Tarot: Witch of the Black Rose Playing Cards

The "Tarot: Witch of the Black Rose Playing Cards" is a deck that merges the world of comic book art with the functionality of a standard playing card deck, while also offering a path for divination. Created by artist Jim Balent, known for his BroadSword Comics series "Tarot: Witch of the Black Rose," this deck features characters and themes from his gothic fantasy universe. The campaign successfully raised $34,584 from 493 backers in 2016, indicating a strong interest in Balent's distinctive art style.

While the deck is explicitly designed for "Dealing & Divination," the campaign's categorization as "Playing Cards" and the visual evidence of playing card suits (Hearts, Spades, Clubs, Diamonds) suggest it primarily functions as a standard 52-card deck with additional art. The inclusion of a "Guide to the Cards" as a stretch goal further supports its dual purpose, aiming to assist users in both game play and interpretive readings. The art style is consistent with Balent's comic work, featuring bold lines, vibrant colors, and a focus on dynamic, often sensuous, female figures.

The deck's appeal lies in its unique blend of pop culture and occult themes, making it suitable for fans of Jim Balent's comics, collectors of art decks, and those seeking a playing card deck with a distinct gothic fantasy flair. The campaign updates mention the printing process and shipping, indicating a physical product with attention to detail, including potential stretch goals like additional art prints and possibly a spellbook, though these are separate from the core deck.

This deck is ideal for fans of Jim Balent's "Tarot: Witch of the Black Rose" comic series and collectors of comic book art. It also appeals to individuals who appreciate gothic, fantasy, or pin-up art styles in their playing cards or divination tools. While it can be used for standard card games, its unique art and potential for divination make it suitable for those seeking a more thematic and visually rich experience than a traditional playing card deck.

Jim Balent is a comic book artist known for his work on titles such as "Catwoman" and his independent series "Tarot: Witch of the Black Rose" published under BroadSword Comics. His journey into creating this deck was a natural extension of his existing artistic universe, allowing fans to engage with his characters and art in a new, interactive format. The campaign updates, often posted by "Holly" (likely his wife and collaborator, Holly Golightly), highlight a hands-on approach to production and direct engagement with the backer community, reflecting a creator-driven ethos.