Designer Series Battle 7: Jackson Robinson's Fed 52 vs Theory 11 Monarchs

[john]

Back story by Jackson

I have always had an intense love of the historic art of Bank Notes and currency. The detail and stunning line work has always captivated me. I had always wanted to create my own version of the art style but just couldn't find the right vehicle. When I thought of making a deck of playing cards that was inspired by bank notes it was an easy fit and I new that I had found my chance. The Federal 52 is more than just one deck but an entire series of them. There are so many beautiful bank notes throughout history I couldn't see them any other way. Each deck draws from different styles of bank notes throughout relativity young life of American currency. The original Federal 52 deck that started it all is inspired mostly by modern day currency. These design cues can be most easily seen in each of the Ace of Spades, as each unique Ace amplifies the specific history note that the deck was inspired by.

With the Federal 52 I wanted to do something that hadn't been done before and create something that was completely fresh and unique but yet very familiar to all. I spent over than 250 hours on the design of the cards and Tuck. I appreciate all the backers of my Kickstarter who helped make the deck a reality.

The Battle

Fed 52 vs Monarchs

[Fred]

Im sure i might rustle some jimmes when i say this but i honestly dislike the execution of the Federal 52 decks. Jackson is obviously a very talented artist and no one needs to stress how much thought and effort he has contributed in making Federal 52 the iconic success of kickstarter decks. I just personally dislike the way he has interpreted and executed the theme.

Monarchs on the other hand, literally has the all-time greatest back design. Fantastic premium shade of blue, design is simple, classy and very pleasant to the eye. Tuck box is one of the best also. Despite the lack of customisation on the court faces of the Monarchs, the choice is still very obvious to me.

[Rob Wright]

Personally the only thing I like about the Monarchs is the back. I'm sure they are great for magicians and cardist, but this is a designer battle. The Fed 52 is 100% custom designed.

[Patrick Varnavas]

Monarchs vs Fed 52, that's a decent match-up. I'll make this one a bit short, no point in going on and on. Monarchs have a better box in my opinion, probably one of the best tuck cases on a deck of cards. Federal 52 executes its theme significantly better than the Monarch deck does, Fed 52 is fully custom like it should be. The faces of the Monarchs, and most Theory 11 decks, are depressingly standard with the occasional darkening of the reds and intensifying of the golds. The back design of the Monarchs is simple by comparison with the Federal 52 back, the "bank note" look is extremely detailed. From a design standpoint, I would pick the Federal 52 decks. I think artistically, they are superior to the Monarchs in nearly every way. However, I am a flourisher and the Fed 52 decks just aren't my style. I'll pick the Monarchs ONLY because I would actually use them, and not the Fed 52s. Annoying decision, but I've got to go on personal preference rather than speaking in general.

[xela]

Im sure i might rustle some jimmes when i say this but i honestly dislike the execution of the Federal 52 decks. Jackson is obviously a very talented artist and no one needs to stress how much thought and effort he has contributed in making Federal 52 the iconic success of kickstarter decks. I just personally dislike the way he has interpreted and executed the theme.

Monarchs on the other hand, literally has the all-time greatest back design. Fantastic premium shade of blue, design is simple, classy and very pleasant to the eye. Tuck box is one of the best also. Despite the lack of customisation on the court faces of the Monarchs, the choice is still very obvious to me.

You will pay for this!

Just kidding. It's no secret that the Fed52 is my favorite KS deck to date. The concept in and of itself blew my mind - it's so obvious that cards and money belong together!

It's also no secret that I think the Monachs are a joke in terms of design. Not only do they not exhibit complexity, they don't break any ground in their simplicity. You have minimalism in the Deco deck, for example. It's simple, there isn't much to it. You can't go on for hours about the details. Yet with its simplicity it makes strides to innovate. It brings something fresh to the table.

I thoroughly despise the Monarchs. Granted, a huge portion of this hatred is by how overrated they are and how they were marketed. Apparently they are the bastion of artistry, the deck that will beat all other decks. Yet the result is less artistic than the standard Rider Back

[john]

Fed 52 win by 6!