The Sigils of Fenrir Glowing Playing Cards

Final 48 hours on Kickstarter, the Sigils of Fenrir Glowing Playing Cards offer a mesmerizing blend of Norse mythology and unique design. Created by Jin, a brand designer inspired by Viking lore, this deck brings the legend of Fenrir, the powerful, misunderstood wolf of Ragnarok to life. 

The Standard Edition features a stunning 3D wolf fur pattern and a tuck box accented with blue foils, which reveal glowing blue flames in the dark. Inside, silver foiled designs include the "Spear of Odin," Gungnir, adding a touch of mythological depth. 

The cards showcase tattoo-style depictions of Fenrir against a grunge foil background, with twelve Norse runes incorporated into the court cards for added symbolism.

The Ace of Spades showcase rainbow-foiled details of Fenrir and intricate Viking designs. Number cards have custom Norse rune pips, creating a rustic, frosty aesthetic that captures the icy, rugged world of the Vikings. When fanned, the card backs reveal the Helm of Awe blessing rune, a symbol of Norse bravery and magic.

The Silver Fenrir Special Edition takes it a step further, with a 3D embossed, silver-foiled tuck box and snow-silver gilding that elevates the deck to a collector's item. It embodies the mythological essence of Fenrir, blending strength and elegance.

The GUNGNIR Collector Box Set, designed in collaboration with Charmie Dreams, includes both the standard and special editions, a dark wooden gift box with metal chains, and a "King of Rage" metal bookmark. The design echoes the power of Gungnir, Odin’s legendary spear, which is central to the myth.

With its unique glowing effects, intricate artwork, and immersive details, the Sigils of Fenrir Glowing Playing Cards invites card players and collectors to embrace the strength and resilience of the Norse wolf. Each card serves as a piece of the Fenrir myth, a tribute to courage and defiance.

Printed by WJPC and pledge starts at $16 on Kickstarter.

First Look: The Castle in the Sky Playing Cards

The Castle in the Sky playing cards launches tomorrow! Jack Brutus Penny has adapted and expanded over ten years of work into a really unique puzzle to reveal a whimsical race to the sky. Here are some cool images of the deck:

The campaign includes a unique set display case that creates an effect of a floating castle between the decks - with only 125 available each!  Also, those who become a backer in the first 15 minutes is entered for a chance to win a rare prototype (1 of 30)!

And as always, Jack's work supports various animal welfare and other causes. His last main project helped build a cattery in Japan for rescued cats. Head to the pre-launch Kickstarter page to be notified of the launch.

Kardify Magazine Issue 89 is Now of Patreon

Here is the latest edition of Kardify Magazine on Patreon, Issue 89. 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-September to mid-October. 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:   

+ 52 Plus Joker 2024 Club Deck: The 2024 club deck masterfully updates Dougherty’s classic designs with a contemporary touch, offering a mix of tradition and modernity.

+ Leaves Seasons Exclusive: This limited-edition deck by the Dutch Card House Co. is a vibrant celebration of nature’s beauty, combining all four seasons into one elegant design. 

+ Round Moon: Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, embodying themes of reunion, and good fortune. The full moon, is woven into the deck’s beautiful design.

+ Ronin: Have a look at Kings Wild Project's latest crowd-funded campaign, a hand-illustrated Samurai-inspired deck that takes you back to the golden age of the Samurai warrior.

+ ARW V4: The 4th installment in the ARW series by Luke Wadey has arrived. This eye-catching deck features neon ink that reacts under UV light for a dazzling visual experience. Check it out!

+ Bicycle 1900 Blue Edition: This Ellusionist deck is the follow-up to the popular Bicycle 1800s deck. The artwork on the face cards has been meticulously crafted to make it look weathered and abused, exposed to the elements. Find out more!

+ 52 Plus Joker Diamond Award Winner Announced: The prestigious 52 Plus Joker Diamond Awards were revealed at the 52 Plus Joker Convention in Niagara Falls, NY. Find out who won Artist of the Year and Deck of the Year awards.

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

High Flyers Playing Cards, Less Than 48 hours Remaining!

High Flyers is the new deck of playing cards from Squiddle Ink that celebrates the featheriest of achievements. The deck is filled with beautiful illustrations of the most impressive birds that fly the highest and the fastest. The designer Stacey Jay Kelly wanted to create a deck that belongs in the gift shop of a fictional aviation society, owned by birds. 

Inside, the eye-catching mirrored card backs served as the initial inspiration for this deck. When the cards are spread or fanned, the feather along the edge of each card spreads out like a bird's wing opening. The pastel blue falcon design has intricate feather detail, that sits perfectly alongside the leaf detail. 

The flight feathers have a bright pop of yellow and cream so that when the cards are fanned the bird's wing is immediately apparent against the background. The wing fan adds a dynamic effect to card flourishes.

The court cards depict incredible birds such as the Peregrine Falcon, the Anna's Hummingbird and the Alpine Chough wearing vintage aviator outfits, leather jackets, goggles and helmets. Each card is unique and champions the most incredible bird species and their achievements. The vintage-style pip cards are embellished with traditional airmail stamp designs.

All the stamps on the face cards are custom-made and feature important dates in aviation history, along with fictional airlines such as Royal Albatross Airways and Swift Aviation Group.

The Ace of Spades card features the owl’s watchful eyes, peering through special die-cut lens holes on the tuck box. On the Joker card, there is an ornate Falcon hood with a feathered plume and Stacey reserved the second Joker card to create a classic airmail postcard design.

The tuck has pearlescent shimmering paper stock, teal foil elements and embossed areas to give a luxurious texture. All this is combined with highly detailed leaf illustrations to frame the birds in the design. 

Printed by Legends Playing Card Company using Viper finish. Pledge starts at $14 on Kickstarter.

Flux Playing Cards

Motion. Optical. Illusion.

Lotus in Hand's Flux playing cards are produced in collaboration with Art of Play and designed by Bailiang Huang. Crafted for cardistry, the deck that explores the boundary between static and motion.

The back design is truly unique as they can be animated on the surface of the card. This adds an extra dimension of motion to your flourishes. The unique design is also carried over to the Ace of Spades. The face cards are standard with updated color palette, consistent with the black/white look of the deck.

The deck comes in a sleek and sturdy plastic box. On one side, the tuck elegantly showcases the animation of the back design every time you keep or remove the cards from the box. And on the other, has an image that while animated spells out the name of the deck, "FLUX".

To create the dynamic optical illusion, each deck comes with 2 striped plastic cards (one vertical, one horizontal). Printed in the USA by United States Playing Card Company.

The Assassin's Creed Playing Cards by Room One

Room One's Assassin's Creed Playing Cards are a tribute to the iconic video game series, capturing the essence of its stealth, strategy, and intrigue. These incredible decks are designed with meticulous detail, reflecting the rich lore and diverse landscapes of the franchise.

Inside, the deck features custom suits and court cards depicting legendary Assassins and Templars, along with intricate motifs that nod to key elements from the games, inviting fans to immerse themselves in the world of Assassin's Creed in a new way.

Each card is crafted to embody the essence of the Assassin’s Creed saga, with a symmetrical back design featuring iconic symbols like the Assassin insignia, Templar cross, and other motifs from the game’s settings.

Even the number cards are artistically designed, with custom pips that reflect the game’s symbols, ensuring that every card, from aces to number cards, contributes to the immersive experience. The court cards feature intricately illustrated characters from the series, showcasing iconic Assassins and Templars in stunning detail, capturing their unique personalities and roles within the lore.

The deck comes in four editions: Black and White Signature Editions, and Black and White Hidden Blade Editions. The Signature Editions are encased in Room One’s innovative Accordion 3D Tuck Box, made with a 5-layered paper that enhances the graphics. This box features exquisite embossing, hot foiling, and a foil inner print, housing 55 fully customized cards that pay homage to the characters and lore of the series.

The Hidden Blade Editions include a specially designed tuck box with an extra case, inspired by the signature hidden blade from the games. Featuring intricate embossing and hot foiling, this edition adds a touch of mystery and sophistication, making it a collector’s item.

These decks blend artistry and functionality, making them a must-have for gamers, collectors, and fans of the franchise. Pledge starts at $15 on Kickstarter.

Check Out ZHI YUAN (KITE) Playing Cards by ARK

ARK's ZHI YUAN (KITE) Playing Cards blends tradition with modern sophistication, drawing inspiration from the ancient Chinese art of kite making. ARK, known for exploring diverse cultural themes, brings this new creation to life with innovative design and a deep connection to Chinese heritage. 

The deck features a unique, foldable tuck case that mimics the classic silhouette of a swallow kite. Closed, it serves as a standard card box; when opened, it transforms into a beautiful display, complete with a built-in stand.

Inside, the cards are intricately designed, weaving traditional motifs with modern aesthetics. The card backs combines bamboo strips with classic Chinese patterns, featuring symbols of prosperity like koi fish and swallows. 

For the faces cards, each suit is thoughtfully represented: Spades for fortune, Hearts for happiness, Clubs for abundance, and Diamonds for beauty. Court cards depict figures engaged in the art of kite crafting, enhancing the deck’s cultural connection.

Several limited editions are on offer during the Kickstarter campaign: a standard deck with exquisite artwork, an Artist Boxset with HOLO cards and a special art book, a Walnut Boxset with gilded-edge cards and a display frame, and a Black Edge Special Deck exclusive to the ALL-IN tier. 

Pledge starts at $35 on Kickstarter. Don't miss out!

The Cursed & The Crooked Kingdom Vol 2 Playing Cards

Now seeking funds on Kickstarter, the Cursed & the Crooked Kingdom playing cards is the second volume in Marianne Larsen’s whimsical fairytale series, offering two uniquely crafted decks that transport players to an enchanted realm. Twice awarded Deck of the Year at the 52 Plus Jokers Diamond Awards, Marianne blends luxurious design with rich storytelling, as seen in her previous projects like Ragnarok Playing Cards and Shadows of London. 

Set in the merged villages of Bakus and Garsia, the kingdom is a place where nature and legend intertwine. Bakus, founded by master bakers, and Garsia, with its ancient stone and creeping vines, celebrate their union each year with warm festivities. Characters like Madeira the Huntress, Barry the Blacksmith, and King Trÿstan add depth to the narrative, with their stories further explored in the accompanying booklets.

Inside, each deck comes with embossed tuck boxes with holographic gold foil and intricate illustrations capture the kingdom’s magical essence. 

The visual designs extend to the card backs, where Bakus and Garsia decks feature distinct one-way and mirrored illustrations that reflect the union of the two villages. 

Also, add-ons are available during the campaign. This include standard brick and half-brick boxes, as well as the exclusive Festivitas Hardbox, a sturdy, linen-textured container made from recycled chipboard. Custom metal coins with 3D embossing are also available as collectibles, adding another layer of charm to this magical world.

Printed in Europe by NPCC with premium linen finish. Pledge starts at $14 on Kickstarter.

Who Art in Heaven Playing Cards

Who Art in Heaven is a whimsical hand-illustrated deck of playing cards that blends medieval astrology with storytelling, featuring anthropomorphic rabbits who dream of the stars. Designed by Jack Brutus Penny, the narrative follows a young scribe, the Kit, as he questions the cosmos under the guidance of a strict cleric in a world where rabbits ponder the universe's mysteries.

Inside, the deck invites you to explore a celestial journey through 100% custom art and innovative designs. The artwork's unique UV ink captures the playful musings of the Kit, designed in collaboration with children to reflect the innocent wonder of stargazing.

The deck’s aces form a black hole image, symbolizing the unknown from which the Kit's fantasies emerge, while the custom pip cards combine to reveal scenes that change between light and dark.

The tuck box showcases a full wrap-around celestial image with radiant glitter foiling, adding a touch of magic to the unboxing experience.

Who Art in Heaven is more than a card deck—it's a continuation of Jack's whimsical world, introduced in projects like Culturae Animalis and Tails of Mischief. Proceeds from the project also support animal welfare, helping to rescue and rehome animals.

Limited to 1,000 decks, the deck will be printed by King Star Playing Cards. Pledge starts at $27 on Kickstarter.

The Virtuoso Sea Glass Playing Cards

Huron has recently teased the latest Virts deck on their mailing list. Virtuoso Sea Glass is a new deck designed exclusively for Cardistry, featuring "Adaptive Aesthetics" that enhances visual expression. Unlike traditional decks made for magicians or games, Sea Glass emphasizes fluid, dynamic designs inspired by real sea glass. The design is reminisce to ENTRY's first design released back in 2018.

The latest Virts design showcase hand-illustrated forms—The Rock, The Pebble, The Petal, and The Fin to create a seamless edge-to-edge pattern, eliminating the need for traditional borders.

Each element adds rhythm and motion, transforming even simple card flourishes into eye-catching displays. Fans and spreads reveal shifting patterns, creating effects like blooming petals and flowing waves. The Fin's design extends from the card backs to the faces, forming a cohesive, three-dimensional look.

Sea Glass is a bold departure from standard cards, with no numbers, suits, or court figures—it's pure visual art meant for Cardistry. 

Ready for immediate shipment, this deck embodies Virtuoso’s mission to push Cardistry into "Card Artistry," offering a unique, uncompromising design for enthusiasts. Available now for $15 on The Virts Online shop.

Area 51 V2 Technobeasts Playing Cards

Technology. Abstract. Futuristic.

Area 51 Technobeasts playing cards by 3rd Dominion is a sci-fi-themed deck based on the secret U.S. Air Force military installation located at Groom Lake in southern Nevada. The deck design is fully custom based on shapes of flying objects, real-life and functional art objects with abstract symbols and ornamentation. The mesmerizing card back is made in the shape of an abstract platform, the activities of which are hidden from human eyes.

The cool unit Ace of Spades is represented in the shape of abstract structures and flying devices. The custom courts share a similar design style to the Aces and card backs with a futuristic sci-fi vibe. The deck is packaged in a cool tuck box that is designed based on the shapes of flying objects in a blue colorway. 

The deck is printed by Noir Arts (NPCC).

Van Gogh & Kuniyoshi Playing Cards by 52 MUSÉE

52 MUSÉE is back with another stunning fusion of art and craftsmanship. This time with the Van Gogh & Kuniyoshi playing cards on Kickstarter. This collection pays homage to the masterpieces of Vincent van Gogh and Utagawa Kuniyoshi, blending their iconic works with luxurious holographic foil and intricate designs.

The Van Gogh series features vibrant interpretations of The Starry Night, Sunflowers, and his self-portraits, enhanced by holographic techniques to bring these classic paintings to life.

Each deck is encased in a pearl paper tuck box with foil accents, complete with individually numbered seals, limited to just 2000 copies.

The Kuniyoshi series, inspired by his ukiyo-e works and the heroes of Water Margin, showcases the legendary samurai and mythical creatures of Japan’s Edo period.

The combination of bold, dynamic artwork and stunning holo-foil creates a captivating tribute to Kuniyoshi’s timeless art. This set is also limited, with decks available in standard and gilded editions.

Each deck is an art exhibition in itself, combining the beauty of Van Gogh’s impressionist style with Kuniyoshi’s ukiyo-e mastery. For collectors, a limited collector’s box is available, featuring both Van Gogh and Kuniyoshi sets, making this a must-have for art and playing card enthusiasts alike.

Pledge starts at $15 on Kickstarter.