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Dr. Nevin's Psychic Testing Cards The Hype: A replica set of Dr Nevin's Psychic Testing Cards. They come complete in a decorative calling card metal case which comes inside a replica vintage Elkington and Co presentation box with silk effect lining. Also included is a copy of Dr Nevins first ever journal entry dating from June 1887 detailing his findings connecting his electro shock therapy and psychic phenomena. Reminiscent of the later ESP cards from J.B. Rhine these cards can be used in the same way. The cards are marked.
My Take: Is it possible to truly fall in love with a company? Simon Duggan (the genius behind Dead Rebel) has released what I consider to be the finest pocket tricks ever made. Each piece is beautifully rendered. Every routine I have seen would play well in a small group or bar (any coincidence that Simon is the former director of the Original Cornish Moonshine Company LTD? Naaah!) I have always been a fan of horror and some of the best have involved the Victorian era in England. The journal entry that is included is dated 1887. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde predates that by one year and also utilizes a doctor's experiments. You are not given a full routine. You are given some suggestions but you can feel free to create your own scenario. I have placed Dr. Nevin's office in Whitechapel, an area of London that was quite dark, dreary and seedy at the time. A place where the good doctor could carry out his experiments and not be bothered by nosy neighbors. Jack the Ripper trolled the streets here a mere year later. (John Merrick, the Elephant Man also lived in the area) so there is some very ripe material you can mine for your performance. The props are first rate. Those familiar with the standard Zener deck should not recognize the Doctor's set of cards. The artwork is wonderful and really sets the stage for your routine. My only caveat is that the cigarette case the cards come in and the journal entry both look brand new. Dead Rebel is of the opinion that the more you use their props, the older and more battered they will look. You might want to scan the journal and print it on old paper, then age it with tea, or you could just leave it as it is. You do not receive a full set of 25 cards. You receive only 10 but are taught a nice routine using only 10. Simon does say that there are many places where you can get more routines to use the cards with such as Nick Trost, Dan Tong, OICUFESP – Howard Adams and there are tons of routines on Youtube I happen to like Simon's routine but if you don't you have plenty of options. I actually am doing a routine with just four of the cards. I do a version of Dai Vernon’s Twisting the Aces and it looks pretty good. This is truly a set that you will be proud to carry with you. Amazing artwork, beautiful carrying case and the little extras (business card, photo) add to the atmosphere. Dead Rebel might be a new company but they have certainly hit the ground running. Even the promo videos have set the stage. Simon uses a woman telling you the background, whose delivery is perfect. The tone, the pacing. Could not have chosen better. If future releases from this company are comparable, they will be hard not only to beat but even equal. In case you couldn't tell, as I previously stated, I absolutely love this effect and couldn't recommend it any higher. Buy this and it will become something you will never leave home without. |
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