I could not agree more about the looks of the 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle; it is so beautiful, peaceful, and extremely well-designed. I love the fact it was horizontal, which Bowman was wise to have some horizontal cards thrown into the mix for variety. Topps did this in '52, then later in 1971, with great effect (1971 Thurman Munson, one of my all-time favorites).
The size of the 51 Bowmans was a new standard for them. The Mantle would not have looked right in the size they used in 48-50. I liked their "new" size.
Then come '52, Topps rolled out their "GIANT SIZE" cards, as they worded it on their wax packs. Bowman countered in '53.
The competition gave us collectors among the nicest baseball cards ever rendered. ---Brian Powell
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