talkmagic.co.uk

(Apologies if this has already been reviewed (I'm guessing it already has, though I've tried searching for it, and couldn't find a review in its own right), but it's quite a simple effect which I rcently bought, and thought it could serve as a little guinea pig to writing my first review).

Armbuster, by Andrew Mayne

The Effect

The magician presents a household cordless drill, squeezes the trigger, and the audience can see and hear the drill bit turning. He then places a "magic" plaster cast on his arm. With a glint in his eye, the magi aims the bit towards his arm, pierces the skin and the drill visibly goes right through the poor guy's arm. Blood is, of course, optional.

Cost

Buy online at Andrew's site, $13.95 + p&p

Difficulty

I would have to rate this as a 1 or a 2. The performance of this trick is quite easy, as is the preparation.

Review

I'm still in two minds about Mr. Mayne. Granted, he has brought rather an interesting twist to the world of wizardry. However, I had one or two problems in ordering this effect, resulting in rather a heated exchange of e-mails between him and me, and receiving a rather placating e-mail from his sales manager. Perhaps more of that anon.

To quote Ronseal, the effect does exactly what it says on the tin. No mess (unless you use too much blood, of course), no fuss. There are no problems with angles, it can be performed completely surrounded. It is, in essence, a re-take on an ancient trick, and I remember coming across the principle when I was about 7, and bought my first ever magic set. Granted, back then it was only a plastic sword, and a balloon. I've used this trick once or twice now, and the results were more or less what I was looking for (gasps of bewilderment from the chaps, and the ladies throwing themselves at my feet in sheer awe). My only problem with the whole thing is the plaster cast, which makes the entire performance suspect. If a magician wants to drill a ruddy great big whole through his arm, why the flip would he put a plaster cast on to protect himself?! Somehow, it just doesn't add up. Having said that, now that I've had the effect for about a month, I've managed to sit down and think through the problem, and I *think* I can do away with the plaster cast, with a little guile. Just hope my medical insurance is fully paid up!

Overall

I think, on the whole, I bought this manuscript. As it says in my introduction, I really enjoy the whole "wow" factor of horror/shock magic. This effect could certainly be shocking, with a little thought. Could I give it marks out of 10 in this category? I think so... Dare I suggest a 6/10?