Reviews: Read What Joe Libby Is Saying
3 ★★★★★ reviews
Cut and Restored Balloon
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Joe Libby (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Saturday 03 August, 2024)
This is one of those obscure tricks that's a real gem. The balloon restoring itself when you blow it up is very visual and should surprise your audience. The gimmicked balloon is pretty easy to make. If you are looking for something different in balloon magic tricks, you may want to consider this one. Recommended.
Autobend Silverware
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Joe Libby
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Saturday 03 August, 2024)
Devin used to make and sell this very visual effect. But this ebook has very clear directions so you can make your own autobend spoon (or fork) for a few dollars. The effect will take a little practice, but it is not difficult, and Devin includes a lot of information on handling and presentation. Thanks to the phenomenon Uri Geller created, people expect magicians and mentalists to bend spoons, so this should play well in all kinds of venues. Highly recommended.
Balloon Detective
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Joe Libby (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Saturday 06 July, 2024)
I bought the physical version of this effect when it was first released. Then I sold it not too long after. What was I thinking? Now I've rectified that by buying this ebook.
This is a great mentalism effect for kids (and adults). If you do advanced balloon sculptures, you can use these balloon menu cards and the instructions as a model for making your own unique set. You can even use this effect if you don't do balloons at all.
The personality reading effect Devin describes is a good use for these menu cards too.
Puzzle Mania
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Joe Libby
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Thursday 06 June, 2024)
This is one of those rare mentalism effects that is suitable for kids and for adults. Devin used to sell this effect through magic dealers, but in this ebook he explains how to easily make it up yourself. I recommend checking sites such as Temu or AliExpress for the appropriate puzzles, since those should be more cost effective than retail sites such as Amazon. You'll also need a clear force bag, which is available from many magic dealers. There are a lot of jigsaw puzzle effects available right now, and Puzzle Mania is a strong addition to that category.
Paper Folding Giveaways For Magicians
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Joe Libby (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Friday 10 May, 2024)
While these aren't magic tricks, they are magical. And they are great to use as a promotional tool. While these are geared toward magicians, other variety should be able to adapt the presentations and use these too. As far as my rating goes, I have to knock off a star because the ebook mentions jpeg files that are not included. But it isn't difficult to convert the PDF images to jpeg or png files that you can then import into a graphics program. Use these to promote your entertainment services and make yourself memorable!
Get More Gigs the Easy Way
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Joe Libby (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Saturday 04 May, 2024)
This really is a great promotional idea for kid and family entertainers. Don't just read it and put it on the shelf . . . give it a try.
The Secret Edge For Children's Entertainers
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Joe Libby (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 21 April, 2024)
This short ebook covers a very important topic. And while it is primarily written for children's entertainers, it can apply to performers in other markets too. If you are serious about being a professional entertainer, you owe it to yourself to get this ebook and act on its information.
Hat-A-Rama
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Joe Libby (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Saturday 06 April, 2024)
This bit of business is a natural for kid show performers. Congratulations to Devin for seeing the potential in this. Currently, it appears the honeycomb hats are brightly colored on all sides, so the plunger bit probably won't work. But you can do the alternate setup of a vase with a flower in it. As I write this, you can buy one or two hats, reasonably priced, from some eBay dealers and from AliExpress. Just use the search term Devin mentions and you should be able to find them. Keep the kiddos laughing!
Food For Thought
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Joe Libby (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 24 March, 2024)
I have a vague memory that Devin's IMPOSSIBLE DEVINATION came in for some criticism because the method, while very clever, didn't seem logical.
In any case, Devin resolved any perceived shortcomings with FOOD FOR THOUGHT. The method makes perfect sense for the restaurant theme and routine. The necessary props cost just pennies; eventually, they will have to be replaced, but you can use them over and over again. The menu card included in the PDF is plain black text, but it's easy to read, which is more important than being "pretty."
It'll take a little practice just to get the hang of it, but I will be adding FOOD FOR THOUGHT to my repertoire. It should be a winner in almost any magic or mental act.
The Svengali Pitch: The Real Work
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Joe Libby (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Tuesday 27 February, 2024)
Study this video, pay attention to Don Driver's tips and advice, and you can make some nice money pitching Svengali decks. It's work, but it is fun, especially when you're counting up the money you made at the end of the day! As Don says, the idea is to get the money, but pitching Svengalis will make you a better magician. The fuzzle pitch and the video of David Walker in action are nice bonuses too.
Fishing for Mentalism Dollars
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Joe Libby (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Tuesday 13 February, 2024)
This should pay off for anyone willing to do a little legwork to secure the gigs. I imagine this would work well for anyone who does cold reading, horoscopes, tarot, etc. Devin also discusses (but doesn't go into great detail) about how these appearances could spin off into recurring online sales. I'll be giving this plan a fair chance. Recommended.
Novel Card Effects with a Gumball Machine
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Joe Libby (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Tuesday 13 February, 2024)
If you've been hesitant to buy one of those gimmicked gumball machines because they cost $500 or more, this ebook may be of great use to you. Just follow Devin's instructions (which are not difficult), and in short order you'll have your own magic gumball machine for about $35 to $40.
The ebook includes instructions for several strong routines, at least one of which would be suitable for kid shows. I'm looking forward to adding this to my shows. Recommended.
Spirit Glass
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Joe Libby (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 02 May, 2021)
This is a very simple but effective spirit effect. There are no electronics that could possibly go wrong, which is a plus. It would require some amplification to use on stage, but it's ideal for intimate situations and seances. It would work well in conjunction with the spirit slate that Brick explains in another ebook on this site. This is recommended for anyone looking for spirit effects.
Bowled Over
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Joe Libby (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 02 May, 2021)
This is an unusual effect that should surprise and entertain your audience. No sleight of hand is involved; it's all misdirection and handling. If you don't already have the correct rice bowls, you should be able to find them easily on eBay; the ones I got are too small for dollar coins, but they work admirably with half dollars. Recommended especially for any magician looking for something different.
Spirit Slate
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Joe Libby (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 29 November, 2020)
This is an unusual and startling slate effect. It's a natural for seances, but it can also be effective for all kinds of performances. You can find everything you need for a few dollars at your craft store and grocery store. Recommended!
Legacy: Yin Yang Pot
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Joe Libby (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Friday 02 October, 2020)
This is a well-thought-out and easy version of the "Think-a-Drink" or "Any Drink Called For" plot. While I figured out what this was from watching the demo, I'm glad I purchased the ebook since it describes some touches that help to make the routine deceptive.
Sidebar: Brick mentions one place to buy the necessary prop, but I bought it from Grand Illusions in the UK.
This is recommended for anyone looking for a "Think-a-Drink" routine that isn't going to cost a small fortune!
Rank Your Act on Google's First Page in 24 Hours
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Joe Libby (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Friday 21 June, 2013)
This is excellent and easy to understand for anyone serious about learning about Google's SEO. The section on utilizing YouTube to get on page one of search results is worth more than the price of the book. Highly recommended! And while I still need to do some fine tuning, you can put these terms into Google as proof of the video SEO and other SEO techniques in action:
San Antonio Comedy Magician San Antonio Party Ventriloquist San Antonio Family Entertainer
Google Effect: for iPhones
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Joe Libby (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Tuesday 01 November, 2011)
This is a great magic trick that has an odd logic too it. Google is always being refined and having new features added, so why shouldn't it be able to do magic tricks?
Very easy to use interface and the convincer is that your volunteer types the question into the search box. Since real Google search results are brought up, this should be a real baffler.
A minor quibble is that the fake Google screen doesn't quite resemble the current iPhone version; hopefully, Alan will update that soon. But I don't think it's a deal breaker, since your volunteer will be focused on typing the question. You should be careful about doing this for kids, since some of the search results may not be kid-friendly. At least make sure a kid doesn't click on an inappropriate link!
While I do use my iPhone in professional performances, I think this trick is best suited for informal situations. But think of the fun you can have, and the wonder you can create, when you tell your friends about the latest enhancement to Google! Great job, Alan!
Dracula Ebook Test: for iPhones
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Joe Libby (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 05 December, 2010)
Very nice idea for a magic app; a nice change of pace from all the card trick apps. And timely too, with vampires being all the rage!
A Masterclass in Comedy Vol. 1
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Joe Libby (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Sunday 22 March, 2009)
If you are interested in adding more comedy to your act, or just want to make your presentations your own, this recording and its sequel are must-haves. There are several books and courses available right now about comedy magic and writing comedy, and they may be very good indeed. But for $18.00 you can have approximately two hours of Terry Seabrooke's tips, pointers, and routines at your disposal. A great value.
George Blake: The Conjuring Ventriloquist
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Joe Libby (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Wednesday 26 November, 2008)
As one who also performs ventriloquism and magic, I found this recording a delightful memoir. Mr. Blake does not teach any vent here, but he does share some good tricks and performance tips. He also has some great stories about his performing days. Recommended.
The Magician's Road to Fame
Overall customer rating: ★★★★★reviewed by Joe Libby (confirmed purchase)
Rating: ★★★★★ (Date Added: Friday 06 April, 2007)
This is a very enjoyable read; in fact it's basically a swipe file of ideas that present-day entertainers can model for posters, publicity stunts, etc. A lot of the ideas presented are so old they're new. Recommended; it's a bargain at $9.00.