Diabolik Poker
Characters from the Italian comic series Diabolik, with designs by Paolo and Sergio Zaniboni.
Diabolik was created in 1962 by sisters Angela and Luciana Giussani. It subsequently became one of the most popular series in the history of Italian comics, consisting of more than 900 volumes. Diabolik, the main protagonist, is an anti-heroic thief who, over time, came to focus on robbing and killing other criminals. The comics have been translated into many languages including Serbian, Croatian and Tamil. From 1969 until 2015, Sergio Zaniboni undertook most of the artwork aided by his son, Paolo. They are credited with the designs for this pack. In 1993, a set of major arcana called “Diabolik – I Tarocchi Neri” was also produced. See the box►
Above: Diabolik Poker published by Lo Scarabeo, Turin, Italy, c1996. Made in Italy. 52 cards + 2 Jokers + 1 title card in tuck box. Size: 61 x 88 mm.
By Roddy Somerville
Member since May 31, 2022
Roddy started collecting stamps on his 8th birthday. In 1977 he joined the newly formed playing-card department at Stanley Gibbons in London before setting up his own business in Edinburgh four years later. His collecting interests include playing cards, postcards, stamps (especially playing cards on stamps) and sugar wrappers. He is a Past President of the Scottish Philatelic Society, a former Chairman of the IPCS, a Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards and Curator of the WCMPC’s collection of playing cards. He lives near Toulouse in France.
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