Creators: Capcom Fighting Games & Playing Cards Design

After the enthusiastic reception of the Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Tarot Cards, designer Hinanana designed an all-new deck celebrating Capcom’s iconic fighting franchises: Capcom Fighting Legends Playing Cards. We featured this beautifully crafted deck on Kardify earlier this year.

The deck brings together four legendary Capcom titles, each represented by one of the suits:

♣ Clubs – Street Fighter

♠ Spades – Red Earth

♥ Hearts – Darkstalkers

♦ Diamonds – Cyberbots: Fullmetal Madness

According to Hinanana, on Capcom's Creator Comment post,

Like the tarot cards, every aspect of these playing cards—suits, characters, and even the box design—features original illustrations. I aimed to capture the unique appeal of each character while preserving the timeless charm of traditional playing cards. Each character is presented in Western-inspired apparel, with suits and aces tailored to match their respective games.

 

Collaborating with the US-based playing card brand Bicycle was an absolute dream come true for Hinanana as a long-time fan of their work. 

I designed the special box entirely from scratch to ensure it complemented the cards perfectly, rather than relying on a standard template.

 

Hinanana continues,

With this deck covering such an array of titles, I hope it resonates with fans of Capcom’s rich fighting game legacy. I would love for everyone to find their favorite card within the collection. Personally, my favorite is the Queen of Hearts, representing the Darkstalkers suit—it holds a special place in my heart.

 

I can’t wait to see how these cards are received within the fighting game community. Whether you’re a collector or a player, I hope these cards bring joy and nostalgia while honoring the spirit of Capcom’s games.

The Capcom Fighting Legends deck is a love letter to fighting game history... full of nostalgia, style, and spirit. Available now on Capcom Games for $15.

Fulton’s Gunsmoke Playing Cards

Fulton’s Gunsmoke Playing Cards marks a long-awated entry into the Western genre by Brad Fulton. Illustrated by Ethan Kowaleski, the deck is a heartfelt tribute to classic Western cinema and culture, an enduring passion of Fulton’s- brought to life through intricate, stylized artwork.

The deck sports the classic “Stud Blue” colorway, blending vintage charm with modern design, making it an instant favorite for poker nights and collectors alike. The deck features a custom, intricately designed Ace of Spades, indices, Jokers, and beautifully detailed card backs. While the court cards are standard, they've been recolored to match the deck’s overall aesthetic.

One of the standout features is the tuck box, which is a tactile experience in itself. It boasts custom embossing, metallic Pantone inks, and a unique squared-off long flap—a subtle but deliberate nod to one of Fulton’s favorite vintage decks. 

The cards are printed in China on premium Cardistry Thin-Stock. Available now on Fulton's Playing Cards for $20.

TCC’s Mocha Mousse Playing Cards

Inspired by Pantone’s 2025 “Mocha Mousse” shade, TCC’s addition to the Flexible Cardistry series- Mocha Mousse Playing Cards channels the cozy blend of milk and coffee into a soft, soothing palette designed to evoke calm and comfort.

The back design features a dynamic chocolate-to-cream gradient that flows elegantly through cardistry moves, while a ribbon edge pattern adds grace to fans and spreads.

Printed on TCC’s specialized production line with a thinner stock, Mocha Mousse offers silky handling and refined aesthetics—ideal for cardists who appreciate performance wrapped in visual warmth. Available for $5.99 on TCC Playing Card.

Smoke & Mirrors Anniversary Edition: Carbon Playing Cards

Originally released in 2012, the Carbon Edition of Smoke & Mirrors makes a bold return as part of the brand’s 15th Anniversary celebration- reimagined, redefined, and more elegant than ever. This version marks the sixth and final colorway in the original series.

Designed by Dan & Dave in collaboration with Brad Fulton, this special edition moves away from the original bordered design in favor of a clean, borderless back. The result is a seamless visual flow ideal for flourishes, fans, and spreads, making it as functional as it is beautiful.

The design takes direct inspiration from 19th-century typography, bringing a layer of historical sophistication to the deck. At its center is the iconic D&D monogram, updated in a new typeset and framed by a minimalist dot pattern. This subtle yet striking back design bridges the ornate and the modern with confidence.

Inside, the deck is fully custom- the intricate Ace of Spades, an elegantly styled joker, and thoughtfully customized number cards. The Arrco-style court cards remain a hallmark of the series, beloved by cardists and magicians alike. 

The presentation is just as refined as the cards themselves. The tuck box is letterpress printed in soft gray and sealed with a classic stamp—a fitting final touch to this anniversary release.

The deck is printed by the USPCC on D&D’s signature thin stock. Available for $25 on Dan and Dave's store.

Deck View: Aurelian (White Edition) Playing Cards

Power. Majesty. Rome.

The Aurelian Playing Cards by Ellusionist are among the most intricately designed decks the company has ever produced. Inspired by Roman Emperor Aurelian, who ruled from 270 to 275 AD, the deck was conceived by Geraint Clarke and illustrated by Oban Jones to capture the majesty and power of ancient Rome with an extraordinary level of detail.

Inside, the cards feature hypnotic back designs and fully custom court and number cards, all rendered with refined detail while still maintaining a familiar structure. The Ace of Spades stands out with golden swords, spears, and whips, while the jokers are a nod to classic Tally-Ho Cowboy designs.

The White Aurelian edition comes in a luxurious tuck box with gold foil and adorned with deep embossing. Inside the tuck, layers of gold foil oak leaf illustrations represent the Emperor’s Civic Crown, offering a regal finishing touch.

Printed by Cartamundi on E7 luxury pressed stock.

River Rats: A Whimsical Playing Cards Meets Strategic Card Game

Blending inventive game mechanics with charming artwork, River Rats is a fully custom deck and a cooperative poker-inspired game. Set aboard a futuristic luxury riverboat, players become part of the crew, working together to outplay their mechanical overlords... wealthy bionic River Rats who demand high-stakes poker games for entertainment.

More than just a novelty theme. River Rats is a fully-fledged hand-management game, where teamwork and strategic card play are key. Each player belongs to one of four animal-based crew factions—Otters (Spades), Bugs (Diamonds), Crocodiles (Hearts), and Birds (Clubs). Each with its own smart ability to shift the odds. Outsmart the Rich Rats with combo play and manipulation of poker hands before they trap you in debt.

Illustrated by Rixt Heerschop, the deck bursts with personality and vibrant, playful visuals. Each suit has its own cast of characters tied to riverboat roles, with transformational card art incorporating miniature suit symbols throughout. The Kings are arrogant bionic rats, the Aces represent players, and the number cards form the working crew. 

Two editions are available on Kickstarter- red or blue. In addition to the 52-card deck, the set includes two Jokers, reference cards, and a rulebook. For collectors, River Rats delivers a full custom experience with a distinct aesthetic and clear indices, making it suitable for standard gameplay as well. But it’s the integrated cooperative game and imaginative world-building that truly set this release apart!

The decks are printed by WJPC on their 300gsm German stock. Pledge starts at $17 on Kickstarter.

Fulton's T.S.O.L. Dance With Me Playing Cards

One of the Fulton Playing Card's boldest releases this year comes crashing in with a punk rock snarl. Officially licensed and inspired by the legendary SoCal punk band behind Dance With Me, this deck is a raw tribute to the gritty spirit of early punk culture.

Designed in close collaboration with Jack Grisham, every card in this deck is completely custom. The standout feature? Authentic DIY punk flyers from 1979–1983, pulled straight from the archive of renowned skate artist Chicken Deck. These aren’t just nostalgic nods—they’re real pieces of punk history, reimagined into functional art.

The court cards showcase full flyer artwork, while even the pips were crafted using actual scans from the collection, giving the deck a raw, unfiltered feel that’s as loud as the music that inspired it. The tuck box matches the attitude: embossed gold foil, spot UV gloss, and striking punk visuals make it a collector's centerpiece.

Printed in China on premium cardistry stock, this deck isn’t just for display—it’s made to shuffle, cut, and deal with confidence. Available for $20 from Fulton's Playing Cards.

Kardify Magazine Issue 96 NOW on Patreon

We just released Kardify Magazine Issue 96 on Patreon! Patrons who pledged $3 or more will be able to download the latest issue from our Patreon page. This issue compiles selected articles published from mid-April to mid-May. Deck images, articles, and news to keep you informed and up-to-date with the latest playing card news, releases, and previews. If you love playing cards, you will love Kardify Magazine!

Also, don’t forget to check out our other cool reward tiers on Patreon! The tiers include monthly desktop and smartphone wallpapers, a mystery deck shipped to you every 4 months of ongoing contributions, social media shout-outs, and multiple sponsorship tiers! Check it out!

Funds received from the magazine will help us keep the site running and growing, and bring new quality content to you. Our aim is to support designers by backing crowdfunded projects and supporting magic and playing cards retailers with their new releases. If you want to support us, please head over to our Patreon page. If you have an idea for an article you would like us to pursue, do get in contact with us. We hope you enjoy the read. In this issue:   

+ Swiss Franc Legal Tender: The latest addition to Kings Wild’s Legal Tender series. Continuing the tradition of blending cur- rency design with playing card craftsmanship. Find out more!

+ Room 52 x 52: From Lunzi & TCC, a hand- illustrated deck that trans- forms everyday doors into portals of imagination- a story behind each unique door!

+ Cyclopeans Cyconium: A unique deck by Stockholm17 forged in the depths of myth and leg- end featuring intricately designed card backs and face cards. 

+ Golden Eagle No.7 Vintage: Have a look at this beautifully crafted deck is inspired by A Haines Playing Card’s love of British Birds of Prey, combined with their love of classic decks of playing cards.

+ Laval Lamp:  Flaminko Playing Cards is back with a vibrant deck inspired by the hypnotic movement and bold colors of classic lava lamps.

+ Tanuki Yukaku: This rich and imaginative deck invites you into a mesmerising world of charm, illusion, and tradition, brought to life through the lens of a mischievous tanuki courtesan. Check it out!

+ Grid Series 6: The eighth deck in the GRID collection by Luke Wadey features a bold full-bleed neon orange back with white accents, custom faces, pips, and typography inspired by an isometric grid. Find out more!

… and more! 48-pages of articles and deck images. Enjoy!

Bicycle The Godfather Playing Cards

Step into the world of one of cinema’s greatest masterpieces with The Godfather Playing Cards by TCC Playing Card. Officially licensed and produced with the prestige this legendary film deserves, this deck is more than just a tribute- it's a collector’s piece crafted with elegance.

Inside, the deck draws direct inspiration from the Corleone family’s casino, blending subtle nods to the film’s themes of power, loyalty, and legacy. Every element is custom, from the suits to the back design pays homage to the cinematic world created by Francis Ford Coppola. Metallic inks enhance the artwork, giving each card a rich, reflective sheen worthy of the Corleone legacy.

Packaged in a lavishly embossed tuck box with foil detailing, this is a standout piece for collectors and fans alike. Whether displayed on a shelf or brought to the card table, The Godfather Playing Cards deliver sophistication as the film that inspired them.

This Bicycle-brand deck is printed by USPCC. Available from TCC Playing Card for $30.

Deck View: Gettin’ Spicy Playing Cards

Hot. Red. Vibrant.

Gettin’ Spicy Playing Cards is one of Organic Playing Cards’ biggest release, selling out in under 24 hours as part of the Spicy and Saucy set back in 2021.

The #hot deck features a bold two-way mirrored back with chili pepper and jalapeño motifs in vibrant red and green. Like  all OPC decks, the courts are lightly customized with fun recolors, perfect for magic, cardistry, or game night.

Printed by USPCC on crushed premium stock.

Check Out the Adorable Japan Daruma Bears Playing Cards

The Japan Daruma Bears Playing Cards blends Japanese tradition with playful charm, transforming the iconic Daruma dolls into adorable bear mascots that symbolize luck and blessings. Inspired by the success of the Onsen Neko Pocket project and fan requests for a full-sized deck, Hong Kong-based creators Bi and Gi crafted this vibrant collection to spread joy and positivity.

The standard "Omamori Wish" edition features a golden-foiled tuck box shaped like a traditional Omamori charm, wrapped with a lucky Mizuhiki knot and embossed with 3D Darubear characters. 

Inside, the cards sparkle with gold accents and showcase 12 unique Darubear mascots—pandas, polar bears, koalas, and more—each representing a different blessing. The number cards stack the bears Tsum-Tsum style, while the aces display ornate, temple-inspired designs.

For collectors, the "Omamori Red" edition elevates the experience with a red PU leather tuck, black-foiled Darubear debossing, and red sparkling gilded cards. Both decks feature a back design filled with hidden Darubears, inviting players to puzzle out all the golden and red figures.

A collector’s box set bundles both decks along with a limited-edition 3D Darubear figurine and a Lucky Pad. Inspired by the tradition of painting a Daruma’s eyes to make a wish, the set encourages players to celebrate luck, blessings, and connection with every shuffle.

Pledge starts at $21 on Kickstarter.

TPCC's 5th Anniversary Playing Cards

TPCC's 5th Anniversary Playing Cards is a tribute to five years of creativity and community. Carefully curated from hundreds of past designs, this limited-edition anthology deck captures the evolution of TPPC’s artistry, blending fan favorites with never-before-seen artwork. With only 350 decks produced (175 per edition), each comes with a numbered certificate of authenticity.

Every card in the 54-card deck showcases a unique design—drawing from the team's past projects like Endless Battle, Royal Warrior, Sacrifice, SON, and Botanical—while the backs feature up to 13 different patterns, making it a vibrant visual mosaic.

It’s a deck where every card tells its own story, yet together, they form a cohesive reflection of five years of innovation.

The Premium Edition boasts rainbow-gilded edges, dual tuck cases adorned with gold foil embossing, and comes housed in a luxurious collector’s box with elegant foil stamping and raised embossing. 

The Standard Edition, while lacking exterior embossing and gilded edges, retains the same intricate inner tuck design and varied card order—ensuring every deck remains one of a kind.

Each reward set includes exclusive collector’s gifts: numbered seal cards, prototype designs, cut decks, coins, stickers, and more—tokens of appreciation for the community. Pledge starts at $45 on Kickstarter.

Bicycle × Gundam: A Limited-Edition Collision of Classics and Mecha

Bicycle has teamed up with the legendary Mobile Suit Gundam franchise for a bold, limited-edition series of playing cards- blending over a century of card-making tradition with one of anime’s most iconic universes. The collaboration created exclusively for the Chinese market spans four unique decks, each celebrating a different era of Gundam’s rich saga.

RX-78 Gundam Deck – Relive the origins of the Universal Century with Amuro Ray and Char Aznable. Featuring the RX-78-2 Gundam and Zaku II, this deck fuses retro aesthetics with dynamic battle scenes.

Gundam SEED Deck – Showcasing Kira Yamato and the Freedom Gundam, vivid colors and bold patterns capture the energy and drama of Gundam SEED’s legendary conflicts.

Gundam 00 Deck – Reflecting the celestial beings’ mission to end war, this deck echoes the themes of awakening and revolution central to Gundam 00.

Gundam Unicorn Deck – Centered on Banagher Links and the Unicorn Gundam, this futuristic design radiates the series’ signature transformation sequences and cosmic battles.

Each deck features custom borders, mechanical motifs, and card backs that merge Bicycle’s classic design with Gundam’s unmistakable style. From iconic mobile suits to unforgettable battles, these decks offer fans a collectible way to hold a piece of mecha history in hand.

Available right now from your favorite Murphy’s Magic retailer for $18.

Flaminko Playing Cards is back with Lava Lamp Playing Cards!

After a long hiatus, Flaminko Playing Cards is back with Lava Lamp Playing Cards. Now on Kickstarter, this vibrant deck is a tribute to retro style and playful design, promising a one-of-a-kind addition to any collection.

Inspired by the hypnotic movement and bold colors of classic lava lamps, every aspect of this deck has been carefully crafted to capture the fluid charm of the iconic 60s staple. From the card faces to the pips, Flaminko has reimagined every element to match the flowing, dynamic aesthetic of the lava lamp theme. 

What makes this deck especially striking is the use of spot UV embossing—not just on the tuck box, but on every single card. This glossy, tactile finish enhances the vivid illustrations, making the artwork shimmer and shift under the light just like the glowing wax inside a real lamp.

The face cards showcase a variety of lava lamp bottle shapes, each with unique wax formations that evoke the endless, mesmerizing patterns of real lamps. Each suit features its own distinct bottle design, and no two face cards look the same. Even the Jokers stay true to the theme, featuring a pair of classic rocket-shaped lava lamps in two bold colorways. The Aces and pip designs have been completely customized as well, ensuring that the lava lamp influence flows throughout the entire deck.

The card backs display a symmetrical design framed by a clean white border, balancing groovy energy with crisp detailing. The tuck box, printed in full CMYK color, incorporates raised spot UV embossing to amplify the rich textures and vibrant palette. 

As a fun aside, Flaminko highlights that lava lamps aren’t just nostalgic décor—they even play a role in modern tech. Internet security company Cloudflare uses a wall of lava lamps to generate randomness for encryption keys, proving that these mesmerizing objects continue to shape both art and technology.

With its blend of retro flair, innovative printing techniques, and custom artwork, the Lava Lamp Playing Cards is poised to be a standout addition to any deck enthusiast’s collection. Pledge starts at $18 on Kickstarter.