Marvel Playing Cards: Avengers, Spider-Man, Thor and more
Official Marvel playing cards: the four theory11 Avengers editions, Spider-Man, Black Panther, Deadpool and the light-up Iron Man MK1 and Thor decks.
In short
Most of the official Marvel playing cards we stock are made by theory11, an American publisher that works under licence from Marvel Studios. They are complete standard decks in which the Avengers and other film characters take over the court cards, the aces, the jokers and the box. Alongside them there are two decks with an LED-lit box, Iron Man MK1 and Thor, both officially licensed by Disney.
- Avengers: the Avengers: The Infinity Saga deck and its red, blue and green editions, with the same artwork and a different box colour.
- By hero or team: Spider-Man, Black Panther, Captain America, Deadpool, Guardians of the Galaxy and the Fantastic Four, all by theory11.
- With a light: Iron Man MK1, with the Arc reactor in white light, and Thor, by Card Mafia, with the hammer Mjolnir in blue light.
A Marvel deck is an ordinary poker deck in which Thanos and Loki play the jokers, Spider-Man turns up among the court cards or the box copies Deadpool's suit. You can use it for poker, solitaire or any game played with a standard 52-card deck, and at the same time it is an object any fan of the comics or the films recognises at a glance. In this guide we go through the Marvel playing cards we stock, what each one includes, how the four Avengers editions differ and which one suits the person who will receive it.
What official Marvel playing cards are
An official Marvel deck is one made with permission from the owners of the characters. That means the illustrations, names and logos are authorised and the box carries the official trademarks. The Marvel decks we stock come from two publishers.
theory11 and Marvel Studios
theory11 is a US publisher known for its own designs and for licensed editions of big franchises such as Star Wars and Harry Potter. Its Marvel decks are made under licence from Marvel Studios, which is why most of them are based on the films: the Avengers' Infinity Saga, the Spider-Man trilogy that began with Spider-Man: Homecoming, the Black Panther films and the Guardians of the Galaxy films.
The Avengers deck, Avengers: The Infinity Saga, came out in 2021. Its colour variants followed, and the brand has kept adding decks devoted to a single hero or team. They all share the brand's way of working: new artwork on the court cards, aces and jokers, and a box with foil (metallic stamping) and embossing. If you want to know how theory11 compares with other brands, we explain it in Bicycle vs theory11 vs Tally-Ho, and all its decks are on the theory11 page.
Card Mafia and the light-up decks
Card Mafia is a publisher known for its decks with illuminated boxes. Its Thor deck is officially licensed by Disney, with a holographic anti-counterfeit sticker, and the box is what stands out most: it is assembled by hand, combines engraving and laser cutting and has a small LED light that switches on with the box. We stock the Thor deck, and the brand's decks are on the Card Mafia page.
| theory11 | Iron Man MK1 and Thor | |
|---|---|---|
| Licence | Marvel Studios | Disney, with an authenticity hologram |
| Decks in our shop | Avengers (four editions), Spider-Man, Black Panther, Captain America, Deadpool, Guardians of the Galaxy and Fantastic Four | Iron Man MK1 and Thor |
| Box | Cardboard with foil and embossing | Hand-assembled box with LED light and replaceable batteries |
| Where the cards are made | United States on the product pages that say so, most on FSC-certified paper | Iron Man MK1, United States Playing Card Company; Thor, Taiwan Playing Card Company |
| Use | For playing, giving or collecting | More of a display and collector's piece |
Avengers playing cards: theory11 Avengers and its four editions
This is the most searched-for Marvel deck and the one with the most versions. theory11 devoted it to the Infinity Saga, the cycle of Marvel Studios films that runs from Iron Man (2008) to Avengers: Endgame. There are four editions, and it helps to know from the start that all four have the same artwork on the cards: what changes is the colour of the box.
What the Avengers deck includes
The whole design is original: back, faces, aces, jokers and box were all drawn for this deck. The court cards feature, among others, Thor and Hulk in their Thor: Ragnarok outfits, Hawkeye alongside his Ronin version (with a small nod to Ant-Man on the same card), Iron Man with his gauntlet, Captain Marvel, Black Panther, Spider-Man and Captain America.
The aces hide references to Doctor Strange, Vision, the Winter Soldier and Gamora, and the two jokers are reserved for the saga's villains: Loki on one and Thanos on the other. Each edition has 52 cards and 2 jokers, and the cards are made in the United States on FSC-certified paper with plant-based inks and starch-based laminates.
Avengers: The Infinity Saga (the original edition)
The theory11 Avengers Infinity Saga is the first one, from 2021, sold in English as “Avengers: The Infinity Saga playing cards”. Its box has a cosmic-looking iridescent foil that shifts colour as the light catches it, with gold details and embossing.
Avengers Red Edition
The theory11 Avengers Red Edition switches the box to a red foil that changes shade with the angle, a nod to the Reality Stone, with gold accents and embossing.
Avengers Blue Edition and Green Edition
The theory11 Avengers Blue Edition has its box in blue foil and the theory11 Avengers Green Edition in green foil. On both the foil has a reflective sheen, with gold accents and embossing, and the cards are the same as in the original.
| Edition | Box | Cards |
|---|---|---|
| Infinity Saga (original) | Cosmic iridescent foil, gold details and embossing | Same artwork in all four: Avengers on the court cards, Loki and Thanos on the jokers |
| Red Edition | Red foil, a nod to the Reality Stone, gold accents and embossing | Same as the original |
| Blue Edition | Blue foil with gold accents and embossing | Same as the original |
| Green Edition | Green foil with gold accents and embossing | Same as the original |
Which one to choose? If it is someone's first Avengers deck, the original is the reference. If they already have one, another edition gives them a different box but the same cards, so it makes more sense for a collector or for using two decks at once in games such as Continental rummy or Canasta.
Did you know decks like these exist?
At heart, every deck has the same cards. What changes is everything else: the design, the finish, metallic inks or gilded edges. Take a look at our catalogue and bring your own style to the card table.
Browse our playing cards →
Marvel playing cards by hero or team
Besides the Avengers deck, theory11 makes decks devoted to a single hero or a team. They follow the same idea: characters from the films or comics on the cards and a box that recalls the hero's suit or world.
Spider-Man playing cards
The theory11 Spider-Man deck is devoted to the Marvel Studios Spider-Man trilogy that began in 2017 with Spider-Man: Homecoming and follows Peter Parker through his high school years. The cards feature characters from the films, including villains such as the Green Goblin, Doctor Octopus, the Vulture and Mysterio.
The box takes the Iron Spider suit as its reference, with blue, red and gold foil, embossing and textures that copy the suit. The deck also hides nods for fans: several Spider-Man suits and the presence of two other actors who have played the character.
Black Panther playing cards
The theory11 Black Panther deck brings together both Black Panther films: the 2018 one and Wakanda Forever. From the first come T'Challa, M'Baku, Okoye and Killmonger; from the second, Namor, Attuma, Namora, Ironheart and Shuri as the new Black Panther.
It is sold as Black Panther Playing Cards. The box is conceived as a relic from Wakanda: an iridescent foil that imitates vibranium, combined with purple holographic foil, black foil and embossing with textures that recall the king's suit. The inside of the box is illustrated too.
Captain America playing cards
The theory11 Captain America deck is devoted to Captain America's film saga, which began in 2011 with Captain America: The First Avenger. It follows the story of Steve Rogers and that of Sam Wilson, who eventually inherits the shield. The illustrations include characters such as the Winter Soldier, Peggy Carter, Red Hulk and Baron Helmut Zemo.
The box reproduces the colours of the suit with blue, red and silver foil, and has embossing and its own textures on the suits.
Deadpool playing cards
The theory11 Deadpool deck is devoted to the Merc with a Mouth, the antihero who breaks the fourth wall and talks straight to the reader. It is the most light-hearted of the series: the cards have a humorous tone, like the comics and the films, and feature Deadpool and characters from his world such as Wolverine, Cable, Ajax, Vanessa and Blind Al.
The case imitates his red and black suit, with embossing and silver foil details. On the back are his crossed katanas and, as a nod to the character, a chimichanga.
Guardians of the Galaxy playing cards
The theory11 Guardians of the Galaxy deck is inspired by the Marvel Studios Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, which began in 2014. The cards show Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Mantis, Rocket, Groot and Nebula, among others, and the villains of the three films: Ronan the Accuser, Ego and the High Evolutionary. As a nod to fans, Cosmo the Spacedog appears too.
The box uses a holographic foil that changes colour with the light, inspired by Star-Lord's space travels, with embossing and gold details.
Fantastic Four playing cards
The theory11 Fantastic Four deck is devoted to the team Marvel calls its “First Family”. Its signature is a retro-futuristic look inspired by the sixties, the decade in which the characters were born in the comics, with bright colours, deep embossing and references to the Excelsior, the team's ship.
The court cards, aces, jokers and back all have original artwork. They feature Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic), Sue Storm (the Invisible Woman), Johnny Storm (the Human Torch) and Ben Grimm (the Thing), along with the Silver Surfer, Galactus and the robot H.E.R.B.I.E.
Iron Man MK1 playing cards
The Iron Man MK1 deck is devoted to the Mark 1, Tony Stark's first armour, the one in the film Iron Man. The centrepiece of the box is the round Arc reactor, Stark's heart in the saga, which lights up in white LED light when you open it.
The cards are printed by the United States Playing Card Company (the makers of Bicycle) with metallic silver ink, and the back has a metallic-looking colour scheme. The box is printed on matte paper with embossing and silver, white and black stamping, has engraving and laser cutting and is assembled by hand: it is made up of 20 pieces and around 70 glue points, and assembling it takes about an hour. It is officially licensed by Disney, with a holographic sticker, and the battery can be replaced.
Thor playing cards
The Card Mafia Thor deck is based on the Marvel Studios film Thor (2011) and is officially licensed by Disney. The box has 3D embossing that reproduces the texture of Asgardian armour, with red, black and silver foil accents, and in the centre a blue LED light illuminates Mjolnir, Thor's hammer. The cards follow the same armour look, in red and navy blue with silver details.
They are printed by the Taiwan Playing Card Company with its Legendary finish, designed for casino-style handling. The box is assembled by hand, the batteries can be replaced and it carries an authenticity hologram.
Marvel playing cards comparison table
If you are torn between several, this table sums up what each deck includes and the detail that sets it apart.
| Deck | Theme | Box | What sets it apart |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avengers Infinity Saga | Avengers, Infinity Saga | Cosmic iridescent foil and embossing | The original (2021); Loki and Thanos on the jokers |
| Avengers Red, Blue and Green | Avengers, Infinity Saga | Red, blue or green foil with gold accents | Same cards as the original, different box |
| Spider-Man | Trilogy that began with Homecoming | Blue, red and gold foil from the Iron Spider suit | Classic villains and nods to other suits and actors |
| Black Panther | Black Panther and Wakanda Forever | Iridescent foil that imitates vibranium | Illustrated inside of the box |
| Captain America | Captain America saga | Blue, red and silver foil | Steve Rogers and Sam Wilson |
| Deadpool | Deadpool and his world | Embossed red and black suit with silver foil | Humorous tone and a chimichanga on the box |
| Guardians of the Galaxy | Guardians trilogy | Holographic foil, embossing and gold | Cosmo hidden as a nod to fans |
| Fantastic Four | Marvel's “First Family” | Bright colours and deep embossing | Retro-futuristic sixties look |
| Iron Man MK1 | Tony Stark's first armour | Hand-assembled, with white LED | The Arc reactor lights up when you open it |
| Thor | The film Thor (2011) | 3D armour embossing, blue LED | Mjolnir lit up in the centre |
Which Marvel deck to give as a gift, depending on the fan
A Marvel deck is a small gift that works best when it connects with the character or the era the recipient likes most. These pointers help you decide.
For someone who has seen all the films
The Avengers deck brings together almost the whole team from the Infinity Saga, with Loki and Thanos on the jokers. It is the most complete option for a fan of the cinematic universe.
- Avengers Infinity Saga
- Avengers Red
- Avengers Blue or Green
More detail
If they already have the original, a single-hero deck brings new characters, while another colour edition repeats the cards.
For Spider-Man fans
The Spider-Man deck puts high school Peter Parker together with his classic villains and hides nods to other suits and other actors.
- Spider-Man
- Avengers
More detail
Spider-Man also appears among the court cards of the Avengers deck, so the two make a good pair.
For someone who prefers humour
Deadpool is the cheekiest: comic-book humour on the cards and a chimichanga on the box. It suits anyone who enjoys the character's films.
- Deadpool
- Guardians of the Galaxy
More detail
Guardians of the Galaxy is the other option with a light tone, with Rocket, Groot and Cosmo.
For readers of classic comics
The Fantastic Four deck has a sixties look that recalls the comics of the time, with Galactus and the Silver Surfer.
- Fantastic Four
- Captain America
More detail
The Captain America deck follows the films, from Steve Rogers to Sam Wilson, with Peggy Carter and Baron Zemo.
For collectors
The box and the finish are what count. The Iron Man and Thor light-up decks are made for display, and the four Avengers editions form a series.
- Iron Man MK1
- Thor
- All four Avengers
More detail
There are more special editions in collectible decks and premium decks.
For someone who follows one hero
Black Panther, Captain America, Iron Man or Thor: if they have a favourite, that character's deck is a better choice than a general one.
- Black Panther
- Captain America
- Iron Man MK1
- Thor
More detail
More ideas by profile in which deck to give and in our gift guide.
More licensed decks
Marvel, Star Wars, Disney, Harry Potter, music and TV series, all in one section.
See themed decksCard games to play with a Marvel deck
Marvel decks are complete standard 52-card decks, so they work for any game played with a poker deck. Some ideas:
- A poker night: Texas Hold'em with two Avengers decks in different colours, alternating one each hand. More ideas in poker night at home.
- For three to six players: President, Cheat or Hearts.
- For two: Gin Rummy and others we cover in card games for two.
- On your own: classic Solitaire.
- With two decks: Continental rummy or Canasta, where two Avengers editions are easy to tell apart by the colour of the box.
- With children: Memory, War or Old Maid, in card games for kids. The characters help younger children recognise the court cards.
Many of these games do not use the jokers, but Continental rummy does: with the Avengers deck, Loki and Thanos act as wild cards. If you are curious about where that card comes from, we tell the story in the history of the joker. And if you are looking for more games, our list of card games sorts them by number of players.
Marvel is also Disney
Disney bought Marvel Entertainment in 2009. Since then Marvel has been part of the same group as Mickey Mouse, Pixar and Star Wars, which is why these decks often appear together in shops, even though different brands publish them. You can even see it in the licences: theory11's decks carry the Marvel Studios licence, and Iron Man MK1 and Thor carry Disney's.
If your household has fans of several sagas, we cover the Mickey, Stitch, Princesses and Villains decks in Disney playing cards, and the Darth Vader, The Mandalorian and both sides of the Force decks in Star Wars playing cards, also by theory11. All our licensed decks are in themed and licensed decks.
How to look after a Marvel deck
A Marvel deck needs the same care as any paper deck, with a little extra attention if the box has foil or a light.
- Keep it in its box: on these decks the box is part of the design, and foil and embossing mark easily.
- Clean, dry hands: grease and moisture dull the colours and make the cards stick.
- Away from sun and heat: direct light fades inks and foil, and heat warps the cards.
- Light-up boxes: with Iron Man MK1 and Thor, open and close the box gently, because it is assembled by hand, and change the battery when the light starts to fade.
- If it is for a collection: keep the seal intact or buy two, one to open and one to keep.
How much does a deck of cards cost?
From €5 to over €100. The 52 cards and the rules stay the same; this is what changes.
 To play€5.95 |  Designer€12.95 |  Premium€17.99 |  Collectible€34.94 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical price | €5-9 | €9-15 | €15-30 | €30 or more |
| What sets it apart | Classic casino design | Artist illustration on back and faces | Special inks, embossing and foil on the box | Limited print runs and gilded edges |
| Who it is for | Games at home | Playing with something beautiful | Gifts or cardistry | Collecting and display |
| Example | Tally-Ho Fan Azul | theory11 Medallion | The Sandwich Series (Luncheon Meat) | Kings Wild LOTR Two Towers Gilded |
| See decks | See decks | See decks | See decks |
Frequently asked questions
Who makes official Marvel playing cards?
Most of the ones we stock are by theory11, a US playing card publisher licensed by Marvel Studios. Iron Man MK1 and Thor are officially licensed by Disney and have a box with an LED light; the Thor deck is by Card Mafia.
What is the difference between the Avengers Infinity Saga, Red, Blue and Green editions?
Only the box. All four have the same artwork on the cards, with the Avengers on the court cards and Loki and Thanos on the jokers. The original has a cosmic-looking iridescent foil, and the other three have red, blue or green foil with gold accents.
Which characters are in the Avengers playing cards?
Among others, Thor, Hulk, Hawkeye, Iron Man, Captain Marvel, Black Panther, Spider-Man and Captain America on the court cards; Doctor Strange, Vision, the Winter Soldier and Gamora on the aces; and Loki and Thanos on the jokers.
Can you play with Marvel playing cards?
Yes. They are complete poker decks, with the usual suits and indices, and they work for any game played with a standard deck. The light-up ones can be used too, although they are designed more for display.
Is there a Spider-Man deck of cards?
Yes, the theory11 one, devoted to the trilogy that began with Spider-Man: Homecoming. It features the Green Goblin, Doctor Octopus, the Vulture and Mysterio, and a box inspired by the Iron Spider suit. Spider-Man also appears in the Avengers deck.
Which Marvel deck lights up?
Iron Man MK1, with the Arc reactor lighting up in white when you open the box, and Thor, with Mjolnir in blue light. On both the battery can be replaced.
Is Marvel owned by Disney?
Yes. Disney bought Marvel Entertainment in 2009. You will find the Bicycle Disney decks in Disney playing cards.
If you love Marvel, a deck is a simple way to bring your favourite characters to the card table. You can see all the brand's decks in theory11 playing cards and the rest of our licensed designs in themed and licensed decks.
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- Star Wars playing cards
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