George Guerra

Another beautiful Mummy!!

What’s better than one Mummy…why, TWO Mummies. This new version of the classic Warner Mummy, named appropriately Mummy II, is gorgeous. Granted, no radical changes have occurred in overall design and method (but who wants to mess with a true masterpiece), there are some very nice new improvements. This is the first Mummy made by Alan using ALL teak components. The open coffin is all teak and finished in a satin varnish, thus sealing the natural oils that have a tendency to stain the mummy’s wrapping. Previous coffins used clear plastic curved ends and at one time the base was painted black. The hieroglyphics on the new rectangular wooden plague adds more to the Egyptian theme than the "shiny" golden plaque in the original. The mummy itself has a new head similar to the one used in Cairo Con. The choice of gemstone on the sarcophagus I received is very beautiful. This has always been one of Alan’s hallmark pieces and no Warner collection is complete without a Mummy. Most Highly Recommended!

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A True Classic!!

This book requires no introduction nor review. Plain and simple, it’s a classic belonging in any card magic enthusiast’s library. I have mine next to Giobbi’s Card College series. Ed Marlo has contributed immensely to card magic and I am glad this series is now under one convenient hard cover book. I am particularly glad it was released as it nicely replaces the loose soft bound series I sold on ebay.

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Very Striking Knife

After getting Joe’s bone handle knife set, I decided to order a few more knives. This was one of them. Very nice American flag pattern on one side and I picked the white as the opposite side to match the white in my set of bone handle knives..should have potential for a great routine. The quality of these knives are great and this is from someone who really didn’t have an initial interest in the color changing knife effect, but these knives have made me a convert.
BTW, I also ordered another set of the bone handle knives but with black as the opposite color

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Thanks, Joe, for the knife

This is an interesting knife with three color patterns. My knife has the white/red sectioned handle on one side as pictured and an all black handle on the other side. Top quality as is all of Joe Mogar’s knives. I am particulary grateful to Joe for this knife as he actually gave it to me as a gift on my recent order to him. It wasn’t part of the order so I was quite surprised when I received it. It’s most welcome in my collection. Thanks again, Joe.

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Another Outstanding Item From Mel

I reviewed Mel Babcock’s Nest of 5 Boxes recently and I received this item two days ago. Again, beautiful workmanship and the use of exotic woods just add that additional touch to the boxes. Mel used Padauk on the largest box, followed by Rosewood in the middle box, and finally Canary Wood in the smallest box. Simple method but so well put together that it’s a pleasure to perform. Mel’s switch to more exotic woods in his magic puts these pieces into museum quality apparatus. The best part is the prices are affordable for what you are getting. One true collectible. I almost skipped this item but when Andy told he had ordered it, I obviously had second thought and I am glad I did.

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Very Nice Paddle Set

I have owned this set of paddles for a while and they are well made in anodized aluminum with very close tolerances in the working gimmicks. I acquired the set directly from Joe as I work 15 minutes from his company, Creative Inventions, in Chatsworth, CA. I began visiting him for his beautiful wands which are a real work of art ( I own 5 presently) and, while there, he always shows me prototypes or first production pieces from his new line of magic. Of course, I ask to buy and he sells. Yes, there is more stuff coming out of this great craftsman, so be ready, Joe Porper is back!

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Beautiful Knives!

I was actually hesitant to order these knives. But I remembered owing a cheap set when I was a kid and felt nostalgic for those magic knives. I had heard wonderful comments on Joe Mogar so when I saw these limited edition knives, I decided, "what the heck". Well, everyone…these are truly worth your money and attention. Excellent craftsmanship and beautiful handles. Esthetics aside, these knives are trim and well balanced. They seem to almost perform in your hands by themselves with only slight coaching on your part. I don’t know how many Joe intends to sell of these little beauties, so better hurry!

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A True Classic

In the Magic Cafe, someone asked the question, "If you could only keep 5 books or series of books, which would you keep?" Among the books in my answer was Richard’s Collected Almanac. The others were Lorayne’s Apocalypse volumes, Giobbi’s Card College series, Ibidem set, and all six volumes of Marlo’s Magazine. Collected Almanac is full of great magic from top names in the field. Richard Kaufman is no stranger to those who admire well illustrated and well published books on magic, so this is definitely a MUST in any library. BTW, the most popular answer was Paul Harris’ Art of Astonishment set.

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This is a real WINNER from Mel!

This is a very visual and dramatic piece of magic from that wonderful wood craftsman in Washington state. The method is clever and the workmanship impeccable. Mel’s keen choice of exotic woods makes this and, I assume, his other “bigger” items stand out uniquely. Mel used in my copy of this item a light beautifully “flamed” Canary Wood…gorgeous! What great eye appeal. I would have bought it just to look at the wood. Most highly recommended.

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Move over Owen, Mel Babcock is here

Is is possible to find magic equal, actually I believe better, than comparable pieces from Owen’s Magic at real bargain prices? Turn your attention to Cashmere, WA…the home of Mel Babcock. This is one beautiful set of boxes. And you can do some great magic too. Mel’s use of exotic woods is to be commended. My set was made with Sapele, Peroba Rosa, Walnut (the most beautifully grained walnut I have ever seen), Lacewood, and in the smallest box, Jatoba. The interior red lining of each box, superb! The method is devilish and very easily workable. Simply, WOW!

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