ARK Unveils Athena Playing Cards Inspired by Greek Mythology

ARK Playing Cards has released on Kickstarter, Athena Playing Cards. This fully custom deck celebrates the Greek goddess of wisdom, warfare, and craftsmanship through elaborate neoclassical artwork and an innovative collector-focused design.

Inspired by the Aegis shield, the deck features fully custom illustrations of Athena alongside the Twelve Olympian gods, with each court card depicting a different deity. The artwork combines the sculptural look of ancient Greek statues with ornate Art Nouveau-inspired details.

One of the deck's standout features is its Pop-up Plus tuck case, which unfolds into a full 360-degree circular display resembling Athena's legendary shield. The intricate packaging tells key stories from Greek mythology, including the Acropolis, Medusa, and the Trojan Horse.

The cards showcase ARK's exclusive Radiant HOLO printing process, creating shimmering holographic effects that highlight armor, shields, halos, and decorative elements while maintaining a smooth handling feel. The symmetrical card backs center around the Aegis shield, flanked by Athena's owl, serpents, olive branches, and classical architectural motifs.

The campaign offers several collector editions, including a standard holographic deck, an Artist Box Set with gilded edges, an integrated art book and sketch deck, a Wood Box Edition featuring a solid sapele display case and collectible coin, and an ultra-limited All-In exclusive with matte black-edged cards and an embossed metal plate.

Combining ambitious structural packaging with lavish artwork and premium finishes, Athena Playing Cards continues ARK's series of mythology-inspired collectible decks following Apollo and Artemis.

Pledge starts at $30 on Kickstarter.

LiaoZhai Playing Cards by ARK

LiaoZhai Playing Cards by ARK is an art-driven collection inspired by Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio, the legendary supernatural anthology written by Pu Songling. Drawing from centuries-old Eastern folklore, the project transforms classic tales of spirits, fox demons, and human desire into an immersive collector’s experience that combines storytelling, luxury craftsmanship, and theatrical presentation.

Continuing ARK’s exploration of Eastern fantasy aesthetics following its ShanHai series, the deck uses traditional Chinese splash-ink painting techniques to create an ethereal atmosphere filled with flowing brushwork, softened forms, and dreamlike transitions between the mortal and supernatural worlds.Every illustration is designed to feel as though it has emerged directly from an ancient scroll, blending haunting elegance with contemporary collectible design.

The centerpiece of the project is ARK’s highly elaborate packaging system. Housed within a snake-bone-inspired slipcase featuring embossing and gold foil accents, the tuck case unfolds into a rotating cross-shaped three-dimensional theatre inspired by pop-up carousel books. As the structure rotates, four iconic Liaozhai stories gradually reveal themselves as miniature stage scenes, allowing the deck to function as both a playable object and an interactive display piece. 

The card backs continue this narrative approach through animated panoramic artwork that shifts from elegant Suzhou-style gardens into eerie supernatural landscapes when fanned. Each suit is tied to one of four classic Liaozhai tales. 

The custom courts features Chinese narrative characters symbolising “Beginning,” “Progression,” and “Ending,” turning every suit into a miniature visual story arc. The Jokers further reinforce the deck’s central themes by representing the coexistence of the mortal and underworld realms through contrasting yin-and-yang imagery.

Multiple collector editions expand the experience further, including holographic gilded versions, monochrome manuscript-inspired editions, large-format artist boxsets, and an elaborate wooden collector’s display box that transforms into a rotating theatre stand for the fully unfolded tuck structure. Across every edition, ARK maintains its focus on premium materials, intricate engineering, and highly tactile production techniques.

Pledge starts at $30 on Kickstarter.

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.

Top 5 Most Funded Kickstarter Playing Cards Project of 2025

 

Crowdfunding has changed how creators bring their ideas to life by allowing people to gather support from backers worldwide. In the world of playing cards, Kickstarter has become a hub for innovative and beautifully designed decks that capture the imagination of collectors and enthusiasts alike.

We’ve compiled a list of the top five most funded Kickstarter playing card projects for 2025, showcasing the incredible creativity and support that these campaigns have garnered. These projects highlight the unique designs and themes that resonate with backers, making them some of the most successful campaigns in the playing card community. Dive in to see which decks have captured the hearts (and wallets) of the crowdfunding community this year.

5. Odd Fellows From the Sanctuary
Funding $128,379
Stockholm17

The story of Stockholm17's Odd Fellows continues at 17 Sinner’s Street but this time, behind the walls of a crooked British pub called The Sanctuary, where a gang of petty criminals disguised as members of the clergy prepares for their most daring heist. 

4. Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy
Funding $134,234
Prodigal Entertainment

The Infinite Improbability Deck is a fully custom deck of playing cards inspired by The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Designed by surrealist artist Jack Brutus Penny, this officially licensed deck blends iconic characters, absurd humor, and intricate art into one improbably beautiful package.

3. Cerberus the Hellhound
Funding $134,930
JinJade

Designed by Jin, this eye-catching deck is forged in the shadows of the underworld- Cerberus, the legendary Hellhound, has prowled through Greek myths for centuries.

2. Horror Night
Funding $135,730
ARK

Drawing inspiration from urban legends, myths, and classic horror icons, ARK's Horror Night Playing Cards brings monsters to life with neo-classical gothic illustrations and richly detailed, hand-drawn artwork. The  deck comes with stunning holo foil and a warm orange glow that evokes an eerie, lurking presence.

1. Magician's Last Secret
Funding $147,318
Room One

The Magician’s Last Secret Playing Cards is a lavish tribute to the golden age of stage magic, where velvet curtains, whispered intrigue, and sleight of hand ruled the night. Inspired by legendary illusionists like Houdini, each  deck blends vintage poster artistry with modern usability

Horror Night Playing Cards by ARK

Drawing inspiration from urban legends, myths, and classic horror icons, ARK's Horror Night Playing Cards brings monsters to life with neo-classical gothic illustrations and richly detailed, hand-drawn artwork. The deck comes with stunning holo foil and a warm orange glow that evokes an eerie, lurking presence.

Inside, the deck features a dual-layer box design, with a sliding jack-o’-lantern tuck case and altar-like outer box that reveal hidden artwork when manipulated, creating an interactive experience. 

The card backs are symbolic, with minotaur skulls, axes, runic crosses, and other artifacts forming a subtle, mysterious map.

Court cards represent twelve classic Western monsters in cages, blending horror and elegance, while the intricately designed faces capture the essence of each creature.

During the Kickstarter campaign. Horror Night is available in multiple limited editions. The HOLO Deck is limited to 3,333 copies while the the Artist Boxset is limited to 999 copies, includes the HOLO Deck, special decks, an artbook, and a dual-display box with gilded edges. 

The Wooden Boxset, limited to 333 copies, adds a gilded edge deck, a commemorative coin, and a lacquered display box with three modes for display. The Black Edge Edition, limited to 99 copies, features a full manuscript-style black deck with an embossed metal plate.

Pledge starts at $28 on Kickstarter.

Artemis Playing Cards by ARK

ARK Playing Cards returns with Artemis, a stunning tribute to the Greek goddess of the moon and the hunt. With its signature fusion of opulent Baroque aesthetics and cutting-edge design.

At its heart is the moon goddess herself, depicted with grace and fierce elegance. Hand-drawn and digitally refined, Artemis appears in radiant chiffon robes, her bow poised and her golden-horned deer standing at her side.

Each court card introduces one of the twelve Olympian gods, all illustrated with lavish detail and reverence for Greek myth.

The deck’s visual centerpiece is the Moon HOLO finish—a luminous circular halo that shifts under light, creating a mystical, moonlit shimmer on every card. 

The tuck box unfolds into a 360° moon-shaped display, continuing ARK’s inventive structural approach first seen in their Apollo deck. This time, the full-moon format symbolizes Artemis’ domain and the lunar cycle itself.

Beyond the cards, the collection includes several exclusive tiers:

• Standard Decks (limited to 3,333): Featuring green and yellow palettes with subtle moon embossing and a retail price of $40 (Kickstarter pledge: $29.9).

• HOLO Deck Sets (limited to 999): Includes the HOLO deck, a special deck, and a bilingual art book in a gift box (Kickstarter pledge: $75).

• Collector’s Set (limited to 333): Comes with gilded cards, a silver coin, and a custom white beech wood display box (Kickstarter pledge: $185).

• ALL-IN Black Edition (limited to 99): A fully blacked-out deck with black edges and a numbered embossed metal plate, made exclusively for the most devoted collectors.

Every element is intentional—from the skull-and-cypress temple card backs to the secret treasure-map symbolism within the illustrations. ARK’s Artemis isn’t just about playing cards; it’s a divine story told in foil, paper, and mythological reverence.

Only on Kickstarter, this limited run invites you to bring a piece of Olympus to your collection.

Kardify Magazine Issue 94 is Here!

 

Kardify Magazine Issue 94 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:   

+ Robin Hood Nottingham Edition: Kings Wild’s latest crowdfunded deck brings the legendary outlaw to life through stunning artwork inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry. Find out more!

+ Pied Piper: This beautifully-crafted deck brings the haunting legend of Hamelin to life illustrated by Russ Gray and produced by Chris Hage. 

+ ShanHai V2: Inspired by ancient Chinese legends, this sequel by ARK enhances the artistry, interactivity, and collector’s appeal of the original series. Check it out!

+ Sirens of the Sea: Have a look at the latest deck from Black Ink Branded where mermaids and cunning pirates wage an unending battle over hidden treasures beneath the ocean’s depths. 

+ Pi: From Penguin Magic, this intriguing deck is a fusion of mathematics and art, celebrating the endless beauty of Pi with a striking green and gold design.

+ The Tribute Deck: Celebrating 30 years of dedication to the deceptive arts with this versatile deck that  pays homage to the key inspirations and supporters of magician Daniel Madison. Find out more!

+ How to play Bullshit: Learn to play Bullshit, a card game that can be played by two or more players. A simple and fun game that is perfect for a casual game night with friends or family

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

ShanHai V2 Playing Cards on Kickstarter

ShanHai V2 Playing Cards by ARK continue the journey into the mythical world of the Shan Hai Jing, unveiling exquisite Chinese ink illustrations and unique designed Folding Screen case. Inspired by ancient Chinese legends, this sequel enhances the artistry, interactivity, and collector’s appeal of the original series.

Following overwhelming support for the original ShanHai, which achieved 1654% of its crowdfunding goal with 786 backers, this edition brings even more mythical creatures to life. The deck features beings like Bo, a horse with tiger claws and a drum-like scream, and Bi Fang, a fiery one-legged bird representing volcanic eruptions. The background highlights the Kunlun Mountains, depicted with expressive brushwork and negative space, evoking mystical grandeur.

Over 100 meticulously hand-drawn manuscripts ensure that every brushstroke reflects traditional artistry. The double-layered case is adorned with classic Chinese motifs such as copper coins for wealth, stone lions for protection, and the legendary Kunlun Mirror, which, according to myth, can foretell the future. Inside, the deck unfolds like a traditional Chinese screen, revealing Lord Dong Wang and the Four Divine Beasts.

The card backs feature a dynamic serial illustration design, displaying three different visual effects when flicked, spread, or held still. A new divine figure and four legendary beasts are introduced, depicted in traditional Chinese ink painting style, capturing the beauty of oriental aesthetics.

The Tai Chi-inspired formation on the card backs creates a Flash animation effect when the deck is rapidly dialed. When fully spread, all 54 cards form a majestic scroll, seamlessly aligning with the ARK CASE to reveal a complete image. 

The Kunlun Mountain Range, spanning 400 km, serves as the setting for legendary creatures such as Black Bear (Lord Dong Wang’s mount), Taotie (the insatiable glutton), Ming Snake (a drought-bringing winged serpent), and the White Tiger (guardian of the West).

Several limited-edition releases include exclusive enhancements. The Standard Edition (Limited to 3,333) features exquisite ink illustrations and the signature ARK CASE. The HOLO Edition (Limited to 999) includes a HOLO deck, special edition deck, and a gift box with a folding album, with gold-stamped surfaces and dazzling foil effects.

The Collector’s Rosewood Box (Limited to 333) contains a gilded-edge deck, collectible coin, and a handcrafted rosewood display box with four different display modes. The Black Edge Signed Edition (Limited to 99) includes black-edged playing cards and an embossed metal plate, revealing hidden monster illustrations under blacklight.

Pledge starts at $40 on Kickstarter.

Kardify Magazine Issue 93 Now on Patreon

We just dropped Kardify Magazine Issue 93 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-January to mid-February. 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:   

+ 1001 Nights: Step into the mesmerizing world of Arabian folklore with Room One Cards’ inspired by the timeless tale. 

+ Scented: The latest deck by Dutch Card House Company offers a unique sensory experience, blending art and fragrance. Find out more!

+ Slate Tally-Ho: The Tally-Ho series is back and this time reimagined by Kings Wild, combining the timeless elegance with sleek, modern design. 

+ Albatross Nautical: This vintage Playing Cards series by A. Haines tells the 19th Century tale of the Sailing Ship Albatross. Check it out!

+ Atlantis: Explore the legendary underwater world of Atlantis with ARK’s latest masterpiece, combining innovative craftsmanship with the mystery and allure of the fabled lost city.

+ Batman 85th Anniversary: Celebrate 85 years of the legendary Caped Crusader with Theory11’s latest release, crafted to honor one of the most iconic superheroes of all time. 

+ How to play Big 2: Learn to play one of our favourite to card game to play during Lunar New Year! Popular in East Asia and Southeast Asia, a fast-paced game and fun to play between four players. 

… and more! 54 pages of articles and deck images. Enjoy!