Fading by Anthony Vasquez

Effect

The trick Fading by Anthony Vasquez creates a striking visual illusion where an entire deck of cards appears to melt down into a single card. The audience sees a full deck vanish, leaving only the selected card in the performer's hand. The rest of the deck can then be revealed back in the card box, adding to the mystery.

Full Details

Fading uses a specialized gimmick that allows the deck to visually collapse into one card. The gimmick is durable, simple to handle, and blends naturally into a standard deck. The trick can be adapted for different routines, such as:

• A selected card is lost in the deck, which then vanishes, leaving only the chosen card.
• The deck appears to shrink into a small packet of cards, useful for transitioning into other tricks.
• The gimmick can be left in the deck during an ambitious card routine, making the card visually "melt" to the top.

The gimmick comes in red or blue backs, with a random face value. Performers must be mindful of angles, as visibility can affect the illusion.

Who Should Consider the Trick

Fading is ideal for magicians who enjoy:

• Visual gimmicks – The effect is immediate and requires minimal sleight of hand.
• Quick resets – The gimmick is easy to reset and can be reused instantly.
• Creative routines – Those who like to build custom presentations around a strong visual moment will find this adaptable.

It may not suit performers who prefer subtlety or non-gimmicked card magic.

Difficulty

Fading is easy to perform mechanically. The gimmick does most of the work, making it accessible to beginners. However, performers must:

• Manage angles to prevent exposure.
• Develop a smooth routine to justify the visual transformation.
• Practice integrating the gimmick naturally into other card tricks.

What Magicians Say

Alex Kirk of Monster Magic Shop reviewed Fading, noting:

• "Visually, it creates the illusion of the deck vanishing in the simplest way I've seen."
• "The gimmick is durable and effective, but it lacks a killer routine—you’ll need to build your own presentation."
• "If you like visual gimmicks, this is quick and easy, but it’s not for me—I prefer subtler methods."

Kirk acknowledges its strength as a visual piece but suggests pairing it with a custom routine for maximum impact.