The Odd Fellows vs. The Eye of the Ocean: Which Series Tells a Better Story?

Quick answer

If you want a lighthearted, character-driven collection that’s easy to jump into, the Odd Fellows series delivers. If you prefer a deep, puzzle-like narrative that rewards dedication, The Eye of the Ocean series is the more immersive choice. Both are excellent collectible card series, but they tell very different stories.

When you collect playing cards, you’re not just stacking paper and ink—you’re buying into a world. Stockholm17 has built two distinct universes that appeal to different kinds of storytellers. The Odd Fellows series introduces a care-free crew of odd characters, while The Eye of the Ocean series unfolds a grand quest across multiple decks and a companion book.

The choice isn’t about which deck looks better in a display case. It’s about how you want to experience the art. Do you want a quick, quirky narrative you can enjoy one deck at a time, or are you ready to commit to a multi-part puzzle that asks for your attention across releases? This comparison breaks down the storytelling approach, the practical collecting experience, and the trade-offs you’ll face.

Storytelling style: quirky characters vs. epic quest

The Odd Fellows series is built around personality. Each deck centers on a single character with its own blend of art and backstory. Take Uncle Tibia, described as a 'notorious blend of spiced bones brewed with victorian tombstones.' The tone is playful and irreverent, with each deck standing alone as a self-contained introduction to one odd fellow. You can pick up any Odd Fellows deck and immediately get the vibe—no prior reading required.

The Eye of the Ocean series takes a different route. It’s a continuous narrative that spans multiple decks and a book. The Solis deck, for example, is 'necessary to complete the quest/puzzle together with a Lunæ deck and the book with leather cover.' That means the story unfolds over time, and you need to collect specific pieces to see the full picture. The payoff is a deeper, more rewarding experience for collectors who enjoy piecing together clues.

Collecting experience: pick-up-and-play vs. commitment

The Odd Fellows series is friendly to new collectors. Decks like The Dude, a laid-back penguin mastering magic tricks, are easy to appreciate without any background. You can buy one deck, enjoy the art, and move on. There’s no pressure to complete a set unless you want to. This makes the series a great entry point if you’re curious about Stockholm17’s work but not ready to invest in a multi-deck storyline.

The Eye of the Ocean series asks for more. Because the quest requires specific decks and a book, you’re committing to a longer-term project. That’s part of the appeal—the story unfolds as you collect. But it also means you’ll need to track down the right editions and follow the instructions to get the full experience. If you’re a completionist, this can be deeply satisfying. If you prefer instant gratification, it might feel like homework.

Art and production: what you get in each deck

Both series showcase Stockholm17’s design quality, but the details differ. The Solis deck is printed by Cartamundi on B9 slimline paper stock with gold foil, giving it a premium feel that suits the epic theme. The Odd Fellows decks, like Uncle Tibia, emphasize character art and personality, with each deck packaged in a style that matches its odd inhabitant. The Dude, for instance, is a 56-card poker-size deck with fully custom illustrated cards.

If you care about production specs, The Eye of the Ocean series tends to highlight premium materials and finishes, which fits its collector-focused narrative. The Odd Fellows series still offers quality, but the emphasis is more on the character and humor. Neither is objectively better—it’s about whether you value the tactile luxury of a quest-worthy deck or the charm of a well-drawn character.

Trade-offs to weigh

• Narrative depth: The Eye of the Ocean offers a multi-deck puzzle that rewards completion. The Odd Fellows gives you quick, self-contained character stories. Choose Eye of the Ocean for a long-term project, Odd Fellows for immediate fun.
• Collecting commitment: Eye of the Ocean requires specific decks and a book to complete the quest. Odd Fellows decks can be enjoyed independently. If you dislike homework, Odd Fellows is the safer bet.
• Production and finish: Solis features premium Cartamundi printing with gold foil. Odd Fellows decks focus on character art, with quality that varies by deck. For top-tier tactile luxury, Eye of the Ocean leads.

Key decks at a glance

• Solis - The Eye of the Ocean: Deck of the year 2022 at 52+Joker and Portfolio52. Necessary to complete the quest/puzzle together with a Lunæ deck (LTD or regular) and the book with leather cover. Specs: 56 cards, printed by Cartamundi on B9 slimline paper stock, gold foil. If you’re drawn to the epic quest, this deck is a required piece. Its premium production and award recognition make it a centerpiece for serious collectors.
• Odd Fellows: Uncle Tibia: A 'notorious blend of spiced bones brewed with victorian tombstones.' The Odd Fellows are a care-free crew, unbothered by norms. Each character has their own blend of cards and art packaged in personality. This deck exemplifies the standalone character storytelling of the Odd Fellows series. You can appreciate it without any other purchases, making it a low-commitment entry point.
• The Dude - Standard: A collaboration with Penguin Magic. The character is a laid-back penguin mastering magic tricks, dreaming of a career as a professional magician. Specs: 56 cards poker size, 100% custom with illustrated design. Shows the playful crossover potential of the Odd Fellows series. If you enjoy humor and custom art, this deck is a fun addition that doesn’t require following a larger plot.

Which series fits you?

Best for

• Collectors who love deep, multi-part narratives and enjoy solving puzzles across releases.
• Those who appreciate premium production details like gold foil and award-winning designs.

Not for

• Casual buyers who want a single deck with instant charm and no strings attached.
• Collectors who prefer to avoid the pressure of completing a set or following instructions.

Both the Odd Fellows and The Eye of the Ocean series tell compelling stories, but they speak to different collector personalities. If you want a light, character-driven romp, start with the Odd Fellows. If you’re ready for an epic quest that unfolds across multiple decks and a book, The Eye of the Ocean will pull you in. Whichever you choose, you’re getting a piece of Stockholm17’s storytelling magic.