Obliterate by Nicholas Dawan

Created by: Nicholas Dawan

Obliterate is a visually striking close-up magic trick where a magician presents an eight ball, which then dramatically flattens before the spectator's eyes. This trick is perfect for magicians looking to add a surprising and memorable moment to their performances, especially in social or casual settings. The effect is similar to 'Not So Sharp 2.0' but uses an eight ball instead of a Sharpie, offering a unique twist on the transformation theme.

Key features

Visual and surprising transformation of an eight ball
Can be combined with card routines for added effect
High-quality resin construction for durability and realism
Easy to perform with minimal setup and reset
Comes with step-by-step instructions for immediate performance

Pros

Highly visual and engaging for audiences
Versatile effect that can be adapted to various performances
Durable and well-made gimmick
Quick reset allows for multiple performances in a short time

Cons

Requires a specific gimmick, limiting the effect to prepared performances
May not be as impactful without the context of a larger routine

Effect

Obliterate is a visually striking magic trick where a magician presents an ordinary eight ball. A spectator selects a card (often the eight of spades), and the magician shows the card box empty before dumping out the eight ball. The magician then visibly flattens the eight ball in their hands, creating a surprising transformation. The effect concludes with the flattened eight ball being dropped back into the card box, leaving the audience amazed by the impossible physical change.

Full Details

Obliterate, created by Nicholas Dawan, is a self-contained trick that combines elements of transformation and visual magic. The effect plays on the familiar imagery of an eight ball, making it instantly recognizable to spectators. The gimmick is well-made and designed for repeated performances, ensuring durability. The handling is straightforward, allowing the magician to focus on presentation rather than complex sleight of hand.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for magicians who enjoy:

Visual magic – The transformation is immediate and eye-catching.
Bar or close-up performances – The eight ball is a common object in social settings.
Social media magic – The effect is highly shareable due to its visual nature.
Those who perform with gimmicks – The trick relies on a well-constructed prop, making it accessible even to those with minimal sleight-of-hand experience.

Difficulty

Obliterate is rated as easy to intermediate in difficulty. The mechanics are simple, but proper timing and presentation are key to maximizing the effect. The gimmick does most of the work, so performers can focus on engaging their audience rather than complex moves.

What Magicians Say

Luke Dcy (ItsAllThingsMagic) briefly mentioned Obliterate in his review, noting its similarity to Wayne Fox’s Not So Sharp 2.0 (a Sharpie transformation trick). He highlighted that both tricks offer strong visual moments but preferred Not So Sharp for its broader appeal since magicians frequently use Sharpies.
Performers who enjoy gimmick-based magic appreciate Obliterate for its clean, reset-friendly design, making it practical for repeated shows.

Obliterate is a solid choice for magicians looking for a quick, visual trick that requires minimal setup and delivers a strong reaction. If you enjoy transformation effects with everyday objects, this trick is worth considering.

What people are saying about Obliterate

itsallthingsmagic says...

Obliterate by Nicholas Dawan is a similar effect involving an eight ball, offering a visually striking transformation that's perfect for social media and live performances.