First Look: Moonbound Nocturna Playing Cards

Thirdway Industries returns to lunar themes with Moonbound Nocturna, a new playing card project inspired by the Moon and its many incarnations. Continuing from the 52 Plus Joker Club 2025 Deck, the collection will be available in four different versions, each built around an elaborate combination of metallic finishes and intricate packaging.

All four decks feature cold foil on both the front and back of the cards. Gold and holographic foil create a highly reflective surface, while red and blue inks are printed over the foil to produce shifting, luminous effects as the cards move.

The presentation continues with luxurious two-piece boxes produced in Italy by Boschiero & Newton. Multiple layers of precisely applied foil appear across both the exterior and interior of the boxes, giving the packaging the same elaborate treatment as the cards themselves.

Moonbound Nocturna will be printed by KingStar in fewer than 500 decks per version, making it one of Thirdway Industries’ smallest print runs. The decks will be offered exclusively through Kickstarter, continuing the collector-focused approach of the original Moonbound series. printed by Kingstar. 

Kings Wild Project Set to Launch The Hobbit Playing Cards on Kickstarter!

A new The Hobbit Playing Card Deck by Kings Wild Project is set to launch on Kickstarter on October 6, bringing Bilbo Baggins’ legendary journey to the table through a collection of hand-illustrated playing cards.

The project features two unique decks containing more than 30 original illustrations. Every character is hand-drawn and painted in watercolor by the artist, giving the cards a distinctly traditional, illustrated look while continue to capture the characters and world of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit.

 

The decks are designed as a visual journey through Bilbo’s adventure, with the custom artwork forming the centerpiece of the project. The combination of watercolor illustration and playing card design gives the collection a handcrafted feel suited to both gameplay and display.

The Kickstarter campaign launches October 6, with a pre-launch page already available for those who want to follow the project and receive a launch notification.

Deck View: Jetsetter Limited (Premier Edition) Playing Cards

Rare. Sophisticated. Exclusive. 

The Jetsetter Limited Premier Edition Playing Cards were released as a secret add-on exclusively for backers of the Jetsetter Kickstarter campaign almost 10 year ago by Paul Ruccio! With only 500 decks produced, this edition is one of the rarest releases in the Jetsetter series.

The deck features a sleek black colorway that sets it apart from the standard Premier Edition. The black treatment extends across the card backs, Ace of Spades, and custom court cards, creating a sophisticated and understated appearance while retaining the vintage travel aesthetic that defines the Jetsetter brand.

The minimalist tuck box is finished with precise spot UV detailing and sealed with a numbered Jetsetter stamp bearing the words “Authorised Personnel Only.” This limited presentation gives the deck a distinctive collectible character while reinforcing its exclusive, travel-inspired theme.

Printed in Taiwan by the Expert Playing Card Company on Classic Finish card stock, the Limited Premier Edition combines elegant vintage styling with smooth handling and durable construction.

Issue 112 of Kardify Magazine is now on Patreon!

Issue 112 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-August to mid-September. 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:   

+ Vanir: Designed and illustrated by Nicolai Aaroe, Vanir offers an abstract and artistic interpretation of Vanaheimr and the Vanir from Norse mythology. Check it out!

+ New Smoke & Mirrors: Room One and D&D have teamed up for this two-deck set inspired by the connection between illusion and the Chinese phrase “Mirror Flower Water Moon”.

+ ERROR (Laser Edition): Dealersgrip’s striking new addition to the ERROR playing cards series that pushes beyond its traditional black-and-white aesthetic. Have a look!

+ Fontaine Royal Fever: A playful and experimental decks designed by Arius Ziaee in White and Colored Editions, bringing the distinctive visual style of the Fontaines to a vibrant take on the traditional playing card.

+ World Heritage: A premium collection by 52 Musee inspired by iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites from around the globe through richly illustrated anthropomorphic artwork.

+ Republic: After more than five years since their OG REPUBLIC playing card release, the team behind UUSI continues the story with a newly released Second Edition. Find out more!

+ Golden Spike: Designed by Jody Eklund, this exquisite deck pays tribute to the completion of the first Transcontinental Railroad.

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

On Kickstarter, Secret Tale Blackbeard Playing Cards

Dutch Card House Company returns to Kickstarter with the fifth chapter of its Secret Tale playing card series, this time turning to the legend of Blackbeard and a fictional mystery surrounding Edward Teach, Anne Bonny, and the Bermuda Triangle.

The story begins with a supposedly recovered parchment attributed to Anne Bonny, revealing an alternate history in which Blackbeard’s fearsome reputation was deliberately created to protect a mysterious portal hidden within the Bermuda Triangle. At the center of the legend is Nerovare, a colossal sea creature said to guard the portal and drive intruders away.

The project features three main editions. Black Guardian represents the legendary Blackbeard persona, with a dark oceanic design accented by gold, hidden anchors, compass roses, and Nerovare’s tentacles. White Guardian, a Kickstarter-exclusive edition with a minimum production of 150 decks, reverses the palette with a white background and numbered closure seals. Green Nerovare features a deep emerald-green tuck and is reserved for special Guardian Trio sets and the Triangle Wooden Display Box.

All three editions share fully custom artwork, including 12 court cards portraying figures from the story, custom Aces, geometric number cards, and Jokers contrasting an idyllic maritime “Mirage” with the supernatural reality beneath the Bermuda Triangle. The decks feature premium foil-stamped and embossed tuck boxes, with cold, nautical-inspired artwork throughout.

Also, during the campaign, updates and comments contain clues and puzzles that backers can solve together, culminating in a final challenge. A collector’s Booklet expands the lore, while gilded editions of the Black and White Guardian decks add metallic gold and emerald-green edges respectively.

With its combination of historical figures, pirate folklore, fictional mythology, and interactive storytelling, Secret Tale Blackbeard continues Dutch Card House Company’s approach of making the deck part of a much larger narrative.

Pledge starts from $23 on Kickstarter.

On Kickstarter, Draconian Aurelion Playing Cards

Inspired by the legendary dragons of folklore, Draconian Aurelion playing cards are the latest addition to Midnight Cards' Draconian series and bring a striking combination of fantasy artwork, metallic finishes, and luxury craftsmanship to the table.

Designed by Randy Butterfield, the deck features a mesmerizing borderless dragon-scale back design, classic courts framed by swirling scales, and fire-like fissures woven throughout the faces, pips, Aces, and Jokers.

The deck comes in a matte black tuck box with gold foil and spot-white detailing, while a limited White Gold edition, restricted to just 500 decks, was offered as a Kickstarter exclusive.

The cards are printed by Legends Playing Card Co. on double-sided gold holographic foil, creating a rich metallic appearance while maintaining playability. 

The deck also introduces Ultra Gold dyed paper edges, designed to give the cards a distinctive gold appearance and greater durability.

Pledge starts at $17 on Kickstarter.

Ashik Playing Cards by MAINTEREST

MAINTEREST’s Ashik Playing Cards brings the story of Ashik Kerib to life on Kickstarter through a richly decorated deck inspired by Caucasian art, music, and Sergei Parajanov’s visually distinctive adaptation of the tale. The story follows a wandering musician who leaves his love behind for seven years, carrying his saz as he travels in search of fortune.

The design draws heavily on the visual language of the Caucasus, combining geometric patterns, vines, palmettes, pomegranate branches, and recurring saz motifs. The 12 custom court cards portray characters and figures inspired by the story, with subtly different details on each half of the traditionally mirrored designs. Custom ornamental pips, illustrated Aces, and Ashik-themed Jokers extend the narrative throughout the deck.

Four editions are offered, each representing a chapter of the story: Turquoise, Dune, Pomegranate, and the limited Sapphire. All feature 56 fully customized cards with double-sided cold foil, while the foil color and edge treatment vary by edition. The Sapphire edition adds silver holographic gilded edges and 10 randomly arranged gemstones, making every one of its 777 numbered decks unique.

The standout feature is the gem-set tuck boxes, with hand-set gemstones embedded among the decorative patterns. Pomegranate includes eight gemstones and gold cold foil, while Dune and Turquoise each feature seven. The Sapphire edition is the most limited and collectible, available only through the Artist Box Set and limited add-ons.

The Artist Box Set brings all four editions together with foil detailing, four story cards, and a custom metal bookmark visible through a cut-out window. A separate wooden collector’s box also provides a display-focused way to house the complete collection, making Ashik as much a storytelling object as a set of playing cards.

Printed by WJPC on 300gsm German black‑core paper, finished with a linen texture. Pledge starts at $18 on Kickstarter.

Deck View: White Reserve Note Playing Cards

Vintage. Refined. Elegant.

The White Reserve Note Playing Cards by Kings Wild Project are the fourth deck in the currency-inspired series released in 2021. Designed by Jackson Robinson, the deck draws inspiration from U.S. Reserve Notes of the early 1900s and builds on the artwork of the original Bicycle White Reserve Note.

The deck retains the intricate vintage banknote-inspired artwork while introducing a more refined presentation. The most noticeable upgrade is the use of foil throughout the deck, with metallic detailing applied to both the front and back of every card. This treatment adds depth and highlights the elaborate engraved-style artwork.

The minimalist tuck case provides a modern contrast to the historical card designs, featuring a clean white presentation accented with striking red foil. Printed by the Expert Playing Card Company, White Reserve Note combines classic currency imagery with an elegant contemporary finish.

Fulton’s Black Cat Playing Cards

Fulton’s Black Cat Playing Cards brings a vintage fall aesthetic to life with a playful tribute to the folklore and mystery surrounding the black cat. 

Designed by Ethan Kowaleski, the fully custom artwork is filled with hand-drawn details... look closely and you might even spot the witches.

The deck is housed in a textured and embossed tuck box made with Italian paper, complementing the nostalgic artwork and autumn-inspired theme.

Avaialbe for $20 on Fulton's Playing Cards.

Cursed & Crooked Vol. III: The Goblin King Playing Cards

The Goblin King playing cards is the third chapter in Marianne Larsen’s whimsical Cursed & Crooked playing card series, illustrated in collaboration with Patrick Leis and inspired by classic folklore artists such as John Bauer and Brian Froud.

The story follows Ella, a young girl who leaves her castle to search for her missing father, venturing deep into a mysterious world of trolls and goblins. The Kickstarter project features two unique editions: Crystalwood and Gnarlygrove, each with its own artwork, tuck box, jokers, aces, and metallic edge-gilding.

Both editions feature custom hand-illustrated artwork, embossed and foiled tuck boxes, interior tuck artwork, numbered seals.

The Crystalwood edition uses warm antique copper edge-gilding and a traditional two-way design, while Gnarlygrove features green metallic gilding, one-way courts, and scenic aces depicting key moments from Ella’s adventure.

Printed by WJPC, The Goblin King continues the series’ charming blend of storytelling, folklore, and beautifully crafted playing cards. Pledge starts at $25 on Kickstarter.

NASA Black Hole “Meatball” Logo Playing Cards

Fulton's latest NASA-inspired playing card deck puts a bold, monochromatic spin on one of the agency's most recognizable symbols: the iconic “meatball” logo.

The deck is housed in a striking metallic silver tuck box featuring deep embossing of the NASA emblem. 

Inside, the cards continue the spaceflight theme with fully custom court cards incorporating imagery drawn from the NASA archives.

The tuck box is printed on black metallic paper with deep embossing and accurate Pantone colours, giving the deck a distinctly premium presentation.

Printed in China on Cardistry playing card stock, the deck combines archival NASA imagery with a contemporary design focused on the agency's instantly recognizable visual identity. Available for $20 on Fulton's Playing Cards.

Deck View: Valley Forge (Limited Edition) Playing Cards

Historical. Custom. Detailed. 

The Valley Forge Playing Cards by Kings Wild Project, designed by Jackson Robinson, are a patriotic deck inspired by the American Revolution and General George Washington’s headquarters flag at the historic Valley Forge encampment.

Initially released as part of Kings Wild Shorts, the patriotic blue edition deck features fully custom court cards illustrated in Jackson’s distinctive hand-drawn style. The Kings, Queens, and Jacks portray historical figures and Revolutionary-era soldiers dressed in period military uniforms, tricorn hats, and colonial attire.

The custom Ace of Spades further reinforces the historical theme, while the card backs feature a deep blue background with thirteen bold white stars arranged to echo the Commander-in-Chief’s flag flown at Washington’s headquarters.

ACC 2026 Playing Cards by Room One Cards

Room One x Asia Card Convention 2026. Created as the official companion to the second Asia Card Convention (ACC 2026) in Guangzhou, this limited-edition deck celebrates the growing playing card collecting community across Asia.

The deck features custom mirrored back, custom Ace of Spades and traditional court cards. Also, an exclusive Gilded Edition, featuring a special deck seal, was also produced in limited numbers for convention attendees with special-tier tickets.

A fitting keepsake from ACC 2026 and a collectible marking the second chapter of one of Asia's key playing card events.

The deck features a clean presentation with an embossed tuck box and is printed by ROom One Cards on 270g premium Sleight Stock. Available for $16 on Room One Cards.

Fontaine Royal Fever Playing Cards

Fontaine returns with Royal Fever, a playful and experimental deck designed by Arius Ziaee. Available in White and Colored Editions, the deck brings Fontaine's distinctive visual style to a vibrant take on the traditional playing card.

The standout feature is an animated card back, while hidden artwork is revealed under UV light, adding an unexpected interactive element to the deck.

Zany, unconventional, and unmistakably Fontaine, Royal Fever offers a fresh take on the classic deck.

Both editions are printed on Room One's premium 270g Sleight Stock, combining the bold artwork with a quality handling experience. Now on Room One Cards for $18.