Unplugged XLR
Rubén Vilagrand’s Unplugged XLR is an excellent take on the Walking Knot premise explored by Pavel and Paul Curry, but using an XLR cord.
Reviews
Expert assessments of new tricks, books, gear, and performances.
Book Review
The Magic of Hope
The Magic of Hope is a humble, paperback collection of story- infused tricks, routines, and thoughts that mean to bring hope and inspiration to their viewers and performers alike.
Best In Show
Mila’s Sponge Creations
How real is real? Well, if you need something sculpted—from sushi to cute baby bunnies—Mila can make it.
Video Review
Piff the Magic Dragon Regularclass
“How many ‘masters’ do you actually know in the world?” Piff opens his “regularclass” by jumping down from the pedestal and modestly rebranding his sessions, recorded at his residency at the Flamingo Las Vegas.
Book Review
Forged by Fire
Though many effects require assembling props, Borer’s instructions are clear, the materials are affordable, and the DIY process is straightforward. He favors prepared decks, allowing for visually striking methods that pure sleight of hand rarely attains.
Book Review
The Hummingbirds
With some lovely choice words, a pack of cards, a magic wand, a wine glass, and a glass bell jar, Luke Jermay has brought to life a piece of art in The Hummingbirds.
Video Review
Gabriel Werlen Live
This will be brief because most of you have probably already heard the same buzz that I did. Gabriel Werlen’s mentalism and his Green Neck System have created such a stir in the community that I knew I had to see this lecture.
Video Review
Aaron Fisher Masterclass
This installment of Vanishing Inc.’s Masterclass series might be described as the beginner’s guide to advanced sleight of hand. To say this instruction is detailed would be an understatement.
Book Review
Absolute Madness
Craig Petty knows how to structure and teach hard-hitting, flashy magic for the every-audience. Absolute Madness is a fast and easy read with an accompanying performance-only video of the described effects.
Book Review
The Principles of Destruction
Looking at the cover and the title, you would think this was a theory monograph. It’s actually a card trick. And while most magic releases are engineered to be as easy as possible, this card trick is complicated, hard, and will absolutely not go “right into your show.”
Trick Review
Salted 2.0
Rubén Villagrand’s salt pour gimmick brings a great deal of R&D to a classic stage and platform effect.
Trick Review
Babu
Babu is a nest of wallets effect from Ari Phillips, produced by Grum Leather Crafts. The method is basically the same as the early ones, including Nicholas Einhorn’s, but it has Velcro loading from the side, so the spectator can open the wallets freely, which is great.