Noah's Mix Up! (Gene Castillon)
Five red backed cards and five blue backed cards are shown. Each card has an animal sticker on its face. You ask two spectators to each think of an animal from the card set they were given. They mix the cards, you mix the cards, and somehow, you are able to tell them the animal they're thinking of! This is pretty cool, and even though the animal stickers may seem childish, there's some great presentation ideas that could revolve around those stickers. Something about how you were going through a box of old stuff from when you were a kid; think about a happy thought from your childhood, these stickers will get you in the childlike state, etc. I imagine this having a good effect on an audience. It's like an ESP card trick but more fun. Obviously, you'll have to decide if it fits your performing style.
Hi Ho Silveroon! (Ken Krenzel)
A card is selected and lost into the deck. A coin is placed on top of the deck and vanished in a very convincing way. You cut the deck and the coin has arrived at the selected card. This is a variation of Paul Harris's "Hi Ho Silver." There aren't any huge differences between the two from what I can tell. The vanish is a nice one, and if you put this into a larger routine, this can be good.
Zigs and Zags (Herb Zarrow)
A spectator thinks of a card at a certain position and the magician does the same thing in the other half of the deck. Both you and the spectator deal to your cards and they transpose. Sounds confusing, doesn't it? Well to be honest, I think it is a little confusing. If you're going to make two cards transpose, why not just show two cards, and make them change places? Instead you have to have a spectator think of the position as well as the name of their card, and your card is not even shown...you get my point. In my opinion, it's just a little too confusing. It would take a very good performer to present this right.
A Bird in the Hand (Sol Stone)
I am not a "coin guy" at all, so I can't compare this to any similar routines or give you the difficulty level on a lot of coin routines. I find most all coin routines to be very difficult for me! So, I'll just describe this effect and give you the stripped down details of it. A silver dollar is split into two half dollars, and then melted back into one silver dollar. That's it. It's a quick effect that you might want to incorporate into a larger routine, or just do it as a "quick trick." There are no gimmicks, and it's based on one fairly simple move.
Dream Deck Switch (Richard Kaufman)
Sorry guys, this is not the perfect deck switch that you all have been trying to find for so long. This is a supposed expose of a deck switch that "a gambler might use under fire." In effect you show a red deck and a blue deck. The blue deck is placed into your pocket and the red deck is on the table. You spread the red deck and when you square it up you, apparently, switch the decks at lightening speed. Now in your hands is the blue deck and in your pocket is the red deck! All can be examined. You have to be standing at a table to do this. It is a startling routine that makes sense and is just good overall. What a great routine this is!
Marksmanship Bill(et) Switch (Dennis Marks)
This is a switch to be used for folded dollar bills (in eighths) or similarly sized billets. It can also be used for coins, although it is harder to execute using coins. This is very nice, and it is great for switching in a flash bill, or for a serial number reading of a bill. And as I said, you can use it with billets, so all you mentalists may find this useful. There is no TT and no folding like the $100 bill switch. This really is a wonderful switch that I will definitely practice up on and put into my "bill switch toolbox."
Columns:
Out To Lunch
Harry tells a story about a bill to lemon routine that he once saw and he also shares his way that he used to make tips "back in the day." Honestly, you could use his approach in a restaurant today!
Additions
Gene Castillon provides several tips to avoid making a mistake when performing Noah's Mix Up. Read this addition if you are going to perform Noah's Mix Up, because it will help you avoid any potentially embarrassing situations.
Tidings
A bunch of upcoming(?) books are listed and comments are made about them. It's slightly useless now, but it still is fun to read.
Closing:
If you are a mentalist, there are two good effects that you can use in this issue, which I think is quite good. Zigs and Zags, as I said earlier, seems confusing to me. Let me know what you think about it, because I feel like maybe I just don't "get it."
We're five weeks into this series and I'm going strong! To be honest, I wasn't sure whether I would get past the first one!
As always feel free to leave your comments about Zigs and Zags, or just anything else, below.
Buy Apocalypse!
Past Review Directory:
Apocalypse Vol.1 No.1
Apocalypse Vol.1 No.2
Apocalypse Vol.1 No.3
Apocalypse Vol.1 No.4
November 19, 2009
Apocalypse Vol.1 No.4
Intro: Thanks for all the great feedback last week guys! It helps me feel like I'm writing to some one out there! I can't think of too much else to say so I'll just shut up and let you read on to the really good stuff!
Effects:
The Armchair Bowler (Max Maven)
A spectator plays an imaginary game of bowling in a chair you have up on stage. You ask them how many pins they knocked out. They name any number of pins, in this example, six pins. You ask them to reach under the chair and pull off the envelope that has been under them the whole time. They open it and on it is printed, "Six!" You can perform this in somebody's house, all the way to a full size stage show. It's a good piece of mentalism! It's not a closer, but it is something that I think people will remember if you present it right. You need to form a picture of a bowling alley inside people's minds. Bring them TO that bowling alley. Use some of those descriptive writing techniques that we all learn about in school, and you'll create a strong impression.
Quarters (Bob Hyans)
A card is fairly torn into four quarters and then from under those pieces of card, you produce four quarters (pun intended)! This doesn't appeal to me very much just because you have to rip up a card every time. It's certainly a good idea, and the whole "quarters" pun is cute, but most of the time I would probably use another four coin production, because of the practicality factor. It is non-gimmicked, so that's a plus. It also looks quite natural. If you don't mind tearing up the card, you'll like this.
Kenomental (Looy Simonoff)
This is a principle that can be used to create many effects. In one of them, a spectator marks a card and then REALLY shuffles it back into the deck. No crimps, palms, cops or anything. You immediately snap your fingers, and spread the card to show their card has vanished! You can even have the spectator count the cards; there are only 51! This principle is a situational effect because of one thing that is involved in the method (not a gimmick) that you most likely don't see everywhere you go. Restaurant workers could get some mileage out of this though. I can't say anymore about it because it would totally give away the method. I like it, but I couldn't use it a lot of times. P.S. No DST, can be a borrowed deck, no gimmicks, impromptu.
Marionette Coin Vanish (Ken Krenzel)
Essentially, four coins vanish from your hand. You'll see why it's called the "Marionette" Coin Vanish when you read the method. The entire vanish seems fair and motivated. This could take some time to work on the timing aspect of it and some of the movement, but it shouldn't be too terribly bad for you. I was able to get the feel for it pretty quickly. I wouldn't perform this as a standalone piece, but rather as part of a larger routine. I like it!
Hole Card (Trevor Lewis)
You show a playing card with a nickel size hole in it. You fold it and place a quarter inside, saying it won't go through the hole. You do the old puzzle where you bend the nickel and cause it to go through the hole. Then you do it again but this time you don't bend the card, and they see the quarter go right through the too-small hole. I haven't had time to this one out yet (even for myself!), but it does seem to have a good presentational line, which you'll see when you read it. I'm afraid this may come off more as a puzzle though. Also the card is not examinable, which I don't like because the card does happen to have a hole that the audience may be intrigued by. This didn't do much for me.
Gene Maze Predicts (Gene Maze)
A red deck and a blue deck are given to two spectators. They both shuffle their decks and take any five cards from their decks without looking at them. The decks are non-gimmicked and there are no stooges. The person with the red cards lays their cards in a row on the table, then the other person lays their blue cards on top of the red card row. You ask the spectator's to decide on which pair they would like. They choose a pair and the other pairs are shown. They contain indifferent cards, but the pair they selected turn out to be the same cards! This is a stunner! It really is a strong card trick/mentalism effect. The presentation is great and it's really fun to do for couples, saying how "connected they are", etc. Check this out, don't pass go!
Columns:
Unlabeled Columns
These weren't really columns, but more of asides within the magazine. We won't see this type of thing throughout the whole series. Ken Krenzel makes two good suggestions on the Two Card Trick by J.K. Hartman. Also, Harry shares a card cutting principle.
Editorial
A thought-provoking article on exposure that you should definitely read.
Tidings
Here's a funny/heart-breaking story about a magician exposing magic (and himself!) in an adult magazine. Also, a story about a man who took advantage of exposure and made his audience think he was one of the best magicians in the world.
Closing Thoughts
Gene Maze Predicts and Armchair Bowler were my absolute favorites in this issue, with Kenomental close behind. This was a good issue, but a lot of the material in this issue was a bit more situational, which is certainly not always a bad thing. All in all, another good issue.
And, as always, if you have anything to say, make sure to post it below.
Here is the link for Apocalypse.
Buy Apocalypse!
Past Review Directory:
Apocalypse Vol.1 No.1
Apocalypse Vol.1 No.2
Apocalypse Vol.1 No.3
Effects:
The Armchair Bowler (Max Maven)
A spectator plays an imaginary game of bowling in a chair you have up on stage. You ask them how many pins they knocked out. They name any number of pins, in this example, six pins. You ask them to reach under the chair and pull off the envelope that has been under them the whole time. They open it and on it is printed, "Six!" You can perform this in somebody's house, all the way to a full size stage show. It's a good piece of mentalism! It's not a closer, but it is something that I think people will remember if you present it right. You need to form a picture of a bowling alley inside people's minds. Bring them TO that bowling alley. Use some of those descriptive writing techniques that we all learn about in school, and you'll create a strong impression.
Quarters (Bob Hyans)
A card is fairly torn into four quarters and then from under those pieces of card, you produce four quarters (pun intended)! This doesn't appeal to me very much just because you have to rip up a card every time. It's certainly a good idea, and the whole "quarters" pun is cute, but most of the time I would probably use another four coin production, because of the practicality factor. It is non-gimmicked, so that's a plus. It also looks quite natural. If you don't mind tearing up the card, you'll like this.
Kenomental (Looy Simonoff)
This is a principle that can be used to create many effects. In one of them, a spectator marks a card and then REALLY shuffles it back into the deck. No crimps, palms, cops or anything. You immediately snap your fingers, and spread the card to show their card has vanished! You can even have the spectator count the cards; there are only 51! This principle is a situational effect because of one thing that is involved in the method (not a gimmick) that you most likely don't see everywhere you go. Restaurant workers could get some mileage out of this though. I can't say anymore about it because it would totally give away the method. I like it, but I couldn't use it a lot of times. P.S. No DST, can be a borrowed deck, no gimmicks, impromptu.
Marionette Coin Vanish (Ken Krenzel)
Essentially, four coins vanish from your hand. You'll see why it's called the "Marionette" Coin Vanish when you read the method. The entire vanish seems fair and motivated. This could take some time to work on the timing aspect of it and some of the movement, but it shouldn't be too terribly bad for you. I was able to get the feel for it pretty quickly. I wouldn't perform this as a standalone piece, but rather as part of a larger routine. I like it!
Hole Card (Trevor Lewis)
You show a playing card with a nickel size hole in it. You fold it and place a quarter inside, saying it won't go through the hole. You do the old puzzle where you bend the nickel and cause it to go through the hole. Then you do it again but this time you don't bend the card, and they see the quarter go right through the too-small hole. I haven't had time to this one out yet (even for myself!), but it does seem to have a good presentational line, which you'll see when you read it. I'm afraid this may come off more as a puzzle though. Also the card is not examinable, which I don't like because the card does happen to have a hole that the audience may be intrigued by. This didn't do much for me.
Gene Maze Predicts (Gene Maze)
A red deck and a blue deck are given to two spectators. They both shuffle their decks and take any five cards from their decks without looking at them. The decks are non-gimmicked and there are no stooges. The person with the red cards lays their cards in a row on the table, then the other person lays their blue cards on top of the red card row. You ask the spectator's to decide on which pair they would like. They choose a pair and the other pairs are shown. They contain indifferent cards, but the pair they selected turn out to be the same cards! This is a stunner! It really is a strong card trick/mentalism effect. The presentation is great and it's really fun to do for couples, saying how "connected they are", etc. Check this out, don't pass go!
Columns:
Unlabeled Columns
These weren't really columns, but more of asides within the magazine. We won't see this type of thing throughout the whole series. Ken Krenzel makes two good suggestions on the Two Card Trick by J.K. Hartman. Also, Harry shares a card cutting principle.
Editorial
A thought-provoking article on exposure that you should definitely read.
Tidings
Here's a funny/heart-breaking story about a magician exposing magic (and himself!) in an adult magazine. Also, a story about a man who took advantage of exposure and made his audience think he was one of the best magicians in the world.
Closing Thoughts
Gene Maze Predicts and Armchair Bowler were my absolute favorites in this issue, with Kenomental close behind. This was a good issue, but a lot of the material in this issue was a bit more situational, which is certainly not always a bad thing. All in all, another good issue.
And, as always, if you have anything to say, make sure to post it below.
Here is the link for Apocalypse.
Buy Apocalypse!
Past Review Directory:
Apocalypse Vol.1 No.1
Apocalypse Vol.1 No.2
Apocalypse Vol.1 No.3
November 10, 2009
Apocalypse Vol.1 No.3
Intro: This is the third in my weekly series of the Apocalypse project! One thing I wanted to say is that only about two people (Miniserb and Matthew) have been commenting about it. I know more people than that are reading them, so make sure to post some comments! What do you want to see in the future? Is the format good? Does this help you at all if you are already an owner of Apocalypse? Does it help the people who don't have Apocalypse? These are the things I want to know and more! That said, on with the review!
Effects:
Slydini Kills Time (Slydini)
You borrow a spectator's fancy watch and say you are going to pass it through the table. You slam it onto the table but instead of going through the table it smashes against the cold, hard wood with a horrifying crash. Your hand is lifted to reveal to the trouble spectator that his watch has somehow turned into your keys! You then stand up and cleanly reach into your pocket and remove his unscathed watch. This is such a fun trick to do after dinner and if you ever want to REALLY scare your spectator, this is great! No gimmicks and impromptu too.
Decking-Hofzinzer Deluxe (Jon Racherbaumer)
A card is selected and the aces are removed. As per the original Hofzinzer ace plot, the ace that matches the selection' suit turns face-up. You then cut the face-down ace packet into the center of the deck. You spread the deck on the table and all three aces that don't match the suit are face-up. The one ace that is face-down is turned over to reveal that it is the spectator's selected card. The missing ace is found in your pocket. I can see myself doing this quite a lot. I think with some good presentation you will have a winner of a card effect. There's also a good variation using two cards at the end of the description.
Grand Slam (Frank Garcia)
A magician shuffles and cuts the deck and then shows that he has controlled and found the thirteen spades to the top of the deck. He then hands the deck to the spectator who gives the deck a riffle shuffle. He has still maintained the thirteen spades on top. This requires a set deck that you can't really use for many other tricks. It's not gimmicked but requires some special things. To me if you're going to let a spectator shuffle a deck, why not let him do it however he wants and however long he wants. To me the effect is so short that I think it needs something else after it. I haven't tried this out yet so I don't know how it plays, but it's just not my cup o' tea. Harry and Richard really seem to like it though so you may like it.
The Strung Coin (Sol Stone)
A string which has been tied into a loop, as well as a chinese coin are displayed. The coin is then visibly linked onto the string, and then off again. This is a great, quick effect that you could easily add some other moves into, like Jay Sankey's "Leaving Home." Liam Montier also has a take on this plot, which you may want to check out. The switch in this is unique and a fooler. The whole routine is something that I think people will remember.
The Two Card Trick (Bro. John Hammon)
Two blue-backed cards are shown; the ace of spades and the queen of diamonds. You ask the spectator to name one of them. They name the queen of diamonds which you then cause to be the only card of the two that has a blue back. The ace has a red back. You explain that you lie a lot and actually the queen is the one with the red back, which you show. Then you show that they couldn’t have even picked the ace because both of the cards in your hand are queen of diamonds! This is a simple trick that, to be honest, I overlooked for a while. I still haven’t tried it out, but I do think it would have a good effect through a laymen’s eyes. It’s an easy routine that is pretty easy to follow, as well. Try it out (I’ll join you!)
Invisible Salt Extraction (Eric Meredith)
A half-full salt shaker is shown and then placed under a handkerchief on the table. You cup your hands over the handkerchief, and a steady small stream of salt starts to flow from them. This goes on until a big pile of salt is on the table and your hands are empty. You lift the handkerchief to show that now there is no salt inside. I love this effect! I think it’s something that will stick in your spectator’s heads for a long time! Obviously, this is an after-dinner type trick, so this may not work in some venues, but in the right circumstances, it’s a killer!
Columns:
Lorayne Storm
Harry tells a funny story about a thumbtip breaking during a performance!
Out To Lunch
This is the first in a series of columns about doing close-up magic for a living. It starts off with a story about the first table-side magician Harry Lorayne saw, and how he became himself.
Razzle Dazzle
Funny little story about a magician who had a lion devour an audience member in his act.
Tidings
An interesting way of doing J.K. Hartman’s “Goody Two Choose” from a reader, Harry tells about a session with Slydini, an article about Paul Curry’s book Special Effects, an update on The Card Classics of Ken Krenzel, and finally a funny card in balloon dog routine!
Closing Thoughts:
I really liked this issue and I got a lot out of it! The columns were great, the tricks are high quality, it’s just a very good issue overall! I will use a bunch of the material in this one and I think you’ll like a lot of it too.
And once again, I’d like you to post your comments below! Seriously, I want feedback! Tell me if these suck, or if you like them, I don’t really care, just say something.
If you want to purchase Apocalypse, here is the link.
Buy Apocalypse for everything you saw in this review and TONS of other awesome effects!
Directory:
Apocalypse Vol.1 No.1
Apocalypse Vol.1 No.2
Effects:
Slydini Kills Time (Slydini)
You borrow a spectator's fancy watch and say you are going to pass it through the table. You slam it onto the table but instead of going through the table it smashes against the cold, hard wood with a horrifying crash. Your hand is lifted to reveal to the trouble spectator that his watch has somehow turned into your keys! You then stand up and cleanly reach into your pocket and remove his unscathed watch. This is such a fun trick to do after dinner and if you ever want to REALLY scare your spectator, this is great! No gimmicks and impromptu too.
Decking-Hofzinzer Deluxe (Jon Racherbaumer)
A card is selected and the aces are removed. As per the original Hofzinzer ace plot, the ace that matches the selection' suit turns face-up. You then cut the face-down ace packet into the center of the deck. You spread the deck on the table and all three aces that don't match the suit are face-up. The one ace that is face-down is turned over to reveal that it is the spectator's selected card. The missing ace is found in your pocket. I can see myself doing this quite a lot. I think with some good presentation you will have a winner of a card effect. There's also a good variation using two cards at the end of the description.
Grand Slam (Frank Garcia)
A magician shuffles and cuts the deck and then shows that he has controlled and found the thirteen spades to the top of the deck. He then hands the deck to the spectator who gives the deck a riffle shuffle. He has still maintained the thirteen spades on top. This requires a set deck that you can't really use for many other tricks. It's not gimmicked but requires some special things. To me if you're going to let a spectator shuffle a deck, why not let him do it however he wants and however long he wants. To me the effect is so short that I think it needs something else after it. I haven't tried this out yet so I don't know how it plays, but it's just not my cup o' tea. Harry and Richard really seem to like it though so you may like it.
The Strung Coin (Sol Stone)
A string which has been tied into a loop, as well as a chinese coin are displayed. The coin is then visibly linked onto the string, and then off again. This is a great, quick effect that you could easily add some other moves into, like Jay Sankey's "Leaving Home." Liam Montier also has a take on this plot, which you may want to check out. The switch in this is unique and a fooler. The whole routine is something that I think people will remember.
The Two Card Trick (Bro. John Hammon)
Two blue-backed cards are shown; the ace of spades and the queen of diamonds. You ask the spectator to name one of them. They name the queen of diamonds which you then cause to be the only card of the two that has a blue back. The ace has a red back. You explain that you lie a lot and actually the queen is the one with the red back, which you show. Then you show that they couldn’t have even picked the ace because both of the cards in your hand are queen of diamonds! This is a simple trick that, to be honest, I overlooked for a while. I still haven’t tried it out, but I do think it would have a good effect through a laymen’s eyes. It’s an easy routine that is pretty easy to follow, as well. Try it out (I’ll join you!)
Invisible Salt Extraction (Eric Meredith)
A half-full salt shaker is shown and then placed under a handkerchief on the table. You cup your hands over the handkerchief, and a steady small stream of salt starts to flow from them. This goes on until a big pile of salt is on the table and your hands are empty. You lift the handkerchief to show that now there is no salt inside. I love this effect! I think it’s something that will stick in your spectator’s heads for a long time! Obviously, this is an after-dinner type trick, so this may not work in some venues, but in the right circumstances, it’s a killer!
Columns:
Lorayne Storm
Harry tells a funny story about a thumbtip breaking during a performance!
Out To Lunch
This is the first in a series of columns about doing close-up magic for a living. It starts off with a story about the first table-side magician Harry Lorayne saw, and how he became himself.
Razzle Dazzle
Funny little story about a magician who had a lion devour an audience member in his act.
Tidings
An interesting way of doing J.K. Hartman’s “Goody Two Choose” from a reader, Harry tells about a session with Slydini, an article about Paul Curry’s book Special Effects, an update on The Card Classics of Ken Krenzel, and finally a funny card in balloon dog routine!
Closing Thoughts:
I really liked this issue and I got a lot out of it! The columns were great, the tricks are high quality, it’s just a very good issue overall! I will use a bunch of the material in this one and I think you’ll like a lot of it too.
And once again, I’d like you to post your comments below! Seriously, I want feedback! Tell me if these suck, or if you like them, I don’t really care, just say something.
If you want to purchase Apocalypse, here is the link.
Buy Apocalypse for everything you saw in this review and TONS of other awesome effects!
Directory:
Apocalypse Vol.1 No.1
Apocalypse Vol.1 No.2
November 7, 2009
Apocalypse Vol.1 No.2
Intro: Well, I'm back with the second edition of this continuing series of reviews. If you haven't seen the first review, you can find it here. Vol. 1 No. 1. I won't bore you any longer, so let's get on with the review, shall we?
Effects-
Poker Challenge (Harry Lorayne)
Five hands of poker are dealt and one card and it's position is remembered. For example, the second card in the second hand, which we'll say is the queen of spades. These piles are gathered up and the magician explains how if a sixth person were to join a poker game at the last moment, it would ruin the gambler's full stack. The magician deals six poker hands fairly and shows that he has controlled the second card in the second hand to still be the queen of spades. He then shows that the rest of the second hand is a royal flush. To me the magic is not that impressive and it seems like there are much better gambling routines out there. I passed on this one. UPDATE: Check three posts down from this one to see what Harry Lorayne had to say. I think this is a routine that just doesn't fit me personally.
Sokito Box (David Roth)
At the end of an okito box routine, the magician causes the four coins in the box to penetrate through the table. Then when the spectator tries to pick up the box, it has transformed into a solid piece of brass. If I did an okito box routine, I would TOTALLY end with this! It's so unexpected, and it solves the, "can I look at that box" problem. You must be working on a table. The switch is invisible and you might find it useful for other things. You do have to specially make the gimmick, of course, but I think it's worth it.
Card in Balloon (Derek Dingle)
A card is freely selected and signed. Then it is fairly shuffled into the deck, and placed into the case, which goes inside your jacket pocket. Three not-blown-up (I can’t think of the word) balloons are shown and each is blown up. You ask a spectator to select a balloon and after some comedy, you pop the balloon between your hands and there is the spectator’s selected card. This is a funny routine that is pretty easy to do and the openness of your hands really makes this look good. You do have to make a simple gimmick which is made out of household materials. You do also have to be wearing a jacket. It’s a very funny and fooling standup piece!
Four Coin Vanishes (Ken Krenzel)
This is actually four different items, as you probably already guessed. The effect is pretty much the same in each one; a coin vanishes in some way. I’ll review them separately.
-Rear Exit-This is my favorite of the four. The coin vanishes super cleanly with the help of a “magic wand” (pen).
-Hookless Hook Coin-The coin vanishes as it is thrown into the air. Mimics the use of a hook coin, but there are no gimmicks. Seemed a bit awkward to me, but who knows, maybe somebody will come along and fool me with it someday.
-Kicked Thru!-Pick up a coin from your open hand and it vanishes. Angles are a biggie on this vanish. Plan to do some mirror work.
-Persistence Placement-A retention type vanish that looks super good. This is my second favorite, and it may come in handy in some other routines.
Columns-
Razzle Dazzle
Here you get a funny story about Frank Garcia and Harry going to a seance and wrecking havoc. Also, Richard Kaufman writes three short reviews of The Magic Book by Harry Lorayne, Paul Harris's Super Magic, and Wildcard Miracles by Frank Garcia.
Additional Comments-
Since I'm a big "card-guy", I didn't like this issue as much as the first one, but I have to admit that there's some good stuff in this issue.
Here's just an overview; I don't really like Poker Challenge because it's not that magical and I don't usually go for gambling routines, I can't do Sokito Box because I don't have an okito box, I can't use Card in Balloon cause I don't wear a jacket, and I won't use the Four Coin Vanishes that much because I don't do much coin work, but the coin vanishes might come in handy sometime. As you can see, most of this material IS good, a lot of it just doesn't really fit me for the above reasons. Others of you will use this material way more than me.
As always you can find this issue, and all of the issues that I'll be reviewing inside of the first volume of Apocalypse, which I've provided a link to at the bottom of the page. If you have any suggestions or comments about what you would like to see more or less of in the future, feel free to post them below.
Until next week, go through your magic books and read them again! (Always good advice)
Buy Apocalypse!
Effects-
Poker Challenge (Harry Lorayne)
Five hands of poker are dealt and one card and it's position is remembered. For example, the second card in the second hand, which we'll say is the queen of spades. These piles are gathered up and the magician explains how if a sixth person were to join a poker game at the last moment, it would ruin the gambler's full stack. The magician deals six poker hands fairly and shows that he has controlled the second card in the second hand to still be the queen of spades. He then shows that the rest of the second hand is a royal flush. To me the magic is not that impressive and it seems like there are much better gambling routines out there. I passed on this one. UPDATE: Check three posts down from this one to see what Harry Lorayne had to say. I think this is a routine that just doesn't fit me personally.
Sokito Box (David Roth)
At the end of an okito box routine, the magician causes the four coins in the box to penetrate through the table. Then when the spectator tries to pick up the box, it has transformed into a solid piece of brass. If I did an okito box routine, I would TOTALLY end with this! It's so unexpected, and it solves the, "can I look at that box" problem. You must be working on a table. The switch is invisible and you might find it useful for other things. You do have to specially make the gimmick, of course, but I think it's worth it.
Card in Balloon (Derek Dingle)
A card is freely selected and signed. Then it is fairly shuffled into the deck, and placed into the case, which goes inside your jacket pocket. Three not-blown-up (I can’t think of the word) balloons are shown and each is blown up. You ask a spectator to select a balloon and after some comedy, you pop the balloon between your hands and there is the spectator’s selected card. This is a funny routine that is pretty easy to do and the openness of your hands really makes this look good. You do have to make a simple gimmick which is made out of household materials. You do also have to be wearing a jacket. It’s a very funny and fooling standup piece!
Four Coin Vanishes (Ken Krenzel)
This is actually four different items, as you probably already guessed. The effect is pretty much the same in each one; a coin vanishes in some way. I’ll review them separately.
-Rear Exit-This is my favorite of the four. The coin vanishes super cleanly with the help of a “magic wand” (pen).
-Hookless Hook Coin-The coin vanishes as it is thrown into the air. Mimics the use of a hook coin, but there are no gimmicks. Seemed a bit awkward to me, but who knows, maybe somebody will come along and fool me with it someday.
-Kicked Thru!-Pick up a coin from your open hand and it vanishes. Angles are a biggie on this vanish. Plan to do some mirror work.
-Persistence Placement-A retention type vanish that looks super good. This is my second favorite, and it may come in handy in some other routines.
Columns-
Razzle Dazzle
Here you get a funny story about Frank Garcia and Harry going to a seance and wrecking havoc. Also, Richard Kaufman writes three short reviews of The Magic Book by Harry Lorayne, Paul Harris's Super Magic, and Wildcard Miracles by Frank Garcia.
Additional Comments-
Since I'm a big "card-guy", I didn't like this issue as much as the first one, but I have to admit that there's some good stuff in this issue.
Here's just an overview; I don't really like Poker Challenge because it's not that magical and I don't usually go for gambling routines, I can't do Sokito Box because I don't have an okito box, I can't use Card in Balloon cause I don't wear a jacket, and I won't use the Four Coin Vanishes that much because I don't do much coin work, but the coin vanishes might come in handy sometime. As you can see, most of this material IS good, a lot of it just doesn't really fit me for the above reasons. Others of you will use this material way more than me.
As always you can find this issue, and all of the issues that I'll be reviewing inside of the first volume of Apocalypse, which I've provided a link to at the bottom of the page. If you have any suggestions or comments about what you would like to see more or less of in the future, feel free to post them below.
Until next week, go through your magic books and read them again! (Always good advice)
Buy Apocalypse!
November 4, 2009
Apocalypse Vol.1 No.1
Apocalypse: Vol.1 No.1
History Class... This is a series of reviews which provides a detailed review of one monthly issue of the magazine Apocalypse each week. For anyone who doesn't know, Apocalypse was a magazine started by Harry Lorayne and Richard Kaufman. After the first year, however, Richard Kaufman left the magazine because it was beginning to become a burden on his own pursuits. (He was still in college at the time!) Anyway, Harry Lorayne continued the magazine every month for another 19 years! Apocalypse always provided an average of 7 different close-up effects that usually were very diverse. That's just a little bit of history, but now onto the stuff you really want to hear about; the effects!
Effects-
Interlaced Vanish (Paul Harris)
Three face-down aces are interlaced between four face-up kings and the last ace is placed in between the spectator's filthy, grease-ridden hands. The three interlaced aces instantly vanish in a flash and the ace in the spectator's hands has turned blank! Three of the aces are cut to in the deck and the last one is found in the closed card case, which the magician has not even touched! The vanish of the three aces is truly startling and super convincing. Now, imagine being able to do all of this with no palming, no lapping, impromptu, and no extra cards! What a fantastic start to a fantastic issue!
Visual Drop Switch (Richard Kaufman)
This is a very nice, coin switch that happens as a coin is dropped from the fingertips, to the other hand (or wherever really). This can be used a a visual change like in a Spellbound routine or as a secretive switch.It's so nice because the coin apparently never goes out of view. Plus, it's super easy, in fact, it's practically self-working. You'll fool yourself in the mirror with this! It's definitely one of my favorite coin switches.
Instant Sandwich Catch (Harry Lorayne)
A spectator names any pair of mates and the magician picks a card which he fairly buries into the deck. The two face-up mates are then run through the deck and, of course, they have "caught" the face-down selection between them.There's nothing really new here method wise, but as Harry himself said, "It's the presentation and the handling that fools." It's a layman pleaser and a good effect to do as a "warm up" or just a quick trick.
Chink A Chink (David Roth)
Four coins are placed into the typical square matrix pattern. They jump around the table, and gather into one corner of the square as the magician just simply waves his hands over the coins. This is the standard Chink A Chink that everyone should learn. A lot of magicians have come up with their own versions, but you really need to learn this one. The magic just seems to "happen." It's quick, visual and certainly a crowd pleaser!
Goody Two Choose (J.K. Hartman)
The deck is shuffled by two spectators and they each cut to a card and merely peek at it. This happens as your back is turned. After the spectator allows it to be okay, the magician turns around and looks into the eyes of the spectators. He then is able to divine both of the cards they merely looked at! I really, really like this because of the complete and total fairness of the procedure. They really shuffle the deck and you barely touch the cards at all.If you provide a good presentation with this, man oh man, you are going to FRY some people with this!
Okito Opener (Geoff Latta)
An okito box is shown to be completely empty and then four coins are instantly produced from the box. I don't have an okito box so I couldn't try this out, but if you do have one I think you'll like this. It's quick, and easy for spectator's to understand. It makes for a good "okito opener" *wink* *wink*
Columns-
Editorials (Harry Lorayne and Richard Kaufman)
This isn't an effect obviously. It's just a little letter to the readers from Harry and Richard. They just talk about the starting of Apocalypse and what to expect in the future.
Razzle Dazzle
Here you'll find a brief review of the Tannen's Jubilee magic convention, a story about Martin Nash doing fifth deals, and a short write-up of a move by Geoff Latta to secretly toss a coin into an okito box. This is a fun little section to read, and there isn't really anything else I can say about it.
Additional Comments-
This was a great issue and I think almost everybody will find at least three effects or sleights that you might want to use. Personally, I found five of the items to be useful to me, which is sometimes more than an entire dvd!
As always you can find this issue, and all of the issues that I'll be reviewing inside of the first volume of Apocalypse, which I've provided a link to at the bottom of the page. If you have any suggestions or comments about what you would like to see more or less of in the future, feel free to post them below.
Stay tuned for the next installment of Apocalypse: A Look Back! (I can call it whatever I want, okay?)
http://www.penguinmagic.com/specialorderproduct.php?ID=5296
History Class... This is a series of reviews which provides a detailed review of one monthly issue of the magazine Apocalypse each week. For anyone who doesn't know, Apocalypse was a magazine started by Harry Lorayne and Richard Kaufman. After the first year, however, Richard Kaufman left the magazine because it was beginning to become a burden on his own pursuits. (He was still in college at the time!) Anyway, Harry Lorayne continued the magazine every month for another 19 years! Apocalypse always provided an average of 7 different close-up effects that usually were very diverse. That's just a little bit of history, but now onto the stuff you really want to hear about; the effects!
Effects-
Interlaced Vanish (Paul Harris)
Three face-down aces are interlaced between four face-up kings and the last ace is placed in between the spectator's filthy, grease-ridden hands. The three interlaced aces instantly vanish in a flash and the ace in the spectator's hands has turned blank! Three of the aces are cut to in the deck and the last one is found in the closed card case, which the magician has not even touched! The vanish of the three aces is truly startling and super convincing. Now, imagine being able to do all of this with no palming, no lapping, impromptu, and no extra cards! What a fantastic start to a fantastic issue!
Visual Drop Switch (Richard Kaufman)
This is a very nice, coin switch that happens as a coin is dropped from the fingertips, to the other hand (or wherever really). This can be used a a visual change like in a Spellbound routine or as a secretive switch.It's so nice because the coin apparently never goes out of view. Plus, it's super easy, in fact, it's practically self-working. You'll fool yourself in the mirror with this! It's definitely one of my favorite coin switches.
Instant Sandwich Catch (Harry Lorayne)
A spectator names any pair of mates and the magician picks a card which he fairly buries into the deck. The two face-up mates are then run through the deck and, of course, they have "caught" the face-down selection between them.There's nothing really new here method wise, but as Harry himself said, "It's the presentation and the handling that fools." It's a layman pleaser and a good effect to do as a "warm up" or just a quick trick.
Chink A Chink (David Roth)
Four coins are placed into the typical square matrix pattern. They jump around the table, and gather into one corner of the square as the magician just simply waves his hands over the coins. This is the standard Chink A Chink that everyone should learn. A lot of magicians have come up with their own versions, but you really need to learn this one. The magic just seems to "happen." It's quick, visual and certainly a crowd pleaser!
Goody Two Choose (J.K. Hartman)
The deck is shuffled by two spectators and they each cut to a card and merely peek at it. This happens as your back is turned. After the spectator allows it to be okay, the magician turns around and looks into the eyes of the spectators. He then is able to divine both of the cards they merely looked at! I really, really like this because of the complete and total fairness of the procedure. They really shuffle the deck and you barely touch the cards at all.If you provide a good presentation with this, man oh man, you are going to FRY some people with this!
Okito Opener (Geoff Latta)
An okito box is shown to be completely empty and then four coins are instantly produced from the box. I don't have an okito box so I couldn't try this out, but if you do have one I think you'll like this. It's quick, and easy for spectator's to understand. It makes for a good "okito opener" *wink* *wink*
Columns-
Editorials (Harry Lorayne and Richard Kaufman)
This isn't an effect obviously. It's just a little letter to the readers from Harry and Richard. They just talk about the starting of Apocalypse and what to expect in the future.
Razzle Dazzle
Here you'll find a brief review of the Tannen's Jubilee magic convention, a story about Martin Nash doing fifth deals, and a short write-up of a move by Geoff Latta to secretly toss a coin into an okito box. This is a fun little section to read, and there isn't really anything else I can say about it.
Additional Comments-
This was a great issue and I think almost everybody will find at least three effects or sleights that you might want to use. Personally, I found five of the items to be useful to me, which is sometimes more than an entire dvd!
As always you can find this issue, and all of the issues that I'll be reviewing inside of the first volume of Apocalypse, which I've provided a link to at the bottom of the page. If you have any suggestions or comments about what you would like to see more or less of in the future, feel free to post them below.
Stay tuned for the next installment of Apocalypse: A Look Back! (I can call it whatever I want, okay?)
http://www.penguinmagic.com/specialorderproduct.php?ID=5296
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