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Playing cards have been with us since the 14th century, when they first entered popular culture. Over the centuries packs of cards, in all shapes and sizes, have been used for games, gambling, education, conjuring, advertising, fortune telling, political messages or the portrayal of national or ethnic identity. All over the world, whatever language is spoken, their significance is universal. Their popularity is also due to the imaginative artwork and graphic design which is sometimes overlooked, and the “then & now” of how things have changed.

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sci-fi

20 Articles

Pulp Pin-Up

Classic 1940s Pulp Pin-Up covers on playing cards from China, c.2010.

Pulp Pin-Up

Final Fantasy VII

Final Fantasy VII is a role-playing video game.

Final Fantasy VII

Bicycle Cybertech

Bicycle Cybertech playing cards inspired by cyberpunk genre, illustrated by Jamie Meza, 2019.

Bicycle Cybertech

Dan Dare

Dan Dare sci-fi card game based upon Frank Hampson’s pictures in the Eagle comic, published in 1953.

Dan Dare

Star Kings

Star Kings playing cards inspired by space opera, 2017.

Star Kings

Astronaut

Astronaut card game published by Pepys Series (Castell Bros) celebrating the arrival of space travel, 1960s

Astronaut

Star Stack

Star Stack playing cards feature illustrations of famous astronomers and important astronomical constellations.

Star Stack

Amos del Universo

“Amos del Universo” card game published by Litografía Goicochea Hnos, S.A., Lima, Peru, c.1980.

Amos del Universo

Firefly Playing Cards

The first-ever officially licensed Firefly Playing Cards. A tribute to the Firefly TV series, featuring iconic symbols and images from the Firefly universe.

Firefly Playing Cards

DC Comics Originals

Waddingtons ‘DC Comics Originals’ deck from 2014 featuring ‘Batman’,‘Wonder Woman’, ‘Justice League’ and ‘Superman’

DC Comics Originals

Star Wars

‘Star Wars’ playing cards produced by Character Games, 2002

Star Wars

Dr Who

Dr Who is a long-running science-fiction television series produced by the BBC, first airing in 1963.

Dr Who

Dr Who Adventures

‘Doctor Who Adventures’ is a weekly magazine aimed at younger readers. From time to time free playing cards are included with the magazine

Dr Who Adventures

Doctor Who

Doctor Who fan cards produced by Winning Moves under the Waddington's label, 2015.

Doctor Who

Adventure Time

‘Adventure Time’ cult sci-fi playing cards published by Forbidden Planet.

Adventure Time

Star Wars Episode 1

“STAR WARS Episode 1” playing cards printed by U.S. Playing Card Co., c.1999

Star Wars Episode 1

Quantum

Quantum playing cards designed by Catherine Geaney.

Quantum

T3 Terminator

T3 Terminator playing cards based on the popular movie, 2003.

T3 Terminator

Matrix Reloaded

Matrix Reloaded playing cards published anonymously, 2003.

Matrix Reloaded

Mask

Mask card game published by Cromy, Argentina, 1988.

Mask