Title: VISION
Creator: Mickael Chatelain
Publisher: Gimmick Magic
MSRP: $ 25
Skill Level: Intermediate
DVD Run time: 9:11

Type of effect:  card trick

Manufacturer's Write Up:

Hand your deck of cards to a spectator, and ask him to exam and shuffle it. 
It's a standard deck, all the cards are different. 
Take back the cards... 

The cards are face down in your hands. Ribbon spread the cards and ask a spectator to touch any card - really, ANY card. 
At this point, no one can know the identity of the card as the deck has been shuffled and the cards are all still face down. 
Close your eyes or turn your head so that you'll see NOTHING! 
Show your spectator the card he just touched and replace it in the deck in its original place, changing nothing, manipulating nothing. 
The deck is immediately placed in the center of the table. 

Point out that in such conditions, it would seem totally impossible that you could discover the chosen card. 
Concentrate for a few seconds before writing the name of the card on a piece of paper. 
As you turn over the paper, invite the spectator to name the card that he had simply touched. It's impossible, but you have divined the correct card! 

How is this possible with a freely-chosen card from an ordinary deck shuffled by a spectator? You've seen NOTHING, yet you were able to name the chosen card! 
Those are questions no one will be able to answer! 

With Vision, you'll be able to perform two effects and more - you'll truly amaze your audience! 
How accurate is the ad copy? No deception
 
What's in the box? 
 
The handmade gimmick, and the download code available in both French and English

Key points:

• Use your own ordinary deck.
• No marking or other points of reference.
• No inks or chemical products.
• No force. The spectator really can select or name ANY card!
• Instant reset.
• Nothing to hide - your hands are empty!
• Easy to do.
• Many effects possible. The secret is completely invisible.
• Machine-made to assure quality. The gimmick will surprise you by its simplicity and its effectiveness!

 
How are the production values: The entire thing feels as though it was filmed at a noisy diner during Mickael Chatelain’s lunch break. You get a straight on table shot and an over the shoulder table shot.
 
Is it well made: this is a machine-made gimmick and it is made very well. I would also add that even though it comes in Bicycle, it’s a standard face and could be easily adapted to any deck that uses standard faces – you don’t “need” to see the back design. For fans of magic history, yes, this is a “classic” mentalism tool being used in a new way.

Is it well taught: Mickael Chatelain has a thick accent, but it does not distract from the teaching, the video is only 9 minutes long so there are not a lot of extras outside of the presentation and quick explanation. Mickael would advise a load and a ditch of the gimmick so that the deck can be examined, but it’s not necessary, card looks normal and could pass a “fast” examination.
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?"  Same as a “thick card.”
 
Does it "play big?" Mickael Chatelain offers to effects, finding a spectator’s chosen card, or having a deck shuffled and then identifying each card face down.
 
Difficulty / Skill level required:  Feels self working, but it will take practice so that it’s not obvious to your spectators as to what you are doing.
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? None
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) with practice
 
Overall score: let's toss out the traditional score of 1-10 and make this something that we all can appreciate and understand.
 
_____ Very Satisfied
__X___ Somewhat Satisfied
_____ Neither Satisfied or Dissatisfied
_____ Somewhat Dissatisfied
_____ Very Dissatisfied
_____ No Opinion
 
My thoughts I do really like this a lot and apparently so did a lot of Magicians at the 2017 Blackpool convention where this effect SOLD OUT!

+ Hey do you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas? Visit this link for my video review:  ​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMnSdliJzqU

​Title: Sublime Self Working Card Tricks    
Creator: John Carey
Publisher: Big Blind Media
MSRP: $ 27
Skill Level: Beginner
DVD Run time: (?)

Type of effect:  DVD of 10 beginner level effects

Manufacturer's Write Up: Renowned card worker John Carey has a stellar reputation for creating practical, powerful card magic. Tricks that play brilliantly, and shock audiences, but are eminently DO-ABLE. Carey is known for employing clever thinking and choreography rather than complex moves and techniques, but on this project he has distilled it down even further and crafted 10 routines that require NO sleight of hand AT ALL! 

Often entirely impromptu, these routines are simple in method but staggeringly impactful.

The TEN sleight-free tricks include gems like: 

Yes, You CAAN - a brilliant self-working 'Card At Any Number' routine that requires NO DECK! Everything you need will slip into your wallet, and you'll be prepped for a total mindblower anytime/anywhere! 

Sync - a thought of card routine that seems utterly impossible - a card 'constructed' by your audience is divined with almost zero procedure. Super clean. Super awesome! 

One Hand & One Card - a card is selected, disappears from the deck and then appears in your pocket. ALL WHILE YOU HAVE ONE HAND STUFFED IN YOUR POCKET! Super clean. Ridiculously easy. 

Plus seven more stunning examples stuffed with cheeky ruse's and deceptive routining in place of difficult sleights to make you look like a mega-skilled card shark. 

Featured routines - 

1. Opening Time 
2. Think as I Think 
3. One Hand & One Card 
4. Yes You CAAN! 
5. Scattered 
6. A la Goldman 
7. Dice CAAN 
8. Sync 
9. Make Believe (a coin effect!) 
10. Redford Unplugged 

How accurate is the ad copy? Good hype – no deception
 
What's in the box?  Single DVD with 10 effects, a performance video and an explanation video

Key points: You'll be able to perform all ten routines immediately and really concentrate on engaging with your spectators and creating magical moments. 
 
How are the production values: BBM always makes good videos. Multiple camera angles, simple, easy to follow teaching, everything is well mic’d, well set with beautiful assistants.

Is it well taught: John Carey is a very soft spoken, slow, easy to follow teacher. It’s almost like learning magic from your Sunday School teacher.
 
Difficulty / Skill level required:  Zero – these effects are even easier than previous “no skill” BBM titles. I was able to “learn” all of these effects without ever watching the explanations. They are THAT easy.
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? Zero
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) Very easy
 
Overall score: let's toss out the traditional score of 1-10 and make this something that we all can appreciate and understand.
 
_____ Very Satisfied
___X__ Somewhat Satisfied
_____ Neither Satisfied or Dissatisfied
_____ Somewhat Dissatisfied
_____ Very Dissatisfied
_____ No Opinion 

 My thoughts I love no skill card tricks – you say, “self working” and I dial right in, but even these effects were TOO EASY for my taste. I think these tricks would be great for those just starting out in card magic, and would like some simple card magic beyond the “dover” offerings of yesteryear.

+ Hey do you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas? Visit this link for my video review:  ​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfQLVrXVQgY

Title: Spiraled
Creator: Jimmy Strange
Publisher: Merchant of Magic
MSRP: $ 16
Skill Level: Beginner
DVD Run time: 27 min

Type of effect:  Twisting Pen Magic

Manufacturer's Write Up: Everyone knows what a Sharpie is... So, it's time to give it a twist!

• After you have used a Sharpie, ask a spectator to hold it tightly in their fist. Slowly rotate the pen as you pull it from their hand... it comes out impossibly twisted in the middle!
• Write the word, "twist" on a little piece of paper, and explain that you are going to prove the 'POWER OF WORDS.' You wrap the paper around a Sharpie and ignite it. With a flash, the Sharpie is twisted!
• Before you put away your Sharpie, you take a moment to hold it at the fingertips and twist it as if it's made of candy.

"Have you ever had your words twisted?" 
"Every good story should have a 'twist' at the end..." 
"Let me prove to you the REAL power of words..." 

Spiraled comes with a fully working, twisted Sharpie and the tools you will need to twist the pen right at your fingertips. 

The Spiraled Sharpie can be used as your everyday working 'magic pen.' 
Whenever you have a card signed, or a prediction written down, you can pause and show a jaw-dropping piece of 'magic along the way.' Alternatively, perform Spiraled as a feature effect, perhaps showing how the words people write can have far more impact than they think. 

Spiraled comes with a detailed online video tutorial. Jimmy Strange teaches you the full handling and a range of great Spiraled effects.  So get Spiraled, and do the twist!

How accurate is the ad copy? Good hype, no deception
 
What's in the box?  You get the gimmicked pen, elastic thread and the download code

Key points:
 
* Easy to do 
* The spectator can use the Sharpie before and after the twist 
* Visual, surprising magic 
* Resets in seconds 
* Can be performed 360º 
How are the production values: 
Only his hands DIY as he teaches you to make a pen pull for your normal sharpie
Camera never moves
 
Is it well made: Yes, it is a real sharpie and that has been hand molded.

Is it well taught: The video is 27 minutes long and almost ½ the video is spent on DIY to create a pull system for a normal sharpie. Mr. Strange offers a few trick options, a Trick with a business card, With a lighter, With flash paper and with a Lubor lens – Now, of course, this is where he got the trick idea from – which is how I would recommend using it. As a closer if you normally use a sharpie to have your cards signed. I would say, don’t worry about “switching or pulling.” Your spectator already held the item so they know it’s real. Simply bring out the spiraled gimmick at the end of your set and “do the twist.”
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?"  Same size as a standard sharpie marker bullet tip.
 
Does it "play big?" I think a lot of this will be build up from YOUR presentation.
 
Difficulty / Skill level required:  none
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? none
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) Yes
 
Overall score: let's toss out the traditional score of 1-10 and make this something that we all can appreciate and understand.
 
_____ Very Satisfied
__X___ Somewhat Satisfied
_____ Neither Satisfied or Dissatisfied
_____ Somewhat Dissatisfied
_____ Very Dissatisfied
_____ No Opinion
 
 My thoughts Paul Harris teaches how to make a twisted pen on his lubor lens instruction, so really this is just Jimmy Strange’s take on that effect. I like it, and I certainly think a sharpie marker is more organic to a card magician, since that is one of our traditional props.

+ Hey do you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas? Visit this link for my video review:  ​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JN5sWRXYNgE

Title: MOVE
Creator: Danny Weiser and Taiwan Ben
Publisher: Taiwan Ben Magic
MSRP: $ 35
Skill Level: All
DVD Run time: 26 mins

Type of effect: 

Manufacturer's Write Up: From the mind of Danny Weiser comes a new twist on the Kineti-key effect!   

Imagine using a pen throughout your performance, allowing the spectator to use AND inspect it as well. 

Then, under your complete control, you cause the clip to detach from the cap and move along the body of the pen. You then magically restore the clip back onto the cap and hand the pen back out to be examined!! A Perfect "Anytime" effect!! 

A stunning and fooling effect! You'll want to MOVE to order this on

How accurate is the ad copy? Good hype, no deception
 
What's in the box?  Move gimmick & the download code

Key points:

• Takes up Almost No Pocket Space!
• Always Ready to Perform!
• Cap Moves at Your Control
• Completely Self-Contained
• Seemingly Impromptu!
• Instant Setup! No Switching!
• Pen is Writable and Examinable Before and After.
• Can be Performed Anytime, Anywhere!
• Online Tutorial Video!

How are the production values: The video uses multiple cameras and angles with a few live performances. Everything is well shot and well mic’d. The music in the background however is repetitive and …. annoying, and at one time in the video ONLY the DIY setup is being shown, and there is no voice over, so all you hear is the music.
 
Is it well made: It’s a great gimmick, very well made – it writes, it’s examinable and you can refill it with ink.

Is it well taught: Taiwan Ben is the instructor and he does have a heavy accent, but in the time allotted, he does teach you what you need.
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?"  Packs as flat as a disposable bic pen
 
Does it "play big?" Levitations and animations always play big.
 
Difficulty / Skill level required: This is going to take some practice, don’t expect to do this effect right out of the box. The pieces are small, delicate and will take timing and accuracy to get it to look just right.
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? none
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) Absolutely
 
Overall score: let's toss out the traditional score of 1-10 and make this something that we all can appreciate and understand.
 
_X____ Very Satisfied
_____ Somewhat Satisfied
_____ Neither Satisfied or Dissatisfied
_____ Somewhat Dissatisfied
_____ Very Dissatisfied
_____ No Opinion
 
 My thoughts This is not self-working, nor is it angle proof. For walk-around you really can’t have anyone on your sides or back. I personally don’t think the animated pen stem is needed as it requires extra set up and more gimmickry.

+ Hey do you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas? Visit this link for my video review:  ​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88I-dii79fg

Title: Kung Fu Foot
Creator: Héctor Mancha
Publisher: Vanishing Inc.
MSRP: $ 30
Skill Level: Intermediate
DVD Run time: 41 mins

Type of effect:  Find a spectator’s card

Manufacturer's Write Up:
 
How do you reveal a card onstage? It has to be something dynamic, physical, and memorable. Cue Kung Fu Foot! Created and honed to perfection by FISM Grand Champion Héctor Mancha, this hilarious card revelation allows you to stab a card from midair... with your foot! 

Kung Fu Foot works with any pair of socks and pants and minimal one-time preparation. You receive a custom-manufactured gimmick that allows you to "catch" a card between your toes, through your socks. The effect is easy to do and perfect for parlor, platform, and stage performances. You can even do it up close, so long as you have the space to toss a pack of cards into the air. 

You also receive a 42-minute online video instruction from Hector Mancha, taking you through each phase of his brilliant "Card to Foot" effect.
 
How accurate is the ad copy? No deception
 
What's in the box? Device (rig), force card and download code to the 41 min video

Key points:

• Works with any deck of cards
• Perform surrounded
• Detailed instruction
• Ninjas not included.

 
How are the production values: This is filmed in a white brick garage with an old bike and fireman’s gear in the background. I don’t think Héctor Mancha is wearing a mic, nor is there any background music, so it’s very echoey. I watch a lot of magic instructions from performers with accents, I did find Héctor Mancha very thick and hard to understand at times.
 
Filmed in a white brick garage with an old bike and a fireman’s gear
Need black socks / uses black art
Force the card
Comes with a card, but you could use any deck with an extra card
 
Is it well made: Héctor Mancha gives you all of the materials, but in truth it’s a lot of parts you could have acquired on your own. He even gives you a force card, but you will need to use a new card for each performance as the card will be destroyed. No, it’s a duplicate and can not be signed.

Is it well taught: Héctor Mancha does spend a considerable amount of time on the DIY and performance portions.
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?"  This is an entire rig that will be “wired” through your entire lower half. It also relies on black art and you will need to wear black socks.  The reset on this is – not fast and will have to be done “back stage.” Also you are left “dirty” at the end of the effect and Héctor Mancha attempts to give you a comical way out.
 
Does it "play big?" I think it plays “funny.” I don’t know how adapt you’ll be at convincing your audience that you caught the card with your foot.
 
Difficulty / Skill level required:  Being that this involves a rig that you need to wear PLUS the dirty clean up at the end, I’d say this might not be great for beginners.
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? Héctor Mancha gives you everything you need, but the rig will require specific items of clothing and some wardrobe adaptation. No, you can’t wear shorts.
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) In the right situation.
 
Overall score: let's toss out the traditional score of 1-10 and make this something that we all can appreciate and understand.
 
_____ Very Satisfied
_____ Somewhat Satisfied
_____ Neither Satisfied or Dissatisfied
__X___ Somewhat Dissatisfied
_____ Very Dissatisfied
_____ No Opinion

 My thoughts I really don’t like the clean up at the end of this trick and I don’t really do comedy magic. This would make a great trick to do at parties, especially for kids – they’d love it!

+ Hey do you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas? Visit this link for my video review:   ​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6QWQhlab8c

Title: Everlast
Creator: Rafael D'Angelo and Mazentic
Publisher: Murphy’s Magic
MSRP: $ 25
Skill Level: all
DVD Run time: 11:36

Type of effect:  swami gimmick

Manufacturer's Write Up: Mentalism writers such as boon, swami and other types have always been plagued with the problem of refilling the gimmicks. Everlast is the world's first swami writer that never needs to be refilled. EVER. 

Everlast has been surreptitiously designed to hide in plain sight on an unassuming finger ring. Everlast is made from a special soft metal and, since its development 7 years ago, we're still using it. Because of its form factor, it's extremely low profile, hidden in plain sight and never needs to be loaded or ditched. 

It requires no special paper, and writes exactly like a pencil on most common paper types. 

Predictions, revelations, and spirit writing are just the beginning of the thousands of types of uses for Everlast.  Now you can have a writer that lasts a lifetime with Everlast. 

How accurate is the ad copy? Good hype, no deception
 
What's in the box?  Everlast gimmick and the download code

Key points:
 
- Never runs out of ink or lead 
- Hidden in plain sight 
- Always ready to perform 
- Writes on most common paper surfaces 
- Organic/low profile swami writer 
- Never have to ditch anything 
- Not erasable, great for revelations 

How are the production values: You get live performances for all the effects and then all the explanations are shot back in a dark studio. The live shots are all a panning hand held and the studio shots are mic’d with multiple cameras.
 
 Is it well made: This seems like a cheap silver band with a metal ball welded to the surface. Mine even had weld marks and solder marks.

Is it well taught: The video feels short. Performer does have a thick accent, but is not hard to understand. The video is only 12 minutes long, so there are not a lot of extras and details, but anyone already familiar with a swami gimmick will catch on fast.
 
Three tricks are taught: Open number prediction, a Scribble reveal and a Name reveal with a haunted hank.

 Storage? Does it "pack flat?"  You wear it on your thumb in plain sight.
 
Does it "play big?" Open predictions like this always have the potential to blow minds.
 
Difficulty / Skill level required:  Not hard to use.
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? There are some tips if the ring is too big,
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) Yes
 
Overall score: let's toss out the traditional score of 1-10 and make this something that we all can appreciate and understand.
 
_____ Very Satisfied
_____ Somewhat Satisfied
_____ Neither Satisfied or Dissatisfied
__X__ Somewhat Dissatisfied
_____ Very Dissatisfied
_____ No Opinion
 
 My thoughts I’m personally, not a “thumb ring” guy. So nobody would believe me if I wore one. Second, I like the traditional swami because it’s invisible AND I don’t have to mess with it. The fact that I have to reposition the ring to the tip of my finger and then slide it back down… why make extra steps for yourself?

+ Hey do you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas? Visit this link for my video review:  ​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CL1GWnOBfWE

Title: Attire
Creator: Roddy McGhie and Danny Weiser
Publisher: Murphy’s Magic
MSRP: $ 25
Skill Level: All
DVD Run time: 39 mins

Type of effect:  Appearing pen effect

Manufacturer's Write Up:
 
Attire is the ultimate way to introduce a Sharpie. They see a design of a marker on your shirt, and with a simple pull on the image, and you now have a REAL Sharpie in your hand that you can use in your next routine! 

Attire is a unique piece of magic from the creative duo of Roddy McGhie and Danny Weiser. It's truly like nothing else on the market. It allows you to take the ordinary action of introducing a Sharpie, and fill it with a moment of impossibility for your spectators. 

You can hand out the Sharpie. They can even write with it. Except for the fact that you just manifested it from a drawing on your shirt, the marker is completely normal! If you use a Sharpie, then you'll need Attire.
 
Warning: this effect may draw attention away from your Ambitious Card -- use only at your own discretion.

How accurate is the ad copy? Good hype – no deception.
 
What's in the box?  The gimmicks and download code

Key points:

• The perfect and most magical way to introduce a Sharpie for any of your existing routines
• Sharpie can write and be handed out
• Resets in seconds
• Easy to learn
• Easy to use
• Light and Durable
• Can be used with any color or style of shirt

 
How are the production values: The video is great, Murphy’s magic makes great instructional videos.
 
Is it well made: Yes, although bear in mind that clothing items will eventually need to be washed and fabric items fade over time.

Is it well taught: Danny Weiser teaches most of the video, although it looks like Chris Oberle and a few others “interrupt” the video from time to time to add their own input and extra info and tips.
 
Storage? Does it "pack flat?"  You wear it right on your chest.
 
Does it "play big?" Make sure people are watching what you’re doing – or they’ll miss it.
 
Difficulty / Skill level required:  You will need to convincingly palm and produce a sharpie marker.
 
How much arts and crafts are involved? You will need to adhere the “sharpie patch” to your clothing and construct a sharpie gimmick.
 
How practical is this in the real world? (can it really be done?) Absolutely
 
Overall score: let's toss out the traditional score of 1-10 and make this something that we all can appreciate and understand.
 
_____ Very Satisfied
___X__ Somewhat Satisfied
_____ Neither Satisfied or Dissatisfied
_____ Somewhat Dissatisfied
_____ Very Dissatisfied
_____ No Opinion
 
 My thoughts I “guessed” how this trick was done before I bought it, and I was right. But this is still a very clever pen production and a great way to launch into a second effect.

+ Hey do you want to see my full review with even more of my opinions and ideas? Visit this link for my video review:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOOVeMQMitU

Support this deck on kickstarter right now: http://tinyurl.com/mvqtxkf

Marquis Playing Cards 
A Classically Inspired Premium Custom Playing Card Series by Brendan Hong. 

Brendan has his own unmistakable style and look. Beautiful court cards and amazing line work are a common element of all his work. The project will be printed by The Expert Playing Card Co. and will be presented in 3 versions, Noble, Royal and Imperial Editions. The project will feature some beautiful elements such as gold foil on the card backs of the Royal and Imperial Editions. 

Marquis Playing Cards is an original set of high quality luxurious playing card designed by me, Brendan Hong. Marquis is inspired by classical style of playing cards of the 20th century. In creating the series, I wanted to create a set of playing cards taking that inspiration from the elegance and wonders of classical design of playing cards. 

Brendan Said, "I wanted it to feel timeless. I spent a lot of time researching and looking at Victorian and Baroque artworks and prints to learn the language of their design. I think I could spend a lifetime trying to learn to do all the amazing and wonderful things that those designers were able to do, but I feel I was able to capture that feel within this design." ​

Learn more about Brendan here: http://www.brendanhong.com/

​Title: The Imagination Nation Project          
Creator: Michael O’Brien
Publisher: self published
MSRP: $ 35
Skill Level:
Pages: 106

Type of effect:  Card Magic book + more !!!

Manufacturer's Write Up:
 
What makes magic so much fun to watch? Is it the compelling story, the sense of wonder it creates, or perhaps even the beautiful ballet of cards that the magician brings to life? To be honest, all of these things are correct. Magic is an art form and like any art form it depends on what kinds of emotions it evokes from its viewers. The ability to make a spectator's imagination run wild as they witness these impossible miracles taking place in the palm of their own hands is what truly makes magic such a wonderful experience. At the end of the day it is how a spectator feels that will make them remember this moment forever.

"The Imagine Nation Project" is a collection of 31 close-up magic effects that are designed to evoke a sense of wonder and excitement from your viewers whilst leaving them with an experience that they will be telling their family and friends about for years to come. Join magician Michael O'Brien on a journey through the imagination and discover what it is that makes magic so captivating. Learn some new sleights, techniques and build some new gimmicks that will take your magic to the next level.

Deep down we all have a child's sense of wonder just waiting to be discovered. It is your job as the conjurer to inspire your audience to take a step back from reality and truly enjoy this magical experience.