CLEAR SKIES 2024 Playing Cards. A new tribute to Ukraine’s resilience and hope
The conflict in Ukraine, which has now lasted over two years, continues to leave a profound mark of destruction and loss, but also a story of unwavering resistance. In this context, the creators of the playing cards that pay the most significant visual tribute to the suffering and strength of the Ukrainian people return with a new campaign aimed at keeping the memory of this tragic chapter alive: CLEAR SKIES 2024.
In April 2022, three passionate card enthusiasts, Old Gravity, Noir Arts, and Max Playing Cards, joined forces to create a project that would honor the Ukrainian people and their resistance against barbarism. Clear Skies was born from that collaboration, with an initial edition aimed at capturing the suffering and hope of a wounded but unbroken nation. The campaign was a success, and the funds raised were used as promised, helping those most affected by the war.
A year later, in March 2023, we launched the second edition of Clear Skies, known as the Resistance edition. This new release took a different approach, focusing on the bravery of Ukrainian soldiers who risk their lives daily to defend their homeland. Resistance offered backers more than just cards: it included items from the battlefield itself, such as fragments of Russian missiles and tank remnants, providing a physical connection to the reality of the conflict.
For 2024, despite our hopes that the series could conclude, the war continues, along with the need to keep supporting Ukraine. This time, the inspiration for the new editions comes from technological advancements that are redefining the course of war. In this context, the new decks Destruction and Battlefield emerge, capturing through their art and the stunning tuck boxes designed by Bivas Bhattacharjee (Old Gravity) the impact of these innovations on modern warfare.
The Destruction edition reflects the devastating reality that Ukrainians face daily. With intense illustrations in reds, oranges, and yellows, each card conveys the brutality of destruction: homes shattered, cities turned to ashes, and families torn apart by violence. It is a visual representation of what it means to live under constant siege, where pain and loss are part of everyday life.
In contrast, the Battlefield edition pays tribute to the heroes on the front lines. The muted greens and browns evoke the harsh environment of the battlefield, where explosions and the echo of gunfire are omnipresent. This deck highlights the courage and resilience of soldiers who fight with everything they have, even when the odds seem insurmountable. The deck reflects not only the horror of war but also the hope that, despite everything, peace will one day prevail.
Each card, carefully designed by Ritu Bhattacharya (Old Gravity), is imbued with a deep emotional weight. Through her unique visual style, the artist captures both the pain still lingering in Ukraine and the hope for a better future. Her illustrations, filled with nuance and symbolism, make these decks more than just playing cards, transforming them into true works of art that tell a story of bravery and resilience.
This is not merely a continuation of the series. It is a statement that, even as the war continues, so does Ukraine’s resistance. We invite everyone to join us in this new campaign, not just to witness history but to actively be a part of it.
Technology has played a key role in the evolution of the conflict, and 3D printing has allowed Ukrainian forces to quickly adapt to battlefield needs, producing parts for drones and munitions in a matter of hours. This innovative approach is a key element of Clear Skies 2024, and it is reflected in the exclusive add-ons that accompany the project. Among them is the 3D model of the M142 HIMARS artillery system, designed not only as a collectible piece but also as a functional holder for the decks. Additionally, the replica of the 7.62 ammo box, created to hold six decks, is inspired by the real boxes used at the front. These objects serve not only practical purposes but also offer a tangible and emotional connection to the reality of the conflict and the ingenuity of those fighting for their country.
You can also get some of the last units from previous campaigns.
Throughout this project, collaboration with Noir Arts (NPCC) has been essential. This Ukrainian printing house has continued to operate despite the difficulties, and many of its employees are directly involved in defending the country. Working with them not only allows us to offer high-quality products but also to support those on the front lines of the struggle. Each deck of cards is not just an artistic object but also a way to contribute to the Ukrainian cause.
Although when we launched the previous campaign a year ago, everyone hoped that the conflict would end soon, we continue to hope that Ukraine can begin its reconstruction. Therefore, the funds raised, after covering Kickstarter and banking fees, will be used to produce and distribute the deck, thereby supporting the Ukrainian economy.
We encourage you, regardless of whether you decide to support this campaign, to talk about it. We must continue to support Ukraine in this struggle and trust that peace will come soon.
If you want to join this movement for freedom and a better future, visit the project website and make your contribution.
Thank you for your support!
