Sponge Balls (2”)
Magicians are worried that these classic props may be lost to the ages, so current dealers are stepping up to the plate to establish their own sponge ball empires
Reviews
Expert assessments of new tricks, books, gear, and performances.
Trick Review
Ritual
The apparatus is perfect. The handling is simple and amazing, and would have earned a “Zounds! A pox upon thee!” from Reginald Scot himself.
Book Review
Lesser Magic
This book feels like sitting down for a fascinating, dreamy, and occasionally infuriating afternoon chat with one of magic’s preeminent mystics
Video Review
Mark James Masterclass
The accomplished British performer and the regular host of the Vanishing Inc. Masterclasses, Mark James, is now thrust into the spotlight
Book Review
Comedy, Character & Control
Comedy, Character & Control is a collection of short essays covering everything from character building, writing comedy, and handling hecklers, to resetting a show and laying out an indepth discussion of the Bill in Lemon routine.
Book Review
Six
Translated to the page by John Lovick, the four essays are interesting, but cover familiar material for long-time fans
Trick Review
Super Extra
Rizki Nanda has created a nearly perfect packet trick. It’s fast, but still efficient enough to set up a few surprises
Book Review
The Balloon Busker’s Ultimate Guide
When I received The Balloon Busker’s Ultimate Guide to Making Money, I thought, “I’m not a busker. I’ve never made a single balloon animal!” I’m delighted to report that Jay Collen’s book, just 55 pages, is a modern handbook packed with wisdom
Trick Review
The $100 Challenge
Our New Orleans magician carefully considers Spider Pen X and Shadow
Video Review
The Weird and the Wonderful, Kyle Purnell
Kyle Purnell’s brain works differently from a normal human’s. I’m regularly astonished by his ability to fold, distort, and reorient props in magical ways
Video Review
Coinjuring, Azim Guliyev
David Roth didn’t exactly make coin magic easy. But he did make it so you could get a much larger return on investment, allowing you to do a much wider range of material if you were willing to master a handful of moves.
Best In Show
Nielsen Magic
Meet another artisan and craftsperson who has turned a passion into fine, professional, quality magic props.