Woah momma! This is one hot item. Right of the bat, I'll tell you it's nowhere near rubble. It's a definite Gem! If you're familiar with any of the previous blister effects, then you'll quickly come to realize that this is the best version on the market... blistered hands down.

It will be hard to review this without mentioning some of the other products and the improvements that this makes over them. However, keep in mind, I have no reason to bash other products. I'm simply going to explain what Blister improved upon. But I'm getting ahead of myself.

First, the effect... The effect is simple in concept, yet powerful in affect. You light a lighter and cause a blister to form on your finger and thumb. Then the blister transforms into the pips of a selected card. It's freaky.

So onto the product and gimmick. You will receive an instructional DVD, and two versions of the gimmick. Let's start with the gimmick(s). In previous versions of blister effects dealing with card revelations, the gimmick was a "something extra" you had to carry around.

I used to do Pyro-Perception all the time. It's a killer effect similar to Blister. However, more and more these days, I want to streamline what I carry with me when I perform. Plus I like to be ready to perform in casual settings where I don't have to carry around a gimmick, so I quit carrying it around.

With Blister, the gimmick becomes part of the lighter. There's one for standard Bic-Style lighters and one for Mini-Bics. Also, the gimmick works much better than previous gimmicks I've used.

On to the DVD. Tim Trono was in an accident near the time of the filming, so he was recovering from a busted up leg, so rather than hobble around on crutches and perform/teach the effect, he had Gregory Wilson do it. For those of you familiar with Wilson, you know he's a fun guy to watch perform, and his explanations are always thorough and clear. He's a great teacher. This video is no exception.

The DVD contains a section showing several performances out on the streets. There's another section dedicated to explaining the gimmick(s) and how it works. Another section covers various card forces, and finally the last section covers various handling ideas.

This is a must have for anyone who is a real worker, yet it's simple enough that even a hobbiest or an amateur can quickly learn and perform this as well. If you don't have it, get it. It's the best fifty bucks you'll spend this year. GEM!

See the title of the review. One can also create around this concept to suit the style. Gimmick is simple. Some say in their review that it would be great to have other colors of gimmicks. I'll tell you my opinion about it: it's 100% useless! I can't say more not to reveal anything but man THIS IS AN ADD TO CART ITEM if you don't want to regret your buying. It is dead clean.

This is one of my favorite tricks to perform! It's easy, it's visual, it's a blast to perform, and it freaks people out!

One word PHENOMINAL!

This is a great piece for walk around, Street Magic, and let me tell you it rocks. I have fooled every person and have owned this when it first came out. You'll be able to perform this one after watching the DVD,,,

Trust me on this, if you do close up or street magic this is a dream! You have to buy this trick, the gimmicks are of somewhat high quality and the dvd is awesome! Gregg Wilson teaches you every possible way to perform and present this trick and gives you advice. There is also loads of performances to watch that are highly entertaining. Buy this now, and I promise that you won't regret it!

Hey and by the way, just wanna say that i perform Branded right after having done wiregrams....it kills people!!!....Double climax.....you can hear the sound of the jaws hitting the floor!!!....P.s. notice i added 1 more star....after all if you take a good care of the item, it'll make your face smile for a longer period of time!!!Thumbs up for Tim and for Penguin; nobody beats this price!!!

I've had PP for some time (and found my own way of getting past the pocket work) and really enjoyed the reactions I've gotten with it.

Branded is a similar effect except for the fact that there is no pocket work. Its all done in the open relatively easily.

So here is my basic breakdown.

-Ease of getting blister - Branded

-Consistency of look of blister - Branded (PP can be a little inconsistent depending on hand position)

-'Font' of blister - PP (branded uses a bubble font which I'm not the biggest fan of)

So to sum it up, I personally like PP for my handling (spectator holds the lighter) of the effect. However if you don't have either I'd recommend Branded (and if you don't have either....WHY NOT?!). Having said that I'll be switching between the two from now on.

I bought this years ago and lost it. Personally, I think the "card blister" really jumps the shark, but I bought it for the round blister. Similar effects require another prop besides a lighter- Maybe just a button. This is on the lighter, so it can be on you and not take up more pocket space than the lighter.

Thanks You Penguin Magic for making the process smooth & professional!!!