Deceptive Arts Playing Cards
Next up is the Deceptive Arts deck from magician Josh Brett.
Unlike the three previous decks featured above, all of which were produced by USPCC, has been printed by Cartamundi with their popular True Linen B9 Finish, which is thicker and yet softer than a regular Bicycle style deck.
Deceptive Arts is Josh Brett's brand, and he's incorporated into this deck's design numerous things that are important to him, including various mystical symbols.
In his words: "These were created around everything I believe in life and magic. The designs on the cards and box are based on my tattoos which encourage you to raise questions regarding your own freedom, truth and free will. In a hypocritical society we must face up to our own truths about ourselves and realise we are the creators of our own reality."
The tuck box features a low-key and understated look, with a very practical light yellow background, with green and black printing that includes the name of the deck. A central feature on the tuck box and the symmetrical card backs is a triangle shape that integrates and pays homage to many classic symbols, including the all-seeing eye and the symbol for infinity.
Josh comments on this as follows: "The Triangle represents the three forces in creation and the M represents you as the Master within your own world as a reminder that “Each will live according to your own belief”. Stay true to your art and more importantly stay true to finding your role, journey and destination."
Of special interest is how the white border is broken up by a horizontal green line at the top left and bottom right, which helps produce some interesting spreads and fans.
It will come as no surprise to discover a customized Ace of Spades, with the deck's signature green again being a key element, to match the card backs.
The two Jokers are also customized, one in black and the other in green.
The face cards are largely standard, but there is one notable exception: the Jack of Spades, which features the creator Josh himself! This also has a handy Ace of Spades reveal that magicians will appreciate.
As an added bonus, you also get a duplicate of this card, and a blank card - two gaffs that magicians will welcome and be able to put to good use. Overall this is a practical and stylish deck that will especially appeal to those with a fondness for card magic.
Recommendation
So where can you get the decks featured in this review series? Any reputable online retailer that sells custom playing cards should have these available (e.g. Rare Playing Cards). If they don't, send them to Murphy's Magic, a magic wholesaler with an enormous range of products (including custom playing cards) that they sell in bulk quantities to dealers and retailers around the world. They have a huge network of contacts in the retail industry, so all of these decks should be available from any retailer that sources their decks from Murphy's Magic.
The custom playing card industry continues to boom, and produce some wonderful new decks, and the four decks featured above are fine examples of some of the great new playing cards that are appearing today.
The decks reviewed above are all available at your favourite Murphy’s Magic retailer. Want to learn more? Visit Murphy's Magic: http://www.murphysmagic.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Here are direct links for all the decks featured in this review series:
- Memento Mori NXS https://murphysmagic.com/product.aspx?id=62704" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
- Malibu V2: https://murphysmagic.com/product.aspx?id=63267" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
- Gemini Casino Orange: https://murphysmagic.com/product.aspx?id=63313" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
- Deceptive Arts: https://murphysmagic.com/product.aspx?id=62626" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
