Franklin BBQ Retro Black Playing Cards

Franklin BBQ Retro Black Playing Cards celebrate one of America’s most iconic barbecue institutions through a deck that blends classic casino styling with unmistakable Texas character. The project began in 2013, when Brad Fulton spent four hours in the legendary Franklin Barbecue line in Austin and was struck not only by the food, but by the brand’s bold, timeless visual identity. 

That experience, and a later friendship with founders Aaron and Stacy Franklin, led to the idea of preserving the spirit of Franklin BBQ in playing card form.

The deck’s back design draws inspiration from vintage casino cards, reimagined in a sleek retro black palette. A period-accurate long-flap tuck box, echoing packaging styles from the 1970s... adds to the nostalgic feel, complete with an embossed finish that enhances its tactile appeal. Inside are fully custom cards, including court cards that pay tribute to the people who helped redefine Austin barbecue culture.

Designed by Brad Fulton, the deck features illustrations by Dave Lamplugh, the original artist behind Franklin’s beloved sauce bottle cartoons, while the instantly recognizable logo by Blair Richardson anchors the design with enduring authenticity. 

Printed in China on premium cardistry stock, the Franklin BBQ decks are a thoughtful blend of Americana, brand history, and classic playing card craftsmanship. Available for $21 on Fulton's Playing Cards.

Room One x Bicycle Rookie Playing Cards

Room One x Bicycle Rookie Playing Cards marks the first official collaboration between Room One Cards and the Bicycle brand. This deck is born from a journey that began with Room One’s debut release, Oppenheimer: Father of the Atomic Bomb, which earned the 2023 Deck of the Year “Rookie of the Year” award.

As part of that honor, Room One received a printing credit from the United States Playing Card Company, which they used to create Rookie, a deck that symbolizes the very beginning of their story. 

Designed with Bicycle’s classic card layouts and infused with Room One’s design, the deck seamlessly blends tradition and creativity. Every card features subtle easter eggs referencing past Room One releases, inviting players and collectors to discover hidden details with every shuffle.

Printed by USPCC on premium cardstock with Bicycle’s renowned Air-Cushion finish, the deck offers a smooth, flexible texture that performs beautifully in play, cardistry, and handling. Available now on Room One for $16.

Final Days on Kickstarter: Portal Playing Cards

Portal Playing Cards marks ARK’s first exploration of uniquely shaped decks. The deck features arch-shaped cards inspired by ancient architecture and sacred geometry. The moment the tuck is turned, the mechanisms of a forgotten ruin appear to awaken, as if ancient totems and dormant powers are stirring back to life. With a whispered incantation, the portal opens... and a new realm unfolds.

Like previous ARK releases, Portal is crafted with exceptional attention to detail. The deck showcases hand-illustrated artwork influenced by Renaissance woodcut engraving. Every line is meticulously drawn using dip pen techniques, preserving the subtle imperfections and tactile authenticity of traditional craftsmanship. The result is a richly textured visual experience that feels both historic and fantastical, as though lifted from the pages of an illuminated medieval tome.

The custom three-dimensional arched tuck box recreates the presence of an ancient ruin in both sealed and unfolded forms. In its closed state, the outer and inner layers reveal shifting portal imagery on the front and back. Insert a Joker to depict the moment a mage opens the gateway, or display any card within the structure to create your own scene. 

When fully unfolded, the tuck transforms into a layered archway passage with dramatic depth and spatial progression, becoming a sculptural display piece in its own right. Holographic foil accents shimmer across the totemic patterns, reminiscent of stained glass windows in a grand cathedral, maintaining clarity and brilliance from every angle.

At the heart of the design lies a magic circle formed from the infinity symbol, representing boundless arcane power. An hourglass embedded within the gate symbolizes the flow and reconstruction of time, while dragon totems stand guard above and below, sustaining the portal’s energy each time it opens. 

The deck’s narrative spans four distinct realms, each aligned with a suit: Spades- Dragon Riders, suspended between cliffs and cloud seas where wind and fire converge. Hearts- Celestial Realm, Clubs inhabit the Elven Forest, and Diamonds- Dwarven Kingdom. Each suit’s flying companion becomes its emblem, carrying travelers across these vivid landscapes.

Pledge starts at $30 on Kickstarter.

Deck View: 1ST (Vektek Edition) Playing Cards

Puzzle. Escape. Sci-Fi.

1ST (Vektek Edition) Playing Cards emerged in 2022 as part of a hybrid escape-room experience created by Chris Ramsay. While the interactive puzzle game component is no longer available, this custom deck remains an interesting release tied to Ramsay’s signature blend of magic and mystery.

The playing cards lean into a futuristic cyberpunk aesthetic, with symmetrical, modern back designs and a cool-toned palette reminiscent of sci-fi armor. The tuck box avoids overt branding... Ramsay’s usual logo is replaced with a barcode, reinforcing the tech-driven theme. Inside, the court cards maintain their traditional structure but are recolored to match the deck’s sleek visual identity, creating a cohesive and contemporary look.

Originally designed to integrate directly with the escape-room storyline... where players helped Chris escape from a space shuttle via digital clues and scanned content, the deck now stands on its own as a collectible. 

Even without the puzzle component, it remains a stylish, modern pack that reflects Ramsay’s fascination with puzzles, technology, and cinematic design. Available now on 1st Shop for $12.