From Hank's Hot List (www.magicfact.com)

Black Widow (Darryl Vannamburg)

An object changes to another in the spectator's hand.

A trick that happens in the spectators hands is very powerful.

Potential Pros: Very Stong impact, Hands empty at start and finish, no sleights.

Potential Cons: Have to wear specific clothing, if something is picked up, and something else dropped, the spectator would be able to feel it, can't get it past airport security.

For $250.00 you get the gimmick and an instuctional DVD

It has Paul Harris on it so its gotta be good...right? The demo video shows a popcorn kernel "pop" into a piece of popcorn, this effect is very ori-wait a minute...when did making popcorn becoming a magic effect?

Grade based on ad: C (Not sure how's its different from other things on the market...for a lot less money)


Super Chair (?)

Cause a person sitting in the chair to jump out of it.

Make your spectator look like an ass, and make him feel discomfort.

Potential Pros: People love seeing someone else made a fool of, used to send signals via vibrations to an assistant, 2 charge settings for different audiences.

Potential Cons: Malfunctions, Has to charge before show, doesn't quie look like a normal chair.

$1500.00 for the chair, case, DVD, charger, remote control.

Be nice to the audience memebers that come up on stage, they are what makes your show.

I have no doubt this product does what it says it does, so if you're lookin for this effect.

Grade based on ad: B

Crazy Eyes (Tom Burgoon)

Two rubber bracelets are linked together

the rubber bracelet craze is wearing down (everyone who wants one has one), but they still wear them. This effect seems really good.

Potential Pros: Borrow the items you need (easily), comes with 3 wrist bracelets, says it is easy and clean to peform.

Potential Cons: after reading whats included, it may not be able to be borrowed, Might not be made from a "real" rubber bracelet.

This seems like a really good effect, and can inspire various variations (and many rip-offs). Just wait for the next Rubber bracelet trick to come out.

$14.95 for 3 bracelets, and instuction sheet.

(very afforadable! I might actually buy it)

Grade based on d: A

Rainmaker (Peter Duhman(?))

Spectators around you get rained on.

Seems like a good effect, the presentation is a bit far fetched.

Potential Pros: Spectators get to experience the magic more than just watching, one man illusion, complete control

Potential Cons: People may not want to get wet, why do you need a stone to make it rain?


$160.00 for apparatus, stone, booklet w/ routines.

Seems a little too good to be true. how "real" does the rain feel? or does it just feel like geting misted on.

Grade based on ad: C (who cares about the stone)

Disclaimer: I do not own any of these tricks, these are my opinions based on the ad and, if availible, demo video. The grading scale is sort of moot. It is hard to think from an audience perspective once you've crossed over onto the magician side. This is not a definiative review, just possible pros and cons of the trick.