Invented in 1986, and marketed as Cosmosis by Ben Harris, this effect has become a one of the most pirated close-up creations in magic's recent history. It truly has become a “classic.” Even today, twenty-three years after its debut, unscrupulous individuals and manufacturers in many countries market it without any due respect for its heritage or compensation for its creator. From street stalls in India and across Asia, to the high streets of London and Paris, you’ll find this effect ripped-off and offered to the casual purchaser. Simple ideas are often the best, and both the very simplicity of this concept and the apparent ease of construction (though most still get it wrong in their rush to produce a cheap product) have seduced the parasites. The original was marketed (1986) in a limited release of 500 units at $50 each with concise and detailed instructions that layed bare performance subtleties which were devious in their conception.
Ask any experienced performer and he will tell you that it is the “details” that make or break a good performance. Various "cancellation" techniques were taught that subliminally led the spectators down the garden path. With the original you prove that flexing the card has no impact on the match. This all important procedure meant that no attention was drawn to the slightly bent card during the floating stage. Juxtapose that against the “Place a match on the card and bend it” instructions supplied by the thieves. No subtlety, no detail. Just a quick grab for your cash with my idea!
24 pages, Fully illustrated
