Matrix Edition 2 Playing Cards

Matrix Edition 2 Playing Cards, designed by Luke Wadey, are inspired by historic Swiss graphic design experiments, particularly the International Typographic Style’s pioneers like Armin Hofmann. This deck is a follow-up to Matrix Edition 1 and is currently live on Kickstarter.

The second Matrix deck features a two-way back design and a fully customized deck and tuck box. The product features neon Pantone ink, giving it a vibrant and eye-catching appearance. In addition to its striking design, the set includes four bonus cards, including a double backer card from the Matrix Edition 1. The Matrix decks are based on historic graphic design principles, particularly those exploring the fluid matrix of circles. This design experiment focuses on creating dynamic shapes from a grid of circles, resulting in abstract and recognizable forms.

The Matrix Edition 2 deck evolves this concept, featuring new pips and courts on the card faces and a symmetrical (two-way) back design with neon yellow ink contrasting against black and grey sections. The narrow border creates interesting shapes in fans and spreads, with colors designed to captivate spectators. The neon ink used on the cards and tuck box reacts under UV light, making the yellow sections stand out prominently.

The deck includes 13 different card face shapes using the circular grid, combined with custom pips to enhance functionality. The power ace (Ace of Spades) features an enlarged pip graphic made of circles, and picture cards are recreated in a minimalist circle design overlaid with large ‘K, Q, or J’ letters.

The tuck box wraps around with a representation of the card back displayed across three sides, and the neon yellow ink creates a striking visual effect.

Standard editions are printed by WJPC using the linen-finished 300gsm German Black Core Paper, while the Limited Edition 2 features a new full-bleed design and colorway will be printed by MPC, including three additional cards, a hand-numbered sticker seal, and a personalized additional Ace of Spades.

Pledge starts at $18 on Kickstarter.

Undercover Fontaines Available for Pre-Order

Fontaine Cards has just released the Fontaine Undercover Editions for pre-order for pre-order. This new series of playing cards introduces a subtle and understated aesthetic, departing from the bold designs Fontaine has become known for in recent years. At first glance, the cards appear to be simple rectangles of ink, but a closer inspection reveals the hidden Fs, cleverly disguised within the design.

The colorways are available: Red and Black. These decks will be printed by WJPC on 300gsm German black core stock and will feature a soft-touch matte tuck box, ensuring both quality and elegance. Available for pre-order for $12 on Fontaine Cards.

HMNIM V2 Playing Cards

Nautical. Octopus. Gray.

Created for Hi My Name Is Mark (HMNIM), a lifestyle brand by Mark Hoppus of Blink 182 fame, the original HMNIM playing cards are a collaboration with Dan & Dave in 2014. The cards quickly sold out and have since been one of Art of Play‘s most-requested decks to bring back.

The art within the deck is predominantly focussed around HMNIM’s branding, in particular, the use of the octopus. The nautical theme has custom card backs, Ace of Spades, Jokers, and face cards. The courts for all suits are hand-illustrated and have repeating one-way designs.

Initially released in a navy-blue colorway, version 2 comes in a slate-gray colorway. Packaged in a luxurious letterpress-printed tuck box. Sealed with a gold stamp. Printed by the U.S. Playing Cards Co. with metallic gold accents on a thin-stock preferred by cardists.

First Look: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

The much-anticipated Volume 3 of The Lord of the Rings™ luxury playing cards series, The Return of the King™ by Kings Wild Project is scheduled to launch on Kickstarter on June 4th. This final installment in the epic trilogy brings to life J.R.R. Tolkien’s iconic characters through beautifully illustrated court cards.

The Return of the King™ deck features intricately designed court cards that depict key characters from the saga. Characters such as Aragorn and Arwen, Sam carrying Frodo, The King of the Dead, Denethor, Sauron, and many others are vividly illustrated, capturing their essence and significance in the story. Each card serves as a piece of art, designed to transport players into the legendary world of Middle-earth.

The Kickstarter campaign offers both foiled and non-foiled versions, catering to different collector preferences. Following the success of the previous releases, The Fellowship of the Ring™ and The Two Towers™, this final deck completes the narrative journey of The One Ring.

To celebrate the conclusion of The Lord of the Rings™ series, Kings Wild will release The Lord of the Rings Triple Set. This special set includes all three volumes, each deck redesigned with a clean foiled texture treatment on crisp white backgrounds.

The set presents a classic style that is perfect for collectors and card enthusiasts. The card backs feature a simple ring encircled with Black Speech, and the new tucks showcase a simplified ring design.

For ultimate collectors, the Legacy Edition offers a black walnut case with a unique foiled and gilded deck inside. This edition features a solid nickel-silver “Aragorn™, Coronated King Elessar Telcontar” coin, embedded in royal blue wax. The exclusive black tuck case with gold foiling accents is available only in this Legacy Edition.

Experience the epic conclusion of the quest to destroy the One Ring with The Return of the King™ luxury playing cards. This campaign represents the pinnacle of Kings Wild Project’s craftsmanship and dedication to faithfully honoring Tolkien’s world.

The Kickstarter is scheduled to launch on June 4th. Don’t forget to sign-up on the Kickstarter pre-launch page to be notified.