by Michael Jay » Aug 13th, '07, 18:06
The number 2 volume is out of print. To get your hands on a volume #2 is going to cost you. This is the first that I've heard of a second printing, though.
Apocalypse was one of the last, if not THE last, magazine of its kind. Today's market doesn't allow for this kind of magazine to exist anymore, the trend being to take a single trick (that should go into a compendium, magazine-style format) and turn it into a $40.00 DVD.
I further think that the newer wave of magicians, those coming in behind Ammar, Colombini and other names in Apocalypse, are not as prepared to share their little tricks anymore, knowing full well that we (the magic industry's customers) are rabid to pay the $40.00 for the same thing. I further feel that this pervasive trend is effecting all those older and respected names to keep their material to themselves and not share it, instead considering the money that can be made (just like their contemporary counterparts).
Regarding Apocalypse, vols. 1 through 4, it would be an impossiblity to learn all of the effects presented even in the course of a lifetime. What you have, with this set, is a reference piece to browse whilst trying to add some panache to tricks that you do or research a new trick that may well fit into an existing routine that you do.
Further, it is also an excellent tool if used simply to browse and let your imagination run free. To learn a new trick just for the hell of learning one. To see what some truly talented men have come up with in the past.
An amazing set to have but not for "The Less Than Serious."
Mike.