Greeting

Alright, you magnificent tricksters and purveyors of the impossible, gather 'round! It's time for another edition of Sleightly Unhinged's Magical Musings, where we dissect the latest in magic with the finesse of a card sharp and the wit of a bloke who’s had one too many pints. Let’s dive in before the rabbit escapes the hat.

TL;DR

This week: A book review that’ll make you crave math, designer decks that scream “look at me,” a shirt that’s basically a walking pick-up line, and mentalism that’ll make you question reality. Plus, a sneaky peek at a streaming service that’s unlimited in both content and cheek.

Videos Reviewed

🎩 Outnumbered by John Bannon and 3 Monkeys - Review

Blake Aleong dives into Outnumbered, a card magic book by John Bannon that’s basically Sudoku’s wild cousin. Six routines, all built on mathematical principles so clever they’ll make your head spin faster than a false shuffle.

The Unhinged Take:
If you’ve ever thought, “I’d love a magic trick, but make it a logic puzzle,” this is your jam. Aleong’s glowing review suggests Bannon’s still got it—proving that numbers can be just as naughty as a deck of cards. Perfect for magicians who want to flex their grey matter and their sleight-of-hand muscles.

Details here → Outnumbered by John Bannon and 3 Monkeys - Review

🃏 MADVICE Playing cards - The Design Process

Daniel Madison spills the tea (and ink) on his MADVICE deck, a project that answers the question: “What if playing cards were as dramatic as a magician’s ego?” Custom pips, a tuck case that screams “look at me,” and a finish so slick it could moonwalk.

The Unhinged Take:
This isn’t just a deck—it’s a statement. Madison’s obsession with detail is both admirable and slightly unhinged (we approve). If you’ve ever wanted to perform a card trick while holding a piece of art, this is your golden ticket. Just don’t drop it in the pub.

Details here → MADVICE Playing cards - The Design Process

🎉 Invisible snow, the impossible and something delicious! | September 10

MurphysMagicSupplies serves up a smorgasbord of new releases, including Invisible Snow (which is exactly as bonkers as it sounds), a color-changing knife, and a packet trick called Prestige. Also: free stuff if you spam the comment section.

The Unhinged Take:
This video’s the magical equivalent of a Tesco meal deal—cheap, cheerful, and packed with surprises. The host’s enthusiasm for “snow from nowhere” had me cackling. Pro tip: If you ever need to sound like a magician who’s in the know, just say, “Ah yes, the Snicky—very trendy.”

Details here → Invisible snow, the impossible and something delicious! | September 10

🎪 Space Cowboy, TNT, Prediction Teddy Bear & Progressive Kings | Craig & Ryland's Magic Review Show

Craig Petty and his son Ryland review four tricks, including a Teddy Bear prediction (yes, really) and a card that “explodes” into another. It’s like Strictly Come Magic meets Fatherhood: The Magic Edition.

The Unhinged Take:
The Teddy Bear gag sounds like something a mad inventor would pitch on Dragon’s Den. Craig’s the seasoned pro; Ryland’s the kid who’ll tell you if it’s “actually cool.” Verdict? TNT’s explosion move is so simple, even your nan could do it (if she weren’t too busy knitting).

Details here → Space Cowboy, TNT, Prediction Teddy Bear & Progressive Kings | Craig & Ryland's Magic Review Show

👕 Their Card PRINTED on YOUR SHIRT! | "Show Me A Trick" Tee Trailer

A shirt that screams, “I’m a magician, fancy a trick?” It’s got a three-phase routine printed on the fabric, ending with a card reveal that’ll make strangers gasp—or at least buy you a pint.

The Unhinged Take:
This is the magical version of wearing a “Hello, My Name Is” sticker. Genius? Possibly. Will it make you the most popular person at the bus stop? Absolutely. Just pray no one spills ketchup on you mid-routine.

Details here → Their Card PRINTED on YOUR SHIRT! | "Show Me A Trick" Tee Trailer

🌈 Saturn Magic - Bicycle Reverse (Yellow) Playing Cards

Saturn Magic’s yellow Bicycle deck is here to blindside your audience (and possibly your optometrist). It’s a reverse design that’s basically the anti-Christ of traditional decks.

The Unhinged Take:
If you’ve ever wanted to perform a color change while looking like a walking highlighter, this is your jam. Warning: May cause vertigo in cardists who prefer subtlety.

Details here → Saturn Magic - Bicycle Reverse (Yellow) Playing Cards

🃑 HOW TO TURN THE 4 ACES INTO THE 4 KINGS

BestMagic teaches a two-phase Ace-to-King transformation using a regular deck. It’s like a magic burger—simple ingredients, but if you assemble it right, it’ll hit the spot.

The Unhinged Take:
This trick is the magical equivalent of a “dad joke”—reliable, a little cheesy, but guaranteed to get a reaction. The tutorial’s so clear, even your mates who think “double lift” is a gym move will get it.

Details here → HOW TO TURN THE 4 ACES INTO THE 4 KINGS

📚 Quaint Time-Waste by Brandon Toh Review

A book that’s part trick collection, part philosophy thesis. It’s got essays on “Magic is Play” and a trick where a card “misbehaves.” For those who think magic should be as cerebral as a pub quiz.

The Unhinged Take:
This isn’t for the “just make the card disappear” crowd. It’s for magicians who want to ponder the meaning of life while palming a card. Limited edition? Naturally. Pretentious? A little. Worth it? If you’ve ever cried at a metaphor, yes.

Details here → Quaint Time-Waste by Brandon Toh Review

🧠 Magician knows what's on your paper

A mentalism effect where you divine what someone wrote. It’s clean, no-gimmicks, and plays like a TikTok viral waiting to happen.

The Unhinged Take:
If you’ve ever wanted to pretend you’re psychic without touching their phone, this is your golden ticket. The method’s probably simpler than your tax return, but the reaction? Priceless.

Details here → Magician knows what's on your paper

🎭 Unlimited Sneak Peek ft Charing Cross by Marc Spelmann

Alakazam Unlimited teases Marc Spelmann’s Charing Cross, a prediction routine wrapped in a tale of coincidence. Also: a promo for their streaming service, which is basically Netflix for magicians.

The Unhinged Take:
The trick looks like it’s straight out of a Sherlock Holmes novel (if Sherlock did close-up). The streaming service? £4.99 a month? I’ll take it—especially if it means watching Tommy Wonder’s routines without leaving my sofa.

Details here → Unlimited Sneak Peek ft Charing Cross by Marc Spelmann

Other videos I didn't have space for

• Easy Magic Trick REVEALED
• Magic Review - Magic Rocks by That's Magic

Farewell

If you’ve made it this far, congratulations—you’re either a dedicated magician or someone who’s accidentally fallen down a rabbit hole. Either way, remember: the best magic isn’t about the trick; it’s about the look on their face when you pull it off. Now go forth and misdirect like a pro.

P.S. Did you know the world’s oldest known magic trick is the “Cups and Balls,” dating back to Ancient Egypt? Next time you fumble a pass, just tell people you’re “honoring tradition.”

Sleightly Unhinged
“Magic is just science that’s learned to hold its breath.”