Deck View: MPC Beta ONE Playing Cards

Smooth. Engineered. Cardistry.

The MPC Beta ONE Playing Cards marked a significant milestone for MakePlayingCards, serving as the debut platform for its newly developed Linen Air Light stock and Beta finish. First distributed to attendees at Cardistry-Con 2018 in Hong Kong, the deck was created specifically to showcase MPC’s next-generation handling technology after nearly three years of development.

Designed by Alex Tse, the deck revolves around the number one, symbolizing both its name and its status as the first release to feature the new stock and finish. The minimalist back design consists of mirrored numeral “1” graphics arranged diagonally across a borderless layout, creating striking visuals during fans, spreads, cuts, and other cardistry moves.

The real focus, however, is performance. The Linen Air Light stock is thinner, lighter, and softer than traditional playing card stock while maintaining enough stiffness for flourishing and magic. Paired with MPC’s Beta finish, the deck offers a smooth handling experience with a balance of glide and grip, making it well suited for cardists seeking maximum control and visual impact.

Available for $13 on Make Playing Cards.

AQUA Red & Blue Invisible Playing Cards

NOW on Kickstarter, AQUA Red & Blue Invisible Playing Cards is a limited-edition waterproof deck by MakePlayingCards, designed as part of their Impressions series. 

It features transparent red and blue cards with raised ink printing, creating a “see-through” aesthetic that blends novelty design with functional playability.

The deck is fully water-resistant, including its transparent plastic tuck boxes, and is engineered for durability, flexibility, and smooth handling. Despite their unconventional material, the cards are designed to shuffle, fan, and flourish like traditional decks, making them suitable for both gameplay and cardistry.

Positioned as both a collectible and a performance tool, the AQUA decks emphasize visual novelty and practicality, allowing users to use them in standard card games while also exploring effects and performances enhanced by their transparent, waterproof construction.

Pledge starts at $20 on Kickstarter.

Thalassic Playing Cards by Marianne Larsen

Award-winning creator Marianne Larsen returns with Thalassic playing cards, a bold new project that dives deep into myth, mystery, and maritime lore. Designed in collaboration with artist Martin Helgren, Thalassic is a dual-edition deck that captures the spirit of the sea through luxurious finishes, rich storytelling, and intricate illustration.

Inspired by the legend of the Green Galleon, a ship said to have sunk in shark-infested waters with a fortune in gold and sapphires aboard-Thalassic invites collectors on a journey filled with daring pirates, mythical peacocks, and hidden maps.

Two unique editions, Blue Lagoon and Green Galleon, tell different sides of the story through distinct card backs, gilding, and custom tuck boxes adorned with vintage foil and embossing.

Each deck features original artwork for the court cards, grouped into four pirate crews: the rebellious Buccaneers, the tactical Armada, the wild Scallywags, and the sly Picaroons. 

While both editions share the same crew illustrations, the Blue Lagoon edition presents them in full-art, one-way designs, and the Green Galleon in classic mirrored layouts. The number cards hide thematic surprises, including elements of a treasure map when arranged in sequence.

Printed on M31 linen stock by MPC and limited to 2,500 decks per edition. Pledge starts at $25 on Kickstarter.

Deck View: SAGA (Conquerors Edition) Playing Cards

Nordic. Battle. Vikings.

SAGA Playing Cards: Conquerors Edition is a striking tribute to Nordic mythology, reimagining the classic deck with a bold, neo-Norse design. Created by Design Imperator, this edition showcases original artwork rooted in Viking tradition, featuring jarls, queens, and kings adorned with iconic helmets, weapons, and shields that reflect their legendary status.

The Conquerors Edition stands out with its black matte tuck case, wrapped in rich, embossed copper foil. The raw texture gives it an authentic, battle-worn look, while the foil detailing adds a sense of elegance and prestige. 

Inside, the card backs and custom face cards mirror the copper tones of the tuck, creating a cohesive and immersive visual experience. Every detail has been crafted to balance functionality and theme, offering a deck that feels unique yet instantly playable. 

Printed on M31 linen stock with MPC’s BETA finish. Available on Isolated Thunderstorm for $26.

Now on Kickstarter, Iron Hollow Playing Cards

Iron Hollow playing cards are a fusion of Victorian Gothic romance, dark folklore, and exquisite craftsmanship. Designed and illustrated by Nicolai Aaroe, this fascinating playing card set unveils a tragic love story steeped in gothic legend, where werewolves, vampires, and haunting figures shape a world of eerie beauty and untold horrors.

There are 2 exclusive editions, available during the Kickstarter campaign.

Ravenclaw Edition – Adorned with intricate gothic ornamentation, inspired by mausoleums and Victorian tombstones, this edition is crafted with black and silver foil, deeply embossed on matte black stock. Silver gilded edges symbolize the cold steel of blades, silver-tipped bolts, and ornate jewelry.

Scarlet Edition – Evoking the opulence and terror of a haunted Victorian mansion, this edition is wrapped in red and silver foil with a striking embossed design. Red gilding represents the sacred blood of hidden pacts and the flowing silk curtains of grand estates.

Each deck contains 55 poker-sized playing cards, all FULLY hand-illustrated, featuring custom pips, unique story-driven aces, and characters inspired by gothic folklore. The court cards breathe life into a haunting tale—fierce vampire hunters, cursed lovers, and vengeful spirits, each brought to life with rich lore and stunning detail.

The Iron Hollow Booklet serves as a companion guide, unraveling the hidden connections and tragic fates of the deck’s characters, deepening the immersive experience.

Printed on casino-quality M31 linen finish by MPC with metal foiled and embossed tuck cases. Pledge starts at $25 on Kickstarter.

On Kickstarter, Aqua Black Invisible Playing Cards by MPC

MPC's Aqua Black Invisible Playing Cards are a fusion of sleek design, cutting-edge technology, and durability. This limited-edition deck funding now on Kickstarter takes playing cards up a notch with its transparent black aesthetic, featuring clear raised ink for a mesmerizing embossed effect.

Crafted from premium transparent plastic, Aqua Black is 100% waterproof, including the box... making it perfect for any environment, from a card table to the poolside.

The deck is engineered for smooth handling, allowing for seamless shuffling, fanning, and cardistry without the usual clumping seen in plastic cards.

The matching black transparent tuck box adds to its futuristic appeal, complementing the deck’s striking, see-through design.

Whether you're a collector, a magician looking for innovative tricks, or simply someone who appreciates a stunning deck, Aqua Black is built to impress. Printed by MPC and limited to just 5,000 decks, Aqua Black is available on Kickstarter for $20.

abstrArt Playing Arts (V2) Playing Cards on Kickstarter

Only few more days on Kickstarter, the abstrArt Playing Arts (V2) deck by TPPC is a mesmerizing fusion of abstract art and playing card design, transforming chaos into breathtaking beauty. As a sequel to the V1 Chaos Edition, this all-new deck presents a unique artistic vision for collectors and card enthusiasts alike. 

Two stunning editions bring different interpretations of chaos. The Elegant (Navy) Deck features a refined composition of geometric shapes, symmetry, and depth, while the Passion (Dark Grey) Deck showcases a striking interplay of colors and dynamic movement, capturing the energy of disorder. 

 

Inside, each card is a work of art, from the Aces, representing the power of chaos, to the Court Cards, designed as the Lords of Chaos, and the Jokers, symbolizing love within chaos. 

The number cards embrace a balance between disorder and elegance, arranged to create a mesmerizing yet structured visual experience. 

Housed in foil-stamped and embossed tuck boxes, these decks boast a luxurious presentation. The Elegant Deck is adorned with holographic gilding, while the Passion Deck features vibrant orange-gold glitter gilding, adding a brilliant, eye-catching finish. 

 

For collectors, the abstrArt collection offers exclusive, limited-edition framed artworksthat elevate playing cards to the realm of fine art. The 3D Ace of Spades Frame, crafted with multi-layer die-cut techniques and cold foil printing, is a masterpiece in depth and shimmering detail. Additionally, the abstrArt Elegant & Passion Cut Decks transform traditional playing cards into intricate, multi-dimensional paper-cut sculptures. 

Manufactured by Unicool Games and MPC, each deck is printed on German 310gsm black core linen cardstock, with a traditional cut and double aqueous finish, ensuring superior handling and durability. Pledge starts at $16 on Kickstarter.

On Kickstarter, Asgard: Odin & Thor playing cards

By Design Imperator, the Asgard: Odin & Thor playing cards honor the legendary gods of Norse mythology with two stunning, gilded editions. These decks celebrate the might of Odin and Thor with intricate, hand-drawn illustrations, authentic Norse symbolism, and luxurious finishes.

The Odin Edition is a tribute to the king of the Aesir, featuring an embossed gold tuck box with his powerful spear, Gungnir, at its center. The back design represents the portal to Asgard beneath Bifröst, glowing with golden edge-gilding. 

The court cards feature one-way colored illustrations of the Norse gods, including Odin, Thor, Freya, Loki, and more, all meticulously crafted in an art-rich style. Each pip is custom-designed with intricate knotwork, and the indices are inspired by ancient runic inscriptions.

Meanwhile, the Thor Edition embodies the strength of the god of thunder with a silver-embossed tuck box showcasing Mjolnir, his legendary hammer. The card backs mirror the Odin deck but are framed in cold steel edge-gilding. 

Unlike Odin’s edition, the court cards are monochromatic, two-way illustrations, designed for high playability while maintaining the essence of Asgard’s mythological figures.

For collectors, a Monument Hardbox is available, designed to store up to 12 decks with a matte linen texture and gold foil stamping. Additional offerings include an illustrated booklet on Norse deities, add-on editions of the remastered Ragnarok and Saga playing cards, and other Viking-inspired collectibles.

Both decks are printed on casino-quality M31 linen-finished cardstock by MPC . Pledge starts at $32 on Kickstarter.

Final Hours on Kickstarter, Gothica II: Dracula Playing Cards

Now on Kickstarter, Gothica II: Dracula is a luxurious deck of playing cards by The Other Self blending gothic horror with an intricate alchemical puzzle. Inspired by Count Dracula’s grotesque gatherings, where treacherous wine transforms nobility into monstrous servants, the deck challenges players to uncover the secrets of infection and the composition of a dark serum. 

The deck is fully custom and features detailed one-way illustrations inspired by medieval murals and gothic aesthetics. Each card includes alchemical symbols and geometry tied to the puzzle, with aces playing a central narrative role.

The court cards portray gothic archetypes such as Dracula, gargoyles, and wolfmen in a deliberately dark and distorted style.

Two editions are available during the Kickstarter campaign: the Shadow Edition comes in a jet-black embossed tuck box, with card backs featuring gothic gargoyle designs and black and brown tones.

The Blood Edition features a glossy red embossed box, with card backs inspired by gothic arches and thorns in red and black. Both editions include metallic gilt-edged cards for an opulent finish.

Printed by MPC on casino-quality M31 linen finish, this limited-edition deck is available on Kickstarter for $20.

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland Playing Cards

Now on Kickstarter, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland Playing Cards explore the whimsical world where classic literature meets the art of card games. This enchanting deck, the first in the new Artists Series collection from Vanda Playing Cards, is illustrated by Bob Case and brings Lewis Carroll’s beloved tale to life. 

With intricate designs, each card captures the magic and mischief of Wonderland, leading you down the rabbit hole with every shuffle.

Created over six years of collaboration, Bob Case’s unique illustrations draw inspiration from the original artwork, portraying the iconic characters and scenes of Wonderland. 

From the Cheshire Cat's sly grin to the Queen of Hearts’ fiery expression, each card is a vibrant masterpiece.The use of rich colors and exquisite details transforms the deck into a collectible piece of art, perfect for both gameplay and display.

The deck is packaged in a standard tuckbox crafted with three foil colors (gold, silver, blue), and embossed for a luxurious feel. Standard decks will be printed by the United States Playing Card Company, while the Jumbo decks will be produced by Make Playing Cards.

Available now for $15 on Kickstarter.

Culminus Immortalis Playing Cards

Culminus Playing Cards were created by designer Nicolai Aaroe in 2017. These cards examine the contrast between angels and demons. Now, the new edition, Culminus Immortalis Playing Cards, comes with retouched artworks and exclusive features.

There are two main editions during the Kickstarter Campaign – Incarnum and Celestia. Incarnum edition represents the devil, having the cards in dark color scheme. Celestia edition represents the angels, having the cards in light color scheme. Both tuck boxes feature premium matte stock with black and gold foil along with strategic embossing.

The back design of the cards features a two-way illustration. Incarnum features the two-way artworks of a demonic ram skull with tridents and skulls, while Celestia features the two-way artworks of a fleur-de-lis with a pair of wings and crosses.

All the Aces feature enlarged pips, illustrated with great details, with the Ace of Spades showcasing the most elaborate one. The Number Cards for these decks will not be featuring pips, but descriptions of sins and virtues. All the courts are full length half bust illustrations of the characters complete with their names. The Jokers feature a diptych artwork of a circular tablet.

The cards will be printed in MPC on M31 Linen Finish. Pledge starts from $14 on Kickstarter.