Crown (Royal Purple Edition) Playing Cards

Crown (Royal Purple Edition) Playing Cards continue the refined design language of Joker and the Thief with a deck that balances everyday practicality and elevated aesthetics. Expanding on the brand’s ongoing exploration of life, death, and stoic philosophy, Crown presents a quieter, more contemplative luxury, one rooted in restraint rather than excess.

Hand-illustrated by Pedro Oyarbide, the Royal Purple Edition bridges tradition and modern design with minimalist court cards created in-house. The clean visuals keep gameplay, magic, and handling front and center, allowing the cards to perform without distraction while still carrying a strong visual identity. 

The deck’s stoic inspiration, shaped during founder James Milaras' travels through Greece, subtly informs its symbolism and tone, giving the cards narrative depth beyond their surface elegance.

They are housed in a richly detailed tuck box featuring heavy embossing and sealed with Joker and the Thief’s signature foil manufacturer seal. Printed on premium paper stock with a smooth, effortless finish, the cards are built for consistent handling and durability.

Available now on Joker and the Thief for $15.

Tally-Ho 140th Anniversary Special Edition Playing Cards

Tally-Ho 140th Anniversary Special Edition Playing Cards celebrate more than a century of card-making excellence from one of the most respected names in playing card history. Founded in 1885, Tally-Ho has long been synonymous with premium quality, elegant design, and exceptional handling, earning a loyal following among players, magicians, and collectors alike.

This limited-edition anniversary deck honors that legacy with striking Gold Metalluxe foil detailing on every card, delivering a stunning visual impact while preserving the performance Tally-Ho is known for. The design balances classic sophistication with modern refinement, resulting in a deck that feels timeless.

Printed by the United States Playing Card Co. on premium cardstock and finished with Tally-Ho’s signature Linoid Finish. Available now on Cardtopia for $12.99.

Kamiarizuki Playing Cards on Kickstarter

Kamiarizuki Playing Cards mark the latest release from Bloom Playing Cards and the sixth deck in Season Two of Room One’s Collection System. Drawing from Japanese mythology, the deck is inspired by Kami-Ari-Zuki, the sacred “Month With Gods,” when Shinto deities are said to gather at Izumo Grand Shrine to determine matters of fate, relationships, and prosperity.

The deck centers on the theme of en, or fated connection. Across the number cards, pips transform into rabbits, a symbol deeply tied to Izumo folklore and guidance. When fanned or laid in sequence, the cards reveal continuous straight bars that run through the deck, forming an unbroken panorama that represents strands of fate linking every card together. 

The court cards feature detailed illustrations off Shinto deities such as Ōkuninushi and Amaterasu, rendered in ceremonial attire and unified by a flowing shimenawa rope motif that continues seamlessly from card to card. 

This same rope imagery defines the card backs, where shimenawa and omamori knot symbols merge into a central “Knot of Fate.” When the deck is flipped or fanned, the corner knots animate visually, creating a smooth, hypnotic motion that reinforces the idea of divine connection through movement.

Kamiarizuki is released in three editions on Kickstarter: Daikichi, Kokichi, and Suekichi. The Daikichi Edition serves as the premium offering, featuring extensive foil accents and sapphire-blue gilded edges, while Kokichi and Suekichi provide alternate colorways and finishes. 

Packaging is equally ambitious. The Daikichi Edition is housed in a light-up Saisen-Bako tuck box inspired by Shinto offering boxes, while the other editions arrive in split-top Shimenawa tuck boxes designed to open ceremonially in two halves.

Printed with layered finishes by Room One Cards, the Kamiarizuki Playing Cards balance storytelling with visual cohesion and technical execution. Pledge starts at $17 on Kickstarter.

Deck View: Monarch (Prestige Edition) Playing Cards

Opulent. Celebratory. Refined. 

Created to mark Theory11’s 18th anniversary, the Monarch Prestige Edition revisits one of the brand’s most recognizable designs and pushes it into true luxury territory. The card backs are fully foiled, with a radiant gold background overlaid by dark bronze foil, creating dramatic depth and a dynamic play of light from every angle.

This edition reflects nearly two decades of refinement in premium playing card design, transforming the familiar Monarch aesthetic into a statement piece that emphasizes craftsmanship, material richness, and visual impact rather than reinvention.

Only available through special promotions on Theory11.

Bebemos Casino Playing Cards by Theory11

Bebemos Casino Playing Cards are a celebration of sun, leisure, and late-’70s California cool. Produced by theory11 in collaboration with San Diego–based tequila brand Bebemos, this beautiful limited edition deck captures the spirit of an era defined by beach culture, golden hours, and effortless freedom.

Born in San Diego and inspired by the laid-back indulgence of the 1970s, the deck blends vintage charm with an upscale, refined finish. Gold, red, and champagne foil accents give the cards a warm, luxurious glow, evoking coastal sunsets and the pursuit of leisure that Bebemos embodies.

Inside the tuck box, the design continues to impress! Each card back features elegant gold foil detailing, paired with fully custom court cards inspired by Bebemos’ visual identity. 

Co-founder Patrick Tracy personally requested the use of the classic JAQK Cellars court style, subtly reworked with new colors and refinements to align with the Bebemos aesthetic. The result is a look that feels both familiar and refreshed, balancing heritage with modern polish.

The card back marks a notable departure from theory11’s usual visual language, leaning into a more timeless, lifestyle-driven design. It also reflects a return to theory11’s roots, answering longtime requests for more original, non–pop culture decks. 

Available NOW on Theory11 for $14.95.

The Wars of the Roses Playing Cards

The Wars of the Roses Playing Cards by ZeYang transform one of history’s most dramatic power struggles into a richly illustrated playing card collection. More than a single deck, the series presents a visual chronicle of 15th-century England, where ambition, loyalty, and betrayal collided in the conflict between the Houses of Lancaster and York.

Inspired by historical accounts and Shakespeare’s Henry VI, the artwork is rendered in a retro woodcut style that evokes period engravings while maintaining a refined, classical tone. The court cards portray the central figures of the war, divided by suit to reflect their allegiances: the House of York, the House of Lancaster, the Neville family, and the Tudor dynasty... each suit forming a narrative thread that culminates in the rise of Henry VII.

The number cards extend the storytelling through battle-inspired designs. Each suit references a pivotal conflict, from the chaotic opening at the First Battle of St Albans to the decisive Battle of Bosworth Field, with patterns and textures echoing bloodshed, snow, and shifting fortunes.

All editions feature premium matte tuck boxes with layered production techniques including hot stamping, embossing, and foil detailing, giving the series a distinctly high-end presentation.

Also, the collection is released in several limited editions, each with its own visual identity. The Standard Edition draws from Lancaster red and gold, the Gilded Edition adopts York white with silver accents and gilded edges, and the Special Edition leans heavily into theatrical and Shakespearean influences with bold, borderless backs and enhanced foil treatments. A Blue Edge-Dyed Edition, commemorating the creator’s first release, introduces a deep Pantone blue palette with patterned edge dyeing.

Printed by King Star and pledge starts at $15 on Kickstarter.

Kardify Magazine issue 104 is Now Avalable on Patreon!

Issue 104 of Kardify Magazine is now 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-December to mid-January. 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:   

+ Milestone: Designer Brendan Hong created this beautiful commemorative deck, a testament to Kardify’s decade of dedication, creativity, and passion. Check it out!

+ Hotel Fur Elise: Inspired by classic haunted-house tales, Anti-Faro’s latatest crowd-funded deck blends early-century elegance with unsettling stillness.

+ Flare: A striking collab between Canadian Flare.io and Thirdway Industries, inspired by hackers, digital threats, and the hidden layers of the internet. 

+ God of War (Blades of Chaos):  Dyenamik’s officially licensed deck is forged as fiercely as the weapons that inspired it. Built around Kratos’ legendary dual-chained swords, the deck commands attention. Find out more!

+ Kardify's Deck of the Year: We’ve wrapped up our annual review, looking back on the events of the playing card industry over the past year. Find out who won our biggest recognition of 2025.

+ Cardistry-Con Orbit V4: The Orbit deck marks a bold return, created exclusively for the New York Cardistry-Con last year. The CCV4 deck makes its presence felt with confidence and attitude, drawing directly from the city’s unmistakable visual language. Have a look!

+ Top 5 Most Funded Kickstarter Playing Cards Project of 2025: We’ve compiled a list of the top five most funded Kickstarter playing card projects for 2025, showcasing the incredible creativity and support that these campaigns have garnered. 

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

Stranger Things: Hive Mind (Special Edition) Playing Cards

Just in time for the series finale! Theory11's Stranger Things: Hive Mind Special Edition Playing Cards plunge fans straight into the heart of the Upside Down. This new special edition deck embraces the full takeover of the Mind Flayer, with its creeping hive mind vines consuming every detail of the design. 

The outer packaging is wrapped in holographic foils and deep embossing that trace the Mind Flayer’s tendrils across the tuck box. It’s an unsettling, immersive presentation that makes opening the deck feel like crossing into another dimension. 

Inside, the deck appears lost in time, as if abandoned within the Upside Down itself. The cards are intentionally aged and distressed, reflecting a world slowly drained by the Mind Flayer’s influence.

Familiar characters and iconic moments from the series emerge through this weathered aesthetic, creating a nostalgic yet ominous tribute to Stranger Things.

Beyond the visuals, the Hive Mind Special Edition invites interaction. A hidden puzzle from the Rightside Up challenges fans to decipher its secrets and escape the Mind Flayer’s grasp, all while revisiting battles against Demogorgons, Vecna, and the dark experiments of Hawkins National Laboratory. 

Available for pre-order on theory11 for $14.95.

Deck View: Sushi Cats Playing Cards

Playful. Whimsical. Delicious.

Following the success of MEDCHA, Mijiko returns with Sushi Cats Playing Cards, a light-hearted deck that blends Japanese food culture with charming character design. The card backs feature two cats holding onigiri beneath a “Sushi” banner, flanked by fish motifs, with a subtle one-way element formed by the Japanese character for sushi at the center. Orange-pink foil gilding adds a shimmering, salmon-like finish.

The number cards reinterpret pips as sushi and onigiri neatly arranged on wooden trays, while the courts showcase 12 original Sushi Cat characters by PinLuck Butter, each themed around a different type of sushi and paired with humorous captions. The Aces use bold Japanese calligraphy, with the Ace of Spades featuring a wave-inspired illustration dotted with lounging cats. Two unique Jokers complete the set, depicting cats and sushi in playful repose.

Packaging continues the theme with a tuck box illustrated with cats clinging to seaweed-wrapped sushi, enclosed in a clear printed sleeve that completes the artwork. 

For enquiries and orders head to Mijiko's Instagram: @hyugamijiko.

New Addition to the Chaos Playing Cards Series

Chaos Playing Cards by Thirdway Industries continues to live up to the name with a bold design philosophy that embraces unpredictability and color. Loud, vibrant, and deliberately unrestrained, the Chaos series is built for collectors who enjoy variety, premium finishes, and visually explosive decks.

The core release, Chaos Bestiary, introduces the deck’s defining feature: the “Chaos Factor.” Each Bestiary deck is produced with a unique combination of foil colors, making every copy visually distinct.

With at least four foil colors per tuck box, three on the exterior and one inside... no two decks are guaranteed to look the same. Some foils are even layered twice, combining standard metallic tones with transparent holographic effects for dramatic contrast. 

Artwork throughout the deck is fully custom. Even the pips are illustrated, each transformed into playful, creature-like symbols with horns, wings, and expressive faces. The court cards draw inspiration from mythological monsters, including sirens, dragons, and fish-men, giving the deck a cohesive but wildly imaginative aesthetic. Custom aces continue the theme with equally eccentric character designs.

Limited to 2,000 decks total, each Chaos Bestiary color variant exists in only a few hundred copies, reinforcing the collectible nature of the release. Complementing it is Chaos Pandemonium, a Kickstarter-exclusive gilded edition limited to 1,000 decks. This version removes the Chaos Factor in favor of a unified design, featuring holographic silver gilded edges, a fully foiled premium tuck box inside and out, and a numbered seal.

Printed on premium Italian paper and produced by Kingstar, the cards feature holographic silver cold foil on both sides. Pledge starts at $.. on Kickstarter.

Nebula Spark Playing Cards by EmilySleights52

Nebula Spark Playing Cards close out the Nebula series as its final release, designed by EmilySleights52. Nebula Spark represents the culmination of a project that began in 2021 and quickly became a community-driven success.

Visually, Nebula Spark leans into bold, electric color combinations inspired by the idea that “each moment is a spark.” The two-way back design features the series’ signature quarter-border framing, giving the deck a sharp, modern look while maintaining strong packet clarity for cardistry. The tuck box follows a minimalist approach, using a dark base with a controlled burst of color to preview the card backs within.

The deck is fully customized, including bespoke pips, a custom Ace of Spades, identical Jokers, and standard-style courts that balance familiarity with a distinctive visual identity. A double back card and a blank card are included, expanding possibilities for both magic and creative flourishes.

As the final chapter in the Nebula series, Nebula Spark captures the evolution of a project shaped by community support, refined production, and a consistent focus on performance-driven design. It stands as both a celebration of the series’ legacy and a polished, standalone deck ready for display or daily use.

Nebula Spark is printed by EzraCard and finished with an Air-Cushion finish for smooth handling and durability, making it well-suited for fans, spreads, faros, and dribbles. Pledge starts at $13 on Kickstarter.

Zodiac (Luminous Edition) Playing Cards

Zodiac Luminous Edition Playing Cards by TCC transform astrology into a celestial showcase of craftsmanship, blending luxurious finishes with symbolic artwork. Inspired by the twelve zodiac signs, this ambitious Kickstarter project reimagines constellations as tangible, hand-held works of art, each deck capturing the distinct personality, energy, and mythology of its sign.

The tuck cases immediately set the tone, combining stunning cold foil and embossing that flow across pearlescent paper like starlight scattered through the night sky. Each zodiac emblem rises subtly from the surface, creating a tactile experience that feels both refined and otherworldly.

Inside, the cards themselves continue the cosmic illusion. Cold foil accents trace star paths across the faces, while spot UV ink adds depth and contrast. Under UV light, hidden constellations and symbols quietly emerge, revealing a secondary layer of design meant to be discovered after dark. 

The custom artwork throughout the deck centers on guardian deities representing each zodiac sign, illustrated with intricate detail and symbolic color palettes. The card backs feature an infinity symbol surrounded by geometric star patterns and a double pentagram, forming a visual “cosmic core” that reinforces themes of eternity, balance, and celestial order. 

Court cards and aces further expand the mythology, presenting figures that feel timeless, powerful, and deeply rooted in astrological tradition.

Collectors can choose individual zodiac decks or explore more elaborate editions that expand the experience, including astrology chart designs, gilded edges, and premium presentation boxes. From single-deck selections to full twelve-deck collector sets housed in ornate packaging, Zodiac Luminous Edition offers multiple ways to engage with its star-driven narrative.

Pledge starts at $12 on Kickstarter.

Cardistry-Con Orbit V4 Playing Cards

The Cardistry-Con Orbit V4 Playing Cards (CC V4) mark a bold return, created exclusively for the New York Cardistry-Con last year. The CCV4 deck makes its presence felt with confidence and attitude, drawing directly from the city’s unmistakable visual language.

Set against a deep black background, the back design features metallic ink hand-style tags that pop with energy, echoing the raw expression of street art. Taxi yellow accents run throughout the deck, paired with inspiration pulled from the New York subway system and graffiti culture, giving the cards an unmistakably urban edge.

The matte tuck box keeps things clean and understated, while subtle marking and metallic ink details add both function and flair.

Printed by the United States Playing Card Company, the CC V4s are traditionally cut on premium thin-crushed stock with an Air-Cushion finish. Limited to just 3,000 decks. Available for $23 on Orbit Decks.