The Topps Company and Stan Lee’s Comikaze Expo are teaming up to bring Mars Attacks to Los Angeles, including an exclusive Mars Attacks trading card featuring Stan Lee himself squaring off against an unfortunate Martian invader.

The card is entitled “Stan Strikes!” and it was painted by acclaimed artist Joe Jusko, who also did a six-card subset for the upcoming new Mars Attacks: Invasion card set. Limited to 2,500 copies, the card will be given away free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis at Comikaze!

“In 1962 when Mars Attacks was making its mark on the world of trading cards, Stan and his stable of sensational superhero stories were transforming the landscape of comic books,” said Topps’ Adam Levine. “I can’t think of any better match-up than these two pop culture icons to face off in the most outrageous, out-of-this world trading card crossover we’ve ever seen!”

Topps will be on hand at Stan Lee’s Comikaze November 1-3, 2013 to promote the release of Mars Attacks: Invasion, the modern revival of the original card series and the first story-based Mars Attacks card series in more than half a century.

In addition to Jusko, contributors include Earl Norem, Glen Orbik, Greg Staples, Alex Horley, Sanjulian, Dan Brereton and others. A limited edition poster featuring Jusko’s “Stan Strikes!” will also be available for sale at the Topps booth, signed by the artist, while supplies last.

Scoop talked with Joe Jusko about the piece.

Scoop: What do you like about the original Mars Attacks trading cards?
Joe Jusko (JJ): The subject matter itself was enough to enthrall my young mind, but the Norm Saunders paintings were so absurdly over the top that you can’t help but smile just thinking about them. It’s a shame that he painted over some of my favorite cards when a more politically correct second printing was planned, especially since it was never released.

Scoop: With the Topps comics, the feature film, the new IDW comics, and the new trading cards, the property has maintained a public presence over the years. What’s your favorite incarnation of Mars Attacks to date?
JJ: I’m regretfully admitting I haven’t seen the comics, so with no reflection on them I’d have to say the cards. I’ve never liked the movie, probably because I was hoping for a straight sci-fi/horror tale that mirrored the original cards that were so ingrained in my consciousness all these years. I remember being so disappointed. I watched it again recently while I was painting the cards and my opinion hasn’t changed at all.

Scoop: How did you get involved with the project?
JJ: Topps project manager Adam Levine contacted me about contributing. I leapt at the opportunity. It was great to have my name stamped on such a legendary property.

Scoop: At what point did you know you were going to illustrating Stan?
JJ: The Stan card was offered to me as I was finishing my six-card subset. I’ve always had a knack for likenesses (I’m a frustrated movie poster artist who was born a decade or two too late) so I guess Adam felt confident giving it to me.

Scoop: Where did the concept for the card come from?
JJ: I was asked to have Stan fighting a Martian. The concept itself was mine, and it came to me instantly. What better way for Stan Lee to clobber a Martian than by whacking him with his iconic weapon of choice? I chose the classic typewriter because swinging a laptop just didn’t immediately say “writer.” The flying comics completed the scene and pretty much defined who Stan is. Once I had the concept down I was thrilled to find a headshot of Stan online that was perfect for my premise! My wife shot pics of me swinging a Macbook box around our backyard for the body. I’m sure my neighbors found it a bit odd.

Scoop: It’s been under wraps, but what sort of reactions did you get from Stan and from the other people involved in the project?
JJ: A job like this is stressful because you’re concerned throughout that the likeness be accurate and meet the approval of the subject. Some stars I’ve painted in the past had very unrealistic views of their own appearance. Topps told me it bested their expectations and I’ve been told Stan and his people really loved it, so I couldn’t be happier.