I really wanted to give this a positive review, but several things kept me from doing so.

On the positive side, Cosmo definitely believes in this effect. His excitement is translated through his instructions, all of which are clear and provide full-color, detailed illustrations. A link to an online video tutorial is provided, however the written instructions are so clear that this video really isn’t needed. The video instructions are also very clear, and between the two, you should have no problem learning the routine.

That’s where we come to the problem. The routine itself is not extremely good. It has some nice moments, and some good ideas, but it makes no sense. The structure doesn't build properly, and several moves are unjustified. At one point he inadvertently exposes what we magicians called a D.L. This is a move that was used in preceding phases, so all the preceding mysteries are now gone. To me, its justifiable to bring in a gaff to eliminate moves, or create an effect not possible with normal cards. But in this case, he’s brought in a gaff, but the moves are still there. And he brings in another gaff to get rid of the first gaff, so the cards can end examinable.

We now come to the ‘solution’ to switch out one of the gimmicked cards for a regular one. In a previous version, a switching wallet was included. This earlier version sold for $40, and Cosmo did not sell very many. To keep the cost down on this version, Cosmo includes a very clever switching card box. It takes a little practice to get the hang of, and I needed to watch the video before getting the hang of it myself. It’s a well made gimmicked card card box, and the instructions even show you how to make a new one for when the box included gets old. It’s not very hard to make, and should not take that long for you to put together, either. The box can also be used in other routines as well, so we have several other positive points for this product.

However, in the context of this routine, the box is used in sort of an obvious way, and it’s to solve a problem that doesn’t even exist. I believe if people ask to examine the cards, in a trick like this, you are doing the trick wrong. In this case, the box is not only included to make the cards examinable at the very end, but to also give you a final, unneeded, fourth phase. Not only does this break the ‘Rule of 3’ in comedy, theatre, and magic, but the effect is not as strong as the previous phases. Trust me, you don’t need the cards examined or the fourth phase in this routine that Cosmo provides.

Again, this is very well produced and Cosmo gets major points for putting the time into making this a good looking and complete product. However, it does not matter how well a product is produced, or how clear the instructions are, if it’s just gonna sit unused in your drawer of gimmicked cards, random props, instructions, bad DVDs, old VHS Tapes, and small plastic bags.

I think people who collect packet tricks will get more than their money’s worth for eighteen bucks, and be very satisfied.

For people who are looking to add material to their performing repertoire, you will have to do some work on this before it’s performance ready.

I’m off to warn DC about the image of The Joker on this product!!