Well I’ve settled down into the comfy reviewing chair in a new home at Magic Direct – and I thought it only fair to cast my eye over one of their new Blackpool releases to start with.
Permanent Prediction, by Matt Daniel-Baker, is a great place to begin. I think it was the late, great, Arthur Setterington who used the phrase ‘straight line mysteries’ to describe effects which were easy to follow and therefore had direct impact.
Permanent Prediction is just such an effect. The logo on a sharpie pen visually morphs into the name of a ‘freely selected’ playing card. That’s what the spectators see. Oh, and you end clean and examinable (a ‘fractal’ pen trick?!).
If you’ve seen the trailer, and you’ve been in magic for more than 5 minutes, you won’t be at all surprised by the method. But that’s not the point. You’re buying the idea – which is kick-yourself-in-the-shin-for-not-coming-up-with-it obvious. Oh yes, and you could never get the props made so easily yourself.
On the subject of why no one has come up with this before, I was pleased to see that the DVD included a description of the evolution of the idea and clearly referenced and credited one or two similar products.
The DVD
The DVD production is simple, but good – if you can get over the cheesy ‘playing card cushions’ in the background! In fact, for such a straightforward effect, it is surprising how much is on the DVD.
In addition to the introduction already mentioned, the ‘move,’ such as it is, is clearly explained. There are even some alternative handlings – really! There’s an extra section on forcing a card (you didn’t think it was real magic did you?) and a nice variation using a psychological force.
You could add this as an extra phase to any card routine you already use, but a basic routine is also explained. This routine is direct and easy to do. And an even easier alternative is suggested for those with minimal card skills but a well-known gaff deck!
As with any effect, it is nice to hear that it has been road-tested in real life and also to see a couple of real-life performances.
So what do we think?
There’s lots to like here. If you’ve done any performing in the real world you will know that pocket space is a real issue – which is another reason we love this – it just replaces the pen you probably already have there.
You’re provided with two Sharpies which allow you to vary the reveal if you’re performing it multiple times in the same location. There’s no re-set to speak of at all – so it is always ready to go.
Above all, there’s an elegance to the simplicity of this effect. If you compare this with something like ‘Look Sharp‘ (where the sharpie actually turns into the chosen card) you might initially think the latter is stronger magic. But in some ways it is too strong. And it is a pain to reset! For my money here we see that less is more.
So buy one and keep it in your pocket. And be ready to make a permanent impression (couldn’t resist it…).
Buy Permanent Prediction here: http://magicdirect.com/permanent-prediction/