GHOST STORIES Second Edition Playing Cards. Gothic literary horror returns with lenticular effects
Shadows gliding between old mansions, apparitions emerging from the pages of classical literature, and tales that have fueled nightmares for generations. The universe of ghost stories comes back to life in a new edition of one of the most popular decks of recent years: GHOST STORIES Second Edition.
Following the success of the original edition, completely sold out for some time now, F.C. Designs brings back this project to offer a new opportunity to those who couldn’t get it back then. This second edition retains the artistic essence that made the deck a highly prized piece among collectors, but also incorporates various visual enhancements and new production possibilities developed alongside King Star Playing Cards.
The illustrations continue to explore the universe of classic horror literature and supernatural legends, with a careful aesthetic that combines atmosphere, visual narrative, and a strong graphic identity. Each card becomes a small scene where the disturbing and the elegant coexist in balance. In this second edition, the illustrations are freed from white borders, allowing the artwork to expand and be displayed in a larger size. In addition, the contrast has been enhanced to make the figures stand out against the darkness of their backgrounds, and subtle touches of gold foil stamping have been added to the frames and face card indexes.
The tuck boxes maintain this same visual philosophy, featuring four different color variants inspired by the various spirits and presences that inhabit the deck. Each version offers a different interpretation of the same universe, playing with contrasts and nuances that reinforce the collectible nature of the project. It is very important to note that all four options contain exactly the same cards inside, allowing collectors to choose their favorite specter as a wrapper.
The court cards remain the narrative core of the project. Inspired by iconic figures from ghost lore and Gothic literature, they gather a gallery of spectral characters reinterpreted with a detailed and atmospheric illustrative style. The aesthetic stays true to the original edition, but with a more refined visual presence and greater integration of graphic elements within the overall composition, reinforcing the sense of unity across all cards.
The aces have been redesigned for this second edition, maintaining the ornamental essence of the project but with a more balanced composition and a smoother integration of the symbols within the deck’s visual universe.
The jokers continue to explore the most unsettling side of the set, incorporating figures directly linked to the world of apparitions and classic horror tales that inspire the entire collection.
The card back has been completely redesigned compared to the first edition. It maintains the traditional symmetry of playing cards but introduces a composition richer in detail and with a darker, more atmospheric visual language.
Another outstanding element of this new edition is the addition of a two-deck collector’s box. This accessory, highly requested in the original campaign, features a gothic design meticulous in every detail and an impressive lenticular effect on the lid (if the funding goal is reached), which brings an eerie sense of movement to the main illustration.
The campaign includes other add-ons such as a book dedicated to the deck’s characters, physical and editable digital versions of previous decks, posters, wallpapers…
The cards will be produced by King Star Playing Cards, guaranteeing a level of quality matching the demands of collectors, while the various stretch goals will unlock additional upgrades both in the deck and the campaign accessories.
The campaign is structured into several phases according to the funding achieved. In the first stage, the Basic Edition is introduced, a version designed as an entry point to the project, allowing backers to enjoy the visual universe of Ghost Stories from the very beginning through its four tuck variants. In a second phase, upon reaching €12,000, the Deluxe Edition will come into play, coexisting with the basic version and expanding the experience with more complex finishes and premium materials, taking the concept a step further within the same creative universe.
From this point on, the project is conceived as a living system of growth. As the campaign progresses and greater backer involvement is achieved, new upgrades are unlocked, expanding and enriching both the basic edition and the overall collection. In this way, many of the most striking elements—such as advanced embossing, metallic finishes, holographic effects, or even more ambitious proposals like the lenticular effect on the tuck cases or upgrades to the collector’s box—are understood as part of a natural evolution of the project. As the planned funding goals are reached, all these features can be incorporated, raising the final result to a much higher production level.
Furthermore, those who back the project before the Deluxe edition is unlocked will receive access to an exclusive secret Kickstarter reward, which will allow them to purchase the premium versions at a special discount. An additional incentive for those who decide to be part of the project from its early days.
The campaign is already active on Kickstarter. If you want to delve into this universe of ghosts, literature, and mystery, you can visit the project website and make your pledge.
Good luck!
