Fontaine Cards Introduces 2 New Decks!

After a year of hiatus… Fontaine Cards are back with two distinct decks, each embodying a unique style. The first deck boasts a light pastel blue solid color, a nod to Fontaine’s roots, and embraces simplicity without any unnecessary embellishments.

On the other hand, the second deck adopts a more illustrative approach, with the iconic Fs seamlessly blending into the back design. It features custom jokers and ad cards, along with recolored courts for added artistic flair.

These releases mark a significant shift for Fontaine in 2024, aiming for a fresh approach. Priced at $12 per deck, this initiative involves printing fewer quantities, steering away from colossal projects, and allocating more time for smaller experiments. The intention is to cater to a diverse audience, offering something for everyone.

Printed by WJPC on 300gsm German black core stock with a soft-touch matte box. Both the Sky Blue Fontaines and Thumbprint Fontaines are available NOW for pre-order on Fontaine Cards.

Kings Wild Launches Frank Frazetta Playing Cards on Kickstarter

In an exciting partnership with the Frank Frazetta Museum, Kings Wild has launched the Frank Frazetta Playing Cards on Kickstarter. This mesmerizing collab celebrates the incredible fantasy artwork of the legendary Frank Frazetta in a way that’s never been done before… with two distinct decks that showcase the breadth of Frazetta’s iconic career.

The project features two decks, Drawings and Paintings, each capturing a different aspect of Frazetta’s artistic brilliance. The Drawings deck presents a monochromatic palette with silver foiling, highlighting Frazetta’s pencil sketches against a textured, weathered paper background.

The Paintings deck displays a selection of Frazetta’s vibrant paintings on vintage paper texture, enhanced with gold foiling on both the card faces and backs.

Catering to the discerning tastes of collectors, Kings Wild offers three distinct editions, each with its own unique charm. The standard edition boasts a sleek and embossed tuck case with foil accents, providing a timeless and elegant appeal.

Elevating the experience, the Gilded Edition introduces a two-piece tuck case with a flip-top design reminiscent of vintage cigarette packages. Die-cut holes on both inner and outer tucks offer a tantalizing glimpse of the Death Dealer Shield featured on the first card. Coordinating foiling, blind embossing, and the unique die-cut shield make this edition truly exceptional.

The pinnacle for collectors, the Frazerra Legacy set combines the Gilded Decks (Drawings and Paintings) within a custom-made wooden case. The top resting lid proudly bears Frazetta’s signature in gold, providing a regal showcase for these extraordinary decks.

The Frank Frazetta Playing Cards are not just a deck; they are a celebration of Frazetta’s legacy. Printed by KWPCC and pledge starts at $14 on Kickstarter.

Holographic ERROR Playing Cards

Creativity. Holographic. Cardistry.

Crafted for cardistry and released in its intended form, the ERROR deck from Dealersgrip celebrates errors and delves into the complex interplay between failure and creativity. Unlike the 2019 OG ERROR deck, the Holo ERROR is enhanced by intricate holographic hot foil stamping on the back, tuck, standard courts, and specific face cards.

Nicolai Aaroe's Vittoria Di Viritas Playing Cards

The enchanting world of Vittoria Playing Cards receives a captivating makeover in the form of the Vittoria Di Viritas project, a Kickstarter by Nicolai Aaroe.

Borne out of the success and acclaim garnered by the Vittoria Di Fiore Di Ferro experimental release, the design team dives deeper into the realms of Venetian embossed gold. This time, the focus intensifies on intricate details and embossed elements, crafting a visually stunning and technically impressive art project.

The project introduces two editions, each with its distinct character. The Duplice edition, meaning ‘double’ in Italian, showcases two-way court illustrations and a unique back design. The Singolo edition, meaning ‘singular,’ boasts one-way Vittoria court illustrations, setting it apart in the series.

The tuck cases, glossy and embossed, are a testament to the creator’s commitment to artistry. These designs forgo metal foil, relying instead on strategic embossing on glossy stock to simulate the appearance of elegantly embossed Italian gold ornamentation.

The court characters, illustrated by the talented Nicolai and Martin Helgren, present authentic Venetian mask types and clothing. Through extensive research, these artists breathe life into the courts, infusing them with unique color schemes and re-illustrated masks or clothing for a refreshing take on tradition.

The project goes beyond just cards, offering a range of exquisite boxes. From standard boxes to deluxe half-brick boxes with gold foil to the impressive Ultimo Hardbox, backers have a plethora of options to house these artistic wonders.

Printed by MPC on M31 linen finish with a print run of 3,000 for each edition. Pledge starts at $15 on Kickstarter.

Solitaire17 Standard Blue Edition Playing Cards

Stockholm17 introduces the Solitaire17 Standard – Blue, a deck that seamlessly bridges the gap between the digital and physical gaming worlds.

This deck is not merely a replica of the Solitaire17 app; it’s a luxurious extension with gold foil detailing on the back, exuding sophistication!

The face designs maintain a classic, standard appearance, catering to casual players, and the deck stands out with its unique origin. Initially conceived exclusively for the Solitaire17 app, this physical manifestation is more than a novelty.

Limited to a production run of 700 units, it symbolizes the convergence of digital and physical gaming experiences. Printed by WJPC and available now for $16 on Stockholm17.

Stockholm17 Unveils Madame Laveau The Soothsayer Playing Cards

Stockholm17 introduces the captivating Madame Laveau The Soothsayer, a unique extension to the Odd Fellow series. This alluring deck, featuring a blue tuck and a metallic tea green gilded deck, draws inspiration from the famed New Orleans Voo-Doo Queen, Marie Laveau.

The design intricately weaves together elements of voodoo, divination, and chiromancy, creating a mystical tapestry within each card. While maintaining the structural familiarity of a standard poker set, Madame Laveau’s deck distinguishes itself through a unique approach.

The court cards, representing 12 of the tarot’s major arcana, are thoughtfully connected to zodiac signs, seamlessly merging the worlds of astrology and tarot.

The suits are adorned with distinctive mystical symbols:

• Hearts: Astronomical symbols representing celestial bodies.
• Diamonds: Celestial symbols depicting spirits and angels.
• Clubs: African Nsibibi pictograms.
• Spades: Alchemical symbols for an esoteric touch.

Madame Laveau is printed by WJPC and available now on Stockholm17 for $19.90.

Theory11's Star Trek Playing Cards

Explore the final frontier aboard the Starship Enterprise with Star Trek playing cards by theory11. Available in two color variations – dark and light – theory11’s latest collab decks invite you to boldly go where no man has gone before and embark on a galactic journey with your favorite Star Trek characters from both the original series and the latest films.

Each card in this deck pays homage to the legendary characters that have made Star Trek a global cultural phenomenon, featuring Captain Kirk, Spock, Hikaru Sulu, and more! For Trekkies, these premium cards promise to elevate future game nights to warp speed.

With fully custom artwork inside and out, the decks showcase unique designs inspired by fan-favorite characters and memorable events. The Aces, Jokers, court cards, and back designs offer a creative interpretation of the Star Trek universe.

Moreover, the eye-catching tuck box boasts colorful foil accents and intricate embossing, making these cards a gem for collectors and Trekkies alike. Available now from Theory11 for $12.95.

Ace Fulton's Casino Classic (Blue Edition) Playing Cards

Vintage. Casino. Limited.

The Blue edition Ace Fulton’s Casino Classic playing cards is part of the limited edition Ace Twin Pack box set. The decks are inspired by the vintage Jerry’s Nugget Casino deck.

Inside the face cards come with a mirrored back design, standard Arrco courts and a new Ace of Spades design. The deck is packaged in a vintage tuck box to round out the retro vibe.

Printed to the highest standards by The United States Playing Card Company on thin-stock with a cambric finish.

Avengers: Ultron Playing Cards by Card Mafia

Marking the 60th Anniversary of Marvel’s Avengers, Card Mafia has released the Avengers: Ultron Playing Cards. The deck comes with an innovative design housed within a single tuck case that accommodates two decks.

Embracing the spirit of the iconic franchise, this set includes both a PVC and a paper deck, packaged in a unique tuck case that pays homage to Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Age of Ultron blockbuster film.

Officially licensed by Disney, the tuck case features an ingenious opening and closing mechanism that activates the LED panel embedded within the case, creating a captivating red glow with three distinct stages of interactive lighting, reminiscent of the film’s themes.

Drawing inspiration from the movie, the deck’s meticulous design mirrors the striking armor of Ultron, adorned in a red and silver color scheme with impressive foiling. The box’s intricate detailing encapsulates Ultron’s dynamic essence, evoking the imminent threat of his extinction plan.

Inside the decks feature a dual design, these cards are versatile for various occasions, presenting a sleek black border for a sophisticated style or a vibrant hot red border for a more striking appearance. A thematic exploration between Ultron and Vision, both artificial intelligences, is portrayed within the deck, symbolizing a compelling duality between the urge for human annihilation and the quest for peace.

Printed by the renowned Taiwan Playing Card Company with their renowned Legendary Finish. Available now from Card Mafia for $45.

Kardify Magazine Issue 80 Now on Patreon!

We’ve just released Kardify Magazine Issue 80 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-December to mid-January. 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:   

+ The Cross Admiral Angels: Designed by Peter Voth, The Cross Playing Cards tells the story and influences of Christianity through cards. Find out more!

+ Deck of the Year 2023: After concluding our annual review and reflecting on the industry’s events of the past year, find out who won our biggest recognition for 2023.

+ Room52: Themed around “Room & Space”, Room52 is the debut deck by cardist Lunzi’s Smooth Writing with two distinct versions. Check it out!

+ Wonka: The latest deck by Theory11 unveils a world of bespoke illustrations of beloved characters from the film, elegantly adorned within a luxurious matte-purple box accented with shimmering gold foil.

+ Paisley Poker Series: Responding to popular requests, the Dutch Card House Co. introduced a borderless Paisley Poker deck with a white decor accentuating vivid colors for a visually stunning edition.

+ The Fez: Kings Wild Vintage Reimagined deck draws inspiration from the classic Shriner’s deck. Check it out!

 + Secrets of the Sea: In an eagerly anticipated follow-up to their previous successful deck, “The Elves Deck” FRIS Cards launched their latest Kickstarter project about pirates and the ocean. Have a look!

+ Craps: Mechanical Industries expands its casino-themed collection with their latest deck featuring an innovative 3D flip-book animation of dice rolling along a Craps table and serving as a marked deck!

… and more! 48 pages of articles and deck images. Enjoy!

Braniff Playing Cards: A Tribute to Aviation's Iconic Era

From Art of Play, Braniff playing cards pay homage to the 1960s jet-set era, commemorating Braniff’s lasting influence on art, fashion, design, and the world of travel.

In 1927, Braniff Airways took flight as a pioneering force, evolving into a global airline that connected 89 destinations. In 1965, the airline launched a groundbreaking campaign, “The End of the Plain Plane,” revolutionizing the industry.

Alexander Girard, a design luminary, redefined air travel aesthetics for Braniff, infusing vibrant colors and mid-century modern design into 17,542 touchpoints. Braniff became a trendsetter in art, fashion, and travel.

Printed by the USPCC and available now from Art of Play for $18.

Check Out Smooth Writing's Debut Deck, Room52

Lunzi, known for his impressive performances in cardistry competitions and as the lead illustrator at ARK, introduces his latest venture- Smooth Writing. The brand’s inception owes much to the stalwart support and collaboration from TCC.

Lunzi expressed enthusiasm about leveraging cards as a tangible canvas to articulate thoughts and visions. Now funding on Kickstarter, Room52 is the debut deck by Smooth Writing with two distinct versions – Red and Silver (limited to 300).

Themed around “Room & Space,” Lunzi’s designs cleverly encapsulate the essence of “room” through the symbolic portrayal of “doors.” The Red edition, inspired by motifs from motels and road movie key cards, echoes the hues of Lunzi’s initial deck.

Lunzi’s illustrations pay homage to vintage designs, using early water-based pens for an authentic classical touch, rather than mere emulation. The series aims to share narratives from playing card history, drawing inspiration from classic forms such as the Dexter indexes, known for combining spatial feeling with efficiency.

Crafted specifically for cardistry, the cards boast large color blocks that stabilize visual effects during manipulation. Each door dynamically moves in tandem with motion, adding an immersive dynamism to the cardistry experience. They feature an embossed tuck case, deluxe specialty paper, gold foil interiors, and a linen finish, ensuring a tactile and premium feel.

The decks are manufactured by TCC in China and available now for $9.5 on Kickstarter.

Modern Idols (Hope Edition) Playing Cards

Neon. Custom. Worship.

Modern Idols Hope Edition is a part of the Modern Idols series of playing cards by Thirdway Industries, based on the beliefs of the modern age. Designed by the Italian designer Giovanni Meroni, the Hope deck is inspired by a TV Series about American Gods – the story is about the new Idols that replaced the Old Gods. 

Modern Idols Hope deck incorporate Giovanni’s recognizable artwork, and vibrant neon color palettes with a new mythology. The artwork is fully custom with the card backs featuring Pure Silver Metallic ink combined with Neon inks. Meanwhile, the faces use 5 different colors: 3 neon inks that go fluorescent under blacklight!

Printed by the USPCC and available now from Thirdway Industries for $25.

The Votes Are In: The Winner Kardify People's Choice Award... 🏆

After 12 months of intense competition and your enthusiastic participation, we’re thrilled to reveal the triumphant deck that has emerged victorious in our People’s Choice Awards! Your votes on Instagram (@kardify) have determined the finest among each pair of exceptional card decks showcased every month.

12 months, 22 decks and 1 champion: The 17th Kingdom Avant Garde is the winner of Kardify Award 2023 🏆- People’s Choice Award!

Our heartfelt congratulations to Lorenzo Gaggiotti, whose stunning artistry and innovation have captured the hearts of our community. Also, we extend our deepest gratitude to our followers on Instagram who voted, shared their passion and made this celebration of design excellence an incredible success!

Stay tuned for more exciting updates and continue to be a part of our vibrant card-loving community! 🃏🌟

NOW on Kickstarter, Secrets of the Sea by FRIS Cards

In an eagerly anticipated follow-up to their previous successful Kickstarter campaign, “The Elves Deck” FRIS Cards launched their latest Kickstarter project titled “The Secret of the Sea.” Embracing the allure of pirates, treasures, and uncharted mysteries of the ocean, this deluxe playing card set aims to immerse enthusiasts in an elaborate world of high-seas adventures.

Inside, each card is a testament to intricate artistry, showcasing hand-drawn, completely unique illustrations of Aces, Jokers, Pips, and Courts cards. The artistic finesse extends to the gold foil adorning the playing cards, providing an opulent touch to the entire set. The deck boasts over a year of dedicated effort, numerous iterations, and countless hours of craftsmanship to ensure every detail is a masterpiece in its own right. According to FRIS Cards,

Everything in this project has been carefully thought and all our cards are custom and hand drawn. Every detail of our playing cards has been studied and revised until we have reached the final design that we are proud to show you today.

The deck’s narrative is set within the Realm of the Elves introduced in the creators’ first deck. Drawing from centuries of sea tales shared in old taverns and recounted by sailors, the creators weave a tapestry of mysterious forces, unknown creatures, and the high stakes of life at sea. The cards portray characters straddling the thin line between life and death, capturing the essence of the sea’s unforgiving nature.

The Pirates, depicted through Spades and Clubs, and Sailors, represented by Hearts and Diamonds, introduce factions such as the Tenshidean Pirates, The Vale Navy, Duiburn Pirates, and The Zrienard Navy. Each group boasts its unique stories, leaders, and relationships with the mystical sea creatures inhabiting their territories.

From the formidable Kraken, Giant Octopus, Sea Dragon, to the menacing Skeletal Snake Monster, the Aces of the deck give form to these awe-inspiring sea creatures, enriching the saga of maritime legends.

The deck comes packaged in a deluxe tuck box, exquisitely crafted with embossing and hot foils, all meticulously designed on premium paper with exclusive hot foils.

Distinctive editions like the Morgan Gold Edition, John Silver Edition, and the exclusive Blackbeard Edition offer varied tuck boxes, foil enhancements, and gilded edges, each promising a unique and captivating visual experience.

This remarkable set will be brought to life through collaboration with WJPC for printing the playing cards, and Boschiero & Newton for tuck box production. Pledge starts at $11 on Kickstarter

Craps Playing Cards by Mechanical Industries

Mechanical Industries is well-known for its flipbook-styled animation playing cards. Over the last two years, they have started the casino-themed animated cards – Roulette Playing Cards, a deck based on the roulette game; and its Fanimation version, where the cards can be fanned to form a roulette wheel complete with a ball. Craps Playing Cards is the latest edition of the Casino series.

As the title suggests, the deck is based on ‘Craps’, a popular dice betting game in casinos. The deck features an innovative 3D flip-book animation of dice rolling along a Craps table. Because the back is animated, the deck can be used as a marked deck, by using their trademark 13-back repeating system.

The cards will feature black side printing along with a thin black border on the faces. It gives the appearance of a Craps table. This design allows the amazing visual appeal of card flourishes.

The Ace of Spades featured the power pip showing the deck title along with a pair of dice. Most of the pips and numbered cards are all standard. The court cards are customized similarly to its predecessor Roulette deck – the royals are shown holding cash, rakes, and especially the dice. The Jokers featured a pair of dice, each showing the numbers 7 and 11, both numbers that win the bet.

Also included a Joker and a flattened dice gaff for an amazing thematic magic effect involving dice. The blank face Joker may allow you to magically pop out dice from the cards. There are magic tricks that can be done using this deck. Free tutorials will be provided within the deck.

Printed by Cartamundi on their premium stock with the latest finishing techniques. The deck is now available for $13 from Vanishing Inc.

Strange Curiosities Playing Cards by December Boys

In 2009, December Boys marked their cardistry debut with a video against the backdrop of a mural by Ukrainian street artists Interesni Kazki. The artists’ surrealistic style, recognized globally in cities like Versailles, San Paulo, Sicily, and Miami, captivated audiences.

Now, 15 years later, December Boys unite talents with the immensely gifted Volodymyr Waone from Interesni Kazki for a Kickstarter venture. The “Strange Curiosities” concept, conceived in 2020, has undergone meticulous crafting despite challenges such as electricity blackouts and unrest following the Ukraine invasion. This project symbolizes resilience against adversity, illustrating that art transcends oppression, colonization, and defeat.

The deck’s tuck case boasts a stunning wraparound design, adorned with an iridescent golden seal – the same seal utilized by Waone for authenticating his esteemed artworks.

At the heart of the card back design lies Waone’s captivating artwork, “Transcendental Moment,” set against a vibrant red gradient. This blend creates a mesmerizing pattern, destined to become an instant classic.

Every face card is a masterpiece, featuring elements derived from Waone’s renowned murals and paintings. Printed on premium off-white paper, the cards bring to life the curious creatures from the mystical Interesni Kazki universe, turning owning this deck into a private art gallery experience.

Printed by the United States Playing Card Company on premium crushed stock and available now on Kickstarter from $16.