Hi,

Do you guys know if the books and videos or Gary Darwin are good, or if it's better to invest in Andrew Mayne's illusion books ???

Thanx,

Franfran la Malice!

Inexpensive Illusions deals with black art to create the illusions. Andrew Maynes deals with illusions that can be done in full light.

Ray Noble

Don't belittle black art illusions though, they still carry a powerful effect if done in the right hands.

If you don't know about Black aRt they are good, but I REALLY didn't like them....I would go with Andrew's Stuff.

Jakks

i agree. i was disappointed in darwin's book, but have loved every one of andrew's booklets that i have

They are both good .

Andrew Mayne's stuff tends to be more for "informal" settings , while the classic illusions accomplished with black art described by Gary Darwin are for a "formal" , traditional theater settting.

Darwin's book is endorsed by Lance Burton and Mark Wilson, among other successful illusionists , so that ought to tell you something .

In general the black art principle is like hot peppers on food ; a little bit goes a long way , but don't over do it . Used discretely it is baffling, but if you over use it most audiences will catch on to what you're doing .

I agree with Dai, a little black art really does go a long way!

I use black art once or twice in my show. When used at the right time, it becomes pure magic.

Ray Noble

One thing I didn't get in that black art book was his method for doing the lady from the light production with black art. Why do it with black art when it can just as easily be done without blackart? It's one of the most simple to build yet strong and baffling illusions.
Jim

I say go with Andrews stuff; it is much more original and unless you have the time and money to light black art properly I feel it would be ineffective (unless you do but still black art as said before shouldn't be used in every effect).

So it is in my humble opinion to say I feel illusions that don't need so much special lighting are much more practical. I also feel Andrew uses methods that are simplistic, yet, the effects are steller and are designed to make the audience gasp in amazement or scream in fear (Depending on which of his items you purchase)

Nearly all of Andrews effects can be done in a formal show. Actually all of them can but of course you may want to alter its appearance to fit the venue but I would go with Andrews.

Take care,
Kyle

I would say, Splash out and get both, as there are many excellent ideas in both authors' books and this way you can decide which is better for your performances and settings. I have just received Andrew Mayne's
Illusion Book with 100 illusion ideas, Excellent A+++++