CardToon by Dan Harlan

Effect

CardToon shows a magician drawing a simple cartoon on the edge of a deck of cards. The magician flips through the cards like a flipbook, and the cartoon animation plays. A spectator names any playing card. When the magician flips through the deck again, the cartoon magician in the animation pulls the exact named card out of a hat. The chosen card appears visually and unexpectedly in the cartoon world.

Full details

CardToon is a visual magic trick created by Dan Harlan. It uses a specially prepared deck of cards. Each card has a small part of a cartoon drawing printed on its edge. When you flip through the deck, these drawings combine to create an animated short film. The main animation shows a cartoon magician performing a trick. A spectator can freely name any card from the deck. The animation then reveals that specific card. The new Vanishing Inc. edition of CardToon uses premium crushed Bicycle card stock. This improves the handling and feel of the deck. The artwork has been completely redesigned for a modern look. A significant hidden feature is that the deck is arranged in Mnemonica stack order. This allows a performer to transition into other memorized deck routines without switching decks.

Who should consider the trick

CardToon is good for magicians who perform for small groups. It works well in close-up and social settings. It is suitable for both adult and family audiences. The trick is highly visual, making it effective for performers who want a strong reaction. Magicians who already use a memorized deck system will find the Mnemonica stack order a useful bonus. It is also a good choice for those looking for a classic, well-known trick that has been updated with modern improvements.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

CardToon is easy to perform. The method is straightforward and the trick resets instantly. No complex sleight of hand is required. However, you need some basic artistic ability. You must be able to replicate the simple cartoon drawings on a blank deck if you wish to create your own version. The performance is more about presentation and timing than difficult moves. Steve Faulkner notes that the handling is improved with the new card stock, making it even easier to use.

What magicians say

Craig Petty says CardToon is "one of the best-selling tricks ever." He calls it Dan Harlan's magnum opus, highlighting its creativity and humor. He states it is "highly visual, engaging, and allows for spectator interaction." He also notes that it "requires artistic skill to replicate the drawings."

Craig also mentions in another review that the trick is "easy to perform and resets instantly." He says it "works well for both adults and kids" and is "best suited for intimate settings."

Steve Faulkner reviews the new edition, stating the deck is printed on "premium crushed Bicycle stock." He loves that the deck is in "Mnemonica stack order," which allows seamless transitions to other routines. He describes the core effect as "cute, fooling, and memorable." He believes the trick "has stood the test of time" and that the new edition enhances its impact. He does mention one small reservation but confirms the positives far outweigh it.