Name Plate. On the yellow background area directly beneath the "PEPON" name plate.
Status: Confirmed on multiple verified examples
