Black Gilded Mortalis Machina Playing Cards

Black Gilded Mortalis Machina Playing Cards bring together gothic symbolism, steampunk aesthetics, and intricate paper engineering in a striking collector’s deck. Designed by The Paper Gear Company, this edition expands on the Mortalis Machina concept with dramatic black gilded edges and a fully foiled mechanical tuck box that transforms the simple act of opening a deck into an interactive experience.

At the heart of the design is the theme of humanity’s eternal clash and coexistence with machines. The artwork blends Victorian-era elegance with steampunk imagination, weaving together Baroque curves, gothic ornamentation, and dark fantasy imagery across every card. The result is a deck that feels both ancient and mechanical, as if forged in a world where gears and souls are equally powerful forces.

The courts and jokers are richly illustrated with hand-drawn characters rooted in mythology and symbolism. The Jacks represent ominous “Death Messengers,” including figures such as a hellbound rider, a mysterious black cat, the Horse of the Apocalypse, and a raven. 

The Queens embody powerful goddesses and mythological figures such as Santa Muerte, Koli, Mengpo, and a figure inspired by Valkyrie or Hel. The Kings take on the role of grim reapers and rulers of the underworld, represented by legendary figures like the Reaper, Anubis, Hades, and Yama.

The Jokers provide a contrasting yet meaningful touch. One holds a heart symbolizing love, while the other clutches treasure representing wealth. Together they reflect the duality of human desire... reminding us that the very things we pursue for happiness can also carry the seeds of sorrow.

The most distinctive element of the deck is its mechanical tuck box. The foiled metallic gear design is not merely decorative; it is a functional piece of paper engineering where gears shift and move as the box opens. Despite its intricate mechanism, the tuck remains the same compact size as a standard deck box, demonstrating impressive craftsmanship and precision while remaining lightweight and durable.

Pledge starts at $34 on Kickstarter.

BHOOMI Playing Cards

BHOOMI Playing Cards by Orion Playing Cards are the third chapter in an elemental series that explores humanity’s connection to nature, following the themes of water in JAL and fire in AGNI. The name “Bhoomi,” derived from Sanskrit, means “Earth” or “Land,” and the deck pays tribute to the planet as the enduring foundation of life.

Designed by Bivas Bhattacharjee from Old Gravity, this collection centers on the philosophy “The World is One Family.” This idea reflects the belief that all living beings share the same ground and are interconnected through the Earth.

Two main editions represent different aspects of the planet. The Bloom Edition celebrates the vibrant surface of the Earth with a rich palette of emerald green, forest brown, and gold. Its design features a symmetrical Tree of Life motif, intricate vine patterns, and solid gold gilded edges that reflect the energy of flourishing ecosystems.

In contrast, the Roots Edition honors the quiet strength beneath the surface. Using muted silver, deep umber, and copper tones, it evokes the ancient stability of soil, stone, and mineral foundations. Copper-colored gilding and subtle metallic details reinforce the grounded, subterranean theme.

The court cards tell a narrative of humanity’s relationship with the Earth through a diverse cast of figures drawn from history, mythology, and global culture. The characters include farmers, scholars, monarchs, and mystics—each representing a different connection to the land.

Even the aces reinforce this philosophy, with each symbol transformed into a stylised tree. The Ace of Spades features a powerful oak set against hypnotic woodgrain rings, the Ace of Hearts forms a canopy shaped like a heart, the Ace of Diamonds echoes the geometry of crystalline minerals, and the Ace of Clubs evokes the sturdy strength of a sacred grove rooted in fertile soil.

Across both editions, the number cards share a unified design language built around winding vines, organic geometry, and botanical motifs. The pips themselves are redesigned as miniature “Tree of Life” forms, reinforcing the idea that every suit and number represents a branch of the same ancient system. 

Both editions feature 56 custom poker-sized cards printed on premium 310gsm black-core stock by King Star. Pledge starts at $16 on Kickstarter.

Deck View: Disney Princess Playing Cards

Enchanting. Nostalgic. Regal.

Disney Princess (Pink Edition) Playing Cards celebrate beloved classic characters such as Cinderella, Belle, and Ariel, presenting them through custom illustrations inspired by their timeless stories.

The Pink Edition leans into romantic tones and delicate design elements. The deck incorporate princess imagery throughout the cards, creating a cohesive tribute to Disney’s iconic heroines.

Produced by United States Playing Card Company, the decks combine familiar Bicycle quality with themed artwork, making them suitable for casual play, collecting, or fans of Disney-inspired designs.

Available now from Cardtopia for $8.49.

TCI Clubhouse Playing Cards

TCI Clubhouse Playing Cards are a new luxury series from The Card Inn, a UK-based playing cards retailer. Designed as a prestigious “clubhouse” for card players, magicians, and collectors, the series combines traditional playing card usability with high-end production details such as cold foil card backs, embossed tuck cases, gilded edges, and strictly limited print runs.

Designed by Alex Haines of A. Haines Playing Cards, the decks blend classic card design with modern elegance. The faces retain a familiar layout suited for card games and magic, but with refined details that elevate the aesthetic. 

Court cards feature a distinctive gold border that highlights the suit in all four corners, while the traditional color palette has been reimagined using black, red, white, and gold tones that reflect The Card Inn’s visual identity.

The Ace of Spades serves as a centerpiece, featuring an ornate design that pays tribute to The Card Inn’s origins since its founding in 2019. The remaining aces include decorative typography above and below the central symbols, adding further sophistication to the deck. 

Number cards continue the refined theme with elegant frames surrounding the pips, giving the cards a regal and cohesive appearance while maintaining the familiar sizing and layout players expect.

The card backs feature an intricate pattern available in either black or white, both enhanced with cold foil detailing. On the White & Gold edition, the foil appears brighter and more reflective due to the light background, creating a bold and radiant look. The Black & Gold version offers a subtler metallic effect that many magicians may prefer for performance settings where less visual distraction is desired.

The tuck cases are designed to match the luxurious tone of the deck, drawing inspiration from premium playing card brands while establishing their own distinctive identity. Gold foil accents and detailed embossing give the boxes a rich tactile feel and visual depth, turning them into display-worthy pieces even before the cards are opened.

Printed by Kingstar and pledge starts at $21 on Kickstarter.