Night at Circus Playing Cards, Final Week on Kickstarter

Night at Circus Playing Cards by Anti-Faro is a dark, story-driven deck that blends vintage carnival aesthetics with psychological horror. Set in a surreal, eternal circus trapped in night, the deck explores the unsettling idea of joy twisted into something uncanny... where painted smiles hide something far more sinister.

Each card is part of a larger narrative. This truly unique deck isn’t just for play, it’s an interactive experience, featuring hidden riddles and a puzzle that players must solve to uncover the truth behind the circus and “escape” its world. 

The number cards act as fragments of a coded message, while the court cards represent the trapped performers, each holding pieces of the mystery.

The release includes four editions, each themed around a different “show” within the circus:

• Clown Show (Special)
• Puppet Show (Special)
• Animal Show (Standard)
• Freak Show (Standard)

The Special Editions feature cold-foil crackle finishes and holographic gilded edges, creating a striking, otherworldly shimmer. They also come housed in a Light-up Big Top tuck box, designed like a circus tent that illuminates when opened- making the deck feel as though the carnival has suddenly come to life.

The Standard Editions offer more subtle finishes with bold, contrasting color schemes for gameplay, and are packaged in die-cut tent-style tuck boxes that invite players into the eerie spectacle.

Each edition has its own unique back design, styled as the entrance to its respective tent, with ornate carnival arches and unsettling visual motifs. Together, they form a cohesive yet fragmented world.

Designed as both a collectible and an immersive puzzle experience! Printed by Room One Cards and pledge starts at $17 on Kickstarter.

Deck View: Bicycle Feudal Ninja Playing Cards

Stealthy. Fierce. Shadowed.

The Bicycle Feudal Ninja Playing Cards focus on the shadowy side of ancient Japan, presenting a deck built around stealth, precision, and striking visual contrast. The deck was designed by Scott King and successfully crowdfunded on 2015.

The back design is dominated by a bold, black-on-black illustration of a ninja’s masked face, subtly integrated with hidden weapons like twin sais and throwing stars. Gold accents, especially a central ninja star and surrounding dragons.

The card faces retain a traditional structure for playability but introduce custom geometric pips and stylized borders inspired by flowing dragon tails. Court cards depict a range of ninja figures: assassins, leaders, and warriors... each armed and poised in dynamic stances. 

Printed by the United States Playing Card Company.

Fulton's Irish Wonders Playing Cards

Fulton's Irish Wonders Playing Cards are a tribute to Ireland, blending cultural symbolism with refined design. Inspired by the spirit of the Emerald Isle... and a personal connection to Brad Fulton's grandmother from Aughnacloy, this fully custom deck captures both heritage and nostalgia through every detail.

The tuck box is richly wrapped in vintage-style gold foil, designed to feel like a treasured artifact. Its surface features iconic Celtic elements, including the powerful Celtic Dragon and intricate knotwork patterns that symbolize eternity and interconnectedness.

Over time, the foil is intended to develop a natural patina, giving the box the appearance of aged “old gold” and enhancing its antique character.

Inside, the deck continues the Irish theme with a carefully Pantone-matched color palette reflecting the Irish flag. The faces maintain a clean, playable layout while incorporating subtle custom touches that tie the design together.

Printed on premium thin stock for smooth handling and flexibility, the cards are built for both performance and longevity. Available NOW from Fulton's Playing Cards for $21.

Morpho V2 Playing Cards by TCC Fashion

Morpho V2 Playing Cards by TCC Fashion build upon the success of the original Morpho V1, refining both the visual structure and the finer design details while expanding the butterfly-inspired concept. The new edition continues to explore the symbolism of butterflies... creatures long associated with transformation, freedom, and rebirth, capturing the fleeting beauty of their flight through intricate artwork and carefully considered materials.

Butterflies serve as the central inspiration for the entire deck. Emerging from their chrysalis, they represent the moment of transformation when something quiet and hidden unfolds into color and motion. Morpho V2 translates this natural journey into playing card form, where each element, from the tuck box to the card backs... echoes the grace and delicate strength of these remarkable insects.

Among the thousands of butterfly species found in nature, four were selected as the core inspiration for the series, each bringing its own color palette and personality to the design.

• The Pearl Deck draws from the Green Commodore, using bright tones and intricate wing patterns as its visual foundation. 
• The Sapphire Deck is inspired by the Blue Pansy, whose translucent blue wings and subtle black and orange markings create a striking contrast. 
• The Carmine Deck reflects the Scarlet Mormon, highlighted by deep red wings punctuated by structured black patterns. 
• A fourth design, the Rose Spectral Deck, is inspired by the Emerald Swallowtail and features a luminous gradient blending teal, violet, and pale blue tones. This edition is exclusive to the collector’s boxset.

The tuck boxes retain the signature die-cut window introduced in Morpho V1, allowing collectors to glimpse the cold foil card backs directly through the packaging. In V2, the linear patterns of the original design have been transformed into elegant shapes formed by wings and flowers, creating a softer, more organic appearance. When the deck is opened, the reveal feels almost like witnessing a butterfly taking flight.

Inside the deck, the card faces maintain a clean and refined layout, emphasizing clarity and balance while allowing the butterfly motif to take center stage. 

The numbered cards incorporate butterfly and floral illustrations, with the number of butterflies corresponding to the card value, reinforcing the theme of nature quietly gathering strength before bursting into motion. The card backs and tuck designs continue the motif, using detailed butterfly patterns enhanced by cold foil to create subtle movement as light shifts across the surface.

Pledge starts at $12 on Kickstarter.

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.

Issue 106 of Kardify Magazine Released!

Issue 106 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-February to mid-March. 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:   

+ Labyrinth: Designed by Jackson Robinson, Labyrinth is a puzzle-based playing card deck in which every court card is a fully solvable maze. Check it out!

+ Woodland Legends: A richly illustrated deck by Nicolai Aaroe inspired by the folklore of Reynard the Fox and classic tales such as Robin Hood.

+ Cryptids: Combining a love of fantastic creatures, the latest deck from AHPC pays homage to two mythical monsters from England. Have a look!

+ Andersen's Fairy Tale: Room One latest crowdfunded project bring the timeless stories of Hans Christian Andersen to life through a fully customized deck of playing cards.

+ Liminal: A new playing card series by Thirdway Industries that exists beyond the door, suspended in a world that is both hidden and ever-present. Find out more!

+ Room One X Bicycle Rookie: This deck by Room One marks the first official collaboration between Room One Cards and the Bicycle brand. 

+ 1st Vertek Edition: Emerged in 2022 as part of a hybrid escape-room experience created by Chris Ramsay. The deck lean into a futuristic cyberpunk aesthetic, with symmetrical, modern back designs and a cool-toned palette reminiscent of sci-fi armor.

… and more! 46-pages of articles and deck images. Enjoy!

DMC ALPHAS Playing Cards

DMC ALPHAS Playing Cards are not simply a marked deck... they are a purpose-built mentalism instrument engineered for deeply personal revelation. Designed to go far beyond identifying a selected card by Magician Drummond Money-Coutts' (DMC), the ALPHAS system empowers performers to reveal names, memories, and emotionally charged words with clarity and conviction.

First released in 2016, the ALPHAS quickly became a global phenomenon in contemporary mentalism. They were embraced by leading performers around the world who recognized the power of combining technical precision with emotional impact. Nearly a decade later, the deck remains a trusted professional tool for creating moments that feel intimate, impossible, and unforgettable.

At the core of the deck is the Portcullis Marking System, a brilliantly concealed method hidden in plain sight within the back design. To an untrained eye, the pattern appears elegant and decorative. To the performer, it delivers immediate, unambiguous information at a glance. There is no hesitation, no awkward searching—just total certainty. The system allows you to know the exact identity of a card instantly, enabling smooth, confident performance under real-world conditions.

What sets the ALPHAS apart is not merely the marking system, but what it allows you to achieve. When a spectator thinks of a playing card, the effect is clever. When they think of a loved one’s name, a childhood memory, or a meaningful word, the experience becomes deeply personal. The revelation stops being a trick and becomes an emotional connection.

Whether you are exploring mentalism for the first time or performing professionally on stage and screen, DMC ALPHAS provide a foundation for stronger, more resonant demonstrations of mind reading. They transform technical knowledge into human moments—where the method disappears and the meaning remains.

Availalble now from Magination Store for $14.99

Case Study Version 8 Playing Cards

Dan and Dave continue to push the boundaries of playing card design with Case Study Version 8 playing cards, the latest addition in their long-running series exploring playable art. The Case Study series has long served as an experimental canvas, refined through decades of study and practice. 

Drawing inspiration from cardistry, architecture, philosophy, cinema, and Japanese aesthetics, the twins create decks that honor the traditional playing card framework while expanding its artistic possibilities. 

Case Study 8 introduces a borderless, one-way back design composed of circles, squares, and triangle shapes in a striking red and black palette, enhancing both geometric clarity and dynamic visual energy during play and flourish.

Now on Dan and Dave for $30.

Deck View: Grid Series Four Playing Cards

Bold. Typographic. Futuristic.

Grid Series Four playing cards was launched in 2022 and continues the typographic approach of designer Luke Wadey, building on the success of the earlier Grid decks with a striking neon green visual identity. 

Rather than relying on traditional pips, the cards communicate their values through graphic text, numbers, and layered visual cues. Each card contains multiple pieces of information... up to seventeen elements! Allowing the value to be interpreted in several different ways. 

The faces feature full-bleed black and red designs, while the backs use a minimal white-and-green graphic pattern that creates a strong visual effect in fans and spreads. Distinctive Jokers and ad cards bring the deck to 56 cards in total. The redesigned tuck box introduces a unified style intended to carry forward across future Grid releases.

Printed by Cartamundi on Slimline stock with B9 True Linen finish, and available now on Luke Wadey's store for $20.

General Admission Playing Cards

General Admission Playing Cards draw inspiration from designer Jackson Robinson’s fascination with vintage ticket stubs from the early twentieth century. The OG General Admission deck was first released in 2020 as part of Kings Wild Shorts.

This new edition continues to capture the nostalgic charm of old theatre and event tickets, transforming their typography, layout, and graphic details into a fully realized playing card design. Inside the deck, the artwork leans heavily into this retro aesthetic. Rich textures, vibrant patterns, and bold graphic elements combine to evoke the feeling of printed ephemera from a bygone era. Each card carries subtle details that echo the layered look of vintage print materials, giving the deck a tactile sense of history and character.

The back design continues this approach with a complex composition that blends ornamental structure with visual motifs reminiscent of Kings Wild Project’s well-known currency-style decks, while prominently incorporating the brand’s iconic logo. 

The court cards introduce something new for Robinson’s work, featuring mirrored, full-body characters that expand the traditional portrait format into a more dynamic presentation.

The deck is housed in a semi-gloss tuck case designed to resemble a classic ticket stub. Elements such as the gate number, section, row, and seat are carefully integrated into the layout, and for attentive fans of Robinson’s design language, these details also hide a subtle Easter egg tied to his broader creative themes.

Printed by KWPCC and available now $18 on Kings Wild Project.