Void is a clever moving hole effect using a signed playing card. Here’s our review…
A possible effect
Your spectator chooses and signs two cards. Performer then punches a hole in one of them. With a flick the hole moves to another part of the card. And again to a third. And then with a final flick the hole visibly jumps from the card the performer is holding into the one the spectator is holding. And everything can be examined.
Doesn’t that sound good? And it really is a fair description.
What do you get
You are supplied with 2 gimmicks – one with a face card, one a double backed. These are clever little things and best of all they are ready made – there’s no assembly or craft work required! You are also given some materials to help you repair your gimmick which is not too fiddly though it does require a bit of care. The package also includes a teaching DVD.
The teaching
If you are an English speaker like me, then you will have to rely on subtitles. And they are somewhat quirky to be honest. I have certainly seen clearer instruction. However, the actual gimmick is very easy to use so it is fairly easy to understand what is going on. It is slightly unfortunate that the subtitles keep referring to the punch as a stapler!
Although the instructions for the basic effect are easy to follow, I found it a little harder to understand one aspect of the preparation in a routine where the spectator keeps the card with the hole in it. In that particular version of the routine I would be a little nervous about handling that card early in the routine. But I suspect that would become easier with practise – and certainly it looks very good in the performance video.
And as a final phase it is very strong. But if you were nervous about that you could just force the card which matches the gimmick, do the three moves around the card, and then make the hole disappear and return the ordinary card to the spectator. This is still a strong effect, but with a slightly less impossible ending. And yet another routine is provided where the hole still jumps to a second card but doesn’t have quite the same ‘risk factor’! In other words – you’ve got options.
There’s a very nice idea to add sound effect to hole punch when you make the hole. But this is another point where the instructions (to modify the hole-punch) are a little unclear.
A-Void or a-triumph?
I really like the moving hole gimmick and it allows a really clear and visual effect. I haven’t looked at too many other moving hole type effects so am not sure how Void compares, but it is certainly a very clever gimmick and a lovely visual routine. With a bit of practise this will be a stunner.
If the effect appeals to you and you are prepared to work through the subtitles, then Void is definitely worth a look.
Void is available from the Merchant of Magic in Red (£35.50) or Blue (£38.50). (Prices correct at the time of writing)
Review copy kindly provided by Murphys Magic to whom dealer enquiries should be directed.
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