Bicycle Cycle of Venus Playing Cards by RunIt Decks

Bicycle Cycle of Venus Playing Cards is the 18th deck produced by RunIt Decks, featuring original artwork by acclaimed UK artist Jon-Paul Kaiser. Inspired by Japanese visual aesthetics and the symbolism of the Chinese Zodiac, this beautiful deck follows the character of Venus as she transforms through the twelve animals of the zodiac cycle, creating a cohesive narrative across the court cards.

Each court card presents a unique interpretation of Venus, with zodiac animals integrated into her attire, accessories, masks, and overall design. Drawing from influences including folklore, streetwear, tattoo art, and traditional illustration, Kaiser’s distinctive black-and-white style creates bold, character-driven artwork that feels both contemporary and timeless.

The symmetrical back design unites the deck’s themes through an intricate composition of florals, clouds, suit symbols, and ornamental details surrounding a central portrait of Venus. Hidden throughout the design are all twelve zodiac animals, encouraging closer inspection and rewarding collectors with subtle visual discoveries.

Printed by the United States Playing Card Company on premium Bicycle stock with the signature Air-Cushion Finish, the deck offers a richly detailed and highly collectible interpretation of the Chinese Zodiac. Available from Runit Decks for $16.50.

On Kickstarter, Kingdom of EDEN Playing Cards

 

Now funding on Kickstarter, Kingdom of EDEN is a new fine art playing card series featuring fully custom artwork, original storytelling, and a range of premium collector-focused accessories. Created by The Other Self Studio, the project blends traditional pencil illustration with modern graphic design to build a unique fantasy world centered around the rise and corruption of the fictional Kingdom of Eden.

The narrative follows King Fidibus, whose kingdom is transformed after taking the advice of a mysterious worm hidden inside an apple. As prosperity grows, so do the worms, eventually evolving into serpents and triggering political intrigue, power struggles, and the decline of the kingdom. This story is woven throughout the deck designs, court cards, and accompanying booklet.

The series is available in three editions: Obedience (sandstone), Temptation (black), and Dominion (red), each featuring its own color scheme, back design, and customized Ace artwork. 

The card backs visually depict a king's fingers gradually transforming into worms while reaching for an apple, reflecting the deck's central theme of temptation and corruption.

During the campaign, collectors can also obtain a premium hardbox set containing all three editions, a 50mm brushed-gold Dodonot Coin, and a printed companion booklet that expands on the lore and backstories of the kingdom's characters.

Printed by Printed by WJPC with premium stock and finish. Pledge starts at $25 on Kickstarter.

Deck View: MPC Beta ONE Playing Cards

Smooth. Engineered. Cardistry.

The MPC Beta ONE Playing Cards marked a significant milestone for MakePlayingCards, serving as the debut platform for its newly developed Linen Air Light stock and Beta finish. First distributed to attendees at Cardistry-Con 2018 in Hong Kong, the deck was created specifically to showcase MPC’s next-generation handling technology after nearly three years of development.

Designed by Alex Tse, the deck revolves around the number one, symbolizing both its name and its status as the first release to feature the new stock and finish. The minimalist back design consists of mirrored numeral “1” graphics arranged diagonally across a borderless layout, creating striking visuals during fans, spreads, cuts, and other cardistry moves.

The real focus, however, is performance. The Linen Air Light stock is thinner, lighter, and softer than traditional playing card stock while maintaining enough stiffness for flourishing and magic. Paired with MPC’s Beta finish, the deck offers a smooth handling experience with a balance of glide and grip, making it well suited for cardists seeking maximum control and visual impact.

Available for $13 on Make Playing Cards.

Ultraman Tiga (Special Edition) Playing Cards

Ultraman Tiga (Special Edition) Playing Cards by Room One Cards is an eye-catching collector’s deck created for dedicated fans of the legendary Ultra Hero. This enhanced release introduces holographic gilded edges and an innovative illuminated tuck box that transforms the deck into both a playable set and a display centerpiece.

The cards feature custom artwork of Ultraman Tiga across the courts, aces, and jokers, while the Zeperion holographic gilding reflects light with every shuffle and fan, capturing the iconic energy and brilliance associated with the character.

The standout feature is the light-up tuck box, designed to mimic Ultraman Tiga’s signature Color Timer. When opened, the box glows from within, recreating the hero’s iconic chest illumination and turning the packaging into an interactive display piece.

Printed on premium casino-grade black German core cardstock with a linen finish, the deck offers durability, smooth handling, and a satisfying shuffle experience. Available for $34 on Room One Cards.