EYES ON THE LUCENT TRADING CARD SET – SERIES 1
The first Lucent trading card set brings the world of THE LUCENT to life with beautiful artwork and interesting short stories. It’s a fun and creative way for fans and new readers to explore the characters and the universe of THE LUCENT.
Michael Bancroft is the author and artist of THE LUCENT graphic novel series, known for its layered storytelling, mysterious characters, and striking visuals. With the release of The Lucent Trading Card Set – Series 1, fans now have a new way to engage with the story.
This set isn’t just a collection of character images; it’s a thoughtfully produced collectible that expands on the comic’s lore and deepens the connection between the readers and the characters.
A TANGIBLE PIECE OF THE LUCENT UNIVERSE
The first trading card set of the series includes:
Nine standard full-color cards: Each card features a different character from THE LUCENT, including fan favorites like Damon Spector, Ella Forsythe, Ish’um, and Utnapishtim.
Two rare cards: These featured Jude & Amber and Gilgamesh & Enkidu. They will be harder to find as just a few were randomly added to the standard backers’ sets, and a nice bonus for collectors who love a bit of rarity in their sets.
THE CHARACTERS
New to THE LUCENT? Let’s introduce you to some of its key characters in the trading card set.
Damon Spector
A highly capable individual, Damon steps into a mentor-like role, guiding Ella through the escalating threats she encounters, especially in Painted Death.
Ella Forsythe
As the central figure of the story, Ella is a young woman who learns she has the power to shape and control her dreams. Her journey begins in Waking Dream, as she starts unraveling the secrets of her past and the true nature of her abilities.
James Morro
A strange and enigmatic figure in Ella’s workplace, James’s behavior hints at concealed motives and a larger role in the unfolding events.
Amita Rajan
First appearing in Waking Dream, Amita’s encounters with Ella suggest deeper, undisclosed ties and a hidden history that may play a crucial role in the larger narrative.
Jude
Making his first appearance in Painted Death, Jude brings new tension and dimension to the story. His background and motives deepen the story’s complexity.
Amber
Also introduced in Painted Death, Amber adds to the evolving dynamic between characters. Her involvement suggests shifting alliances and emotional undercurrents yet to be fully revealed.
Jonathan Biram / Le Maréchal
A descendant of a powerful lineage tied to ancient quests, Jonathan’s elusive and imposing presence implies a deeper connection to the hidden forces influencing Ella’s world.
Arthur Forsythe / Lord Alwin
Ella’s guardian and a key influence in her life, Arthur is a wise, mysterious figure who provides essential guidance and artifacts that help steer her path of discovery.
Alexander Rentröm
Charming and unpredictable, Alexander is known for his engaging personality. His mysterious past suggests he knows more than he lets on about the forces at play.
Artemas
An immortal figure introduced in Painted Death, Artemas is at the heart of a key event known as the “Artemas incident”. This incident triggers intense chase scenes and flashbacks, adding layers to the mystery of Artemas’s past and his link to Ella Forsythe. His immortality is portrayed as a burden, shaping him into a complex and tragic figure. Artemas’s presence deepens the series’ exploration of identity, fate, and the cost of knowledge and power.
Ish’um
A deeply enigmatic character whose true role remains unclear, Ish’um adds layers of complexity to the story with his uncertain allegiances and motivations.
Olam / Utnapishtim
Referred to as “The Stone Man,” Olam is a mythic being who appears at pivotal moments to either test or aid Ella. His presence adds a spiritual and ancient weight to the story.
Gilgamesh
In Painted Death, Gilgamesh is mentioned as a legendary king from ancient Mesopotamian mythology. He is based on the real hero from The Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the world’s oldest stories. In that story, Gilgamesh searches for eternal life after losing his best friend, Enkidu. Painted Death includes Gilgamesh as part of its deep backstory, especially since the series deals with ancient powers and immortality.
Enkidu
Enkidu is Gilgamesh’s closest friend in the original epic and appears in THE LUCENT’s universe too. He was created by the gods to be Gilgamesh’s equal. After a strong friendship develops, Enkidu’s death pushes Gilgamesh to seek the secret of eternal life.
HIGH-QUALITY DESIGN AND MATERIALS
Each card is printed on 400 gsm (18pt) card stock, which means they’re thick, durable, and designed to last. The glossy cello laminate on both sides gives them a smooth, premium feel and helps protect the art.
The illustrations are stunning, with dynamic poses, atmospheric color palettes, and expressive character designs that reflect the dramatic tone of THE LUCENT.
MINI-COMICS: A UNIQUE STORYTELLING TOUCH
What sets this card set apart is the mini-comic printed on the back of each card. These short narrative segments add new context to each character, offering glimpses into their pasts, motivations, or inner conflicts.
It’s a clever way to expand the universe without needing an entire issue. Fans who love lore and world-building will especially appreciate this added layer of storytelling.
ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN
Backing the trading card crowdfunding campaign was an easy decision. The creator’s passion for the world he’s building is evident; he consistently invests time and energy into developing his craft, and it shows in the quality of his work. The final product was visually stunning, and his enthusiasm is genuinely uplifting.
Normally, I wouldn’t support this type of campaign. Smaller collectibles like trading cards often don’t feel worth the high international shipping costs. If it were a larger package, I might be able to justify the expense more easily.
But in this case, what made the difference was the creator himself. He stays focused on his work, supports fellow creators, and chooses not to engage in the online drama that has become a constant in certain parts of the indie comics scene these days. That kind of professionalism and dedication stand out. It’s in moments like these that you recognize who truly believes in their work and is committed to it, and who isn’t.
The campaign was hosted on the creator’s website, which gave it a more personal, direct touch. After the campaign’s successful completion, everything was handled smoothly and professionally.
PACKAGING AND DELIVERY
The cards were packed in a plastic bag that was inside a glossy carton sleeve that was consequently in a plastic bag in an envelope that was in a small shipping package. Whether you’re opening them for yourself or gifting them to another fan, the presentation feels thoughtful and professional.
The process of tracking the package was very professional. Michael himself, who is based in Australia, ensured to inform the backers that the cards are on the way to be delivered to Critical Blast, a U.S packaging delivery company he works with. They then proceeded to provide the tracking number of the package, and it arrived with no issues. I received 10 trading cards, the main set plus one rare card. How cool is that?
PRICE AND VALUE
At $9.95 per set, this is a very reasonably priced collectible for what you’re getting, especially considering the quality of materials and the added storytelling element.
At the beginning of the campaign, those who signed up to receive updates on the campaign got a discount, lowering the price to $7.95, which made it even more affordable. It’s accessible enough for newcomers, yet detailed and rewarding for longtime fans of THE LUCENT.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Lucent Trading Card Set – Series 1 is more than just a collectible; it’s an extension of the comic’s universe. With premium printing, beautiful artwork, and engaging mini-stories, it’s a must-have for fans who want to dive deeper into THE LUCENT.
Whether you’re a dedicated collector or just getting into the series, this card set is a fun, high-quality way to enjoy and explore more of the story’s characters and world. Get the main trading card set on the creator’s website, thelucentcomic.com, where you will also find the books.
If you’re interested in THE LUCENT, check my notes on the first two issues in the series:
For more interesting titles, check GRAPHIC NOVELS under the “EYES ON” series I documented my experience with crowdfunding entertainment and shared my notes on the products I received.
My notes are all set. Let me know what you think.
See you on the next page!
