Murphy’s Magic – Therian Wood Edition Playing Cards, USPCC 2023, Kickstarter, Pavel Popov, half animals in a fantasy universe, unique shapeshifting journey from man to mystical beast, Black, Red, lion, paw. Brand new, sealed, MM

Description

– Launched Oct 2022 on Kickstarter, 203 backers pledged AU$ 15,317 to help bring this project to life.
– Check out the official trailer

Unleash your inner beast with Therian playing cards!
Featuring unique and spectacular illustrations by the European artist Pavel Popov. More than just another deck of playing cards this beautifully designed and produced set is a dark and mythological art journey. The cards represent more than 2 years of design and passion. Every single card showcases a unique shapeshifting journey from man to mystical beast.

THE ARTIST
My name is Pavel Popov. I am a professional illustrator and conceptual artist. I have made all kinds of graphic images over the years, but the idea to make a deck of cards dawned on me back in 2015.

I was inspired by other artists on the internet who also made custom decks. I fell in love with this type of illustration and I couldn’t wait to do something finished.

Because I love the fantasy genre and the animal world, I decided to combine the two and make my own world kingdom of half people – half animals in a fantasy universe.

I carefully selected and graded the animals according to the strength and the colors of the cards in the deck.

Every day for 2 years I drew card by card, until I finally built a whole game deck. In 2022 I met my business partner Adam Innocenzi who liked my artwork and wanted to help me make my dream a reality.

Together we decided to create this project and ‘Therian’ was born!

THE DECK

56 illustrated playing cards included:

12 unique mystical beast illustrations
4 custom illustrated aces
36 numeral / pip Cards
2 custom card backs spread across 2 different deck types
3 custom jokers spread across 2 different deck types; wood or metal (with unique jokers in each deck)
Custom printed tuck box
Custom seals

All cards printed by United States Playing Cards Company (USPCC) using only the best materials and finishes:

Air-Cushion ® Finish
Perfect for game nights, cardistry and playing card collections
Easy shuffling and optimum slide performance
Made in the USA

THE DESIGNS
Court Cards:

Each court card has been illustrated with the mystical beasts providing a mirrored and perfectly intertwined artist image. The red cards have been made warmer and with richer color profiles whilst the black cards are darker and edgier.

Aces:
Custom designed aces to suit the banners of each suit. Some historians have suggested that suits in a deck were meant to represent the four classes of medieval society. That’s why we have decided to make custom banners for each suit.

Numeral / Pip Cards:
Custom symbols and font designed by the amazing digital artist Kristina Stoyanova

TUCK BOX AND JOKERS
Wood Edition:
Our original base deck launching exclusively on Kickstarter with a wood inspired card back, seal and tuckbox.

The Box Design:
The Jokers, The Card Back and The Seal: All uniquely designed along with our beast inspired Therian logo.