The Collector by Nikolas Mavresis

Created by: Nikolas Mavresis

The Collector is a compelling mentalism and close-up magic trick that immerses spectators in a chilling narrative inspired by true crime stories like Jack the Ripper. In the performance, a spectator selects a suspect card from a book or set, and through a series of eerie revelations, the magician demonstrates an inexplicable connection, often culminating in a surprising and examinable reveal where all components can be inspected. This trick is highly versatile, suitable for close-up, parlour, or stage settings, and comes in two sizes (poker and parlor) with an optional custom leather wallet for a polished presentation. Buyers should note that it emphasizes storytelling and audience participation, making it ideal for magicians who enjoy creating memorable, immersive experiences with a spooky theme that can be performed year-round.

Where to buy

The KNOT Collector by Phil Willmarth   - Book from Alakazam Magic
Alakazam MagicThe KNOT Collector by Phil Willmarth - Book£17.43
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The Collector Poker Size By Nikolas Mavresis from Alakazam Magic
Alakazam MagicThe Collector Poker Size By Nikolas Mavresis£27.99
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Key features

  • Examinable components allow for a clean and baffling performance

  • Comes in multiple sizes (poker and parlor) with optional wallet for customization

  • Strong narrative element inspired by serial killer tropes, enhancing audience engagement

  • Versatile for various performance settings including close-up, parlour, and stage

  • Clean method with strategic layering to prevent backtracking by spectators

Pros

  • Highly immersive and story-driven, creating a lasting impact on audiences

  • Easy to adapt for virtual or live performances with minimal setup

  • Praise for its clean presentation and strong emotional resonance

  • Includes props like old photos to enhance the storytelling experience

Cons

  • May require practice to master the narrative delivery for maximum effect

  • The spooky theme might not appeal to all audiences or performance contexts

Effect

The Collector is a magic trick that presents a spooky and immersive story. A spectator chooses a suspect from a book of old photographs. The magician tells a tale about a serial killer who collects trophies from victims. At the end, the chosen suspect's card is found to have impossibly collected all the other cards, or a similar impossible unification occurs. The effect is examinable and leaves a strong, haunting impression on the audience.

Full details

The Collector is available in two sizes: a poker size for close-up performances and a larger parlor size for stage use. A custom leather wallet is included to enhance the presentation. All components can be handed out for examination after the trick. The method is clean and allows for a direct, baffling reveal. The trick is designed by Nikolas Mavresis and incorporates strategic method layering to prevent backtracking by spectators.

Who should consider the trick

The Collector is ideal for magicians who enjoy story-driven magic and mentalism. It suits performers who work in close-up, parlour, or stage settings. Those looking for a versatile trick that can be adapted for virtual or live performances will find it valuable. It is especially appealing to magicians who want to create a memorable, eerie experience for their audience.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The Collector is not difficult to perform. The method is straightforward and does not require advanced sleight of hand. The focus is on presentation and storytelling. Magicians of all skill levels, including beginners, can learn and perform this effect with minimal practice. The included instructions provide clear guidance on the routine and presentation tips.

What magicians say

Magicians praise The Collector for its strong impact and clean method. AlakazamMagicUK hosts note that it is "versatile and can be performed in various settings, from close-up to stage." They highlight its "clean method and immersive storytelling." Nikolas Mavresis himself includes The Collector among his desert island tricks, indicating its significance in his creative work. Reviewers also mention that the trick is "examinable" and "perfect for magicians who love immersive, story-driven magic." One host shared, "The effect allows for spectator participation, with the spectator choosing a suspect from a book, leading to a surprising reveal."

What people are saying about The Collector

AlakazamMagicUK (David Jonathan and Jamie Dawes) says...

The trick is praised for its clean method and immersive storytelling, making it examinable and perfect for close-up or stage magic.

AlakazamMagicUK (Harry and Jamie) says...

The Collector is selected cards inexplicably unite, performed in the Christmas party with a festive and engaging community vibe.

AlakazamMagicUK (Hosts from Halloween stream) says...

The Collector is a clever storytelling trick where participants choose a suspect card, leading to a chilling and surprising reveal with a clean method and strong impact.

AlakazamMagicUK (Live stream hosts) says...

The Collector is a spooky mentalism piece perfect for storytelling, teased alongside other versatile tricks in a casual and interactive stream.

AlakazamMagicUK (Promotion for Halloween set) says...

The Collector is ideal for a séance-style atmosphere, involving mysterious collection or accumulation, and can be woven into a larger Halloween-themed performance.

AlakazamMagicUK (Review Show hosts) says...

The Collector is a narrative-driven effect with a compelling story inspired by the Jack the Ripper case, praised for its clean presentation and suitability for virtual performances.

AlakazamMagicUK (Trailer voice) says...

The Collector makes objects appear to collect in the magician's hands in a way that defies logic, showcased in an eye-catching trailer to grab attention.

Chris North says...

His Desert Island Tricks include The Collector, highlighting its appeal in his Victorian parlour shows for intimate audience experiences.

magic-tv (Craig and Ryland Petty) says...

Alakazam is praised for consistent quality and customer service, highlighting standout creators and innovations in the magic community.

magic-tv (Craig Petty) says...

They emphasize the importance of passion and originality in magic creation, and tease future collaborations including work with TCC.

Nikolas Mavresis says...

When you combine two different methods together, one method cancels the other, making it impossible for people to backtrack, a signature element in effects like The Collector.

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