Magic Review: Back From the Dead by Dave Forrest
Overall Rating: (4 out of 5 or 82%)
Format: Ebook or Printed Booklet
Difficulty: Intermediate
Price: £12 (approx. $15 or €14 at time of release)
Available From: Full 52
This is the first new publication from Dave Forrest in almost six years. Dave has been absent from the magic scene for an extended period due to difficulties he has been experiencing with his mental health. Read Monthly Update #7, published in the Ruseletter (my regular magic newsletter), to learn more about Dave's return to magic.
Back From the Dead is the companion publication for Dave Forrest's eagerly anticipated return to the magic lecture circuit. The lecture notes are available as a digital download or a printed booklet and contain an eclectic collection of effects that are sure to amaze and entertain audiences of all sizes. (The printed product is three pounds more expensive than its electronic counterpart.)
The notes include two pieces of mentalism, suitable for parlour, platform, or stage performances, as well as four close-up card tricks. Dave's signature style is evident throughout, with clever presentations and stunning effects that will leave your audience scratching their heads.
Here's the marketing blurb from the Full52 website:
1. Spider-Hand - Spectator As Mind Reader. This stand-up mentalism opener has one spectator correctly read a second spectator's mind, correctly identifying which comic book character they are thinking of.
2. Full Deck Fuji - An incredible, self-working, full deck Triumph routine based around a stunning packet effect by Kuniyasu Fujiwara.
3. The Pedicured Celt - I close the lecture with this. A crossword clue in a free choice of newspaper is predicted by post, weeks in advance. I promise, if you saw this live, you would have NO CLUE how it was done!
4. Memo Demo - A Gary Jones effect... that I put a finale on. You memorise a whole deck in seconds...basically. But it looks and feels really REAL! (Originally appeared on Automata 4)
5. Light Warp - My 'no wallet' treatment of a David Solomon trick wherein a freely named card just happens to be one you have had on display since the beginning of the trick.
6. Matchbox - You draw a matchbox on the face of the deck. Then the drawer magically slides open and there's a card inside! You turn that card over and dump a REAL CARD out of the drawing; it falls right into the spectators hand. It is, of course, their signed card - AND - the matchbox in the drawing is now empty and that card can be handed out too.
 |
Back From the Dead Lecture Notes by Dave Forrest. Image Credit: Dave Forrest. |
Let's look at each trick in a little more detail.
Marvel-ous Mentalism
The first trick in the booklet is "Spider-Hand", a clever mentalism routine that combines comic books, envelopes, and a small figure of a superhero. In this trick, a volunteer reads the mind of another audience member, correctly identifying the comic book character they are thinking of. The magician then proves that he correctly predicted the outcome of the experiment by revealing a small figure of the chosen superhero.
The trick was inspired by a game that Dave's two daughters, Nancy and Agatha, were playing with a stack of comic books. The method is incredibly simple yet very deceptive. It relies on a clever non-verbal cueing technique that allows you to communicate the vital piece of information to the participant playing the part of the mind reader.
It is important to note that the participant cannot just think of any superhero. They must freely select one of eight comics hidden in envelopes, then take a peek at the cover of the comic without taking it out of the oversized envelope.
The props required for this trick make it unsuitable for a close-up performance, but it would work well as part of a more formal parlour or stand-up show. The trick has broad appeal, thanks to the current popularity of comic book characters, particularly those featured in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. For the same reason, it is suitable for a mixed audience of children and adults.
This trick would also be suitable for a kid's show. The chosen comic book could be given away to the participant as a gift and is something that most children will actually want, keep and read. If you do this, I recommend slipping some printed promotional material into the centre of the comic book.
Superhero-themed birthday parties are very popular for both boys and girls. My eldest daughter, Paige, had a superhero-themed party for her fourth birthday. Her favourite superhero at the time was Batman, not Spider-Man. Ironically, Spider-Man accidentally turned up at the event, but he was quickly replaced by the caped crusader!
If you wanted to customise the trick to use a different comic book character, you could drop the mind-reading element or work out a different cueing system. For example, if you wanted to use Batman, you could have the participant select one of eight envelopes, each containing a comic book featuring a unique DC superhero on the cover. Then, you could use a different technique to communicate the vital piece of information to the participant playing the part of the mind reader.
One easy way to do this is to hide your prediction inside a box with a secret viewing window cut out of the back of it. You can then get your participant to hold the box and open it to reveal your prediction. They'll get a good look at the Batman figure inside as you hand it to them. However, this approach has one limitation: you must pick a participant who is able to identify different comic book characters on sight. I actually have a method to do this that uses a presentation box that can be given away with the figure at the end of the routine because the box isn't gaffed.
The big benefit of the instant-stooging technique shared by Dave is that it is pretty much foolproof, even when performing it for young children (five years or older). Dave has also built in a fail-safe ending (in case your participant names the wrong character).
The only real downside to the method is that only some of the props can be examined at the end of the routine, but this is not a major issue. Additionally, by using a different selection procedure (PATEO), you could allow all eight comics to be left as presents once you have finished performing, eliminating this issue entirely.
If you're a regular reader of my blog or Ruseletter, you'll know I'm a lifelong fan of comic books. So, it's no surprise that I love Dave Forrest's "Spider-Hand" routine. He's combined a strong presentation with a very workable method to create a trick that's both entertaining and deceptive. It is worth the price of the entire booklet.
Rating: (4 out of 5)
Another Triumphant Trick
"Full Deck Fuji" is Dave's variation of "Automatic Ace Triumph" by Kuniyasu Fujiwara from the book Japan Ingenious by Steve Cohen and Richard Kaufman.1 Dave has modified Fujiwara's packet trick to use a full deck and, instead of locating the four Aces, has reframed the piece as a multiple selection Triumph routine.
Although the idea is clever and the resulting trick is impressive, the routine lacks originality. I was also disappointed by the absence of a performance script. Dave instructs the reader to add their own presentation. While this is good advice, a few suggested lines of patter to make the magic more impactful would have been appreciated.
The instructions are easy to understand, but individuals new to card magic may struggle with the intricacies of the trick. However, if you enjoy Triumph effects or are already skilled in executing "Automatic Ace Triumph," you may find this variation of Dai Vernon's Triumph appealing.
Will I be using this variation? Probably not—I prefer Fujiwara's original.
Rating: (3 out of 5)
Crossword Conundrum
Dave is a fan of cryptic crosswords, although I've never been able to get the hang of them. His routine, "The Pedicured Celt", is his take on a classic newspaper headline prediction involving a crossword puzzle. Weeks in advance, he mails out a prediction of a crossword clue that will appear in a freely chosen newspaper.
The method is ingenious. It is multi-layered, so even the participant who selects the newspaper and guards the postal prediction should not have a clue how the trick is done.
Unlike his previous trick, Dave provides a detailed presentation and script, which is essential to the method. As Dave puts it in the trick's description, "To perform, all you have to actually do is... nothing. Rather it's what you say that will make the effect a memorable and thoroughly impossible event."
This is different from the kind of trick I'd usually perform, but the method is so clever and ingenious that I'm tempted to give it a go. The routine is perfect for professional magicians who perform at corporate events, as it's an impressive way to wow the individual who hired you and leave them wondering how you predicted the answer to a cryptic crossword before it was published in a newspaper!
Again, I think "The Pedicured Celt" is worth the price of the entire booklet.
Rating: (5 out of 5)
Memory Magic
"Memo Demo" is a practical pseudo-memory demonstration using a pack of playing cards. It is based on a trick by Gary Jones from the Automata: On The Cards DVD (see video demo below for a performance by Dave Forrest). The routine will convince your audience that you can memorise the entire order of a thoroughly shuffled deck of cards in less than thirty seconds!
Demo video for "Memo Demo" by Gary Jones and Dave Forrest. Video Credit: Full 52. |
The method for this trick is simple and easy to learn, even for those with no experience in card handling. The trick relies on a key card placement technique developed by Dai Vernon. The routine is carefully structured to give the audience the impression that the cards have been thoroughly shuffled by both you and your participant before you memorise the order of the cards.
The method for this trick is technically self-working, but a small amount of memory work is required. Specifically, you will need to memorise the chosen card's location and the identity of another during the routine. This memory work is not difficult, but it is essential for the trick to work. Although it uses a regular deck of playing cards, some preparation is required before you can perform the routine.
This is a truly impressive card trick that defies belief. It appears to be a genuine mnemonic demonstration but is actually a clever self-working card trick. When performed with conviction, people will be completely fooled and believe you have an amazing memory. I can't wait to perform this for an audience soon!
Rating: (4 out of 5)
Let's Do the Time Warp Again!
"Lite Warp" is another excellent card trick based on David Solomon's "Time Warp".2 The original trick used a unique wallet, which is currently unavailable. Dave has substituted the wallet for the card box. This makes the trick more accessible and appealing to magicians who dislike using "trick wallets".
 |
The "Time Warp Wallet" by David Solomon. Image Credit: David Solomon via the Internet Archive. |
The trick is easy to perform and requires no special setup. You simply show a prediction card trapped below the cellophane of the card box, along with a ten-pound note. You then ask a participant to name any card as their "unlucky card". You mention that your "lucky card" is the Seven of Diamonds. If you cannot cut to this card, they win the money. Also, if your volunteer finds their "unlucky card, " they get to keep the money! As promised, you locate your lucky card. However, your helper is unable to locate their "unlucky card". To finish, the card underneath the cellophane is shown to be the participant's freely-named card!
The method for this trick combines a little sleight of hand with a common card gaff that you probably already own. While the trick isn't self-working, it isn't a knucklebuster either. Most magicians should be able to learn and perform it with ease.
The card box can be examined at the end of the routine, and nothing suspicious will be found. However, you only end up partially clean.
Also, the author does not mention how to reset the trick in his manuscript. However, it is easy to do this in front of an audience without exposing the method. Simply slip a "new prediction card" under the cellophane and replace the pack in the card box.
This is a stunning card trick that will amaze and astound your audience. It's the sort of trick I would select when I only have time to perform a single trick and really want to knock the socks off my participant!
 |
The Card Solutions of Solomon by David Solomon, produced by Big Blind Media. Image Credit: Big Blind Media via Murphy's Magic Supplies. |
I've deducted one star off the trick because "Lite Warp" is not as clean as the Dave Solomon original that inspired it. You can see David Solomon perform the original on The Card Solutions of Solomon DVD. You can also watch a barebones performance of the trick below (taken from David's YouTube channel).
Demo video for the "Time Warp Wallet" by David Solomon. Video Credit: David Solomon via YouTube. |
Incidentally, the three-disc set by David Solomon is still available from Big Blind Media and is highly recommended. It contains a wealth of clever card tricks by Mr Solomon (but only includes a performance of "Time Warp" without an explanation). Until the "Time Warp Wallet" is available again, "Lite Warp" is your best alternative.
Rating: (4 out of 5)
Make Your Own Matchbox
The last trick in the booklet is called "Matchbox". It is Dave's unique take on Card to Impossible Location. The trick is his original handling of an old trick, also named "Matchbox", released by JB Magic several years ago (the trick is still available). David sold the trick's rights to Mark Mason, the owner of JB Magic, who tweaked the method to make it more attractive to amateur magicians. Dave, however, retained the right to release the original version in the future. It took nearly two decades, but he has finally published it!
Rather than explain what happens, I recommend watching the video demo of "Matchbox" by JB Magic.
Demo video of "Matchbox" by Dave Forrest and JB Magic. Video Credit: JB Magic via Murphy's Magic Supplies. |
Dave's original handling uses three gaffed cards rather than two. It also doesn't feature the visible removal of the folded card from the drawing. Instead, the folded card is shaken from the "matchbox card", which is held face down, and then dropped into your participant's hand. This handling has the added benefit of being examinable. You can immediately hand out the card with the drawing of an empty matchbox on it for inspection.
However, while Dave's original handling uses a less complicated gimmick, I prefer the strong visual you get from Mark Mason's modified method. Visibly extracting the folded card from the drawing is a jaw-dropping moment of magic. If I had a choice, I'd perform the version of the trick sold by JB TV.
Regardless of personal preference, the original version of "Matchbox" is a fun, creative, and quirky take on Card to Impossible Location. Creating the required gaffed cards is easy because you can use standard feke cards purchased online or from a local magic shop. This makes the trick a practical and memorable alternative to other Card to Impossible Location versions that rely on expensive boxes or wallets.
Rating: (4 out of 5)
Final Verdict
It is great to see Dave publishing content for the magic community again. He is a talented magician with a unique and unconventional approach to traditional magical plots.
Back From the Dead offers six solid routines for a reasonable price point. The booklet focuses on close-up card magic but also includes two mental routines—"Spider-Hand" and "The Pedicured Celt"—suitable for parlour, platform or stage performances.
Including a few photos or illustrations in the instructional magic book would have been helpful. Learning the six tricks described should be easy if you are already well-versed in reading magic books. However, it was frustrating that the table of contents did not have clickable links to each trick. The booklet also needs page numbers. Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed Dave's writing style, which was clear, concise, and entertaining.
Whether you're a seasoned magician or a complete beginner, Back From the Dead is a must-have for anyone who loves direct and powerful magic. Dave Forrest is back, and he's better than ever!
Overall Rating: (4 out of 5 or 82%)
Cohen, Steve, and Kaufman, Richard. Japan Ingenious. (New York: Kaufman and Company, 2013), Book.
David Solomon's "Time Warp" trick was initially published as "No Look Card To Wallet" in the booklet supplied with his "Time Warp Wallet", which, sadly, is no longer available on his website. A performance-only video of the trick was included on The Card Solutions of Solomon DVD, released by Big Blind Media. It is this performance that inspired Dave Forrest's version of the trick.
Comments
Post a Comment