S.S. Sharpie (Black) by Rodger Lovins

Effect

The S.S. Sharpie (Black) creates the illusion of producing a Sharpie marker from thin air, having a spectator sign a playing card, and then making the marker vanish cleanly. The signed card remains in the spectator’s hand, with no trace of the marker left behind. The effect is quick, visual, and relies on strong misdirection.

Full Details

The trick uses a specially designed Sharpie marker that allows for a deceptive vanish. The magician begins by asking a spectator to hand them a playing card. They then reach into the air and seemingly produce the Sharpie from nowhere. The spectator signs the card, and the magician pushes the marker into their hand, making it disappear instantly. The routine is simple in execution but relies on smooth handling and confident presentation to maximize the surprise.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for magicians who want a quick, visual piece that can be performed impromptu. It works well in close-up or walk-around settings, especially when combined with card routines. Since the method is gimmick-based, it requires minimal sleight of hand, making it accessible to beginners. However, experienced performers can enhance the effect with strong presentation and timing.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The S.S. Sharpie (Black) is not technically demanding. The vanish is handled by the gimmick, so the performer only needs to focus on presentation and misdirection. The key challenge is maintaining natural handling to prevent the method from being exposed. SaturnMagicShop notes that "the routine relies heavily on presentation and audience management," meaning that while the mechanics are simple, the performance must be engaging to sell the illusion.

What Magicians Say

SaturnMagicShop describes the trick as "a clean and engaging card signing and vanishing routine," emphasizing its deceptive nature. The promotional video highlights how the vanish is surprisingly clean, with the creator stating, "believe it or not and I know you won't, it'll vanish just like that." The simplicity of the routine makes it appealing, but the effectiveness depends on the performer's ability to engage the audience. The video suggests that this is a strong addition to a magician’s repertoire, particularly for those who want a quick, visual effect with minimal setup.