Zoo Comics
ZOO COMICS animated playing cards made by Litografía Ferri, Valencia (Spain), first published in 1968.
Zoo Comics by Litografía Ferri, 1968
Collectible playing cards inserted into products such as tea, chocolate or tobacco had their hey-day from the end of the 19th century until the second world war, with superb chromolithography printing. These children’s playing cards produced in Spain in the late 1960s follow the same spirit with the traditional suit symbols and figures replaced by fruits and cartoon characters, commendable for promoting healthy eating!

Above: "ZOO COMICS" animated playing cards made by Litografía Ferri, Valencia (Spain), first published in 1968 and reprinted in 1986. The traditional Spanish suit symbols have been replaced with oranges, hop blossoms, bananas and aubergines whilst small animals such as chipmunks, cats, monkeys and mice cavort around. The 'Sotas' ride scooters. There has been more than one edition of this superbly designed pack, with different jokers, and also with advertising on the reverse (e.g. Productos Chirruca).
By Simon Wintle
Spain • Member since February 01, 1996
I am the founder of The World of Playing Cards (est. 1996), a website dedicated to the history, artistry and cultural significance of playing cards and tarot. Over the years I have researched various areas of the subject, acquired and traded collections and contributed as a committee member of the IPCS and graphics editor of The Playing-Card journal. Having lived in Chile, England, Wales, and now Spain, these experiences have shaped my work and passion for playing cards. Amongst my achievements is producing a limited-edition replica of a 17th-century English pack using woodblocks and stencils—a labour of love. Today, the World of Playing Cards is a global collaborative project, with my son Adam serving as the technical driving force behind its development. His innovative efforts have helped shape the site into the thriving hub it is today. You are warmly invited to become a contributor and share your enthusiasm.
Activity for Zoo Comics
Sign in to comment or save this article.
Related Articles
Premio para los ninõs
Antique fantasy Spanish-style children's card game making a map, published in France.
Laughing Made Easy
a Victorian card game published by D. Ogilvy.
Juego de Naipes Andalusí
Andalusian playing cards designed by Marifé Montoya Carrillo with booklet by Jorge Lirola Delgado, 2...
Hindooly
Hindooly published by Chas Goodall & Son Ltd with four newly designed suits, c.1904.
Heráldica Castanyer
Spanish Catalan pattern No.6 by Heráldica Castanyer, Sabadell (Barcelona), c.1980.
Veto
‘Veto’ is a Polish CCG game. Players compete for power and influence. The game is set in 17th centur...
Baraja Marinera
‘Baraja Marinera’ designed by Francisco Javier San Juan, published by Asescoin (Madrid), 1995
Regional Costumes
Spanish regional costumes and coats-of-arms; cute illustrations on each card, 1986.
Nintendo Mario Playing Cards
Special cartoon playing cards designed to accompany Nintendo's Mario series of computer games.
Jaime Margarit - Recreo Infantil
'Recreo Infantil' children's educational cards published by Jaime Margarit, Palamós (Gerona) c.1888....
Litografías Industrias Madriguera
Pictorial trade cards were becoming popular throughout Europe so that tea, tobacco, chocolate or eve...
Heraclio Fournier S.A.
Founded in 1868, today it is part of Cartamundi.
Patoruzito
Patoruzito children’s playing cards, Argentina, 2004.
El Barco
El Barco playing cards designed by E. Pastor, Valencia, Spain, c.1895
Fagoaga y Compañía (Casa Bertrand Domec), Buenos Aires, c.1970
Playing Cards Imported into Argentina by Fagoaga y Compañía (Casa Bertrand Domec), Buenos Aires, c.1...
Spanish Playing Cards ~ La Baraja Española
Spain has played a pivotal role in the history of playing cards in Europe and Latin America.
South German Engraver
A pack of 52 cards with banner 10s, female 'Sotas', horsemen and kings, the pack was engraved in the...
The History of Playing Cards
Playing cards appear in European records in the late 14th century, but their earlier history lies fu...
Estate Playing Cards
Estate Playing Cards with five suits designed by Keith Wilson
Standard and Non-standard Playing Cards
Standard playing cards are based upon traditional designs and are used for card games.
Most Popular
Our top articles from the past 60 days