Odd Fellows vs Eye of the Ocean: Which to Collect?

Quick Answer

If you love deep, archaeological storytelling with celestial and maritime themes, The Eye of the Ocean is your series. If you prefer character-driven, whimsical narratives with a touch of humor, The Odd Fellows will charm you. Both offer exceptional craftsmanship, but your choice depends on the story you want your collection to tell.

Stockholm17 has created two distinct playing card series that capture the imagination of collectors worldwide: The Odd Fellows and The Eye of the Ocean. Each series offers a unique narrative and artistic style, making the choice between them a matter of personal taste and collecting goals.

In this comparison, we'll explore the storytelling, design, and collectibility of both series, using specific decks as examples. By the end, you'll have a clear idea of which series aligns with your preferences and collection strategy.

Storytelling and Theme: Whimsy vs. Archaeology

The Odd Fellows series is known for its quirky, character-driven tales. Take 'The Dude - Standard', a collaboration with Penguin Magic that introduces a laid-back penguin mastering magic tricks. The deck features 56 custom poker-size cards with illustrated characters, embodying a playful spirit that's rare in playing card design.

The Dude - Standard

In contrast, The Eye of the Ocean series is rooted in an archaeological adventure. 'Nephilim Gilded - The Eye of the Ocean' is part of the continuation that began in 2021, showcasing intricate designs inspired by the sea and celestial navigation. The deck features luxurious metallic foils and detailed illustrations that evoke antique maps and marine symbolism, offering a more serious and mysterious tone.

Nephilim Gilded - The Eye of the Ocean

• Choose The Odd Fellows for humor and character-driven stories.
• Choose The Eye of the Ocean for a serious, mysterious archaeological narrative.

Art and Design: Playful Illustrations vs. Metallic Elegance

The artistic styles of the two series are markedly different. The Odd Fellows decks, like 'The Dude', feature illustrated characters with a cartoonish charm. The whimsical art is approachable and fun, making it a great conversation starter.

The Eye of the Ocean, on the other hand, is a visual feast of metallic foils and intricate linework. 'Nephilim Gilded' is a prime example, with its luxurious finish and detailed celestial motifs. This series is designed for collectors who appreciate fine art and want a deck that looks stunning on display.

• The Odd Fellows: playful, illustrated, and character-focused.
• The Eye of the Ocean: metallic foils, antique maps, and celestial details.

Collectibility and Community

Both series have strong collector followings, but they attract different types of enthusiasts. The Odd Fellows series, with its collaborations and limited releases, appeals to those who enjoy the lore and character development across decks. The Eye of the Ocean series, with its gilded editions and narrative depth, draws collectors who value premium finishes and a cohesive storyline.

Consider your collection's focus: if you're building a series that tells a continuous story, The Eye of the Ocean offers a more epic arc. If you prefer to collect individual characters and their quirky adventures, The Odd Fellows provides a lighter, more episodic experience.

Trade-Offs to Consider

• Story Depth: The Eye of the Ocean offers a continuous, epic narrative, while The Odd Fellows provides episodic, character-driven tales. Choose based on whether you prefer an overarching saga or standalone adventures.
• Art Style: The Eye of the Ocean features metallic foils and antique map aesthetics; The Odd Fellows uses playful, illustrated characters. Your preference for elegance vs. whimsy will guide your choice.
• Collectibility: Gilded editions in The Eye of the Ocean may appeal to serious collectors, while The Odd Fellows' collaborations offer unique character pieces. Consider your collecting goals: premium finishes or character variety.

Key Decks in Each Series

• The Dude - Standard: The Dude is a collaboration with Penguin Magic, featuring a laid-back penguin mastering magic tricks. It includes 56 poker-size cards with custom illustrations. This deck showcases the playful, character-driven design that defines The Odd Fellows series, making it a fun addition for collectors who enjoy whimsical narratives.
• Nephilim Gilded - The Eye of the Ocean: Nephilim Gilded is part of The Eye of the Ocean: Part II, continuing the archaeological adventure with intricate designs inspired by the sea and celestial navigation. It features luxurious metallic foils and detailed illustrations. This deck exemplifies the premium, art-focused approach of The Eye of the Ocean series, ideal for collectors who prioritize visual elegance and a cohesive storyline.

Which Series Fits You?

Best for

• Collectors who love deep, continuous storytelling and premium metallic finishes.
• Fans of nautical and celestial themes who want a cohesive, art-focused collection.

Not for

• Those who prefer lighthearted, character-driven decks with a sense of humor.
• Collectors who want a more casual, episodic collection without a central storyline.

Both The Odd Fellows and The Eye of the Ocean are exceptional series from Stockholm17, each with its own strengths. Your choice ultimately comes down to the story you want your collection to tell. Whether you're drawn to the whimsical charm of The Dude or the archaeological elegance of Nephilim Gilded, you can't go wrong with either. Happy collecting!