# Storytelling Game Decks John Littleboy Creates Playing Cards with a Literary Twist By Matt Ho | Published 2011-08-16 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/john-littleboy References: [wopc](http://www.wopc.co.uk/usa/inky-dinky/index.html) & [inky-dinky](http://www.inky-dinky.com/home/) Amongst the vast sea of [designer and customized playing cards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/artiste-series) that have been released, John Littleboy has one of the most intriguing ones both in terms of artwork and concept. John Littleboy is a talented artist who has customized a series of playing decks that can be enjoyed for all. The artwork itself is fantastic as it has that [rough, gritty cartoon aesthetic](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-kitty-tarot) that you'd often see in graphic novels. But what is it about the art that sets itself apart? If you put these cards in sequence, [they will actually tell a story](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neverending-stories). Each of the visuals have been designed specifically as a lead-in to the next card. So before you unwrap these and use them in a game of poker, take the time to go through the deck in order and watch the story unfold. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.8/10 - Popularity: 68% | Activity: 8% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Storytelling Playing Cards:** Customized playing cards that tell a sequential story with unique artwork and graphics which allows users to play while also experiencing an engaging, immersive storytelling experience. - **Graphic Novel Inspired Designs:** Playing cards with rough, gritty cartoon aesthetics that offers an out-of-the-box design and storytelling experience. - **Art-inspired Game Design:** Playing cards with unique, art-inspired design that offers a blend of gaming, art, and storytelling. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Gaming Industry:** Developing and designing new games that combine storytelling and gaming experiences in order to offer innovative products for consumers. - **Stationery and Cards Industry:** Creating customized playing cards for different consumers, including children, adults, gamers, and art enthusiasts. - **Entertainment and Media Industry:** Designing unique media or entertainment experiences that incorporate storytelling, art, and gaming, both as standalone or integrated concepts. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Indie Game Playing Cards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/balatro-playing-card-deck.md) - [Twisted Storytelling Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/storiado.md) - [Customizable Trading Card Holders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trading-card-holders.md) - [Illustrative Artist-Collaborative Card Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shantell-martin-1.md) - [Self-Discovery Card Decks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tarot-of-oxalia.md) - [Magic-Themed Card Decks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uno-harry-potter.md) - [Storytelling Party Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/best-story-wins.md) - [Open Conversation Cards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/actually-curious-card-game.md) - [Structure Building Cards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-of-cards-building-kit.md)