Comic-Con News: Graphic novel publisher Magnetic Press has announced The World of Cassyno, a new fantasy card game illustrated by famous French illustrator Bengal (Batgirl, Naja, Meka). At San Diego Comic-Con, Magnetic showed the final release to ICv2 and explained the genesis of the product.

(Click either image for larger view.)

The project was initially conceived as a gallery of original character art for a deck of illustrated playing cards.  However, it quickly morphed into a dark fantasy world with its own history, lore, magical intrigue and medieval espionage where four kingdoms vie for power. The project expanded to include a 64-page World Book, which includes seven unique card games set in the fictional universe.  The game was offered on Kickstarter in May 2014, where it raised nearly $30,000 from more than 500 backers.

The World of Cassyno Game Box Set includes a deck of illustrated playing cards and a World Book.  The games draw heavily on the fiction outlined in the World Book, where each noble house has its own occupations, strengths and weaknesses.  The games are for 1 – 12 players, ages 8 and up, with various playing times.  The box set is $25.00. The deck itself is available for $12.00.

Magnetic Press is a graphic novel publishing company, co-founded by Mike Kennedy, former publisher Archaia Entertainment, and Wes Harris, former VP of Publishing at BOOM! Studios. The company produces premium graphic novels from worldwide creators including Dave Dorman, JD Morvan and Bengal, Morvan and Huang Jia-Wei, and more.

Magnetic is currently in the process of setting up hobby distribution.  The game is currently available through Magnetic’s web store, and Mike Kennedy told ICv2 he will offer wholesale terms to retailers who wish to order directly.

Sample card art availible in gallery below.