"Spectre" by Amir Latif and Spidey
Suggested Retail USD$40.00
Available from your favorite dealer
In a Blink: 9 Out of 10

"Spectre", a utility device by Amir Latif and Spidey, is a rarity: an effective, well-made, prop that does what others do, all at once, and does it so well, that it might just bring back the use of the handkerchief in close-up magic.

At least, I hope it does, because "Spectre" only has one problem, and it is not the fault of the device or its creators: using pieces of cloth in magic nowadays is dated, an anachronism, something from magic acts from the fifties and before which everyone knows doesn't have a place in modern magic. At least that's what I've been told. I continue to use one now and again just because, so perhaps I'm dated or I simply don't buy into the public consciousness of magical performers that say things like "handkerchieves have no place in modern magic".

If ever there were a handkerchief utility device that would change those minds, "Spectre" is it. Combining the best of two vanishers (possibly three -- the methods tend to blur together after a while) in addition to ye olde Glorpy, "Spectre" is practical, useful, functional, and commercially workable in the best of connotations. Made from a modern bandana, "Spectre" would be at home in almost any routine where it can lend a bit of power, even just a bit of "oomph" to the proceedings.

I'll admit, I've been working the devil out of "Spectre" lately. The Glorpy feature -- which, by the way, is removable to allow for "Spectre" to be used for other things -- is solid stuff. At the beginning, "Spectre" wasn't all that impressive; it needs to be broken in to remove some of the excess starch to make the movement smoother and more elegant (handwash it a couple of times, minus the Glorpy gimmick of course, and you'll be good to go).

But the vanishing features got a workout to. For vanishing small objects when sleight of hand won't do, it's hard to beat "Spectre" and its flexibility, even allowing for the vanishes to happen as the spectator holds the object. If this is going to be your primary use, bear in mind that "small" means "small"; think in terms of about the size of a quarter or a finger ring.

I'm a big fan of "Spectre". Latif and Spidey have done a yeoman's work here, producing a quality product that is flexible and has any number of uses. Ignore the voices that tell you otherwise; using "Spectre" can produce some powerful, unique magic.

This is one I highly recommend without reservation.

"Spectre" by Amir Latif and Spidey
In a Blink: 9 Out of 10

Practicality: 9
This is a utility device, so a lot of considerations here depend on what you do with it. However, taken by itself, the only thing that's really a concern -- and it's minor -- is this not being examinable. With careful routining, though, that shouldn't be a problem (as it hasn't been for Glorpy, Devil's Hank, Go-Go, or any number of other classic kerchiefs).

Workmanship: 10
This is very well made using a black modern bandana as a foundation. With proper care, this should last a long time.

Documentation: 10
The documentation, on DVD, covers the basic workings of "Spectre" and it's various uses, along with some additional tips as to care and handling. You'll have no problem getting "Spectre" to work well for you at all.

Effect: n/a
It all depends on what you do with it, of course, but "Spectre" is an effective device that can be used to up the ante nicely on many an effect.

Presentation: n/a
Again, it's all in what you do with it, but "Spectre" is so innocent in appearance and the handlings clean enough it might not only make for interesting presentations but cover the odd weakness here and there in existing effects.

Shane

Available direct from your favorite dealer. Dealers, please contact Murphy's Magic Supplies, Inc. toll-free at 1-800-853-7403 or visit Murphy's Magic Supplies website.