Price$22.75
Media TypeTrick, Online Instructions
CategoryGeneral
Date AddedNov 05, 2015
Runaway Joker 2nd Edition
Peter Nardi
Alakazam UK
(Based on 2 reviews)
A deck of cards is spread face-up, then face-down to show normal cards. The Joker is removed and placed onto the table. A spectator makes a completely free selection and signs their name across the card's face, then cuts her card into the deck several times, ensuring her selection is lost.
The performer retrieves the deck and holds the Joker above the cards. He gives the Joker a little flick and instantly, the printed joker riding his bicycle vanishes from the face of the card, with just the surrounding detail and the word Joker left on the card! This incomplete card is tossed onto the table and examined by the spectator. The performer openly deals down several cards from the top of the deck, showing the joker is gone.
The magician spreads the deck face-down and one card is found to have the missing joker on his bicycle printed on the back! When this card is turned over, it's the spectator's signed selection! Again the spectator examines the card and verifies the joker really is printed on the card.
The performer then retrieves her selection, gives it another flick and the joker vanishes again-this time it's nowhere to be found! The deck is handed out for examination and the signed card may be kept as a souvenir.
Comes with full streaming video instructions (which include different handlings suitable to magicians of any skill level) and specially-printed cards on Bicycle stock.
Reviews
(Top ▲)
Peter Nardi from Alakazam Magic created The Runaway Joker. It is an effect where the colored Joker seemingly disappears off the Joker card and then “travels” through the deck and the Joker image ends up printed on the back of a previously freely selected and signed card. After the Joker disappears from the Joker card all that is left is the word “Joker” and the black and white drawing on the ground. Then, as quickly as the Joker appeared on the back of the spectator’s signed and selected card, he disappears again.
The trick is visual and good for lay people. Not a trick to do for magicians or very sophisticated magic audiences, who will have a strong idea of what is happening, but nonetheless it is fun and entertaining trick.
With the purchase you get two gaffed Bicycle cards which you will need to use with your own Bicycle deck. The quality of the two cards matches exactly the quality of standard Bicycle cards. You also get a downloadable/streaming video that is taught by Peter Nardi, which is 25 minutes long. The instructional video is taught by Nardi. The instruction is clear and to the point. During the entirety of the instruction, he is seated at a table. Unfortunately, the trick is not demonstrated either in a studio setting or live setting. The teaching is more of a lesson on how to perform the trick. Nardi teaches a few variations on how to do the trick in different settings and a variation on the ending.
The trick requires some basic moves. If you can do a double lift, shake change or the shape shifter switch then you can do this trick without much practicing. The set-up is easy and the reset takes about a second or two. There are no angle issues to be concerned about.
You are suggested to register your purchase on the Alakazam Magic website for access to additional handlings once you go to the website. But, there is no new content as of the writing of this review.
In the promotional video, Nardi performs the trick to David Loosley and what you see is what you get. If you like the promo video, then you should purchase this trick. My sense is that this trick will strongly appeal to some magicians so do check out the video. The ad copy is accurate.
A solid and enjoyable cute trick.
The trick is visual and good for lay people. Not a trick to do for magicians or very sophisticated magic audiences, who will have a strong idea of what is happening, but nonetheless it is fun and entertaining trick.
With the purchase you get two gaffed Bicycle cards which you will need to use with your own Bicycle deck. The quality of the two cards matches exactly the quality of standard Bicycle cards. You also get a downloadable/streaming video that is taught by Peter Nardi, which is 25 minutes long. The instructional video is taught by Nardi. The instruction is clear and to the point. During the entirety of the instruction, he is seated at a table. Unfortunately, the trick is not demonstrated either in a studio setting or live setting. The teaching is more of a lesson on how to perform the trick. Nardi teaches a few variations on how to do the trick in different settings and a variation on the ending.
The trick requires some basic moves. If you can do a double lift, shake change or the shape shifter switch then you can do this trick without much practicing. The set-up is easy and the reset takes about a second or two. There are no angle issues to be concerned about.
You are suggested to register your purchase on the Alakazam Magic website for access to additional handlings once you go to the website. But, there is no new content as of the writing of this review.
In the promotional video, Nardi performs the trick to David Loosley and what you see is what you get. If you like the promo video, then you should purchase this trick. My sense is that this trick will strongly appeal to some magicians so do check out the video. The ad copy is accurate.
A solid and enjoyable cute trick.
(Top ▲)
Random I-Tunes Song of The Moment: It's My Life by Bon Jovi
Runaway Joker Review
Two specially printed cards, one 25 minute streaming video, $23 bucks and one Runaway Joker Review. Is it gem or is it rubble? Stay tuned to find out.
Runaway Joker Review: Effect
Reminiscent of Chicago Opener a card is selected (free choice) and signed. The Joker is shown. Then magically, the Joker and his bicycle vanish from the card and reappear on the back of the selected card. Then the Joker vanishes from the back of the selected card. The can (or not) reappear back on its original card if you like.
Runaway Joker Review: Method
Some very basic card handling techniques and a couple of specially printed cards are (one of which is gimmicked) are all that you need to pull off this effect. You will supply your own (normal) deck and Joker. You'll then add the two specialty cards, and you're ready to go. The method/handling/moves/etc. is/are common enough and not too difficult. A little practice goes a long way here. This is within the grasp of most performers for sure.
Runaway Joker Review: Ad Copy Integrity
The ad copy is simple and fair. It accurately describes the effect. No outrageous claims are made, and you get what they say you get.
Runaway Joker Review: Product Quality
The cards are Bicycle stock and well made. You are supplied a password for access to a streaming 25 minute video. Also, if you register on Alakazam's website you will receive bonus content that may come along in the future. So far, as of January 18, 2016, there is no bonus material. The product was released around October/November of 2015, so it's only been a couple of months. However, during the training video Peter mentioned a couple of alternate ideas that he said he would "try to" get on the bonus section for those who register. Nothing yet.
That aside, the teaching was well done. The lighting and audio were fine. The basic handling as well as some alternate handling and tips were taught. Though the training was relatively short, I feel it was complete and thorough.
Runaway Joker Review: Final Thoughts
The bottom line is this. Watch the trailer. If you liked the effect, you'll be happy with this product. The method is simple, practical and totally doable.
Final Verdict:
4.5 Stars with a Stone Status of Gem.
Available at your Favorite Magic Dealer. Dealer's see Murphy's Magic for details.