February 2026 • Volume 89, Number 2
In this issue…
The Genii Speak • Will Houstoun
This month we share a selection of hellos and goodbyes
Mailbox
Likes, dislikes, and welcome inspiration
The March Almanac
In this month two stars ascended as audiences descended
In Memoriam: Gordon Bruce • George McBride
A tribute to the legendary Scottish magician and historian, including some words of wisdom
In Memoriam: Hiawatha Johnson, Jr. • James Kroener, Kindra (Johnson) Hunter, and Meeka Johnson
Memories shared by family and friends
The Eye • Vanessa Armstrong
The Castle renovates, the NYPL exhibits, and magic pops up in parties, magazines, and books
Features
Magic in the Gutters: A History of Conjuring in Comics • Mike Costa Magical powers and superpowers meet in this overview of the intersection between two blue-collar art forms
Four Interviews: Richard Wiseman in conversation with Arturo Brachetti, Luís de Matos, Mac King, and Steven Frayne • Richard Wiseman
Four conversations with four remarkable magicians reveal insightful similarities and differences
Voices
How to Watch Your Videos • Alba
Reviewing your work will make you a better magician
The Genii Questionnaire • Peter Lamont
Peter Lamont responds to our questionnaire
“Don’t Tell Me What To Do” • Jade
Advice on giving and receiving advice
Truth Bombs • Annanya George
Can magic thrive, rather than survive, in new arenas?
In Practice
Swizzlenick • Gordon Bruce
A friend is remembered through his magic, including a pleasing palm
Bob Stencel’s Dream • William Kalush
A dream-inspired sleight leads to a satisfying handling for a slip cut and a push-through shuffle
Inventing Magic • Blake Vogt
Ben Seidman joins in the fun and the creative pair comes up with a Partial Monte
The Spectacles of Yourself • Jim Steinmeyer
Both spectator and magician locate audience-chosen cards in this trick from an editor emeritus
Triumph—The Ripple Effect • Adam Elbaum
An in-the-hands Triumph featuring an unusual flourish and a twist ending
In Performance
The Magic Castle • Shawn McMaster
New and exciting developments are on the horizon
House of Magic • Vanessa Armstrong
An old bank vault can be a magical place
Marketplace
Not Forgotten • David Regal
Shining a light on a forgotten mystery: the Improved Die Tunnel
The $100 Challenge • Mason Michael
We gave a young magician $100 to buy and review some current magic
Book Reviews
The Intuitive Magician; Gibecière Vol. 21, No. 1
Video Reviews
Cyber Monday Convention; Paul Wilson Masterclass; Luca Volpe Masterclass
Advertiser Index
Workshop
Christmas in April • David Kaye
It’s the most wonderful time of the year… in spring
Your Website Is Your Real Opening Act • Laura Pulling
Can your website sell you more effectively?
Scripting: Line by Line • Pete McCabe
How three adjectives can improve everything you say
Making Crowd Work Work • Harrison Greenbaum
Four different approaches that will make you funnier
Perspectives
The Chamber of Secrets • John Gaughan
Bland’s Coin Dropper/Shooter
Stylish Characters in Conversation • Prakash Puru and Rachel Wax
Stylish magic and good suits
The Magical World of Heka • Gandini Juggling
Novel magic from a skillful company of performers
Johnny Ball… on Magic
Insights from a popular comedian and science educator with a passion for magic
Comments0