Eerie by Chris Mallon and Strange Stage

Effect

The audience sees a vintage 1950s comic book called Eerie with a chilling backstory. The performer explains that the comic allegedly contained subliminal messages that influenced children through special "Super-Specs" glasses. Spectators interact with the comic in different ways—selecting words, circling ads, or picking monsters from a crossword puzzle. The performer then reveals their thoughts with seemingly supernatural accuracy, creating an eerie and immersive experience.

Full Details

Eerie is a multi-layered book test that combines several powerful mentalism techniques:

• Drawing Duplication: A spectator selects a word from the comic, and another spectator wearing the "Super-Specs" appears to read their mind, drawing or naming the thought.
• Baby Book Test Variation: Using vintage monster-themed ads, the performer reveals a spectator’s chosen item based on circled selections.
• Long Word Principle: A hidden crib on the back cover eliminates memory work, and a method inspired by Larry Becker ensures accuracy.
• Crossword Mind Reading: Spectators pick a monster from a crossword puzzle, and the performer instantly reveals their choice.

The comic’s horror-themed design and backstory enhance the performance, making it ideal for dark, narrative-driven magic.

Who Should Consider the Trick

Eerie is best suited for magicians who enjoy:

• Horror or psychological-themed performances.
• Story-driven mentalism with a retro aesthetic.
• Book tests with multiple methods and outs.
• Performers who want a self-contained prop with strong audience impact.

Difficulty

The methods in Eerie are designed to be practical and repeatable. Some techniques, like the crossword mind reading, are quick to learn, while others, such as the drawing duplication, may require more practice to perfect. The included crib system reduces memory work, making it accessible for intermediate performers.

What Magicians Say

AlakazamMagicUK describes Eerie as "a standout for performers who enjoy dark, narrative-driven magic." They highlight its layered approach, combining "subliminal suggestions, psychological hooks, and classic magic principles." The comic’s eerie backstory and multiple methods make it a compelling tool for horror-themed mentalism.

Chris Mallon, the creator, emphasizes flexibility in performance, ensuring magicians can adapt the routine to different audiences. The vintage monster ads and psychological framing enhance the illusion of a cursed artifact, making Eerie a unique and engaging prop.