Karnival Fatal Review

[philipsw]

Here is the first of three new decks we're going to be reviewing over the next few weeks.  The Karnival Fatal is the latest in BBM/Sam Hayles Karnival series.  The artwork is striking but for us the disappointment was the relatively small amount of customisation (just Jokers and AS) - otherwise it is essentially standard Bicycle faces. Didn't set our world on fire, but did manage to take some nice pics!  Here's a taster - you can see the full review and pics here: http://www.bicycle-cards.co.uk/2017/07/11/bicycle-karnival-fatal-playing-cards-review/

[Don Boyer]

Here is the first of three new decks we're going to be reviewing over the next few weeks.  The Karnival Fatal is the latest in BBM/Sam Hayles Karnival series.  The artwork is striking but for us the disappointment was the relatively small amount of customisation (just Jokers and AS) - otherwise it is essentially standard Bicycle faces. Didn't set our world on fire, but did manage to take some nice pics!  Here's a taster - you can see the full review and pics here: http://www.bicycle-cards.co.uk/2017/07/11/bicycle-karnival-fatal-playing-cards-review/

A lot of their earlier decks were minimally customized.  It's a common feature for a working magician's deck - it allows for a cool look to the cards while at the same time allowing the spectator to identify with the deck, equating it with the cards they play with on the kitchen table back home.  Companies like BBM and T11 have long catered to the magic market by making a selection of decks with a mostly standard appearance as well as something a bit more off the beaten path.

I'm looking forward to picking up a few packs - I've long been a fan of BBM's designs.

[philipsw]

Hi Don,  thanks for your reply.  There's a lot of truth in that.  As you say - many of the earlier 'classic' Karnival decks were like that.  But I guess some of the ones that have been put out more recently (1984, Xtreme, Delirium, Elite, Discoverie, Earthtone, Z-Ray etc.) have had more going on.  And when you have an artist of Sam's quality working on the deck you want to see more of his work!  Anyway, I hope you enjoy them when you pick them up - it is a nice deck.