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Killer In Manila by Alex Latorre

Created by: Alex Latorre

Killer in Manila by Alex Latorre is a captivating close-up card trick where a spectator freely chooses and signs a card, which is then lost in the deck. The magician makes a wager that they can't find the card, promising to give the spectator money from an envelope. When the spectator picks a card (which is always wrong), the magician reveals the signed card inside the same envelope alongside the money. This clever nest-of-envelopes routine is perfect for walk-around or close-up magic, using everyday props like a deck of cards and envelopes. Buyers receive a gimmicked envelope, a regular envelope, and a special Bicycle card, all durable and reusable.

Key features

  • No card force required—works with any deck and any card.

  • Beginner-friendly with no complex sleights.

  • Includes durable gimmicks: one gimmicked envelope, one regular envelope, and a special Bicycle card.

  • Resets quickly for repeated performances.

  • Versatile for close-up or walk-around magic.

Pros

  • Easy to learn and perform, even for beginners.

  • High-quality, durable gimmicks included.

  • No forced cards—spectator has complete freedom.

  • Quick reset allows for multiple performances.

  • Affordable at $40 for the creativity and quality.

Cons

  • Tutorial could include more nuanced handling tips.

  • Some angle sensitivity requires practice to avoid flashing.

  • Minor sound during the 'load' may need misdirection.

Effect

The trick "Killer in Manila" by Alex Latorre is a nest of envelopes routine. A spectator freely chooses and signs a card, which is then lost in the deck. The magician makes a wager, promising to give the spectator money from an envelope if they cannot find the card. The spectator picks a card from the deck, but it is always the wrong one. The magician then opens the envelope to give them the money, only to reveal that the signed chosen card is also inside.

Full details

The trick includes a downloadable video tutorial (20 minutes 44 seconds) by Mark Mason. It teaches the routine, setup, and necessary moves. The gimmicks provided are a standard coin envelope, a gimmicked envelope, and a special Bicycle card. The gimmicked envelope is durable and designed for long-term use. The routine does not require forcing a card, and any deck can be used.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is ideal for beginners and experienced magicians alike. It suits close-up, walk-around, and card magicians. The props are small and easy to carry, making it practical for various performance settings.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The trick is beginner-friendly with no difficult sleights. A simple card control is needed to position the chosen card correctly. The tutorial covers the basics, but some nuances in handling the envelopes may require practice. Fiddlinjonny estimates about an hour of practice to perform smoothly.

What magicians say

Fiddlinjonny praises the trick for its strong effect and durable gimmicks. They note the tutorial is clear but could benefit from more detailed handling tips, especially for the "load" and angle management. They also mention a slight noise during the routine that may need sound misdirection. Overall, they consider the $40 price fair for the quality and creativity of the trick.

The ad copy is accurate, and the trick resets quickly, making it practical for repeated performances. Fiddlinjonny recommends it for magicians who want a reliable, easy-to-learn routine with a strong impact.

What people are saying about Killer In Manila

fiddlinjonny says...

The effect is pretty dang freaking cool if you ask me. [...] The gimmicks are fantastic—durable and will last a long time.

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