Kickstarter: 7 Questions with John Powell of Occults Playing Cards

Following the success of Double Black Playing Cards, Gambler’s Warehouse released their second custom playing card deck- Occults, on Kickstarter. Featuring the original artwork of John Powell, this mysterious deck is the result of extremely high demand for a coloured version of their previous release. Occults Playing Cards features 56 playing cards with custom Faces, Courts, Jokers and Tuck.

We caught up with John to talk about his design background, the inspiration behind the Occults deck, the design evolution of the deck and Kickstarter.

Could you introduce Gambler's Warehouse (GW) to our readers? What is your design background?
GW: We have been involved with the playing card industry for over twenty years. We recently expanded to be able to handle 300+ orders daily and have opened a new retail store-front based in Dallas/Fort Worth Texas. We are excited to finally be creating custom decks and have several designers that we are working with to bring the community fresh ideas and unique, quality playing cards. We want to give John Powell the opportunity to speak on behalf of his own design and his experience in working with us. So without further ado, Herrrrre's Johnny! ;)

John: I've been a graphic designer for 18 years now. I've worked primarily in licensing and merchandising with companies like Warner Brothers, Nickelodeon, Metro Goldwyn Mayer, Sony Signatures, Cartoon Network and a bunch more making products licensed for movies. I then kind of fell into product design after playing professional paintball for a few years. I've been lucky enough to get to work with Gambler's Warehouse on my first card deck and we already have more planned.

Can you describe the Occults deck and why you’re passionate about it?
The Occults deck is my very first deck. I grew up in a very strict Mormon house in Utah. We weren't allowed to have playing cards in the house. The very idea of something associated with gambling and devious behavior was pretty taboo so of course I absolutely loved them. Plus some of the first cards I ever got my hands on had naked ladies on them so they were twice as amazing and I'd fallen in love with playing cards ever since (and b00bs).

Occults was kind of my effort to show some of that love back and being not allowed all those years growing up to be anywhere around them. I was always fascinated with the courts and felt like each one of them had these faces that were just holding secrets. I have always been equally fascinated by secret societies, (mormonism is one already) sacred geometry and the marks and symbols associated with them that have this immense history or story behind them that tell it all with just simple shape or mark. I wanted to have as many stories packed into my Occults courts as I had imagined there were when I was a kid. For example in the Occults courts the queen of clubs is in love with the jack of hearts hence the heart on her chest and she's about to poison herself because he's just beheaded her brother (who is also in the courts but I'll let you decide who).

I just had all of these kinds of stories going on as I was constructing each one. There are dozens more of these little secrets hidden away and I don't want to give them away as I think the stories other people may come up with are even better than the ones I'd imagined. I basically wanted a deck that brought some of that mystery and taboo to everyone that I got sneaking away with other neighborhood kids to play cards on camping trips.

This will be the second Kickstarter project for Gambler's Wareshouse. Why Kickstarter?
Kickstarter is pretty instrumental to what I feel like GW's is trying to do with their custom decks give everyone what they want in a deck. I think they listen to all the feedback and adjust the decks art rewards whatever according to the feedback. I think its a win/win situation for backers and GWs gets to focus on producing the highest quality products that ultimately are what the backers are wanting.

How much time did you spend working on the deck? Also, can you briefly go through the evolution for one of your unique card designs (maybe the evolution of the back design)?
Each court essentially took about three days to complete. Typically I'd take a day to roughly sketch out and plan the story for each card basically build and research my secrets for it. Then a day for drawing a half of the court drawn well enough I could then scan it to the computer.Then a day or two for building them in vector in the computer. Then coloring. I built the courts in 2012 so its been over two years now since I was able to finish the Box, the back and the rest of the deck. They all seemed to fall together really easily once the courts were completed and I'd had so long to see them and run them over in my mind as to what I wanted them all to look like.

So its been such a long process I'm not entirely sure of the answer as to how long I worked on it. There was a period of over a year where the project sat and I wasn't really sure if it was going to be produced at all. I'm obviously thrilled that there has been such a great response to it and people seem to be as excited about it as I am.

What are a few key elements and principles you incorporated into your project that you think future Kickstarter creators could benefit from knowing?
Again I think its vital to listen to your backers. GW has listened and I think people really respond to that and see hey these guys care about our input our ideas and we get a better product because of it. I think its important to set realistic goals and set great stretch goals that make it worthwhile to maybe back a project for a little bit more to get a better reward.

Playing card projects on Kickstarter has grown exponentially over the past few years? What are your thoughts?
I think the capitalist market is the greatest thing of all times! I think that collectors deciding whether or not they want to buy something before it gets made is an awesome opportunity. As well as for creators who wouldn't otherwise have the money to do it. Collectors get better cards and rewards. Artists produce better quality work. Everyone comes out ahead in my opinion. I've heard about other people developing their own Kickstarter like platform where they wouldn't have to pay the fees and such and I think that's an even better idea.

Finally, what are your three favorite playing cards?
Jaqk by Cellars, Federal 52 by Jackson Robinson, Empire by Lee Mckenzie are my personal faves!

Thank you for your time John and congratulations on hitting the funding goal! 


Occults Playing Cards will be printed by the USPCC and is available in two separate editions: Limited Edition (Unbranded) and Standard Edition (Branded). Pledge starts from $13 and there are multiple add-ons available such as Card Clips, Poker Chips, T-Shirts and Collector Coin. There are also multiple rewards that will be unlocked once the project hits its set stretch goals.

First Look: GENTLEMAN Playing Cards by Gambler's Warehouse

[Update] GENTLEMAN Playing Cards are now LIVE on Kickstarter!

Here's another stunning deck from the Gambler's Warehouse-Blackout Brother collaboration. Following the success of Blackout Kingdom, Steampunk Bandits and SPIRIT playing cards, Blackout Brother takes a modern approach to his typical design by bringing you a fresh take on the Art-Deco concept.

Produce by Gambler's Warehouse and printed by the famous USPCC, Gentleman Playing Cards brings you back to the influential visual art design style of the roaring 1920's, the 30's and 40's. Fully custom, this exquisite deck will be avaialable in two versions, both featuring foil and embossing on the tuck as well as an inner tuck box design.

[Update] GENTLEMAN Playing Cards are now LIVE on Kickstarter!

Gentleman Playing Cards will be available from Kickstarter on Wednesday, 21 October 2015. Don't miss out!

Kickstarter: The Ultimate Universe Playing Cards [Updated]

This year, the team at Gambler's Warehouse have been busy producing a number of crowd-funded playing cards such as the uber-cool Double Black Limited Edition, the mysterious Occults and the popular Steampunk Bandit.

[Update] The Ultimate Universe playing cards are now live on Kickstarter.

In less than 10 days, Gambler’s Warehouse will release their latest project on Kickstarter- the Ultimate Universe playing cards. This eye-catching deck is a conceptual expansion on the four symbols of Oriental mythology. Elements of 2D pixel art infused with striking color schemes make for a visual experience that is both complex and fun. Mythology and technology coalesce beautifully in Ultimate Universe.

Ultimate Universe will be the first deck by artist Junichi Tsuneoka who has produced art for acts such as Mos Def and Mudhoney, and for the brand Nike.

To keep up to date on the Ultimate Universe Playing Cards, follow Gambler's Warehouse on their Facebook page.

Kickstarter: 7 Questions with Egor Zoidberg of the Strange Head Society Playing Cards

[Update] Unfortunately Gambler's have had to make an executive decision to cancel this project due to lack of funding thus far.  The Strange Head Society deck will be printed in-house by GW at Liberty and will have it available for sale in the near future.

Have you heard of the Strange Head Society? A place where the intrigue of classical science-fiction blazes the boilers of the grim steampunk world. While all manner of science and theory are discussed at Strange Head convocations, no gathering would be complete without a high-stakes game of cards. Commemorating this deep tradition, cardist and Strange Head senior-fellow Egor Zoidberg (Egor Klyuchnyk) brings us Strange Head Playing Cards.

This intriguing, fully custom deck portrays its royalty not as human figureheads, but as ideas central to the Strange Head Society: cosmology, mortality, and tentacles- perfect for fans of contemporary steampunk comics and anime, or of “proto-steam” literature by authors such as Wells, Lovecraft, and Poe.

Thanks to the folks at Gambler's Warehouse (GW), we had a sit down with Egor to discuss the idea behind the Strange Head Society Playing Cards, collaborating with GW, and Kickstarter.

Can you tell us about yourself and what is your design background?
My name is Egor, I'm designer from Ukraine. I studied at the Kiev Institute of Design for 5 years. Now I work as a freelancer. The first deck I created was a Demon deck which didn`t have much success but it gave me great experience. Also I draw posters and other stuff.

What is your inspiration behind the Strange Head Society Playing Cards? How did you come up with the idea?
First of all, it is Mike Mignola's art. Especially "Screw-on head" comics. When I first saw this comics, I decided to do something just as cool as it. My dog - pug named Joric - became an inspiration for the Joker card.

Talk to us a bit about going from the first draft to the final version. How did you get to this finished product?
Well, I didn't have much trouble with the ideas for this deck. I made a few sketches and began drawing immediately. The idea was so fascinating that I drew the project in two weeks.


How did you end up collaborating with Gambler's Warehouse?
Kickstarter`s policy doesn`t allow to launch a project directly from Ukraine, so I tried to look for some ways to share my deck with the world. I posted information on some forums and then a word of mouth led me to the Gembler's Warehouse, who launched my Strange Head Society`s deck on Kickstarter.

With all the projects competing for funding, why should potential backers choose your deck?
My deck is full of mystery, great idea, hard work and all new artwork, so it is all absolutely exclusive. You will be absolutely satisfied with this purchase.

What are your thoughts about the continuous strong growth of playing card projects on Kickstarter?
In my mind, it is because card projects gain a lot of success among other projects launched on Kickstarter. In addition to that, card games are popular throughout the world and it is fun to have your own unique deck to share it with your friends.

Finally, what are your favourite playing card decks? 
To my deepest regret, the idea of original playing cards in Ukraine is not popular. Probably this is one of the reasons I decided to create my own decks. I follow the projects on Kickstarter and I really love the artwork of Federal 52.

Thanks for your time, Egor and all the best! At the time of writing, the project is only 21% funded with 16 days to go. To support the Strange Head Society Playing Cards, head to Kickstarter.


Pledge starts from $11 and the deck will be printed by the Expert Playing Card Co. on their famous Master finish. There are multiple add-ons available such as uncut sheets, poker chips, post card and art print.

Kickstarter: 7 Questions with Costa Pantazis of Primordial Playing Cards

Primordial playing cards are designed by Charles Adi (Blackout Brother) and produced by Costa Pantazis. It is conceptualized based on the idea that the primordial deities are the first gods and goddesses born from the void of Chaos who formed the very fabric of the universe. Currently seeking funds on Kickstarter with a goal of £20,000, the project is only 56% funded with 27 days to go.

Three decks are on offer during the campaign, the Aether, Chaos and Pantheon Edition. The Aether and Chaos edition is limited to 1,500 print run each and features detailed artwork, metallic inks (gold for Aether and red for Chloe) and foil embossed tuck-boxes. The Pantheon edition is the limited edition and only 200 will be printed. The rare deck comes in its own unique Gold Carat X1 Case with a black laser-engraved lid and gold foil printed outer sleeve.

With this being Costa's first venture into the custom playing card arena on Kickstarter, we were happy to have a chance to talk to him about his maiden voyage and concept behind Primordial Playing Cards.

For those of us who don’t know, can you give us a summary of Primordial Playing Cards?
Primordial playing cards by Costa Pantazis and designed by Charles Adi (Blackout Brother) are based on this idea. The primordial deities are the first gods and goddesses born from the void of Chaos who formed the very fabric of the universe, were known as the Protogenoi (protos meaning "first," and genos "born").

Can you describe Primordial Playing Cards and why you are passionate about it?
The Primordial cards are based around Greek Mythology. While several card campaigns in the past have covered this theme I chose to focus on the primordial characters as to me they were more interesting and something to memory that hadn't been done before. Depending on the performance of the first campaign I will defiantly look to explore other areas under this subject and have plenty already drafted out and ready to go.

Talk to us a bit about going from the first draft to the final version. How did you get to this finished product?
It actually turned out to easier then thought, the advantage of covering this particular theme in the cards presented me with an even spread of characters to use on the courts, 8 male (kings and jacks) and 4 female (queens) so thankfully this came together very quickly and planning in advance went very quickly and smoothly. I enlisted the services of Blackout Brother for the design process after seeing his past work on successive campaigns for in house projects by Gambler's Warehouse such as the 12 Labours Of Hercules, Bicycle Spirit and Imperium playing cards series which most will be familiar with. Also as he had already designed Greek Mythology based playing cards was an added bonus so I knew he was a safe pair of hands to oversee the design aspect of this particular deck.

What was your most brilliant breakthrough when designing the deck?
Again, it was the incorporating the actual theme into the deck and how it just worked from the start for various reasons. It just came together on its own really. I'd say my biggest breakthrough is actually getting this first project actually moving and launched really, it's taken a good six months from start to finish. The first one is always the hardest, there have been a few hurdles along the way through but I got there in the end. I would say the most challenging part has been contacting and getting everything ready regarding different manufacturers to oversee the creation and eventual and fulfillment. Researching and finding the best people for this and thankfully all have been very responsive and assisted me leading up the campaign; Gambler's Warehouse, Custom Carat Cases, USPCC and CoinsForAnything among the few.

From the Primordial Kickstarter project page, what are a few of your favorite reward levels and why? 
I would definitely say the Carat Case editions of the decks. I contacted Sherman from Custom Carat Cases to propose designing a limited series of cases for the project, limited to roughly 100 of each size variation. The difference with these cases is they are available in different colours to match the decks and there is a wide selection to choose from. White to match the standard deck, Red to match the darker decks which come in different sizes to carry either 1, 2 or 4 decks and there is also a limited 200 special edition deck (gold gilded) which comes with it's own Gold carat case, all have black laser engraved lids and foiled sleeves which match the deck designs on top. These carat case editions will only be available during the Kickstarter campaign and will be strictly limited in number and will not be available afterwards.

What’s next? Can we expect more deck designs in the future?
Subject to the first campaign performance being successful I'm already planning to expand further on the theme covered in this deck as there is plenty in the subject which I can cover, I already have plenty of draft ideas down and ready to go. As I'm new to the playing cards market I have no plans to start multiple projects on a regular basis like most other established designers and creators and will wait until fulfillment on this series has begun before launching any new projects to ensure everything runs smoothly and all items are delivered to the backers.

Given this is first run on a playing card project the earliest I would consider launching a follow up will be once fulfillment has begun on this project. Leading up to the first campaign's fulfillment I will have a few new projects ready to launch and will asses the right time to bring them forward and over time hopefully I can build up to doing more products and campaigns on a regular basis like most others. I can't tell you too much about them as that would be revealing too much but there are a few good ideas on paper for possible designs which from what I can see haven't been done yet, some single decks projects and others which could become a series run over time.

Finally, what are your favorite playing card decks?
There's been several to be honest I really couldn't point it down to a few. Stockholm17, Thirdway Industries projects along with Vanda's recent planets series were favorites of mine. Giovanni at Thirdway has offered great advise on my campaign and I can't thank him enough as it's been great to have someone so experienced in the playing card industry being there to help or answer any questions or concerns I've had during my campaign's initial process.

Thank you for your time Costa! At the time of writing, the project is already 56% funded with than 27 days to go. If you want to support Primordial Playing Cards, you can find it on Kickstarter here! Pledge starts from €9 (USD$10) and the deck will be printed by the USPCC.

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News: Black Friday Offer, Deals and New Releases

Thinking about buying a brick of playing cards within the next week? WAIT! It's almost Black Friday, which means you might be able to get special discounts and new releases from Ellusionist, Theory11, Dan and Dave, Conjuring Arts, the Blue Crown and more...!

Here, we bring you everything you need to know about Black Friday, and also give you some information about Cyber Monday. Information added as and when it comes in.

Conjuring Arts Research Centre

Two new releases, the NEW ZEN and Limited Royal ZEN. Both decks feature heavy black stock side opening tucks with embossing highlighted by stunning foil accents. The ZEN Deck features Red Foil stamping and an intricately beautiful back design. The Limited ZEN Royal features the same tuck style and embossing but highlighted with Silver Foil! The foil stamping on the Royal Edition is carried onto the back design with silver foil stamping on the two “Genies”. Both decks which will be available at a discounted price of $6.95 and $14.95, respectively.

There will be other Black Friday discounts offered on many other items and the discounts will return with a Cyber Monday blowout with some Discounts as high as 50%!

Collectable Playing Cards 

Offering the 60-deck and 24-deck card frames for $79.95 and $39.95, respectively. Also, 20% discount off your entire order for Black Friday weekend.

Use Coupon code is BF14.

Kings Wild

Four incredible sales, which will be announced throughout the week. First, the Complete Kings Wild Project Set for a steal at $650 and only 6 available.

Art of Play

Offering 20% off selected playing cards through to Sunday.

Use coupon code BLACKFRIDAY during checkout.

David Blaine

Releasing 1000 red gatorbacks playing cards. Only 250 of those will be signed.

Ellusionist 

Started early with the release of the Prohibition 6 deck set, mini Black Rounders and mini Black Arcane. Currently, free gifts with every $75 (1 gift), $150 (2 gifts) and $300 (3 gifts) spent. Gifts include mini LTD, uncut sheets, the new Inverted Kings deck and more...!

Theory11

So far, only the copper Rarebit has been teased on their social media outlets.

Gambler's Warehouse

Offering a mixed brick of Gambler's Warehouse decks for an unbeatable $50. Also, 15% discount off entire order from 24th-28th November on playingcards.net.

Use Coupon code is BLACKFRIDAY.

Stockholm17

Offering 40% off the Requiem split brick.

Legends Playing Card Co

Discounts and special offers for almost everything in-store, including Zen, Royal Zen, Gnostic, Owl Eyes, Exquisite Bold and Serpentine.

The Blue Crown

The intriguing Sky Island Airways playing cards will be released on November 28th.

Origins Playing Cards 

A number of Origins Six Packs and Bricks are now available with saving up to 20%.

Use the coupon code blackorigins and save a further 5% off all products.

Official Bicycle

Offering a generous 20% (25% for Club 808) off purchases on their official store. Also releasing 3 very limited products.

Kickstarter: Royal Pulp Playing Cards by Gambler's Warehouse

Two dynamic deck of playing cards brought to you by Gambler's Warehouse. Designed by Brad Foster and Blackout Brother, the Royal Pulp Playing Cards features brightly colored illustrations and gorgeous typography.

The deck is accentuated by deep mineral blues and vintage blood-tones saturate a marble-cream-parchment backdrop.

Each card within the Royal Pulp deck are custom, from the Aces, Jokers, to the backs and the comical courts.

Pledge starts from $14 and will be printed by either EPCC or USPCC based on the project's success.

Kickstarter: SPIRIT Playing Cards

[UPDATE] SPIRIT Playing Cards are now LIVE on Kickstarter!

After a successful 2014, the team at Gambler's Warehouse (GW) continues to impress with their upcoming crowd-funded deck, SPIRIT Playing Cards. Thanks to GW, here's an exclusive first look at this elegant deck by the designer known as Blackout Brother.

Front-facing court characters bid assertive stares that balance cleverly with intricate crowns and banners.

Classically spirited, garnished with church keys and crosses, these beautiful decks reflect GW’s elegant side.

Printed by the USPCC on their famous Bicycle card stock with air cushion embossed finish, SPIRIT will be available in two themes—silver-trimmed blue (Bicycle branded) and gold-trimmed white (unbranded). Other features includes:

+ Gold Foiled
+ Embossed
+ Special Tuck Box Paper
+ Custom Courts & Pips
+ Inside Tuck Design
+ Metallic Inks on card backs

Also, there will be a limited run of 100 authentic Gold/Silver Gilded Edges of each SPIRIT theme deck. The deck is scheduled to launch on Kickstarter in the coming week. Pledge starts from a cool $6 (plus shipping) for an unbranded deck and there will be early bird pledge tiers available.

To keep up to date on SPIRIT Playing Cards, follow Gambler's Warehouse on their Facebook page.

First Look at the Royal Verge Playing Cards

The Royal Verge playing cards were created to inspire a timeless and elegant design that will never grow old.

Roman numerals combined with the classic clocks trigger a feeling of a royal order which dates to the Victorian Era. Petros Chrysochos founder of Dealt Company told Kardify,

Destino and I worked for more than a year to bring this deck to life. It will be going live on Kickstarter at the beginning of February. An official date will be released soon.

The deck includes fully custom illustrated cards from the pips, courts, aces, and the jokers.

This deck has a stunning two-way back design with a Binary Marking System integrated on the back which is easy to learn. The tuck alone features gold & white foil on purple premium paper stock.

Royal Verge will be printed by Cartamundi on their acclaimed E7 finish and their proprietary Slimline paper stock. The tuck cases will be printed by Gambler’s Warehouse. The deck will launch on Kickstarter on February 11th. Don't miss out!

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Top 12: Playing Card Decks for Halloween 2015

With Halloween just a few days away, we've compiled the best playing cards for All Hallows' Eve just for you. Behold! The Kardify Top 12: Halloween 2015 Edition, with enough ghosts, pirates, killer jokers, villians and skulls to keep your spine tingling through the night.

Difficulty scale from easy (1) to difficult (5). If you have one that we haven't discovered. Do feel free to share.

12. Sleepy Hollow

Over a year in the making, the Legend of Sleepy Hollow Playing Cards were conceived by playing card designer Derek McKee and masterfully illustrated in France by J.C. Desevre. This incredibly intricate and detailed deck of playing cards depicts artwork and characters from the popular Sleepy Hollow legend including Ichabod Crane & the Headless Horseman.

Difficulty: 1
Price: $10

11. The Evil Deck

Captivated by villains and his love for drawing creatures, Giovanni Meroni decided to embark on a playing card project to create a fun, colorful and dynamic theme for a deck. After illustrating all 54 creatures by hand, the Evil deck is born. The deck features fully custom face cards, embossed tuck coated with UV supergloss, interior printed and neatly packaged with a custom seal. Definitely a fun deck for All Hallows' Eve.

Difficulty: 1
Price: $14.95

10. October Second Edition

Fulton's October Playing Cards is a frightfully fun and whimsically deck featuring the illustrated artwork of Steven Noble. Packaged inside the box you will find one tricked out deck of playing cards. Everything from the back design, ace of spades, jokers, and court cards were customized. The deck features a superior dark-charcoal and black box, while also incorporating an asymmetric design that proudly features the back illustration of the cards within.

Difficulty: 1
Price: $10

 9. Revelation

Revelation is an extraordinary deck of playing cards inspired by medieval cathedrals and their gothic style. This meticulously hand-illustrated deck features gothic details, symbolic carvings and stained glass ornamentations from the stunning Nidaros cathedral in Norway. Fully custom, the Revelation tuck box, jokers, Ace of Spades and the eye-catching backs features artwork inspired by the beautiful stained glass of the cathedral while the illustrated skeleton courts pays homage to the silent skeletons of Norwegian royalty still resting in Nidaros’ catacombs. A strangely beautiful, simple and visually stunning theme.

Difficulty: 1
Price: $10

8. Requiem

Requiem Playing Cards is a stunning deck masterfully crafted by Lorenzo Gaggiotti of Stockholm17. This unique deck is 100% custom and features darkness & pain as a theme. The illustrations for the Courts, Jokers and Aces are very dark. The suits are made out of broken Hearts, Clubs with thorns, cracked Diamonds and dry leaves as Spades. Pips are unique and the gold metallic ink on this blood red deck gives it a touch of elegance.

Difficulty: 1
Price: $20

7. Neverland

Here's a delightful deck! Designed by Nat Iwata, Neverland is a beautifully illustrated deck of playing cards based on J. M. Barrie's timeless classic Peter and Wendy. The deck is Bicycle branded and features fully custom courts, aces, pips jokers and rich full card backs.

Difficulty: 1
Price: $10

6. Steampunk Bandits

From the guys at Gambler's Warehouse, Steampunk Bandits is a beautiful designed deck based on contemporary artists’ depictions of the bandits themselves, oft portrayed as skeletons. Not just for fans of Steampunk, this exquisite deck features unique art for all four suits of court cards, incredible colours and beautifully embossed tuck.

Difficulty: 1
Price: $15

5. Venexiana Dark

Dark Venexiana Playing Cards is the follow-up to the original Venexiana deck. Designed by Lotrek of Half Moon Playing Cards, the story continues the journey to the dark heart of 18th century Venice. Venexiana Dark features a series of obscure and marginal characters who complete the picture of this haunting city from thieves, assassins, prostitutes to wicked noblemen and masters of deception.

Difficulty: 1
Price: $15

4. No. 17 (Bicycle Branded) Playing Card 

No.17 is a stylish deck of playing cards designed by Lorenzo Gaggiotti. This will be his second deck on our Halloween list. There is no specific theme in this deck, it´s quite eclectic. The deck is 100% custom and features a Bicycle branded tuck with subtle embossing,  the now familiar Jester on the front and a stunning back that carries a beautiful line work!

Difficulty: 1
Price: $20

3. Midnight Calaveras

Designed by Chris Ovdiyenko of Dead On Paper, the Midnight Calaveras playing cards are inspired by and pays homage to Jose Posada, a famous Mexican printmaker who worked at the time of the Mexican Revolution. All artwork is hand drawn and features metallic printing on the cards, foils and embossing on the tuck.

Difficulty: 1
Price: $16

2. Dia de los Muertos

Dia de Los Muertos Playing Cards is a Bicycle-branded deck inspired by the art and traditions of the Day of the Dead; it honors both death and the cycle of life. Created by the team at Edgy Brothers, this beautifully illustrated deck pays homage to the spiritual and cultural event: full of color, detail and character.

Difficulty: 2
Price: $28

1. Joker and the Thief Playing Cards

A truly impressive deck! The design invites attention while striking a balance between style and functionality. The back design is not only intricately beautiful but aesthetically and sentimentally appealing. The themes and connotation from back design continue throughout, you may even start to see a story forming as you look through them!

Difficulty: 1
Price: $15

The selection expressed in this top12 are solely those of the author. Images for Sleepy Hollow from whisperingimps.com, October Second Edition from dananddave.com, Steampunk Bandits from gamblerswarehouse.com, Midnight Calaveras from deadonpaper.com, Revelation, No17 and Joker & the Thief by Anthony Ingrassia. Evil deck, Requiem, Venexiana Dark and Dia de los Muertos by Ivan Choe.